Rare vintage dreadnought, sounds and plays beautifully, made in Japan
Here is another great little guitar that is at least 40 years old, still in great condition and sounds absolutely beautiful. There isn't much information at all available on this brand that I've been able to find online, but I have seen them selling at some auctions for as much as $700.
This particular model sounds great, I installed a new bone saddle on it and it projects really well. Both the high and low ends are very clear. That new saddle did raise the action a little and once this set of strings is worn out a little, I'll make some adjustments to bring it back down.
This is something that if you stumble upon it and the price isn't outrageous, you should pick it up. Not sure if it's an early version of a Takamine or maybe a knock-off, but it's certainly a quality guitar. Most of these no-name vintage Japanese and Korean imports generally go for around $100-$200.
Thanks for looking, more high-resolution pictures here.
I just picked up a Taka 800s. It looks just like a Martin D 28. It play's quite well.
ReplyDeleteI too have an taka 800 and its a solid beautiful simple body guitar! I was gifted it and I prefer it over my yamaha or fender. Great for folk. High and lows are crisp and bold.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see some pics of the 800 model. If anyone has any available I would really appreciate seeing them. Thanks alot.
ReplyDeleteWhat a small world. I saw your post on another site saying you also bought one in SLO.....I got mine from Jack at Music Factory on Monterey in 1977. Still have it. Sorry yours was stolen...I had all my gear stolen --except this guitar--from our church one Xmas Eve. Know the pain.
DeleteI just picked up an 800s would be willing to sell it if anybody's interested
DeleteI have a TAKA 800S purchased new in 1977 in CA. Hard to justify spending a couple grand for a 'better' guitar...amazing range of tone & projection for MIJ guitar. I have a closet full of instruments & this one always calls to me so I keep it hanging in my studio.
ReplyDeleteI recently picked up a Taka TA501 for $55, identical to the TA500 pictured above, same pickguard and label. It has a solid top, and 3-on-a-tree tuners. Aside from some wear on the fretboard, it sounds amazing. She's a keeper; I would only sell it for $150 minimum.
ReplyDeletelost my Taka 800s in the fire in Paradise,Ca on 11/8/2018. So heartbroken. I had owned it since 1991 and it was a beautiful little guitar, fit me perfectly and rang like a little bell when played. Sweetest sound I had ever found. If anyone ever has one to sell, please contact me.
ReplyDeleteAllihansen@aol.com
Just pick one up I'm from Phoenix Arizona I would like to sell it I buy and sell so
DeleteI used to have one of these, bought new at the guitar shop in Laguna Beach circa 1974 (don't recall the actual name of the shop, but the guy who worked there looked kinda like Jeff Skunk Baxter). As I recall they said Taka was Takamine's budget line. It was my first "real" guitar. I think I eventually traded it in a few years later for an electric.
ReplyDeleteI see a lady selling a 1960s model on face book for 169 bucks
ReplyDeleteWait 70s and it's a 501 model
ReplyDeleteI have a TAKA TAW-600. Unfortunately don't know about the history or year of this guitar. Extremely hard to find any info on it. Kept it in pristine condition. I actually had Guitar Center adjust the action on it for me. (lowered it) Would love some info if any anyone has any to share.
ReplyDeleteI just purchased 2 Taka guitars together 1 is a TA7 and the other has no model # and is quite a bit heavier then the ta7. It was missing keys, nut , and strings. Has some body damage as well. I want to string it up and see if it's worth investing any time on. The TA7 has the potential to sound great with some new strings. Very difficult to find any info on. I dont believe they are Takamine. If they were I'm pretty sure Takamine would have something on them. Which they don't that I've seen so far. Someone out there has knowledge about these I'm thinking.But anyway got them both for $60 I think the one with no model# is going to to be a quality guitar. If anyone has any feedback on this subject I would love to hear from. You
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