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THE DE LI CA T E S OU ND B OA R D BA L ANCE
Spruce and cedar soundboards have been
used for well over a millennium, and the modern
bracing system has been around for at least
150 years. We use a traditional 'X' bracing
pattern on our steel strings, differently voiced
for each application.
Rather than take a radical departure, we make
I s There a P e r f e c t N e ck S hap e?
A hundred years ago, the wide classical shape
with a flat fingerboard was the only shape
considered "proper," but we've become more
open-minded since then. Some players feel you
can never be too thin, while others feel it's phat
to be fat. It's that personal taste thing again.
The Fre t S e c r e t
Most makers don't give frets enough credit -
or attention. A good fret job can help a player
reach new heights.
Examine the frets on a Takamine Tradesman.
What you see is the work of a laser-guided fret
finishing system that levels and crowns each fret
B ODY TAL K
A guitar body, with its many curves,
accommodates a wide range of frequencies.
Different body shapes favor different
frequencies giving them a distinct character.
Dreadnoughts are typically louder, with stronger
lows. Smaller bodies, like our NEX, tend to be
A PPO IN TMEN T S B Y DE L U XE
Takamine pioneered the use of uncommonly
artistic and complex inlays on guitars for
the common man. We have developed the
art of design and the craft of precise inlay
work far beyond the capability of most
other guitarmakers.
S K I N DE EP A N D M O RE
Your Takamine is beautiful on the outside, but beauty is more
than skin deep. Look inside and see for yourself. Finely sanded
braces and meticulously cut linings display a level of hand
craftsmanship that's fast disappearing from modern guitars.
many small changes that add up to a significant
difference in volume, balance and richness.
Takamine soundboards are braced and voiced
by hand. By tapping each top, a skilled luthier
knows just how to shape the braces for the best
possible response.
Takamine necks have an "asymmetrical 'C' shape" –
an ergonomic contour that's slightly thinner
on the treble side of the neck so that it fits the
natural shape of your hand. Overall, it's thin
from front to back, medium in width, with a gentle
fingerboard arch. Perfectly comfortable.
to within 0.0001" of dead-on. Fret a note.
Notice how the string contacts the centerline
of the fret perfectly. And hear the clarity when
you play. A good fret job can be the difference
between a nice guitar and a great guitar.
more balanced. A thinner body may project less,
but sound more pleasing to the player. Play as
many sizes as you can with comfort and sound in
mind. Your choice is very personal - what sounds
and feels best to you.
Look closely at Takamine rosettes and inlays.
This meticulous handwork is a highly visible
reminder of our commitment to excellence on
every part of our guitars.
There's a century-old phrase from the Arts & Crafts
movement: "Anything worth doing is worth doing well."
That spirit lives on today. At Takamine, we're
artisans and craftspeople at heart.
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