Takamine Guitars is a Japanese company whose 40+ year history has been dedicated to creating high quality guitars. They are always striving to improve on the traditional notion of the guitar by building instruments that are unique in their excellence.

The company headquarters is currently located in Sakashita, Japan, near a mountain range that bears the companys name- the Takamine Mountains. Over forty years ago it started as a family run guitar making business and has since evolved into a company that develops and builds a score of guitars that are shipped throughout the world.

In order to understand Takamines development and growing popularity, one would need to go back to 1960s Japan. That is a time when playing the guitar and popular music was becoming popular. As more people wanted to take up the instrument, the need increased. Takamine started manufacturing guitars during this time period, largely to meet these needs.

The need grew, and so did their business. As a result of this, they hired Mr. Mass Hirade in 1968 to add skill and creative talent to their team. They needed someone who could help develop and create guitars that would appeal to the changing musical tastes of the nation. One of his biggest contributions was the development of their Classical model, a guitar that achieved great popularity.

Takamine is known for two things- the quality of their instruments (Hirade played a big part in this) and their prices. They have an excellent budget line of guitars that has also achieved some popularity because even though they are inexpensive, they are known to have good quality.

Currently Takimine has around twenty different guitar styles. Some of these are acoustic, some are electric, and some are acoustic/electric styles. These models include the Limited Edition 2006 Series, the Signature Series, the Takamini, the Naturals, the Supernaturals, and the Nashville. The guitars are designed to appeal to a range of tastes style preferences.

Takamine has also gotten some press because of the various artists who play them. In particular, Noal Gallagher of Oasis played a Takamine Guitar during a popular unplugged performance. Other artists include Jon Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesny, Garth Brooks, Brad Davis, Linkin Park, Bjorn Berge, Montgomery Gentry, Christine Kane, and Toby Keith. For more artists visit the website.

Here is what one person has to say about their Takamine guitar:

About the Takamine EAN-10C

The sound of this guitar is what sold me. Balanced across the tonal spectrum. Rich and full a great all around rhythm acoustic guitar. Very easy to play, the guitar does not get mushy when you dig into it. The electronics are superior to anything on the market for live playing, comes with build in tuner as well. Whether I am playing with friends or solo the guitar works. Nice and loud but not overly so, I would have to say excellent for accompanying vocals.