Takamine
Since 1962
Takamine was established in 1962 in Sakashita, Japan, at the foot of Mount Takamine, evolving from a small family workshop founded in 1959. Under the leadership of luthier Mass Hirade, who joined in 1968 and became president in 1975, Takamine pioneered the modern acoustic-electric guitar with their revolutionary Palathetic™ pickup in 1978. Known for exceptional stage performance and reliability, Takamine has been the choice of touring professionals from Bruce Springsteen to Glenn Frey. The brand continues to innovate with technologies like the Cool Tube® preamp while maintaining Japanese craftsmanship.
64
Years in Business
5M+
Guitars Sold
$40M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Takamine Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Takamine guitars.
Takamine Price Overview
Takamine covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$620
+3% vs last year
eBay Listings
2,800
Active listings
Sold This Month
750
+4% vs last month
Price Range
$200-$4,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Takamine Timeline
Workshop Founded
A small family-run instrument workshop was established in Sakashita, Japan, at the foot of Mount Takamine.
Takamine Gakki Ltd. Formed
The company officially adopted the Takamine name, inspired by the nearby mountain.
Mass Hirade Joins
Luthier Mass Hirade joined Takamine, introducing significant design and manufacturing improvements that would define the brand.
Hirade Becomes President
Mass Hirade became president and began efforts to expand Takamine globally, establishing export relationships.
Palathetic™ Pickup Developed
Takamine revolutionized the acoustic-electric market with the under-saddle Palathetic™ pickup system.
First Acoustic-Electric Model
Introduced the PT-007S, Takamine's first commercially successful acoustic-electric guitar.
Parametric EQ Preamp
Introduced the parametric EQ preamp, allowing players to shape tone precisely.
External Battery System
Developed innovative external battery box and replaceable preamp system for convenience.
Cool Tube® Preamp
Debuted the CTP-1 Cool Tube® preamp, the first onboard acoustic guitar tube preamp.
50th Anniversary
Celebrated 50 years of guitar craftsmanship with special edition models and events.
Complete Takamine Product Lineup
Takamine: Pioneering acoustic-electric excellence since 1962
Pro Series
Handcrafted in Japan with premium materials
Solid spruce/rosewood, CT4-DX at $2,500-$3,000
Solid spruce/flame maple at $2,200-$2,800
Solid spruce/rosewood, gold tuners at $1,800-$2,200
Solid spruce/sapele at $1,600-$2,000
Cedar top, CT4B II preamp at $1,400-$1,800
Bruce Springsteen's choice at ~$1,999
Limited Edition Series
Annual collectible releases with unique designs
OM cutaway, Hawaiian koa at ~$3,199
NEX cutaway, planetary inlays
Concert body, dove motif inlays
Collectible annual editions since 1987
G-90 Series
Premium G Series with solid tops and special backs
NEX body, three-piece back at ~$899
Dreadnought, solid top at ~$899
Jumbo body, premium electronics at ~$829
G-70/50 Series
Mid-range solid top guitars
NEX body, solid spruce at $650-$750
Dreadnought, black walnut at $550-$650
12-string dreadnought at ~$1,099
G-30/20/10 Series
Entry to intermediate solid top models
Solid spruce dreadnought at $450-$550
Solid cedar NEX at $400-$500
Entry solid top at $300-$400
Signature & Special
Artist signatures and specialty models
Eagles guitarist signature model
3/4 size travel guitars
Acoustic bass with TK-40B electronics
Nylon string classical guitars
"Takamine: Pioneering acoustic-electric excellence since 1962"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Pro Series Buying Guide
Japan-Made Quality
All Pro Series guitars are handcrafted in Japan with premium tonewoods and meticulous attention to detail
Electronics Excellence
CT4-DX and CT4B II preamps offer studio-quality amplification with parametric EQ and tuner
Used Market Value
Pro Series retain 60-75% value; EF341SC models range $1,000-$1,900 used depending on condition
G Series Buying Guide
Series Hierarchy
90 Series > 70 Series > 50 Series > 30 Series > 20 Series > 10 Series—number indicates feature level and price
Top Construction
All G Series from 10 and up feature solid tops; higher numbers add better backs/sides and electronics
Best Value Picks
GD30CE offers solid top quality at ~$500; GN93CE provides near-Pro quality at $899
Vintage Takamine Buying Guide
Era Identification
1970s-80s Japan-made F-series are excellent values. N-series classical guitars with Brazilian rosewood can reach $15,000+
Electronics Check
Original Palathetic™ pickups from 1978+ are reliable; verify preamp function and battery compartment
Limited Edition Collectibility
Annual LTD models (since 1987) are collectible; production ranged from 400 to 1,700 units per year