About Takamine Guitars

Huddled at the base of Takamine Mountain in Sakashita, Japan, Takamine Guitars offers over 40 years of history dedicated to innovation and improvement to the art and craft of guitar making. The company first began as a small family business and has evolved into one of the leading acoustic guitar manufacturers in the world, depended upon by some of the best players and biggest names in the music industry.

So why are there so many Takamine players? They'd like to think it's that way because they have earned your respect. Takamine has made technological advancements that have surpassed other guitar makers. They pride themselves on their dedication and loyalty to fine craftsmanship and it shows in each instrument the company makes.

During the early 1960's, Takamine had its beginnings while guitar playing was beginning to gain popularity in Japan. As the business grew they saw the need to develop their skills and attract design and manufacturing talent. One of the most important additions to the company was one Mr. Mass Hirade.

Hirade joined Takamine in 1968 and immediately made great improvements in guitar design and manufacturing while energizing and strengthening the business with top staff. The factory began producing their world class "Classical" that to this day still carry the Hirade name. Through Hirade's dedication and commitment to Takamine, he was able to begin an overseas trading business in 1975, allowing Takamine Guitars to reach out to guitar players around the world. Takamine was finally placed in the hands of musicians who had only heard about their great sound and fine craftsmanship.

In 1978, Takamine began to introduce acoustic-electric guitars into the marketplace. Takamine acoustic-electric guitars grew to be a leading force in the flat back guitar market. The good word about Takamine was being spread, and musicians worldwide couldn't wait to get their hands on one.

Takamine made great advancements with their palethetic pickup, and set the standard for the industry. Other manufacturers soon offered acoustic/electric models, but none has reached the level of sophistication and performance set by Takamine. The Takamine pickup is like no other. It's an integral part of the acoustic guitar's design, not a retrofit like most other "factory" systems. Six individual piezo transducers are embedded in the bridge plate where they sense both string and soundboard vibration.

Takamine also pioneered the slider control preamp style for the acoustic/electric guitar. No other guitar company had the technological advancements that Takamine set in place, and to this day no other guitar company can achieve that level of quality in the acoustic guitar market.

Find guitars made by Takamine.