Publication
Publication
Publication
Like music, guitar making is more than just having the parts fit together. Theres a right way and a wrong way and it takes artistic commitment to make sure the right way prevails.
At Takamine, we work together a lot like your band probably works together. We talk ideas out, we state our case, we argue some, and stand up for our beliefs. In the end, we come together. Over the past 50 years, guitar players around the world have given us their respect. We hope to keep earning it by crafting the best instruments we can in the most artful way we know.
HISTORY
For half a century now, Takamine has proudly dedicated itself to the art of fine guitar craftsmanship. Its longstanding devotion to innovation and continual improvement has placed it among the worlds premier acoustic guitar makers, with truly fine instruments that are the first choice of players worldwide.
With humble beginnings in 1959 as a small family-run guitar shop nestled at the foot of Mount Takamine in the central Japanese town of Sakashita, the fledgling company took the mountains name in 1962 and began in earnest the remarkable journey that led to the phenomenal success that is the modern Takamine company. As guitar playing gained great popularity in Japan in the 1960s, Takamine grew in size and stature as a quality instrument maker. With the 1968 arrival of talented luthier Mass Hirade, Takamine guitars
made great strides in design and manufacturing, and it was due in large part to Hirades great energy, dedication and commitment that Takamine guitars became available worldwide in 1975. Legions of guitarists then began to discover the richly rewarding musical experience of playing a Takamine guitar. Takamine pioneered the development of acousticelectric guitars in the late 1970s, introducing many innovations that remain at the heart of modern acoustic-electric guitar
design and setting standards for excellence that endure to this day. It is this legacy of integrity and acclaim that makes players around the globe rely on finely crafted Takamine guitars. Their respect and dedication is the real-world proof that Takamine stands for, as it always has, great sound and peerless craftsmanship in every instrument. Thats why there are so many Takamine players, and thats why the guitar world now celebrates 50 years of fine Takamine guitars. Heres to the next 50 years.
The Japanese word michi, meaning a path or course to follow over a distance, provides the theme of this very special limited-edition instrument. The growing vine motif adorning the fretboard, headstock and pickguard symbolizes the long and vibrant pathway traveled by Takamine over the decades an elegantly striking design that beautifully commemorates our 50th anniversary and appears only on the T50TH, never to be repeated.
This darkly splendid dreadnought cutaway has all the beauty, power and projection youd expect from a guitar of its substantial size and limited-edition Takamine design excellence. Its beautiful spreading-vine motif complements premium features including a high-grade spruce top with scalloped X bracing, solid rosewood back, rosewood sides and bridge, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, gold rosette and headstock logo, gold hardware, and onboard Palathetic pickup and CTP-2 CoolTube preamp for powerful onstage presence and performance.
A richly resonant and darkly beautiful cutaway classical guitar the very first limitededition nylon-string model in Takamine history, in fact. Features include a distinctive oval soundhole surrounded by an elegant gold rosette, beautiful spreading-vine design motif, high-grade solid spruce top and solid rosewood back for brilliant tone and impressive projection, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, gold machine heads, and onboard Palathetic pickup and CTP-2 CoolTube preamp for exemplary presence and performance.
The EG50TH is the first limitededition G Series guitar in our 50-year history, built using the same elegant spreading-vine design theme as the T50TH and LTD2012 models and, like them, never to be repeated. This natural-finish dreadnought cutaway has premium features including a solid Sitka spruce top with scalloped X bracing and mahogany back and sides for powerful tone with excellent projection, mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, rosewood bridge, gold rosette and headstock logo, inlayed pickguard, gold machine heads, and a state-of-the-art Takamine pickup/preamp system for outstanding onstage acoustic performance.
GLENN FREY
STEVE WARINER
KENNY CHESNEY
SOLID TOP ROSEWOOD FINGERBOARD HARD-SHELL CASE INCLUDED 25 3/8 (644MM) SCALE LENGTH 1 11/16 (43MM) NUT WIDTH
SIGNATURE
KENNY CHESNEY
KC70
STEVE WARINER
SW341SC
JOHN JORGENSON
JJ325SRC JJ325SRC-12
GARTH BROOKS
GB7C
GLENN FREY
EF360GF
GARTH BROOKS
JOHN JORGENSON
TOBY KEITH
ASHTON SHEPHERD
SIMPLE PLAN
JOHN SCOFIELD
CHRISTINE KANE
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
NANCY WILSON
GOOD CHARLOTTE
INDIA.ARIE
HOWIE DAY
DAVID LINDLEY
JOE NICHOLS
CHRIS HILLMAN
AVRIL LAVIGNE
DAVE STEWART
BLAKE SHELTON
ED KOWALCZYK
BRUNO MARS
KARLA DAVIS
TOMMY ORGAN
I always want the best sound I can get, as Im sure everybody does. My Takamine instruments enable me to do just that get the best acoustic guitar sounds possible.
Always clear as a bell, with tons of definition to cut through even the densest of mixes.
Whether Im playing delicate acoustic shows or roaring rock caressing them or manhandling them they deliver! Takamine guitars are built and sound better than ever.
The recording studio is the toughest quality benchmark for any guitar. The Tradesman passes with flying colors.
NILS LOFGREN
BRAD DAVIS
SOLID TOP SOLID ROSEWOOD BACK/SIDES EBONY FINGERBOARD 25 9/16 (650MM) SCALE ROSEWOOD FINGERBOARD 25 9/16 (650MM) SCALE GLOSS NATURAL FINISH HARD-SHELL CASE INCLUDED
H5
TH5C
TH5
TH8SS
H8SS
TH90
TC132SC
EC132C
ELECTRONICS
PALATHETIC
The key to the amplified superiority of Takamine acoustic-electric guitars is the Palathetic pickup. Using six individually shielded piezoelectric elements (one for each string), the Palathetic pickup is no ordinary under-saddle transducer. Takamines design, in fact, boasts a dozen times the element mass of typical undersaddle pickups, resulting in a more fully realized amplified sound. All six pickup elements penetrate the bridge plate, soundboard and bridge to make direct contact with the saddle, creating a distinctive sonic linkage with the string. The pickup casing is attached to the guitar top and bridge mechanically, creating a solid sonic linkage with the soundboard. The result of this design is a signal that has the defined articulation of each individual string and the rich harmonic content delivered by the resonating soundboard, which means a full, complete and accurately realized acoustic guitar tone at high sound pressure levels.
ACOUSTIC DI+
Specifically designed for acoustic guitarists, the Acoustic DI+ enables amazing control over your sound, with features including a level-controllable effects loop, mute circuit and gain boost. It can also power a CoolTube preamp, eliminating the need for batteries.
CTP-2 COOLTUBE
The CTP-2 CoolTube, the first and only onboard tube preamp for acoustic guitar, produces a rich, full sound. It takes its name from innovative Takamine technology that runs its 12AU7 dual-triode vacuum tube at very low voltages so low that it stays cool to the touch with variable tube tone that can be adjusted from bright and brilliant to thick and warm. The full-range EQ section uses shelving filters to sculpt bass and treble frequencies, with semiparametric shaping control over the midrange. A control knob adjusts the center frequency from 200Hz to 8.5kHz, and a pinpointprecise onboard chromatic tuner is standard equipment.
TLD PICKUP
The Takamine Line Driver (TLD) is the most elementary form of electronics you could want for your acoustic guitar. Discreetly unobtrusive, it sits unseen inside your guitar with minimal wiring and no need for cutting or drilling high-value tonewoods, buffering the pickups active signal and sending it clean and noise-free to your amplification setup. No onboard volume or tone controls necessarythe TLD is preEQd with mild bass and treble boost and a mid-frequency cut, resulting in natural amplified tone perfect for purists.
TRI-AX PICKUP
The Takamine Tri-Ax pickup is a magnetic body-sensing transducer designed to pair with the CoolTube preamp, with the blend of the two controlled directly from the CoolTube.
TRADESMAN
Big concerts. Big amps. Big sound.
Concerts graduated from clubs and theaters to arenas and stadiums in the 1960s and 70s. That meant that guitar sounds had to get bigger, posing new challenges for amplified acoustic guitar. Takamine readily took up these challenges, relying on its many years of real-world experience with working guitarists to update traditional guitar designs to meet the needs of new generations of players who demand more acoustic power and performance. This became the Takamine ethos to build the hardest-working guitars for the hardest-working modern musicians. This in turn led to the Tradesman series. As premier tools of the trade, Tradesman guitars are instruments of impeccable craftsmanship, with beautiful solid tonewoods and the very latest in acoustic-electric performance features. As such, they are the perfect tools for the job and are beautiful examples of guitar design artistry.
TF360SBG
FLATPICKER
TF430SS
SINGER/SONGWRITER
for when your voice and your songs are center stage
EBONY FINGERBOARD HARD-SHELL CASE INCLUDED 25 3/8 (644MM) SCALE LENGTH BASS 34 (864MM) SCALE LENGTH
TF740FS
FINGERSTYLE
wide neck for your hands; fullness and depth for your ears
CROSSBASS
TB10
SPECIALTY SHOP
EF450DLX TNV360SC Golden Age Guitars
Takamine Specialty Shop Golden Age instruments proudly invite comparison to the great guitars of yesteryear, with each model individually voiced to maximize its performance, power and dynamic range. Their vibrant tops are of handselected solid bear-claw spruce a naturally occurring but rare figure pattern prized by luthiers as one of the finest soundboard spruce types. Their backs and sides are of solid book-matched rosewood, and their ebony fingerboards are inlaid with vivid abalone. Their onboard tubedriven pickup/preamp systems amplify every nuanced tone in the fullest and warmest way possible. If you have a taste for peerless craftsmanship and a love for vintage style, these guitars will stop you in your tracks. A feast for eyes, ears and fingers alike, Takamine Specialty Shop Golden Age guitars deliver an abundance of acoustic purity and timehonored styling.
SOLID TOP EBONY FINGERBOARD 25 3/8 (644MM) SCALE LENGTH GLOSS NATURAL FINISH COOLTUBE PREAMP HARD-SHELL CASE INCLUDED
TNV460SC
CRAFTSMANSHIP
We aim to craft guitars in an artful and thoughtful way instruments that bring more spice to life.
High-volume builders use production machinery to speed up their output, but speed isnt the issue for us its the quality of the instrument. Were proud of the level of our craftsmanship, and we invite you to see it for yourself by taking a close look at our instruments, part by part.
SUPERNATURAL
The look and feel of Takamines Supernatural series guitars bespeak a noble lineage. Instruments of premium materials and great sonic potential, they include features such as soundboards supported by harmoniously crafted handscalloped bracing, backs and sides fashioned from beautiful book-matched tonewoods, and CoolTube preamp systems that perfect amplified tone right for venues of any size.
TAN45C
TAN77
TAN15C
TAN76C
THE HORSE HAS HAD QUITE A RIDE OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS.
NATURAL
The sound of truth
The very essence of Takamine guitar craft is present in the Natural series instruments that represent a union of forthright old-world design and meticulous modern craftsmanship. The select materials of the Natural series such as solid cedar tops and solid mahogany backs are chosen for true sonic excellence. Every element of their design and construction embodies heightened resonance and dynamics, from their sanspickguard tops to the freedom of vibration ensured by the restrained touch of their thin satin finishes.
ETN10C
ETN30C
ETN20C
SOLID CEDAR TOP SOLID MAHOGANY BACK ROSEWOOD FINGERBOARD 25 3/8 (644MM) SCALE LENGTH 1 11/16 (43MM) NUT WIDTH CT4B PREAMP HARD-SHELL CASE INCLUDED
ETN40C
ETN70C
ETN10CTBS
ETN60C
ETN70C
SOLID TOP 25 3/8 (644MM) SCALE LENGTH 1 11/16 (43MM) NUT WIDTH
EF508KC
TF450SMSB
TF250SMCSB
TF87-PT
TF77-PT
EF340SCGN
EF740SGN
EF440SCGN
Lets face it you dont go pro in the music business because the money is easy or because your parents consider it a growth industry and a wise career choice.
You do it because it is simply what you were born to do, and thats that. You do it because you are called to walk into a club full of strangers with nothing but your music and your mojo and a mission to lead them on a journey. Easy? No. Worth it? Absolutely. We couldnt agree more. Thats why wherever the joy of music intersects with serious business, theres a headstock that says Takamine.
KEYSTONE
Takamine Keystone series dreadnought cutaway guitars deliver the best in sound, performance and versatility worldwide, from the porch swing to the platinum-selling sensation. Every Keystone dreadnought features an impeccably voiced hand-selected soundboard in spruce or cedar, with backs and sides in your choice of mahogany, maple or rosewood. And all feature the acclaimed Takamine pickup and CT4BEF340SC preamp, creating a fully voiced, finely crafted instrument perfect for any stage and studio.
EF341SC
EF381SC
DREADNOUGHT CUTAWAY BODY ROSEWOOD FINGERBOARD 25 3/8 (644MM) SCALE LENGTH CT4B PREAMP HARD-SHELL CASE INCLUDED
G SERIES
A Takamine for everyone
Priced for every budget, our G series guitars deliver pure Takamine quality and performance, including the latest in pickup and preamp design. And theres one thats the perfect size for any player in addition to fine dreadnought and jumbo models, the G series offers smaller NEX/ grand auditorium and FXC sizes. Something for everyone.
EG523SC
EG450DLX
EG363SC
EG340SC
G406SVS
EG128SC
BODY SHAPES
THE DELICATE SOUNDBOARD BALANCE
Spruce and cedar soundboards have been used for well over a millennium, and the modern bracing system has been around for at least 150 years. We use a traditional X bracing pattern on our steelstring models, differently voiced for each application. Rather than make any radical departures, we make many small changes that add up to a significant difference in volume, balance and richness. Takamine soundboards are braced and voiced by hand by tapping each top, a skilled luthier knows just how to shape the braces for the best possible response.
BODY TALK
With their many distinctive curves, guitar bodies accommodate a wide range of frequencies. Different body shapes favor different frequencies, giving them a distinct tonal character. Dreadnoughts are typically louder, with stronger lows. Smaller bodies, such as our NEX, tend to be more balanced. A thinner body may project less but sound more pleasing. Play as many sizes as you can with comfort and sound in mind. Your choice is very personal what sounds and feels best to you.
APPOINTMENTS BY DELUXE
Takamine pioneered the use of uncommonly artistic and complex inlay work on guitars for working players. Weve developed the art of design and the craft of precise inlay work far beyond the capabilites of most other guitar makers. Look closely at Takamine rosettes and inlays. Such meticulous handiwork is a clearly visible sign of our commitment to excellence in every element of our guitars.
DREADNOUGHT
The most popular body shape of the past half century, the dreadnought delivers a strong low end with plenty of volume.
LENGTH DEPTH UPPER BOUT LOWER BOUT 20 1/16 (51CM) 4 15/16 (12.5CM) 11 1/8 (30CM) 15 3/4 (40CM)
NEX/GRAND AUDITORIUM
This original Takamine body is a scaled-down jumbo at heart. The NEX has a silky balance to the tone that supports vocals beautifully.
LENGTH DEPTH UPPER BOUT LOWER BOUT 20 1/16 (51CM) 4 5/16 (11CM) 11 1/4 (28.5CM) 5 3/4 (40CM)
FXC
The FXC is very close to traditional grand concert proportions. Excellent feedback control with a true and warm acoustic tone.
LENGTH DEPTH UPPER BOUT LOWER BOUT 19 1/8 (48.5CM) 4 (10CM) 11 (28CM) 14 3/4 (37.5CM)
OM
The orchestra model shape, with its strong lower midrange and versatile dynamics, is enjoying a resurgence.
LENGTH DEPTH UPPER BOUT LOWER BOUT 19 1/2 (49.5CM) 4 1/4 (11CM) 11 (28CM) 15 3/8 (39CM)
JUMBO
The jumbo excels as a rhythm guitar big, meaty chords, plenty of volume and outstanding balance.
LENGTH DEPTH UPPER BOUT LOWER BOUT 20 7/8 (53CM) 4 15/16 (12.5CM) 12 9/16 (32CM) 17 1/8 (43.5CM)
CLASSICAL
Takamine classical guitars respect tradition. The fan bracing and body shape deliver a clear tone and a strong voice.
LENGTH DEPTH UPPER BOUT LOWER BOUT 19 5/16 (49CM) 4 (10CM) 11 7/16 (29CM) 14 9/16 (37CM)
SPECIFICATIONS
LIMITED
MODEL BODY STYLE FINISH TOP BACK & SIDES T50TH Dreadnought Gloss Natural Selected Spruce Solid Cocobolo LTD2012 Dreadnought C/A Gloss Black Solid Spruce Solid Indian Rosewood LTD2012C Classic C/A Gloss Black Solid Spruce Solid Indian Rosewood EG50TH Dreadnought C/A Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Mahogany PREAMP End-pin Typed Preset Active EQ CTP-2 CTP-2 TP4T SPECIAL Special Case (Japanese made) Soundhole Rosette Soundhole Rosette Fretboard Inlay
SIGNATURE
MODEL KC70 SW341SC JJ325SRC JJ325SRC-12* GB7C EF360GF BODY STYLE OM Dreadnought C/A Dreadnought C/A Dreadnought C/A Dreadnought C/A Dreadnought FINISH Satin Natural Gloss Black Gloss Red Stain Gloss Red Stain Satin Natural Gloss Natural TOP Solid Cedar Solid Cedar Solid Spruce Solid Spruce Solid Cedar Solid Spruce BACK & SIDES Solid Mahogany Back Solid Mahogany Back Bubinga Bubinga Solid Rosewood Back Solid Rosewood Back PREAMP CT4B CT4B DSP DSP CT4B CT4B SPECIAL Rosette by Kenny Chesney Abalone Binding, SW inlay Abalone Rosette, JJ Inlay 12-String, 1 7/8 Nut Width Guitar-shaped Soundhole 1980s specs
TRADESMAN
MODEL EF360SBG TF430SS TF740FS TB10 BODY STYLE Dreadnought NEX/Gr. Aud OM C/A 12-fret Archtop C/A FINISH Gloss Natural Satin Sunburst Gloss Natural Satin Violin TOP AAA Sitka Spruce Select Solid Cedar Select Cedar Spruce BACK & SIDES Solid Indian Rosewood Solid Ovangkol Solid Mahogany Maple PREAMP TLD CoolTube CoolTube CoolTube NUT WIDTH 1 3/4 (45mm) 1 11/16 (43mm) 1 7/8 (48mm) 1 13/16" (46mm)
SPECIALTY SHOP
MODEL EF450DLX TNV360SC TNV460SC BODY STYLE NEX Dreadnought C/A NEX/Gr.Aud C/A TOP Solid Spruce Solid Bear Claw Spruce Solid Bear Claw Spruce BACK & SIDES Solid Flame Maple Solid Indian Rosewood Solid Indian Rosewood PREAMP TLD CoolTube CoolTube NUT WIDTH 1 11/16" (42.5mm) 1 3/4" (45mm) 1 3/4" (45mm)
SUPERNATURAL
MODEL TAN45C TAN77 TAN15C TAN76C
BACK & SIDES Solid Rosewood Back Solid Koa Solid Rosewood Back Solid Rosewood Back
NUT WIDTH 1 11/16 (43mm) 1 3/4 (45mm) 1 11/16 (43mm) 1 11/16 (43mm)
NATURAL
MODEL ETN10C ETN30C ETN40C ETN70C ETN10CTBS BODY STYLE Dreadnought C/A FXC NEX/Gr.Aud C/A OM C/A Dreadnought C/A FINISH Satin Natural Satin Natural Satin Natural Satin Natural Tobacco Burst TOP Solid Cedar Solid Cedar Solid Cedar Solid Cedar Solid Cedar BACK & SIDES Solid Mahogany Back Solid Mahogany Back Solid Mahogany Back Solid Mahogany Back Solid Mahogany Back
FINISH Gloss Natural Gloss Sunburst Gloss Sunburst Gloss Natural Gloss Natural Satin Antique Satin Antique Satin Antique
TOP Koa Solid Spruce Solid Spruce Solid Cedar Solid Cedar Solid Cedar Solid Cedar Solid Cedar
BACK & SIDES Solid Koa Solid Flame Maple Back Solid Flame Maple Back Solid Koa Solid Koa Mahogany Sapele Mahogany
KEYSTONE
MODEL EF341SC EF381SC FINISH Gloss Black Gloss Black TOP Solid Cedar Solid Spruce BACK & SIDES Maple Maple NUT WIDTH 1 11/16 (43mm) 1 7/8 (48mm)
G SERIES
MODEL EG523SC G406SVS EG363SC EG340SC EG450DLX G128SC
BODY STYLE Jumbo C/A New Yorker Dreadnought C/A Dreadnought C/A NEX Classical C/A
FINISH Natural Gloss Natural Gloss Natural Gloss Natural Gloss Sunburst Gloss Natural Gloss
TOP Solid Spruce Solid Spruce Solid Spruce Solid Spruce Solid Spruce Solid Spruce
BACK & SIDES Flame Maple Rosewood & Maple Rosewood Mahogany Mahogany Rosewood
WWW.TAKAMINE.COM
KCG-2012 Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. 2012 KMC Music, Inc. TAKAMINE, COOL TUBE, SANTA FE, and PALATHETIC are registered trademarks of KMC Music, Inc. All rights reserved.