Description
Takamine Japan began acoustic guitar production in 1962. The name was taken from Mt Takamine in Gifu prefecture – Takamine means “high ridge”. Beside their own designs, the brand became known for their accurate versions of classic American guitars from makers such as Martin, Gibson and Guild.
During 1970s Takamine established two brands destined only for the Japanese market. The “Nashville” models focused on reproductions of Guild acoustics. The “Elite” brand were great replicas of primarily Martin guitars, but there were also Gibson and Gallagher inspired models available from Elite.
This one is an excellent take on the revered Gallagher G-70 model, which originated from the Gallagher family workshop in Wartrace, Tennessee. While the Elite brand only sold to the Japanese market, some of these fine guitars made their way offshore.
PREMIER GUITARS sold a lovely Gallagher G-70 in 2016. It was a fabulous guitar in every way. This Takamine Elite model of the same guitar does justice to the original model, but at a way more affordable price.
Features –
Same size as Martin D style guitar
Solid spruce top
Laminated rosewood back and sides
Mahogany neck
Rosewood fingerboard with pearloid snowflake inlays
Rosewood bridge with bone saddle
String pins have abalone dots inlaid
Takamine’s own “Elite” brand enclosed gold tuners
Gallagher style headstock with rosewood head plate
Neck is 46 mm at the nut which is slightly wider than the conventional D style acoustic guitar which makes it a great finger picker’s guitar as well as the preferred specs for most flat pickers.
This guitar has a repair in the wood located on the top of the upper bout which is visible, but only from the top. The repair has been sanded with wet & dry, but not refinished in lacquer yet – see pics
Apart from that, this guitar appears to be in original condition, with nothing else changed. There are some marks, small dings & dents here and there but nothing unexpected in an instrument at least 30 years old. The medium size frets are in great condition.
The saddle is at its original high with no bellying of the top behind. So while the action is a comfortable medium low right now, it could be lowered if desired.
The sound is clean, clear, rich and resonant – this guitar has aged well. It is a fine rendition of a fabulous American guitar with many years of life left in which its tone will only improve.
Comes in its original hard case in good condition.
Video demo of same model guitar – https://youtu.be/8z8KN7LyvCk
