Takamine
Takamine EF381SC Legacy 12-String Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar w/ Case - Gloss Black
Takamine GD30CE-12 BSB 12-String Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Gloss Brown Sunburst
The Takamine Story
For more than half a century, 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 world’s premier acoustic guitar makers, with truly fine instruments that are the first choice of performing guitarists 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 mountain’s name in 1962 and began in earnest the journey that led to the phenomenal success that is the modern Takamine company.
The timeline outlines that remarkable evolution.
Takamine Through The Years
1959: The small family-run instrument workshop that would later become the Takamine company is founded in the town of Sakashita, at the foot of Mount Takamine in central Japan.
1962: As guitar playing gains popularity in Japan, the small company is re-named as Takamine Gakki Ltd., after the mountain itself.
1968: The company grows to 60 employees and becomes a leading builder of classical guitars and mandolins. Luthier Mass Hirade arrives at Takamine and introduces many effective design and manufacturing improvements. The company later adds Hirade’s name to many of its classical guitar models in honor of his contributions.
1975: Hirade becomes Takamine’s president and launches efforts to bring the instruments to a much wider audience. Takamine guitars soon become available worldwide.
1978: Development of the under-saddle Palathetic™ pickup revolutionizes amplified acoustic guitar design.
1979: Takamine introduces its first acoustic-electric model, the PT-007S.
1986: The first “Natural” series guitar is introduced.
1987: Takamine marks its 25th anniversary with the introduction of its first Limited Edition guitar model, the EF25.
1988: Introduction of the Takamine parametric EQ (TP preamp; later redesigned as the AAP preamp).
1989: Innovative external battery box and replaceable preamp package systems are developed.
1990: The Steve Wariner signature model is introduced.
1994: Takamine pioneers the use of laser inlay work, resulting in remarkably intricate yet precise inlay designs.
1995: The Garth Brooks signature model is introduced.
1999: Fully automated precision neck machining developed. John Jorgensen signature models introduced.
2004: Debut of the first onboard acoustic guitar tube preamp, the CTP-1 Cool Tube®, and the Tri-ax “add-on” acoustic guitar pickup.
2005: Takamine opens a new headquarters and main factory in its longtime hometown, Sakashita, Japan. In the United States, Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry commissions Takamine to design its 80th anniversary commemorative guitar.
2007: Takamine introduces its 45th Anniversary guitar.
2008: The Kenny Chesney signature model is introduced.
2009: The Glen Frey signature model is introduced.
2012: Takamine celebrates its 50th anniversary. Toby Keith Signature model introduced.
