Takamine Guitars Factory Tour

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PG’s Chris Kies treks to Nakatsugawa, Japan, for a first-hand look at how the acoustic-electric pioneers craft their world-renowned flattops.
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[@premierguitar]

Don't Miss a Rundown: bit.ly/RIgRundownENL Subscribe to PG's Channel: bit.ly/SubscribePGKZbin

[@richardobryan8041]

who do I call to get my Tak repaired?

[@fve1352]

Premier Guitar guys... you know we need a John Frusciante rejoining Rig Rundown right ?!??

[@UncleKennysPlace]

@@richardobryan8041 Any decent luthier should be able to fix it, as it's built largely with traditional construction methods. The electronics are a slightly different matter; if testing the wiring doesn't reveal the problem, you must replace any parts that don't work. But all of this is the same for Takamine or Gibson Yamaha or Martin or Taylor (though they have bolt-on necks.)

[@michaelandsylviahoera5831]

That was a very informative tour and ed ucational experiance of the making of my Tak. 12 string next

[@Heyjaybird]

Can I have one?

[@billclyde7805]

My parents bought me a Takamine in 1964 for my 14th birthday. I still have it today and it sounds and looks great.

[@rikirangelmorales9610]

Us Mexicans love the 12 string Takamines😍

[@user-yk3ot9lg3t]

Yessir😁🤟and for puro corridos compa🇲🇽

[@yeetmcleet7255]

True that

[@javiseldeguadalajara5211]

(we) not us "we the Mexicans love the twelve string takamine guitar " y desde mi Punto de vista no vale la pena una takamine pro series para tocar campirano sierreño por que la poner cuerdas pares el puente no resiste tal tension ni el bridge doctor ni nada yo Compre una ef381sc y solo 2 años y se empezo a levantar y pague casi $1500 dlls la vendi y Compre una ef341sc 6 cuerdas y Compre una breedlove de 12 mejor sonido y menos de la Mitad de precio a veces Sigue uno solo modas y las takamine me gustan pero ninguna guitarra acoustica esta diseñada para tal tension

[@xdarksniperkidd323]

Fr tho it’s my dream guitar 😍😍

[@BCDanno63]

Plugged into the right amp or sound board that 12 is a HAMMOND ORGAN with strings.. Nothing as all around rich and full toned… The Rickenbacker 12 is unique … The Takamine is COMPLETE….

[@fonkamex]

Is unbelievable how a country with the highest technology in the world loves traditional craftsmanship. Amazing.

[@jumpercable20]

Yes, High Tech has no idea what Pride and Workmanship mean. That's why some of the greatest works ever made have always thanked the oldest masters. Today most stuff is disposable, but 3000 years ago workmanship was everlasting and sure to be around for ages to come.

[@hdaviator9181]

Japan isn't as high tech as some people think. It is a very conservative culture. They still use fax and business cards for example.

[@ranjanbiswas3233]

Their high technology is targetted towards foreign market. They themselves still uses FAX and old 2000's IBM computers.

[@valueofnothing2487]

Vacuum gluing? There's tons of machinery. There should be more.

[@justsittinhere72]

This is one of the best factory tours I have ever seen. The machine noises are kept to a minimum, but probably because most of the work is done by hand. The tour is well rehearsed along with the dialogue. I used to work in a speaker factory and also played bass so this really peaked my interest.

[@jpadilla132]

I like the fact that the Takamine representative continuasly praises the workmanship of the guys building the guitars

[@afrench4683]

It is one of the best made guitars!

[@livingadreamlife1428]

They make a good guitar, but I don’t find a company rep praising the quality of work performed by his company to be surprising or remarkable.

[@GenghisDaniel]

@@livingadreamlife1428 Well there is a big difference between praising the product - that every rep will do it - and praising the people that build the product. It actually makes all the difference...

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

Editing.

[@alanshewitt]

Not to mention knowing them by and referring to them by their names. Respect.

[@paullarnce2167]

This has got to be the most definitive video on guitar manufacturing. I keep watching it over and over and over again. I can't thank you enough for posting this.

[@theelectrodefunhouse4651]

My uncle had a Takamine 12 string from the 70’s he bought new and used until the day he died. I never heard a 12 with the same chime that guitar had.

[@firefightergoggie]

6:39 - look how easy he makes that chisel work look. Nothing better than watching a real professional ply his craft.

[@Billabong0110]

Japanese

[@Sagi-chan]

I like that the chisel has a concave centre so when sharpening, it removes less material plus it is a hard material. Some Japanese chef knives have those as well, love it.

[@jalee6587]

Yes that chisel work is much more difficult then he makes it look.

[@LauriHuu]

Exactly my thoughts. He made the job look so easy to do while it's not exactly easy to do such tight carving with the speed he did. I'd be nervous dead bringing any shard objects near the wood.

[@jselectronics8215]

@@jalee6587 I don't know how they do such fine detail holding the chisel by the end, about a foot away from the blade.

[@RabidWookies]

I have a new respect for Takamine now.

[@Starw90]

That’s what you call a real handmade guitar. Japanese craftsmanship.

[@rickuzielvane]

I met my wife in California playing a Takamine. We have had Takamine guitars since then. I have a Takamine Nashville and she has a Natural 12 strings and the Takamine Goose Ltd 2014. The guitars are part of the family

[@Ujeb08]

This was an excellent tour and presentation! As a retired machinist/Toolmaker and Engineering technician AND guitarist, I was couldn't take my eyes and ears off the screen. What a great tour of the Takamine guitar making factory. It was obvious that Chris knows something about guitar making but Tom Waters is extremely knowledgeable of the materials, the tooling and processes involved. I never realized how much tooling was involved and only imagined some of the jigs and fixtures. I have never held a Takamine guitar in my hands, but I surely will in the future as the top notch quality is obvious here. Thanks for sharing

[@Bag-Of-Toys]

Tom Arnold knows way more about Takamine guitars than I ever expected.

[@tomcoryell]

robert Tait-Or maybe it’s Stephen Root.

[@MOAONAABE]

i was thinking Matt Foley

[@DRealFatguy]

LMAO. He is trying.

[@marknissen1807]

@@tomcoryell set the building on fire.

[@robertcupp5528]

Hello Newman!

[@Previalegend]

If you had your Takamine between now and "too many" years ago, Daisuke has his master touch on it.

[@mikoschannel6413]

Watching this vid after 3 years from watching it the first time, does make me appreciate my takamine guitar a whole lot more.

[@JohnDaubSuperfan369]

Nothing better than listening to Chris Kies going "yeah, cool, gotcha" for forty minutes...

[@mikeygee4564]

Yeah, he sounded like an idiot. It was the only thing that put a damper on this otherwise great video

[@russclark6780]

I winced when he referenced "Chinese" made tools. Arghhh. The courteous tour guy let him off the hook by referencing Japanese tools in his next few comments.

[@chris_kies]

yeah, cool, gotcha, thanks for the feedback.

[@jeffreysolomons9171]

I bought my Takamine in 1989. It is a part of me when I play acoustic guitar songs. I live in NY but trained in Paris as a chef 31 years ago. While there, I was in a park taking a break from playing. I had the guitar on my lap and a bird flew over and it shit right over me onto the hole. Two small faint white drops which can still be seen on the inside of the hole. I was pissed at first but those drops remind me of a half a lifetime of memories playing it. Though I'm in a rock band I play that acoustic guitar almost every day. I'll never part with this guitar. It's in the living room with me now.

[@skiendhiu]

If the foo shits ...wear it, I also have a Takamine also from the eighties, have had several pro. Players tell me it's the nicest sounding guitar they have played and wanted to buy it, I managed to hang on to it when I was broke, and am glad I did, happy strumming....

[@peterrussell3744]

The bird “shit right over me.” He’ll, what sort of bird was it? A Falcon 747? And if it didn’t happen, you’d have nothing to say so it was a blessing.

[@stevenmorse4386]

My wife bought me my Takamine in 1983 for my 21st birthday! I still have it today. Many have admired it over the years.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Adds .....tone?

[@davidallen346]

It was blessed by the bird ultimate good luck that guitar is Gold now cherish it ! :-)

[@sierraridgereaper]

Well worth the 40 minute watch. I bought my first Takamine in 1985 and still play it. The value of the instruments name is in the craftsmanship. Very impressive.

[@sphlouge]

I have been a self employed high end furniture maker 55 years in March. Never built an instrument. This is mind boggling the amount of labor and expertise that goes into building one of these. Great work is a simplified complement. Kudos

[@fredrickearl6687]

Truly appreciated your comment. I was thinking about 'making' a classical guitar; but it makes more sense to 'pay' Takamine when I get ready to get a classical.

[@georgealexander8661]

@@fredrickearl6687 By ALL MEANS!! My 12 string Takamine is worth much more than I paid for it. Buy one and immediately start playing (enjoying it!)

[@timhitt9541]

You should build a guitar I went to a guitar making school, built both acoustic and electric. All by hand. It's not at all difficult and there are so many books and videos now.

[@sphlouge]

@@timhitt9541 I have two people in my shop who build ukuleles. I live in Hawaii.

[@user-vt4ev5bj3o]

I have a 1980’s EC-132c. Time has tuned it and has gracefully made it into really…something else. It gets more and more as time takes great care of this one. I am so blessed to have it. These folks REALLY know what they are doing. How many things in your life are in as good a shape after more than 50 years?

[@wout69]

Well, certainly not my wife.

[@sparks1656]

I have the same model, a few years older than the two the Eagles played live for the “Hell Freezes Over” tour by Joe Walsh and Don Felder played!

[@sparks1656]

Sorry, just verified that my old model is a CP 132c. Still working hard.

[@sparks1656]

⬆️ just verified that my old model is a CP-132C. It’s still going strong.

[@FSAUDIOGUY]

And a robot can't build it...I love that! Bought my first Takamine in 1980 out of a pawn shop down near Mexico. I played the frets off that guitar. I left it with a friend of mine when I joined the military in 1986. I hope its still around somewhere.

[@greatnortherntroll6841]

I purchased my first guitar in about 1974. It was a relatively unknown brand of guitar from Japan... a Takamine F-120 if memory serves. I loved and played that guitar for almost 17 years until the day it was stolen. 😢 I still miss it terribly!

[@pmaddox]

Out of that 17 years that you had it would you have any pics of it? I bet it's a classy guitar..sorry it got stolen:(

[@iqbalmaulana2315]

ok bro

[@MateusAsato]

Love this.

[@jiocostas5742]

hey idol

[@ricaroles]

Hay bro

[@bobneshki3932]

Hey guru

[@Oron354]

Hands down to the Guitar legend🙏🏻

[@LagoinhaSilvesoficial5348]

Eai asato

[@rivonoelson3041]

I am from Madagascar and I have a takamine. I was glad to hear you guys use Madagascar rosewood. I love my takamine. I have had it aince 1995.

[@tokunagaster]

Good man, praise from Osaka, Japan

[@eoghantoner]

Hey! I visited Mada twice! Tana, tamatave, foul pointe, mohamba and tulear. Beautiful country. Hard travelling but well worth it! I’ll be back!

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

7:01 this man is a craftsman.

[@anom3778]

hes a skilled labeler

[@eekamoose]

Great video. I have two Takamines, one of which I used for nearly a thousand gigs. It's on its third set of frets and I've worn a lot of wood away from the top around the strings and rosette (there was no pickguard on it when I bought it, I should have installed one immediately) but everything else is in great shape. They're superbly well-made guitars, strong and stable, and great to play. You can put one in the car, drive 2000 km south into a different climate and it's still perfectly in tune when you take it out of the case. Real workhorses.

[@robertocarloscruzlopez9578]

DEBES ESCRIBIR LA HISTORIA DE TUS GUITARRAS, SALUDOS DESDE CHIAPAS MEXICO

[@manuhonkanen2111]

Willie Nelson's Trigger has no pick guard either!

[@CalmedByNature]

9:15 "How long have you been here Daisuke?" ... "Too many." 😂

[@ronalderskine7780]

As a proud owner of a Beautifully sounding and perfectly built Takamine Cov16 guitar, I was totally blown away with the Takamine Factory Tour video I just viewed. The production process showed highly skilled Takamine employees motivated to provide an excellent guitar. I can only hope that all their employees are well compensated for their dedication. Thank you. Ron

[@nessaj8552]

my girlfriend's dad gave me a Takamine as my first acoustic. I didn't think anything of it since I had never played an acoustic guitar before. A few weeks after playing it, I tried out my friend's guitar, who had ordered his on amazon..The difference in quality was unbelievable. Switching back to my Takamine and strumming it one time.. I finally understood what my *online* guitar teachers were talking about when they said 'sustain' , 'deep sound', 'range' etc.. When I got home I sat and strummed a few major chords to appreciate how long the sounds kept coming after a single strum.. it love that Takamine

[@bugre89]

...and now you know that your girlfriend's father gave a selected guitar to you.

[@flohough1870]

I wish I could "Love" this video instead of just liking it, fantastic! As the owner of two Tak's, it's great to see the care and workmanship that goes into these awesome guitars.

[@tomicz89]

i actually searched for the love botton xD

[@Jerry-rf8bn]

Flo Hough : As a fellow owner of two Takamines, I couldn't agree more!!

[@jeffreysolomons9171]

Yes, it reinforces the idea that I made a good decision when I paid $600.00 in 1989 money. I just looked it up, that's $1,248.25 in 2020. It still sounds great and plays better than any $4500 guitar that I pick up in a guitar store. Perfect action and I never have it set up. I just turn the truss rod a bit in the fall and spring.

[@billporter846]

@@jeffreysolomons9171 You just answered my question thanks. I thought WTH no one even tests the damn thing

[@Jeff-S]

@@billporter846 Yep!

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Many decades ago, when Takamine was copying the Martin head stock ( they simply didn't know any better ), a group of Martin's people traveled to the Takamine factory, and they weren't very happy. But when they arrived, they received a warm welcome and a tour of the factory and how the guitars were being produced by hand. The Martin people were SO impressed, they paid the master luthiers at Takamine a huge complement and high praise, and they decided not to file a lawsuit against this wonderful Japanese company. Instead, they simply asked them to refrain from copying the Martin head stock, as a gentleman's agreement. Takamine complied of course. But the Martin people were truly surprised & blown away by the old-world guitar building techniques, skill, and sheer quality of the amazing guitars produced by Takamine.

[@donaldwycoff4154]

My step-mother had a Martin, can't always remember the model, but I know Takamine was given a cease-and-desist at one point for having a look-alike, or so I was told. Anyway, in about 1986 I went into a pawn shop, hoping to buy a Martin. That's when I ran into a pawned Martin copy from Takamine. I didn't realize I had a piece of history in my hands. I bought it, played it for years until arthritis set in, and I sold it in about 2010. I sure miss that guitar. It was in immaculate condition when I sold it, but it was to a fairly young fellow who wanted to sit and play it for about 30 mins before he made his decision. I mentioned the history that I knew, and he already knew about it, but he convinced himself he found the right guitar for him. My step mother still plays her Martin, and I wish I could join in, but so it goes. In any event, my Takamine had a beautiful sound, and brought be decades of relaxation. Wonderful to see a video about Takamine guitars being made.

[@DRealFatguy]

Once again Premiere Guitar has stepped up and shown why they are so awesome. Thank you for such a great video

[@TheDizzack]

Daisuke has no time for video foolishness. Excellent work.

[@AntonioPiccolboni]

I bought my c132s 21 years ago and it's still holding up very well. I would like to thank the Takamine workers for many hours of enjoyment.

[@dannycee3955]

I've owned several Takamine's over the years and they have always been my favorite guitar's. The craftsmanship that goes into these and the sound that comes out is just amazing! Such a vintage feel through and through. Wow!

[@Charly-ul9qe]

I'll have to buy a Takamine after watching this

[@PAul.paUL.PaUL.]

Do it. They're great guitars !

[@sickb2200]

Every Takamine I ever played has been fantastic. Even the Jasmine line gets my respect.

[@TheGoosewhole16]

Unfortunately, Jasmine isn't make by Takamine anymore.

[@CaptainAmaziiing]

I've had my Takamine F 350M for over 30 years, and it still plays great. Thanks for a great guitar guys!

[@jonduke3919]

My bro in law found one at a yard sail for $60.00 and gave to me for Christmas. It sounds amazing.

[@edwarddavis507]

I knew of Takamine guitars but I didn’t know how much quality and superior workmanship that their talented makers and artisans put into making their guitar. So beautiful! I can’t say when but for sure I will be buying their guitars. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@60gidget]

Anything made in Japan is superior not just Takamine.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Having bought, owned, a professionally gigged 3 different Japanese made Takamine guitars, I can honestly tell you that you will not be disappointed. Not at all. My Takamine's were the finest acoustic guitars and best sounding that I've ever owned. When you buy a handmade true Japanese Takamine, and compare it to the grade of Martin you would get for the same price, the Takamine will absolutely blow it out of the water in both quality of construction and tone/sound. You would have to spend at least 3 to 5 times as much to buy a new Martin that would sound as good. And nobody beats Takamine's onboard electronics. I promise you that. The warmest and most authentic reproduction of acoustic guitar sound I've ever played & heard........hands down. The only exception is placing 2 extremely expensive microphones in front of a high quality acoustic guitar........and the player has to stay in the same position. I much prefer the ease of use and joy of performing with the onboard Takamine system. I was impressed to learn from this video that Takamine is still using the exact same palathetic pick-up system they invented back in 1977. As the old saying goes: "If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it".

[@khimaros]

I have a Takamine AN16 acoustic that’s almost 20 years old, it’s beautiful, you’d pay upwards of $3k for the quality of the woods on there in today’s money and it’s low action is as bang on as the day I bought it… my guitar friends always want to play it too…. quality instrument.

[@stephensmith1034]

This has been fascinating. I now have such an appreciation for all the hard work and machinery that go in to building a guitar. These are truly quality guitars. Thanks for the tour.

[@leevespa4564]

The Japanese are masters at what ever they create, just look at the history of sword making, netsuke carving just true master craftsmanship second to none 🙏👍

[@eddieg9506]

Not to mention the Grand Seiko watch brand

[@Tannertraversed]

Not to mention they built and engineered the Trans Continental Railroad with a lot more skills and efficiency than any European or American. And they didn’t bitch and complain, just work.

[@georgealexander8661]

Lee vespa..Have a12 string Takamine...consider it every much (maybe a little better!) than the U.S Martins, which are marvelous in their own right.

[@Choochlyman]

Thanks for this great tour video, Premier Guitar! Nice to see Takamine getting some good attention after all this time.

[@Bloodray19]

I love how the representative has no idea sometimes what is going on, but he's trying to explain it anyway. That's why the skilled workers are doing their jobs and he's talking

[@f1s2hg3]

Great Pride in workmanship goes into GUITARS and I honor all the craftsmanship and people who work making guitars

[@royflowers7205]

I enjoyed watching this video, appreciating the craftsmanship that went into my 77 F-365MS and 77 F-395MS (aka lawsuit guitars). They are a real pleasure to play.

[@paulp2889]

I like how they chisel the wood the amount of man hours that goes into one of these they absolute take pride in there work.

[@necrogon22]

As a luthier, these guys work soooo fast. They truly are masters of their station. Some of us make 10-20 guitars start to finish, they go through thousands and thousands and it shows in how confidently they work

[@clicheguevara5282]

I'm a guitar tech in Hawaii and Takamines are very, very popular here. As a player, I think they're great instruments! I've probably played a couple hundred of them. As a tech, I've worked on many dozens of them. ...and as a tech, I'm not a fan of them at all. Lol All of their proprietary stuff makes them difficult to work on. Outdated preamp systems are impossible to find and replace. Plus, since they're all different shapes and sizes you can't just drop in a newer one as a replacement. ...and a lot of their saddle designs make doing action adjustments very difficult - if not impossible.

[@fredgarvinMP]

While the lefty hippies are busy writing and performing the music the right wingers like yourself are busy maintaining their equipment. Republicans and art don't mix.

[@jeffreysolomons9171]

But mine is 31 years old and not only does it play better than any acoustic I've picked up, It's never seen the inside of a shop. No need. Just a slight turn of the truss rod a couple times a year. I do see that I will need a partial fret job in the next few years. What kind of work do these typically need? Is it humidity?

[@karinberryman7970]

These artisans must be paid by the hour, they're flying!

[@ssc685]

Just bought TC135SC nylon guitar yesterday, great playability and awesome sound. 3rd Tak I own since 1976, never disappointed!!

[@fredrickearl6687]

That's what I WANTED to hear before buying a Takamine classical guitar.

[@sparks1656]

I have an old CP 132C. Timeless.

[@peterk8909]

My wife gave me a Takamine 12 string for Christmas, I believe in 1981. Man, I still love it. Thanks so much for the tour.

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

Seeing high end wood artist is always incredible. To see it again and again at this level is breathtaking.

[@musiclaw1486]

What a great insight into Takamine craftsmanship blended with machine CNC perfection!

[@ewm335]

Yes. A lot more handmade than I might have guessed. That’s an impressive facility; all the Japanese Takamines I’ve seen have been excellent, now I can see why.

[@musiclaw1486]

@@ewm335 I've been vastly impressed with my two Takamines! My EF341SC looks spectacular, sound's magnificent acoustically and plugged in, and is a joy to play. I also got a P3DC and it too is a great guitar. Both have the same preamp electronics. I love 'em!

[@bob733333]

Mass producing high quality products is good.

[@scottexler1375]

@@musiclaw1486 Are the prices reasonable compared to other big name acoustic makers.?

[@musiclaw1486]

@@scottexler1375 Absolutely! The Pro Level Takamine's are exceptional. And, their on board active preamp electronics and pickup are outstanding. Fit and Finish are top notch. Playabiliy and Tone are great. Even the non Pro Level Takamines are very good. Overall, I have found their prices to be very reasonable. For an even better value, scour the used market for one in great shape and you should be delighted. I love my EF341SC and P3DC.

[@el34glo59]

The outside looks like a motel off the interstate. I thought that's where they were. But God dam look at all that wood. I always liked Takamine. Underrated

[@weaselpopper]

This just made me really appreciate my Japan built Takemine pro series guitar. When acoustic guitars cost so much for quality just watch this and you will understand why. I sold my US Taylor to buy Takemine.

[@KenjiKitahara]

9:20 Daisuke: ... don't talk to me, I'm crafting someone's special instrument.

[@SimplisticMinimalist]

Funny how i just brought a takamine guitar and this video popped into my recommended videos. I am very impressed with the amount of labor that has gone into making one of these guitars. I sure will value every bit of it. Thanks for this insight!

[@richardsmith7783]

I got my new Takamine guitar, Way back in 1979 I had it made for me its a left handed Its been lots of place's in my day and lot and lots of nightclubs! Its drank lot of beer down the round hole lol I still have my beautiful Takamine and right now it sounds just as great as it did brand new! I moved to Manila,Philippines and it came with me here now I never take it out of the house and I still play it 2 to 3 times a week. Thank you Takamine for the great music it has came out of my Takamine Guitar!!

[@faisalanwar6062]

What series takamine??

[@dvnlxg]

My dad found a broken takamine and brought it home for me. I didn't think I'd be able to fix it (since im not a luthier, just a player) but I'd fix it and it's currently my favourite guitar to play. Love it!

[@vipcossack]

В моём пользовании было 3 гитары этого бренда. Это одни из лучших гитар в мире. Takamine, спасибо что вы есть!

[@user-tl1zs6sd8c]

Takamine

[@bobbusby5058]

I got to play my First Takamine acoustic two years ago while vacationing in Tennessee, I have been in love with them ever since. Sometimes you just pick up an instrument and it just feels right, it was so playable. I will be purchasing one in the future, thanks for this great Factory Tour video!

[@HunterErwinMusic]

Best made !!! Been touring with Takamine full time for 13 years on the road Outstanding !!!

[@xpeditededdie3788]

I have owned an EG 334 for 20 years. I only paid $300 with a hardshell case and this is my go to acoustic. It plays and sounds like a dream.

[@rclarkrep100]

Takamine custom shop is outstanding! Thanks for what you all do. Beautiful, incredible sound and great playing guitar.

[@guitarreromxl74]

Excellent craftsmanship! I’ve worked on hundreds of Japanese Takamine guitars in the last 2 years and their QC is top notch.

[@guitarbobification]

Absolutely captivating!! This was one of the most enjoyable factory videos I have ever seen. I had a 1967 Takamine 12 string that got swept away when the tide came in at Golds Beach Oregon on a camping trip. When it came back the next morning on the incoming tide I was sad and took it home to let it die. 3 days later (after sitting next to a heater) I strung it up with 6 strings and played it until just after I used it to open for Mason Williams at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach CA in 1972. I have an old D18 I play now, but I would buy another Takamine in a heartbeat - and just might!

[@yesfan951]

That dude with the chisel is a badass

[@ratwynd]

I am fortunate to have found a 1977 Takamine F400 12 string in a pawn shop about 8 years ago for $100. She is one of the famed "lawsuit era" guitars. She was a basket case: cracked braces, stuck truss rod, bad tuners, worn frets and needed a neck reset for high action. It took me a few years of learning skills to do all those things on junk project guitars and acquire tools. The neck reset and refret were the last big bits along with re-slotting the bridge and making new saddle and nut after refret. All that work turned out beautifully. She hangs next to a Martin D12-28 and I play her a lot more. She is regularly played out and I get very positive comments on her tone from audience and other players. She is the LAST guitar I would sell. Out of over 20 instruments. Almost all much more expensive.

[@ltd4070]

This video made me appreciate my takamine guitars a lot more than ever proud owner of 8 taks 🎸

[@russclark6780]

Been a Takamine player and fan for many years. I thoroughly enjoyed this!

[@MAgaSUXX]

CAn't believe I just sat here and watched this ENTIRE video and never ever drifted....what an AMAZINGly beautiful factory filled with incredibly alive craftsmen/women...thanks so much for the invitation to witness this. I have a 67 Martin 018 and a Laravee acoustic but now, I have to get one of these....the hunt starts NOW. BE blessed.

[@Imfrommars76]

After almost 3 decades break Got my gd71ce-bsb a week ago and I had to say this that even though made in China it sounds so good for the price and been thinking these days if only I had it back then in my youth 😕 I respect so much to Japanese ppl and their culture of perfection.. I'm sending you from Turkey so much ❤ dear Japanese folks..

[@despurvoa3]

Such admiration and respect for all of these artisans! And the result being a beautiful instrument! 😀

[@TheSGWright]

This was so cool to see. I can attest that Takamine has made good guitars for a very long time. I have a blonde F-350M that I bought almost 40 years ago, and it still sounds amazing. I have had to do very little to it over the years, although I did have the bridge replaced and a piezo pickup added. Those were more a matter of want than need though. With a little creative mic'ing, I get all the sounds I want in the studio. Love Takamine, and thanks fr the insight on how much work goes into their construction.

[@buckdashe2571]

I have a blonde F-350M made in 1978 (one of the “lawsuit” guitars) which I found in a pawnshop about 10 years ago. Beautiful guitar! And beautiful sound that just gets better.

[@harrytuttle8161]

I've always wanted a Takamine , now I want one .

[@myboxmic]

I own a Takamine electro-acoustic guitar... The sound comes from heaven. It's really impressive with rich tone colours that can be achieved both using picks or finger picking style.

[@mickcanavan]

Fascinating..really enjoyed watching this and it may have just helped make my mind up as to what guitar to buy! Incredible amount of work - both machine and human - goes into making these guitars and seeing the process really gives them 'value' if you know what I mean...over and above their function...brilliant! Right, off to look at the different models available in Ireland!

[@mikebraun4098]

I agree the machines are there not to displace the employees but to better the product.

[@punkmusicmetal]

"So how many years have you been working here, Daisuke?" 9:20 "Too many" LOLOL

[@terrypussypower]

And Daisuke just ignores the silly question and gets on with his work!

[@Super241946]

Fired next day!

[@el34glo59]

So how long? "I am groot"

[@ReverendSoupbone]

Had an EF341 as my main acoustic for years. Had a Hummingbird and a Southern Jumbo at the same time…the Tak was my go-to. I’ll always be a Takamine guy. Fantastic!

[@oldcountry55]

I got my Takamine in March 1994 a few months before getting married. It's an EF-349 built in '93. It's been over twenty six years now and people still comment about how good it sounds.

[@woodstoney]

I can't believe I watched the entire video and it actually gave me a new perspective on Takamine guitars. The next time I visit my local guitar store, I am going to try them out. Nicely done video!

[@Kevin19700]

Fascinating video. There are so many interesting parts that I found myself constantly rewinding various sections and watching again. Thanks for producing such a great tour of the factory.

[@fredrickearl6687]

After watching this video, I TRULY regret not visiting the Takamine factory while teaching in Japan for a year. Dad bought me my first Takamine dreadnaught (3-piece back, similar to the Martin D-35. My Takamine P1DC was crafted in 2012, and I LOVE it. A couple years back, I took it to Dad's. He can't play anymore, but he can still sing like a bird. He said, "Kurt, I like the sound of that better than the (similar) $7,000 Martin."

[@MoneyGrip70]

A proud TNV-360 bearclaw spruce top owner, the guitar sounds amazing, $300 at a garage sale, 1979 worth $2800 thank you god

[@patricklundquist9869]

Incredible to watch Japanese craftsman in action. I proudly own four Japanese guitars and will treat my Takamine classical guitar with a lot more respect from now on. Now I know why Toby Keith is such a fan of Takamine. I seriously want a guitar with the bird and leaf inlay on the fretboard.

[@DRealFatguy]

Thats the 2020 LTD. You'll have to wait a little while yet

[@charlespatrick8650]

Patrick Lundquist Glenn Frey was too

[@albertbrowning3958]

That was friggin' AWESOME! I want one now.

[@parengthonycastillo4272]

6:40 love how articulate the luthier is doing. What an amazing wood craftmanship!

[@brianlove6506]

I really like that the manager leading the tour knows the workers by theri Japanese names. Bravo!

[@Alienadin]

Truly impressive craftmanship. My two Takamines are practically flawlessly made. Now I know why and how. Superb video. Thank you.

[@MichaelStoneqm3]

I remember playing this guitar 50 years ago, 12 string. I was pleasantly surprised with the sound quality, fit & finish then. Even more impressed now. Thanks for the ride 👍

[@devonly884]

I think my next guitar will be a Takamine for some reason

[@fredrickearl6687]

Tell me about it. I was thinking about buying another classical guitar, and it makes sense to make it a Takamine.

[@chrisw1953]

I have one...

[@juniorolvera7358]

You won’t regret it

[@RynBarns]

I have a MIJ Tak.. and one of these guys most likely worked on it!?! That’s awesome 😊😊😊

[@zerosoma33]

Around 1:00 : “These guitars are ready to be made into guitars”. I like being thorough.

[@roberthancock7055]

Owning a LTD-2003 I really enjoy watching this video. Awesome craftsmanship at every step. Thanks.

[@davidwebb091370]

i don't own a Takamine guitar. But this is one of my top three personal fave acoustic/electric-acoustic brands, along with Gibson and Guild ( i know, no Martin or Taylor ...)

[@upperleftcoastchelseafan7718]

Guild? You mean Fender. To me Guild stopped being Guild the day Fender acquired them in 1995. I love the 70's & early 80's Guilds but wouldn't touch one now seeing's how most are Chinese, the one's that are made in Oxnard are really not that impressive for the money they sell for, sorry. Takamine, Martin, Gibson all day long though.

[@davidwebb091370]

@@upperleftcoastchelseafan7718 ... the Guild that Suzanne Vega used in her Solitude Standing album. I love the sound of it!

[@wellalrightythen5941]

Alvarez!!

[@fredrickearl6687]

What I accept is the $2,,000 Takamine sounds sweeter, and rings longer than the $7,000 Martin.

[@juana1483]

@@fredrickearl6687 which one Fred???? I really believe that if it plays nicely for you, and sounds great to you at the time, you buy it. But I also believe that nothing sounds like a Martin!!!

[@Larrymarx]

Thank you for taking the time to make and post this awesome video... I'm a proud owner of a Takamine Guitar, bought her in 2005... LM