Surfing culture has profoundly shaped global pop culture, leaving its mark on film, art, literature, and especially music since its surge in popularity in the 1960s. The allure of a lifestyle centered around sun-soaked beaches, crashing waves, and exotic tropical locales quickly became a goldmine for the entertainment industry. Musicians were among the first to ride this wave, incorporating surfing themes into their art and performances. From Marvel’s comic book hero Silver Surfer to Hollywood’s “Gidget” and the Beach Boys’ surf anthems, surfing’s influence was undeniable and mostly positive for those looking to express themselves or simply capitalize on the trend.
At the heart of surfing’s captivating imagery is the surfboard itself. This elegantly simple yet perfectly functional shape has long fascinated audiences, embodying the dream of effortlessly gliding across the water on a perfect day. Surfboards symbolize the pursuit of the ultimate moment, a vision of idyllic bliss and pure adrenaline. The idea of riding inside a crystal-clear barrel wave becomes tangible, almost within reach. And if surfboards are vehicles of pure stoke and exhilaration, why couldn’t they also be instruments of music?
Masayoshi Takanaka: the Japanese king of cool surf guitar | Photo: Takanaka Archive
Masayoshi Takanaka: Japan’s City Pop Guitar Virtuoso
Enter Masayoshi Takanaka, a true iconoclast in the realm of Japanese fusion music. Takanaka masterfully blends jazz, rock, funk, and samba into a signature tropical sound that is instantly recognizable. Born in Tokyo in 1953, Takanaka’s music is often described as uplifting, feel-good, and intensely melodic, with his exceptional guitar work always taking center stage. Think of him as Japan’s answer to Carlos Santana, but with a distinctively sun-kissed vibe. His guitar playing is so expressive it’s almost vocal, injecting emotion and vibrancy into his largely instrumental compositions.
Takanaka’s musical journey began in the 1970s with his involvement in influential bands like Flied Egg and the Sadistic Mika Band. However, it was his solo career that truly allowed his unique sonic vision to flourish. His debut solo album, “Seychelles” (1979), marked the birth of his signature tropical fusion style, a captivating mix of jazz fusion, city pop, samba rhythms, and a hint of disco groove. His deep appreciation for Brazilian music, particularly samba, shines brightly in albums like “Brasilian Skies.” Between 1976 and 2011, Takanaka amassed an impressive discography of nearly 40 studio albums, exploring a diverse spectrum of genres while maintaining his core musical identity.
Takanaka’s appeal transcends geographical boundaries. His global audience continues to expand, partly due to the reach of platforms like YouTube, introducing his infectious, feel-good music to a new generation of listeners. Artists like Grimes, Engelwood, and Flamingosis have sampled his tracks, further cementing his lasting influence on contemporary music. Even in the later stages of his career, Takanaka remains a musical innovator, constantly pushing boundaries. In the 1990s, his music evolved to incorporate contemporary sounds, reflecting the evolving musical landscape. In 2000, he established his own label, Lagoon Records, giving him even greater creative control. This Japanese maestro remains a vital force in the music scene, constantly touring and showcasing not only his incredible musicianship but also his collection of unique instruments, including a guitar shaped like a miniature train set and, of course, his legendary surfboard guitar.
The Genesis of the Surf Guitar
The story of Masayoshi Takanaka’s iconic surfboard guitar began in 2003, a collaborative effort between the musician and renowned Japanese luthier Takeda Yutaka. Takanaka envisioned an instrument that would physically embody the carefree, beach-inspired essence of his subtly psychedelic “surf sound.” The concept of a surfboard-shaped guitar emerged from a period of reflection on living life to the fullest, prompted by the passing of a close friend.
“When Shigeru Naruke passed away, it made me think,” Takanaka recounted. “You can pursue what truly excites you while you’re alive. Once you’re gone, those opportunities vanish. That’s when I decided to create a surfboard guitar.” He further elaborated on the inspiration, “It suddenly struck me, ‘Surfing was huge during the Bubble Era… I have a summer-themed song that would resonate with that vibe…’ and the idea of a surfboard guitar just clicked. I was also told it would be a challenging build.”
Takanaka’s time living in the Bahamas had deeply infused his music with a tropical sensibility, making a surfboard guitar the perfect visual and symbolic representation of his summery sonic aesthetic. Takeda Yutaka, a long-time admirer of Takanaka’s music, found the proposition both thrilling and daunting. The question loomed: how to translate this unconventional vision into reality? How to construct the world’s first true “surf guitar”—a term already associated with the instrumental surf music subgenre, but now taking on a literal form?
After brainstorming various approaches, Masayoshi and Takeda opted to modify an actual surfboard, carefully hollowing it out to accommodate the essential components of a functioning guitar. Takeda emphasized the commitment to quality: “I was determined that it wouldn’t be just a novelty item. I wanted to build it with genuine musicality in mind.”
Masayoshi Takanaka: the Japanese king of cool surf guitar | Photo: Takanaka Archive
“Since the surfboard itself is inherently hollow, directly attaching the neck and hardware was impossible. So, I crafted a small wooden body and securely bolted the neck to it from the back of the surfboard. To maintain comfortable playability, we prioritized keeping the weight manageable and ensured ample space around the neck joint for access.” Takeda also incorporated practical considerations: “For ease of maintenance, the guitar components are designed to be removable.” Remarkably, the finished surfboard guitar was delivered to the studio just in time for rehearsals before a major event. “Of course,” Takeda affirmed, “we made absolutely no compromises on the guitar’s functionality, ensuring a level of craftsmanship we could be proud of.”
The Surfboard Guitar: A Challenge to Play, A Spectacle to Behold
The intricate construction process led Takeda to declare he wouldn’t undertake such a project again, highlighting the sheer complexity of the build. The surfboard guitar made its debut in a light blue finish during Takanaka’s 2004 and 2005 tours, later being repainted in a vibrant red for subsequent performances. Despite its iconic status and striking visual impact, Takanaka himself admits the instrument presents significant playing challenges due to its weight and unique ergonomics, limiting its use to just a few select songs per concert.
“It’s undeniably difficult to play, as expected,” Takanaka chuckled. “I primarily use it because I hope the audience enjoys seeing it, though I do sometimes wonder if some might think I look a bit foolish!” He elaborated on the physical demands: “It weighs around six kilograms [13.2 pounds]. Playing just two songs with this guitar during a concert is noticeably more tiring.” Consequently, he concluded, “It’s definitely best reserved for occasional use.”
Words inspired by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com
