Takamine are one of the most recognisable names in the world of acoustic guitars. Seen in the hands of rock legends such as Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, Takamine are a brand who are trusted to deliver, night after night. From humble, affordable G series instruments to high-end Japanese hand-crafted custom instruments, Takamine guitars are lifelong companions on and offstage.
Today, I'll go over all of the essentials with you, so that you can approach the line with an informed perspective on what’s on offer.
Who Are Takamine?
Takamine are a Japanese guitar manufacturer. They have made instruments as a family business for decades at their Nakatsugawa premises in the shadow of Mt Takamine. The business began in 1959 when instrument maker Ozhone (his first name is actually not documented anywhere that I can find!) began a new business after his old one was wiped out by a typhoon!
Focusing on classical guitars, his company Ozhone Gakki quickly prospered, and developed into steel string guitar manufacture as the 60s folk scene created a demand. The company was renamed ‘Takamine’ after the nearby mountain in 1962. In addition to guitars, the brand started making mandolins and other stringed instruments too, though guitars were always the main focus.
Takamine were actually one of the real pioneers of electro-acoustic guitars. Their revolutionary ‘Palathetic’ pickup system changed the game for acoustic performers. Top artists were already using their guitars in the studio - notably The Eagles’ Glenn Frey on 1977’s Hotel California - but now they really took to Takamine for live performances. Seeing people like Frey and Bruce Springsteen playing Takamine electro-acoustic guitars onstage propelled the brand to A-list status in the guitar world, where they remain today.
How Do I Pronounce Takamine?
Takamine is pronounced TAH-KAH-MEE-NAY, with no particular syllable stressed over another. So, no more ‘Taka-mine’ or ‘Taka-meen’!
Takamine Guitar Ranges
Takamine build guitars that fall into several different ranges. Here is a condensed list of the main categories:
- G Series: the budget range of guitars that are made outside Japan, and feature most of the famous Takamine shapes such as the NEX. Great value, and trusted by gigging players on a budget.
- Pro Series: the flagship range, which are built in Japan. Excellent quality, professional grade instruments, this is the stuff that Takamine built their reputation on.
- Legacy Series: Reissues of enduring classics, or simply popular models that don’t fit into the current catalogue.
- Signature Series: as you’d expect, this is for artist signature models. Currently they make models for Garth Brooks and Glen Frey, both huge global names.
- Ltd Edition: Again, just as you’d expect! Takamine issue regular short-run limited edition guitars, including a special annual LTD model that is always a pretty spectacular showcase for the company’s artistic and artisanal builders.
Takamine Body Shapes and Styles
Listed above are the ranges into which every Takamine guitar belongs. Here is a little lowdown on the body styles themselves, since lots of players identify guitars this way first. These shapes will appear throughout multiple ranges, of course, as players of all types need guitars that suit their playing styles.
Here are the main body types…
- Classical: built with reverence to the Spanish masters, Takamine’s classical guitars are mostly traditional in shape and feature fan bracing for authentic tones.
- Dreadnought: the most popular acoustic guitar shape of them all, Takamine offer their own recognisable take on the classic dreadnought. This design offers a big, low end-heavy sound.
- FXC: An original Takamine body shape, the FXC is similar to Grand Concert models by other brands. This is punchy and full, whilst offering slightly better feedback reduction than larger bodies.
- Jumbo: Large, powerful and percussive, the Jumbo is a favourite amongst performers who sing. The body shape is still very ‘Takamine’ in design.
- New Yorker: Small body, almost parlour-like but still a full-scale guitar. Perfect for blues and folk styles.
- NEX: Trademark Takamine acoustic design, this is proportionally similar to a jumbo, with a smaller overall size.
- OM: mid-sized body with lots of dynamics and that inimitable Takamine look. Popular with all styles, and more ergonomic than many popular acoustic guitar designs.
Takamine Players
Several players have already been mentioned in today’s article, but here’s an at-a-glance look at the notable guitarists who’ve chosen Takamine over the years:
- Jon Bon Jovi
- Bruce Springsteen
- Glenn Frey
- Garth Brooks
- Steven Wilson
- Blake Shelton
- Simon Neil
- Bruno Mars
- Hozier
- Kenny Chesney
- Nancy Wilson
- John Scofield
- Karla Davis
Takamine: For Home, For the Studio, For the Stage
This brief trot through the world of Takamine has hopefully made a few things apparent: they make a lot of guitars in every price point; they have been successful for over half a century; some of the world’s biggest artists swear by them, and; they have innovated and changed the direction of acoustic guitar building.
They are a hugely significant company who make world class acoustic guitars, but some players still see them in different terms from brands like Taylor or Martin. Given all of the positive proof, perhaps it’s time to allow them their deserved place in the pantheon of acoustic guitar brands? They look great, they perform well and they’ll never let you down, no matter how hard you tour.
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