Takamine
Takamine is a world-renowned guitar company from Japan, known for their innovations in electro acoustics, their high end Japanese-made Pro Series guitars, and their more affordable and wildly popular G Series. Takamine produces classic dreadnought and jumbo models alongside their own original body shapes like the New Yorker and the NEX. There's a Takamine guitar to suit every player, so take a look at our fantastic selection and find the one for you!
Since 1962, Takamine have made some of the finest quality acoustic guitars in Japan. Growing to international acclaim in the 1970s, Takamine was arguably the leading innovator in the development of the modern electro acoustic guitar. Their legendary Palathetic piezo pickup system and innovative side-mounted preamps with multi-band EQ controls formed the basis of most modern electro acoustic systems in use today.
They are also well known for making incredible 12-string guitars, which demand skilled craftsmanship and keen attention to detail both at the design and building stage. Legendary guitarist Glenn Frey of The Eagles even recorded the iconic intro to Hotel California on a Takamine 12-string acoustic guitar.
Takamine Guitars FAQs
Why choose Takamine for your guitar?
Takamine are one of the most recognisable and respected Japanese guitar brands in the world. Their guitars are world famous for the quality of their craftsmanship and stunning sounds, which have graced countless recordings and live shows.
Not only do they make stunning acoustic instruments at affordable prices, but they have been at the forefront of developing electro-acoustic guitar technology since the 1970s. Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Glen Hansard claims that Takamine guitars sound better plugged in than any other guitar in the world. World-renowned electro-acoustic pickup designer LR Baggs was first inspired to delve into the field when legendary guitarist Ry Cooder showed him an acoustic guitar recording made using Takamine’s Palathetic pickup.
Where are Takamine acoustic guitars made?
Takamine’s flagship Signature Series and Pro Series acoustic guitars are produced in its main facility in Nakatsugawa in Gifu, Japan. Some of Takamine’s more affordable guitars like those in its enormously popular G Series are produced in other east-Asian countries such as Taiwan and China.
Where does the name Takamine come from?
The company’s founder, Mr Ozhone, opened his first guitar workshop in 1959, originally naming his new company Ozhone Musical Instruments. The entire business at that time consisted of 5 guitar makers crafting classical guitars. The workshop was based in the town of Sakashita in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Sakashita, which today forms part of the city of Nakatsugawa where Takamine is still based, sat at the foot of the stunning Takamine mountain. In 1962, Mr Ozhone changed the name of the company, officially forming Takamine Musical Instruments.
What different types of Takamine guitars are available at Spears?
Here at Spears Music we are proud to stock a wide range of Takamine guitars, from the comfortable and travel-friendly New Yorker to full-size jumbo models and everything in between. Whether you’re just looking to buy your first beginner guitar or if you’re treating yourself to an exquisitely crafted Japanese guitar, our friendly and knowledgeable guitar experts are here to help.