Surfing’s cultural wave has long crashed onto the shores of art, cinema, and especially music. From the sun-kissed melodies of The Beach Boys to the cinematic waves of surf rock, the surfing lifestyle has provided endless inspiration. Within this vibrant tapestry of surf culture and music emerges a unique icon: Masayoshi Takanaka, and his equally iconic surfboard guitar. This isn’t just an instrument; it’s a statement, a visual embodiment of his tropical fusion sound, and a testament to the boundless creativity in guitar design. Let’s dive into the story of how this extraordinary “Masayoshi Takanaka Guitar” came to be, exploring the artistry and vision behind this legendary instrument.
Masayoshi Takanaka: the Japanese king of cool surf guitar | Photo: Takanaka Archive
Masayoshi Takanaka: Japan’s City Pop Guitar Maestro
To truly appreciate the surfboard guitar, one must first understand Masayoshi Takanaka himself. A pivotal figure in Japanese music, Takanaka is celebrated for his dazzling fusion of jazz, rock, funk, and samba, creating a signature “tropical” sound that’s instantly recognizable. Born in Tokyo in 1953, Takanaka’s musical journey began in the vibrant 1970s. Think of him as Japan’s answer to Carlos Santana, but with a distinct city pop and tropical twist. His guitar playing isn’t just technically brilliant; it’s emotionally charged, making his instrument sing with every riff and melody.
Takanaka’s early career saw him cutting his teeth in bands like Flied Egg and the Sadistic Mika Band. However, it was his solo career that truly unleashed his unique musical vision. His 1979 debut album, “Seychelles,” became the blueprint for his signature style, seamlessly blending jazz fusion with the breezy vibes of city pop, the rhythms of samba, and even a touch of disco. His deep affection for Brazilian music, especially samba, is evident in albums like “Brasilian Skies,” showcasing his global musical palette.
Throughout his prolific career from 1976 to 2011, Takanaka released nearly 40 studio albums, traversing diverse musical landscapes. His appeal transcends geographical boundaries, reaching a new generation of listeners through online platforms like YouTube. His timeless “feel-good” music has also been sampled by contemporary artists such as Grimes, Engelwood, and Flamingosis, demonstrating his enduring influence on modern music. Even as a veteran musician, Takanaka continues to innovate, experimenting with new sounds and captivating audiences with his performances and, of course, his collection of unique guitars, including a miniature train set guitar and the star of our story: the surfboard guitar.
The Genesis of a Surf Guitar Legend
The story of the “masayoshi takanaka guitar” surfboard began in 2003, a collaboration born from artistic vision and masterful craftsmanship between Takanaka and Japanese luthier Takeda Yutaka. Takanaka envisioned an instrument that would visually and sonically represent the carefree, beach-infused essence of his music, a sound he often describes as slightly psychedelic surf. The inspiration struck after reflecting on life’s fleeting nature following the passing of a friend. In his own words, Takanaka explained, “When Shigeru Naruke passed away, I thought about it a little. You can do what you like while you’re alive. When you’re dead, you can’t do anything. So I decided to make a surfboard guitar.”
The idea was also sparked by a nostalgic look back at the “Bubble Era” in Japan and the resurgence of surfing culture. Takanaka, with his history of living in the Bahamas and infusing his music with tropical vibes, felt a surfboard guitar would be the perfect embodiment of his summery sound. He recognized the challenge, noting, “I heard it was hard to make,” which only fueled his desire to bring this unique instrument to life.
Takeda Yutaka, a long-time admirer of Takanaka’s music, embraced the challenge with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The question was: how to translate this whimsical idea into a functional, playable instrument? How could he create a “surf guitar” that was not just a visual novelty but a serious musical tool? Initially, they considered modifying an actual surfboard. The process involved hollowing out a surfboard and integrating a guitar mechanism within it. Takeda emphasized the commitment to quality: “I still thought it couldn’t be a toy, so I made it with realism in mind.”
Masayoshi Takanaka: the Japanese king of cool surf guitar | Photo: Takanaka Archive
The construction process was intricate. “The surfboard itself is hollow inside, so you can’t attach the neck or parts directly to it. So I attached the neck to a small wooden body and screwed it in from the back of the surfboard,” Takeda detailed. Playability was paramount. They ensured the guitar wasn’t too heavy and allowed sufficient space around the neck for comfortable playing. Maintenance was also considered, making the guitar components removable. The result was a stunning instrument delivered just in time for rehearsals, a testament to Takeda’s skill and dedication to creating a “masayoshi takanaka guitar” that was both visually striking and musically sound.
The Surfboard Guitar on Stage: Icon Status and Playability
Despite its instant iconic status, the “masayoshi takanaka guitar” surfboard is not without its quirks. It made its debut in a light blue finish during Takanaka’s 2004 and 2005 tours, later receiving a vibrant red makeover for subsequent performances. While audiences were captivated by its unique appearance, Takanaka himself admitted to its practical limitations. “It’s hard to play, as expected,” he confessed. Its use is typically reserved for only a few songs per concert due to its weight and handling.
Takanaka humorously pondered the audience’s perception, “I just play this because I wonder if people watching me will find it fun, but I wonder if some percentage of them think I’m stupid.” Weighing in at around 13.2 pounds (six kilograms), playing the surfboard guitar is physically demanding. “So if I play two songs with this guitar at a concert, I will get a little more exhausted,” Takanaka noted, suggesting its occasional use is a matter of practicality as much as showmanship.
However, the surfboard guitar’s impact on stage is undeniable. It has become a signature element of his live shows, eliciting euphoric reactions from audiences whenever it makes an appearance. It’s a visual spectacle that perfectly complements Takanaka’s vibrant stage presence and music. Interestingly, despite his surfboard guitar and surf-infused music, Takanaka himself has likely never surfed. Yet, his connection to surfing imagery remains strong, further exemplified by his 2004 album “Surf & Turf,” a playful nod to the popular seafood and meat dish.
The “masayoshi takanaka guitar” is more than just a novelty instrument. It’s a symbol of Takanaka’s artistic vision, his willingness to push boundaries, and his unique contribution to the world of guitar music. It’s a testament to the idea that a guitar can be more than just an instrument; it can be a piece of art, a cultural statement, and a whole lot of fun.
