Monday, September 21, 2009

Takeharu acoustic label

48 comments:

Anonymous said...

Man that's a beauty. Was patterned after the Martin D45 I believe. I own an FT 150 that I bought in Jan. 1975, manufatureed in late 1974. I got it in Okinawa. They had a stroe front operation on highway 1 at the North end of Naha. The back (west) end of the building was where they hand built the instruments. I toured the plant and then spent about 4 hours playing various guitars up front at the discounted retail store. Took a while to make sure I got the one I wanted. I paid $74 dollars American and I still have that guitar. I have owned several othe guitars since but none play quite as nice, even the ones that cost considerably more. Needles to say it is not for sale at any price.

Anonymous said...
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Terry said...

I also have a Takeharu guitar,it is a copy of a Gibson hummingbird,the model is WT-65H it is dated 1978. I cannot find any information at all on this model.

Anonymous said...

My brother gave me a 176 wt 300 that his father-in-law passed on to him. I play it with 13s and I have to sing loudly to keep up with it. It has a rich deep sound and after criss-crossing the globe in a soft vinal case has only one small ding on it. Hey, not even the tortose-shell scratch plate shows and signs a wear
My mate Dick Farrelly (Irish proffessional guitatist) recently adjusted the neck and action for me then proceeded to tell me how good it is: if of course I din't already know. Like Daven my Takeharu aint for sale at any price.

Anonymous said...

I have a WK250 that I purchased new in England in 1981 - I paid £70 (inc a small discount because it had a tiny ding). It is such a beautifuuly made guitar with a clear loud singing tone. The receipt says FK250, but even though the first letter was not stamped fully on the inside green label it does look to be a W.

What I cannot tell is wether the top is laminated or solid. I have a solid top S&P and a Gibson J200 and looking at the edge of the soundhole it seems to "look" the same as those. How does one really tell?

Anonymous said...

I have had one for over 20 years - WT100 - Got it for nothing in lieu of guitar lessons that someone decided to give up on - it is an amazing sounding guitar and very playable. Used to play it a lot years ago - now it is a backup guitar to a Guild and a Martin - Even moving from the UK to the dryness of Alberta Canada had had no impact on the instrument.

Marty said...

Hi there. I have a 1976 Wt-300 model. Can anyone tell me what woods are used in its construction and any idea of its value please? A couple of the block inlays have been lost off the fretboard but overall the guitar is in very good condition considering its age.

It came in a faded blonde hardcase with wool lining too.

Thanks for any help that you can offer.

Marty

TracyH said...

My dad brought me my guitar when I was 15 (1978) from a second hand shop in Adelaide Australia it is 1976 WK-65H model looks like the serial number is 6116?. I have had professionals use and can not get over the sound even today. John Youngberg in Brisbane about 10 years ago did some work on the neck and bridge for me...beautiful guitar I LOVE IT!!!

Anonymous said...

Lachlan Simpson. I have a 1976 WT-300
Folk (Serial 60473) . Bought it new in brisbane Australia . Of all the guitars I have had it is the only one I have have hung onto. Still sounds good and has an easy action. I'm taking it with me when they throw me in the hole.

Gordon Molloy said...

Purchased the WT 100 Folk model new 1n 1974, Stoke on Trent England. Used it in bands for the next 10 years.
This guitar has some times been confined to the loft to protect it from the kids but now it is back down with a pride of place, looking and sounding just the same as it was when it was new. some 38 years ago
Gordon Molloy

Anonymous said...

My partner has a WK65D A gibson dove copy. He bought it new in 1977 and its been played almost everyday since he bought it. Its been to hundreds of parties, Gigs BBQ,s sing alongs, beach parties you name it, its been there. Never been in a case, its been sat on, kicked, dropped and its still in one piece!! And still plays as good as the day he bought it even tho the frets have worn away. First time I played it I was amazed. So went looking for some info on her. All I found out was they were made for only a few years. Anyway we have now managed to find two more. WT150 and WT300.Both in perfect condition. Needless to say we love our Takeharu,s I,m not so worried about finding any info on them, we just know they are amazing guitars and love playing them.

Anonymous said...

hi can i have some help i have a takeharu acoustic ktk200 12 string and i would like to know how much it is

Anonymous said...

My wife, (at that time my fiancé ), gave me a WT 100 Folk model new 1n 1975. I have played it at endless private functions and, (after I had a pickup installed), with a band in the 80's. It has traveled cross country with me a couple of times and still plays & sounds as great as it did in 1975. Sorry they are no longer in production. Those that survive are great instruments.

rascar said...

I have a wt 250 folk 1976 seriial 60609 and i can't find any information on it please can some body help me?
thank you!

Anonymous said...

i have a takeharu g-120 1978 it sounds like a dream, and its not for sale for any price either

BRIAN said...

I HAVE JUST GOT A TAKEHARU WT100 AND I HAVE A OLD SONGWRITER AND ROCK AND ROLL GENTLEMAN WHO LIVES CLOSE WHEN HE PLAYED IT THE RICH SOUND SUPRISED ME BUT AS I DO NOT PLAY IT LOOKS AS IF I WILL HAVE TO SELL IT

Lucas Borkel said...

Hi! Greatings from Madrid, Spain. I just bought an 1973 Acoustic Folk Takeharu Guitar from spanish songwriter Javier Bergia. It was his first recording guitar back in the 70s. I love it`s big sound (lows) and solidity. ¿Where this guitars first class?

Lucas Borkel said...

Hi! I just bought a 1973 acoustic Folk Takeharu from famous spanish songwriter Javier Bergia. It was his first recording guitar back in the 70s. Where the Takeharu guitars first class instruments at that time?
Regards from Madrid, Spain!

niel said...

Hi fellow Taka' owners,I owne my 1st Taka' in from 79 to 88 when I reversed over it killing the body, I have always kept the neck/Fretboard,(in perfect cond)I over the years always planned to get another Taka' and actually bought a 1978 WK150 at an auction at Port Kembla, Wollongong Australia last saturday 2/6/12 for $60.00(Aust)my winning bid was my 2nd bid,I was the only one who knew anything about the guitar,(which is why I was there in the 1st place)it plays like a hummingbird and sings like a nightingale,I intend to start collecting them,they are brilliant craftsmanship and the tonology is superb.

Niel Edgley said...

It amazes me how so many pro guitar players havent heard of Takeharu axes, they are one of the most proficiently mastercrafted acoustics ever made, mine,a 1978 WK150 is better than the Martin, as was my 1st Takeharu.To all Take' owners, celebrate,"play it",I intend to collect them.

Unknown said...

I own a takeharu wt250 from 1976 in verry good conditions and nothing to eat,so if someone is interested just tell your price!

nicholsonjojo said...

I own a 1974 WT-100 Folk and am looking to sell. I have two young kids and I'm always worried they're going to knock it.

It's in great condition and even me, a very novice player can make sweet sounds.

Sad to sell, but need the money!

Anonymous said...

Howdy I scored a 1975 WT300 back in 1991 and boy am I stoked with that score. Magnificent tone and a great action. The old girl has been played and played and played and has more than a few dings but is looooooved so much. Ive been offered swaps for it and some of those have been mighty fine expensive brand guitars but no way, mine aint leaving me at any price.

Anonymous said...

I have a 1976 WT 100 12-string. There is hardly a guitar that sounds better than more expensive guitars.
I bought it myself when I was 18, playing in the combo of our Gospel choir.
Later I used it at parties, BBQ's and gigs.
Its sound seems to amaze everyone.

In 1976 it was Hfl279,= (Dutch guilders), at that time the US dollar equivalent was approx. $95.

I still can sell it for that price, but there's not a hair on my head thinking about selling!! (to the regretts of my wife, who thinks that 9 is the maximum number of guitars in our house)

Peach said...

I line in northern NSW Australia and I have 1970 WT300 and just purchased a 1978 WT300 ( last of the line) - they are magnificent guitars.

Although I remove the adjustable saddle ( don't throw it away ) and I fit a nice snug bone saddle in its place and the sound is even bigger and richer

Shane said...

I have a Takeharu Folk guitar I bought in Perth,W.A in about 1979 and would like to know about this guitar.Model,WT-650,it has a year date of 1978.I think a serial number of 80718.The guitar has been in a soft case since purchased and is in excellent condition.It has an image of a dove and red roses on it as well. Any info will be helpful
Shane

Clary said...

I have a Takeharu guitar W-400 1-2 Twelve string. I think the Serial Number is 803055. It was purchased in PEI Canada in appromimately mid-80's. Does anyone have any further information on this make of guitar. It has a three piece back with a spruce front. Celsetsllary

Takeharu_Man said...

When you are looking for some info would help if you posted pictures especially of the backs with closeups of the grain as many of these upper level models had Brazilian or Indian Rosewood ( I have one of each).

I would be very interested in buying a Takeharu 12 string. Are you sure your W400 is a Takeharu rather than Kiso Suzuki - I have 2 folks and one les paul already :(

Unknown said...

I have aWT300 that I bought new in 1976. Still have it and love to play it. I think it has aged very well and still sounds great. Even though I have a couple of other guitars that get more use, I will never part with this beauty.
Chris,
Deception Bay ,


Queensland

Michelle said...

Hello Shane, i,m wondering if your guitar might be a WK 65D. My partners guitar had the dove on the pickguard. Its all been worn off after years of playing.he bought his in Albany in 1978 I,m going to take some picks of it this weekend and I,ll put them on here. I,ve only found one pic of this model on the net and its not a very clear one. We now have 4 Takeharu,s :)

horan family said...

I have a 1978 FT100 serial no 80233. I bought it at Camberwell market for $90 inc hard case. It has always been a pleasure to have around when friends come over and we jam (I mainly play percussion).

Our beloved Takeharu survived a house fire (in its case) and needed reworking. Brendan, from Birregurra, lovingly crafted a new nut and saddle from bone and set it up for me. 35 years old and sounding better than ever.

My daughter plays it now. I am starting to play again too. I love this instrument more than my drums. It will never be for sale. I wonder how it will sound in another 35 years...

Unknown said...

I also have a Takeharu WK65D acoustic guitar given to me by my aunty back in the mid 80's in Sydney, Australia. Its been sitting in the corner for the past few years collecting dust not realising how rare these guitars are to find! Does anyone have any info on this particular model would be helpful.

Anonymous said...

I have a W-400 Takeharu that I'm trying to date. I've had it for over 30 years now. I read with Suzuki guitars, you take the first 2 numbers of the serial number, and that should be the date. That makes it an 81' however, I'm SURE it was older than 2 years, when I bought it. Can anyone offer up any help?
Thanks, John

Anonymous said...

Hi.can anyone tell me what the difference is in the Takeharu guitars between the e WK and the WT series....(djm@bigfootrv.com)

Unknown said...

I have. 1974 Takeharr WT200 bought new and a 2010 Martin HD 28 also bought new... Given a choice I'd keep the Takehari.... Fantastic instrument
Johnny Vaughan Dublin

Unknown said...

I own a Takehare WT 200 bought new in 1974 and a Matrin HD 28 bought new in 2010. If I had to choose I'd keep the 41 year old Takeharu.... Simply magnificent.

Jarrod said...

righto people ... yamamoto takeharu was a famous composer ... not a luthier and did not build guitars .... takeharu guitars are like Suzuki's made in collaboration with ryoji matsuoka ( aria ) they are not better , worse or indifferent Suzuki needed the celebrity status of the two in the 70s to keep up with the times .... the takeharu gt500 is the nicest model tak ... was solid spruce top with Laminated jacaranda back and sides for 50000yen ... if you want all solid Suzuki then you need Nagoya built Suzuki either from the w1000 solid indian back and sides or bluebell which are Nagoya made and go up to 200000yen all solid models look similar to an Ibanez artwood from the same period ... Jarrod . my suzukis include w300/12 w300 dove ( blk ) , w65h hummingbird , w65hs ( block inlay hummingbird ) , classicals ... 1967 kiso gut guitar with diamond cut bracing ( patented and has 4 piece neck ) 1971 No.12 1981 G15 grand classical , wos260/12 the only one if its kind so far ( tree of life inlays in neck )m Suzuki fw516 ( the most rare and sought after M Suzuki ) Nagoya three s ae30 ( sold ) etc etc they are all similar with cosmetic differences only , sound wise is like any guitar they all differ , feel free to email me at jarrodamohau@yahoo.com.au

Unknown said...

I have a 12 string WTK-100 that I bought new around 1978. It is certainly one of the best sounding 12 string guitars that I have ever heard. It has an adjustable bridge and stays in tune surprisingly well for a 12 string. It is in excellent condition.
If anyone is interested in buying this guitar please contact me.
I live in Scotland.
Thanks.
Alastair
ali.whitwell@btinternet.com

mtangent said...

I just found a Takaharu FT-100 serial #11104 on kijiji in Canada. It seems to have lived in its case for 40 yrs.
I know I've never played anything as sweet as this. It seems to get better each time I pick it up!

If anyone has more info on this model I'd be very interested.

Cheers
J M

TakeharuDove said...

Hi, my father-in-law has a Takeharu that has the label half torn off. By the descriptions above I think it may be a Dove copy. I was trying to confirm the model number and woods it was made from. I have some pictures I could try to post if anyone has any information. Thanks

Peach said...

TaheharuDove - we need pictures front - back and inside if possible.

Anonymous said...

I bought a 1971 Takeharu dread aught 6 string acoustic mod. # WK 65 BK I would like to know more about the make up of the wood on this model, can anyone help me?f
edwardswarthout@yahoo.ca

Peach said...

can anyone help me? -Post some pictures

Unknown said...

I bought a WT-200 in Kortijk, Belgium in 1980 I think, with my first earned vacation pay. Indeed a fine instrument although a little correction can be made in the neck close to the body but I'll leave that to a pro.
The sound is great, warm and yet loud.
Playing it only in periods, as I pick it up after 2 years after non playing it hardly needs any tuning.
I'll never sell this beauty! Glad to have found others who feel the same...

Unknown said...

I know that Takeharu's are the best acoustic guitars in the world because in 1976 my girlfriend at the time gave me £500 to buy a guitar. This was the most amount of money I could have ever have conceived of getting in one lump in my whole life expectancy, and basically meant that I coukd buy just about any guitar I liked back then. Knowing that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I took myself trawling through the West End of London, trying out a tidal wave of Martins, Gibsons, Guilds, you name it. There were some superb guitars in there, but I knew that it had to be a perfect love, a mating for life, so I just couldn't bring myself to say 'I do'.

Then I saw this strange unknown brand up on a wall in Boosey & Hawkes. I handed back the Martin that had just failed the audition by a whisker and said I'd try it. With the first strum, both my girlfriend and I just shivered. It was love at first sight, followed by disbelief when the sales assistant told me the price. "Surely you've left a zero off that?” . Assuring me that he hadn't, I emerged from the shop with a six string and it's 12 string sister, not to mention still over half ny original budget unspent.

Those shivers have never stopped to this day, and the axe never fails to get gasps from everybody who hears or plays it. I just keep buying them when I find them, because I would be brokenhearted to ever be without one.

Just superb, beautiful instruments!

Mich said...

We just got a WK 65 D. Would anyone know where we can find out more info? Manufacturing, value, etc. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

I'll buy it , Ryan from Canada

Bloodyozzy said...

Hey Tak/Suzuki lovers, what would be a sensible price for a WT-300 in 8/9 out of 10 condition be in today's market? Thanks in advance, Brad