For over half a century, the Takamine Guitar Company has stood as a beacon of exceptional craftsmanship in the world of acoustic guitars. Born from a deep-seated dedication to innovation and a relentless pursuit of perfection, Takamine has ascended to the echelons of premier acoustic guitar manufacturers globally. Their instruments are not merely tools, but finely crafted works of art, revered and chosen by discerning performing guitarists across the globe.
The Takamine story is one of humble beginnings, starting in 1959 as a small, family-operated guitar workshop. Nestled in the serene foothills of Mount Takamine, in the heart of Sakashita, a town in central Japan, this fledgling enterprise would eventually adopt the mountain’s majestic name in 1962. This marked the official commencement of Takamine Guitar Company’s remarkable journey, a path paved with dedication and ingenuity, leading to the phenomenal success it enjoys today.
The following timeline chronicles the extraordinary evolution of the Takamine Guitar Company, from its modest roots to its current stature as an industry leader.
Takamine Guitar Company: A Journey Through Time
1959: The Foundation of a Legacy
In 1959, the quiet town of Sakashita, Japan, witnessed the birth of a small, family-run instrument workshop. Little did anyone know that this humble beginning would lay the groundwork for the future Takamine Guitar Company, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in acoustic guitars.
1962: Embracing the Mountain’s Name
As the popularity of guitar playing surged across Japan, the small workshop recognized the need for a more resonant identity. In 1962, drawing inspiration from their majestic surroundings, the company officially rebranded itself as Takamine Gakki Ltd., proudly adopting the name of Mount Takamine. This marked a significant step in their journey, embedding the spirit of the mountain into the very essence of the Takamine Guitar Company.
1968: Growth and Design Innovation
By 1968, Takamine Guitar Company had experienced substantial growth, expanding to a team of 60 employees. The company had established itself as a prominent builder of classical guitars and mandolins, earning recognition for their quality instruments. A pivotal moment arrived with the addition of master luthier Mass Hirade. Hirade’s arrival ushered in an era of significant design and manufacturing enhancements, refining Takamine’s production processes and elevating the quality of their instruments even further. In recognition of his profound impact, Takamine later honored Hirade by incorporating his name into many of their classical guitar models, a testament to his enduring contribution to the Takamine legacy.
1975: Expanding to the Global Stage
1975 marked another turning point for the Takamine Guitar Company as Mass Hirade assumed the role of president. With a vision to share Takamine’s exceptional instruments with a wider audience, Hirade spearheaded efforts to expand distribution globally. This ambitious move proved successful, and soon, Takamine guitars began gracing music stores and stages worldwide, introducing the brand to international musicians and solidifying its place in the global market.
1978: Revolutionizing Acoustic-Electric Sound
Innovation has always been at the heart of the Takamine Guitar Company. 1978 witnessed a groundbreaking invention: the Palathetic™ pickup. This revolutionary under-saddle pickup design transformed the landscape of amplified acoustic guitars, offering a natural and articulate sound reproduction that was previously unattainable. The Palathetic™ pickup became a hallmark of Takamine guitars, setting a new industry standard and further cementing their reputation for innovation.
1979: Pioneering Acoustic-Electric Models
Building on the success of the Palathetic™ pickup, Takamine introduced their first acoustic-electric model, the PT-007S, in 1979. This pioneering instrument seamlessly integrated Takamine’s exceptional acoustic craftsmanship with their innovative pickup technology, providing guitarists with unparalleled amplified acoustic performance. The PT-007S marked the beginning of Takamine’s leadership in the acoustic-electric guitar market.
1986: The Natural Series Emerges
The pursuit of natural tone and aesthetic beauty led to the introduction of the first “Natural” series guitar in 1986. This series emphasized the inherent beauty of natural tonewoods and minimalist design, appealing to players seeking a pure and organic acoustic experience. The Natural series became another popular line within the Takamine Guitar Company’s offerings, showcasing their versatility and commitment to diverse player preferences.
1987: Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence
In 1987, Takamine Guitar Company proudly commemorated its 25th anniversary, a significant milestone in their journey. To mark this special occasion, they introduced their first Limited Edition guitar model, the EF25. This limited edition release became a tradition, with Takamine continuing to release special anniversary models, highly sought after by collectors and players alike, further highlighting the Takamine Guitar Company’s commitment to exceptional instruments.
1988: Parametric EQ Innovation
Takamine continued to push the boundaries of acoustic-electric technology with the introduction of the Takamine parametric EQ (TP preamp; later redesigned as the AAP preamp) in 1988. This advanced preamp system provided players with unprecedented control over their amplified tone, allowing for precise shaping of the guitar’s sound to suit various performance environments and musical styles. This innovation further solidified Takamine’s position as a leader in acoustic-electric guitar technology.
1989: External Battery and Replaceable Preamp Systems
Always considering the practical needs of performing musicians, Takamine developed innovative external battery box and replaceable preamp package systems in 1989. These user-friendly designs simplified battery changes and preamp maintenance, ensuring reliable performance and ease of use for gigging guitarists. This focus on practical innovation showcases Takamine Guitar Company’s dedication to meeting the needs of working musicians.
1990-2012: Artist Endorsements and Continued Innovation
The following decades saw Takamine Guitar Company reach new heights, marked by collaborations with renowned artists and continuous innovation:
- 1990: The Steve Wariner signature model was introduced, marking the beginning of Takamine’s artist signature series, recognizing and celebrating the relationship with prominent musicians.
- 1994: Takamine pioneered the use of laser inlay work, enabling remarkably intricate and precise inlay designs, adding a new level of artistry and visual appeal to their instruments.
- 1995: The Garth Brooks signature model was launched, further solidifying Takamine’s appeal to top-tier musicians across genres.
- 1999: Takamine developed fully automated precision neck machining, enhancing consistency and precision in guitar neck production, reflecting their commitment to advanced manufacturing techniques. John Jorgenson signature models were also introduced.
- 2004: Takamine debuted the first onboard acoustic guitar tube preamp, the CTP-1 Cool Tube, and the Tri-ax “add-on” acoustic guitar pickup, pushing the boundaries of amplified acoustic tone and offering players new sonic possibilities.
- 2005: Takamine opened a new headquarters and main factory in Sakashita, Japan, reaffirming their commitment to their hometown and Japanese craftsmanship. In the United States, Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry commissioned Takamine to design its 80th-anniversary commemorative guitar, a prestigious recognition of Takamine’s artistry and reputation.
- 2007: Takamine introduced its 45th Anniversary guitar, continuing their tradition of celebrating milestones with special edition instruments.
- 2008: The Kenny Chesney signature model was introduced, further expanding their roster of signature artist guitars.
- 2009: The Glen Frey signature model was launched, honoring the Eagles’ guitarist and songwriter, further demonstrating Takamine’s broad appeal across musical icons.
- 2012: Takamine celebrated its 50th anniversary, a golden milestone. The Toby Keith Signature model was introduced, adding another prominent name to their signature artist family.
Takamine Guitar Company: A Continuing Legacy of Innovation and Craftsmanship
From its humble origins at the foot of Mount Takamine to its global recognition as a leading acoustic guitar manufacturer, the Takamine Guitar Company’s journey is a testament to dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality. For over half a century, Takamine has consistently delivered exceptional instruments, earning the trust and admiration of guitarists worldwide. As they move forward, Takamine Guitar Company remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of guitar craftsmanship, ensuring their legacy of excellence continues to inspire musicians for generations to come.
