Takamine

Takamine is a Japanese guitar manufacturer headquartered in Sakashita, Nakatsugawa, in Gifu Prefecture. The company is widely associated with steel-string acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars, particularly instruments built around its proprietary under-saddle Palathetic pickup and onboard preamplifier systems. Although the brand is now internationally recognized, its origins were comparatively modest: it began in December 1959 as a small classical-guitar workshop founded by Ozhone after the closure of his previous employment at a stringed-instrument factory in the Nagoya region. The workshop was located near Mount Takamine, a geographical feature that later supplied the company with its name. The business was renamed Takamine Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in 1962 as it expanded from a five-person workshop into a larger local manufacturer. During the 1960s, Takamine increased its workforce and broadened production, including mandolins, while Japan experienced growing interest in guitars and folk music. Mass Hirade joined in 1968 as chief developer and production manager. His work on design, construction, and manufacturing helped establish the technical direction that later distinguished Takamine instruments. Other important figures in the company’s development included craftsman Mitsuo Furui and sales and product specialist Mituyasu Ohno. Takamine’s international development accelerated in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The company briefly manufactured instruments associated with Martin’s Sigma Guitars program before pursuing a stronger independent identity. In the United States, distribution through Kaman Music, formerly Kaman Music’s predecessor organization, helped make Takamine instruments more widely available. The brand also gained visibility through professional musicians, including Glenn Frey, whose use of a Takamine 12-string guitar became closely associated with the recording of the Eagles’ “Hotel California.” A major turning point came in the 1970s, when Takamine concentrated on solving the practical problem of amplifying acoustic guitars in increasingly large and loud concert environments. The company introduced its Palathetic pickup in 1978, with the first officially released instrument using the system arriving in 1979. The design uses separate shielded piezoelectric elements associated with the individual strings and places them beneath the bridge and saddle. This approach became a defining part of Takamine’s acoustic-electric architecture and supported the company’s reputation for dependable amplified acoustic performance. The brand continued to develop electronics during the 1980s and 1990s. Its AAP preamplifier introduced parametric equalization, while later digital systems offered effects and programmable presets. Takamine also developed a modular “SoundChoice” approach that allowed different preamplifier configurations to be associated with compatible instruments. In 1987, the company began its Limited Edition series, consisting of small annual runs with distinctive finishes, inlays, electronics, and themes. Between 1983 and 1985, it also produced a limited range of solid-body electric guitars and electric basses, although acoustic instruments remained its central business. During the 1990s, Takamine expanded its product range with lines such as Supernatural, Nashville, Tradition, and Hirade, while introducing signature instruments associated with artists including Steve Wariner, Garth Brooks, and John Jorgenson. The company added laser-guided CNC machinery in 1993, complementing its hand craftsmanship and enabling greater consistency in intricate inlay work. The G Series was developed as a more accessible range made outside Japan under Takamine’s quality standards, with varied body shapes, woods, finishes, and simpler proprietary electronics. In the 2000s, the company combined new electronics with continued emphasis on traditional construction. Its CT, or “Cool Tubes,” preamplifier family, introduced in 2004, used tube technology in an onboard acoustic-guitar amplification system. Takamine also opened a new factory and headquarters in Sakashita in 2005. Artist-associated models continued to appear, including instruments connected with Kenny Chesney, Glenn Frey, and Toby Keith. Since March 2015, ESP Guitars has handled Takamine distribution in the United States and Canada; ESP also became responsible for distribution in Mexico in October 2024. Takamine remains an active specialist guitar brand with a global presence and a product identity centered on Japanese-made acoustic instruments, acoustic-electric performance, electronics, and artist models.

Takamine traces its history to December 1959, when Ozhone established a small guitar workshop in Sakashita after losing his previous position at a stringed-instrument factory during the disruption caused by Typhoon Vera. The workshop initially employed five guitar makers and concentrated on classical guitars. Because the premises stood near Mount Takamine, the growing business adopted the Takamine name in May 1962. By that point, the company had expanded to approximately 30 employees and was beginning to establish itself in the Japanese market. In 1965, Takamine expanded again, reaching approximately 60 employees and adding mandolin production. This growth coincided with increasing popularity for guitar playing and folk music in Japan. Mass Hirade joined the organization in 1968 as chief developer and production manager. He played a central role in improving Takamine’s designs and manufacturing methods and later became president in 1970. Mitsuo Furui and Mituyasu Ohno were also associated with the company’s craft, sales, and product-development activities during this formative period. Takamine’s route to international recognition included a short-lived manufacturing relationship connected to Martin’s Sigma Guitars program. In the late 1960s, Martin sought Japanese production for lower-priced instruments based on its designs and reached Takamine through Coast Wholesale. The partnership ended after Martin’s relationship with Coast Wholesale changed in 1968, but the experience exposed Takamine to international distribution and production requirements. The company subsequently pursued its own brand identity in the United States, with Kaman Music serving as a major distributor for more than four decades. During the early 1970s, Takamine worked to move beyond its primarily domestic market. Its instruments gained exposure through American distribution and through professional players. Glenn Frey’s use of a Takamine EF400S 12-string guitar during the recording associated with “Hotel California” became one of the brand’s most frequently cited moments of artist visibility. At the same time, Takamine was developing technologies intended to make acoustic guitars more practical for amplified performance. The most important technical milestone was the Palathetic pickup, introduced in 1978 and first fitted to a commercially released model in 1979. The pickup uses six separately shielded piezoelectric elements positioned beneath the bridge plate, with the elements transferring string vibration through the saddle. Takamine developed the system to provide reliable amplification for acoustic instruments in large concert settings. Ry Cooder contributed feedback during the development process after Takamine examined a steel-string guitar associated with luthier Lloyd Baggs. The relationship later helped connect Takamine’s electronics work with the broader acoustic-amplification community. Takamine expanded its electronics in the 1980s. The AAP preamp introduced parametric equalization, and later digital systems designed with Korg incorporated reverb and programmable presets. The company also developed the SoundChoice concept, allowing some instruments to accommodate alternative preamplifier modules. From 1983 to 1985, Takamine produced a limited selection of solid-body electric guitars and electric basses, some using components such as DiMarzio pickups, Floyd Rose or Kahler tremolo systems, and Gotoh tuners. Acoustic instruments, however, remained the core of the brand. In 1987, Takamine began its annual Limited Edition program. These guitars were produced in small quantities and distinguished by changing themes, decorative inlays, finishes, and electronics. During the 1990s, the company strengthened its artist-oriented strategy, introducing signature instruments associated with Steve Wariner, Garth Brooks, and John Jorgenson. In 1993, laser-guided CNC machinery was added at the factory, improving repeatability while supporting the company’s detailed inlay work. Product families introduced or emphasized during this period included Supernatural, Nashville, Tradition, and Hirade models. Takamine also created the G Series to offer more accessible instruments manufactured outside Japan. The range extended the brand’s body shapes, tonewoods, and finishes to a broader price spectrum while using simpler proprietary preamplifiers. This created a tiered portfolio alongside higher-end Japanese-made instruments and limited editions. The company entered the new millennium with both technological and traditional initiatives. After president Hiroshi Sugimura died, Ichiro Katayama returned to the company’s top leadership position in 2002. Takamine introduced the CT, or Cool Tubes, preamplifier family in 2004, applying tube technology to acoustic-guitar electronics. In 2005, it opened a new principal factory and headquarters in Sakashita, its historic home area. Further artist models followed, including instruments linked with Kenny Chesney in 2008, Glenn Frey in 2009, and Toby Keith in 2012. Since March 2015, ESP Guitars has managed Takamine’s distribution in the United States and Canada, and ESP assumed distribution responsibility in Mexico in October 2024. Takamine remains active as an internationally distributed guitar brand whose identity rests on acoustic craftsmanship, stage-ready electronics, Japanese production heritage, artist relationships, and a broad portfolio ranging from accessible G Series instruments to limited and signature models.

• 2024

  ESP distribution expands to Mexico

  [1]Takamine (guitar manufacturer)en.wikipedia.org

  ESP began handling Takamine distribution in Mexico in October 2024.

• 2015

  ESP takes over North American distribution

  [1]Takamine (guitar manufacturer)en.wikipedia.org

  ESP Guitars began distributing Takamine products in the United States and Canada.

• 2005

  New Sakashita factory and headquarters open

  [1]Takamine (guitar manufacturer)en.wikipedia.org

  The company opened a new main factory and headquarters in its home area of Sakashita.

• 2004

  CT Cool Tubes preamps are introduced

  [1]Takamine (guitar manufacturer)en.wikipedia.org

  Takamine launched its CT preamplifier family using tube-based technology in acoustic-guitar electronics.

• 1993

  Laser-guided CNC machinery is installed

  [1]Takamine (guitar manufacturer)en.wikipedia.org

  The factory introduced laser-guided CNC equipment to support consistency and detailed inlay production.

• 1987

  Limited Edition series begins

  [1]Takamine (guitar manufacturer)en.wikipedia.org

  Takamine began releasing small annual runs of decorated and technically distinctive limited guitars.

• 1978

  Palathetic pickup is introduced

  [1]Takamine (guitar manufacturer)en.wikipedia.org

  Takamine introduced its signature six-element under-saddle pickup system for amplified acoustic performance.

• 1968

  Mass Hirade joins Takamine

  [1]Takamine (guitar manufacturer)en.wikipedia.org

  Mass Hirade became chief developer and production manager, helping improve Takamine’s designs and production methods.

• 1965

  Mandolin production is added

  [1]Takamine (guitar manufacturer)en.wikipedia.org

  The company expanded its workforce and manufacturing lines to include mandolins.

• 1962

  The Takamine name is adopted

  [1]Takamine (guitar manufacturer)en.wikipedia.org

  The growing workshop was renamed Takamine Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in May 1962.

• 1959

  Original guitar workshop is founded

  [1]Takamine (guitar manufacturer)en.wikipedia.org

  Ozhone founded a small classical-guitar workshop in Sakashita in December 1959.

A specialist Japanese acoustic-guitar brand positioned around dependable stage amplification, refined construction, distinctive onboard electronics, professional artist use, and a balance between traditional lutherie and manufacturing technology.

• Acoustic-guitar pickup system · 1978

  Palathetic Pickup

  Takamine’s signature under-saddle pickup uses six separately shielded piezoelectric elements, corresponding to the six strings of a standard guitar. The elements are installed beneath the bridge plate and transfer vibration through metal contact points in the saddle. Introduced in 1978, the design became central to Takamine’s acoustic-electric instruments and was developed to provide stable, feedback-conscious amplification for live performance.

• Acoustic-electric guitar · 1979

  PT-007S

  The PT-007S was the first officially released Takamine guitar fitted with the company’s Palathetic pickup. It represents the transition from Takamine’s earlier acoustic-guitar production toward the stage-oriented acoustic-electric instruments for which the brand became internationally known.

• Limited-run acoustic guitars · 1987

  Limited Edition Series

  Takamine’s Limited Edition program consists of small annual production runs built by qualified in-house makers. Each release generally uses a different visual theme, finish, decorative inlay scheme, and electronics configuration. Nature, celestial, and other ornamental motifs have appeared across the series, which serves as a showcase for the company’s craftsmanship and design capabilities.

• Accessible acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars

  G Series

  The G Series extends Takamine’s design language to instruments manufactured outside Japan and aimed at a broader range of players. The family includes multiple body shapes, woods, finishes, and acoustic-electric configurations. It uses simpler proprietary preamplifier systems than many Japanese-made models while retaining Takamine branding and the company’s emphasis on dependable amplified performance.

• Classical guitars

  Hirade Series

  The Hirade line is associated with Takamine’s classical-guitar tradition and the influence of master luthier Mass Hirade. These instruments represent the brand’s continuing connection to traditional nylon-string construction alongside its better-known steel-string and acoustic-electric ranges.

• Acoustic-guitar preamplifier system · 2004

  CT Cool Tubes

  The CT, or Cool Tubes, family applies tube-based circuitry to onboard acoustic-guitar amplification. Introduced in 2004, it reflects Takamine’s effort to combine its acoustic-electric platform with a different approach to preamplifier tone and response.

• Electric guitars and basses · 1983

  Historical solid-body electric guitars and basses

  Takamine produced a limited run of solid-body electric guitars and electric basses from 1983 to 1985. Some models used body shapes reminiscent of established electric-guitar forms and were equipped with components including DiMarzio pickups, Floyd Rose or Kahler tremolo systems, and Gotoh tuners. This range was short-lived compared with the company’s acoustic business.

• 1970

  Headstock design dispute and so-called lawsuit-era guitars

  In the early 1970s, some Takamine steel-string guitars used headstock and logo treatments that resembled designs associated with American manufacturers, including Martin and Guild. Martin sent Takamine a cease-and-desist letter concerning its headstock trademark. Despite the later collector term “lawsuit guitars,” the available account states that the matter did not proceed to formal litigation. Takamine subsequently altered details of its headstock design to establish greater visual distinction.

  Source

Read more

• 2015

  North American distribution moves to ESPStrategy

  Background

  Takamine reorganized its route to market in North America after a long period of distribution associated with Kaman Music.

  Action taken

  ESP Guitars assumed distribution for the United States and Canada beginning in March 2015.

  Aftermath

  ESP became Takamine’s principal North American distribution partner and later expanded that role to Mexico.

  Source

• 2004

  Introduction of CT Cool Tubes preamplifiersProduct launch

  Background

  Takamine continued to differentiate its acoustic-electric instruments through onboard electronics and alternative approaches to amplified tone.

  Action taken

  The company launched the CT preamplifier family using tube-based circuitry.

  Aftermath

  The CT range extended Takamine’s electronics portfolio while preserving the central role of its acoustic-electric platform.

  Source

• 1993

  Adoption of laser-guided CNC manufacturingStrategy

  Background

  Takamine wanted to improve production consistency while retaining its reputation for detailed inlay work.

  Action taken

  The factory introduced laser-guided CNC machinery to support precision manufacturing.

  Aftermath

  The technology complemented the company’s hand-building capabilities and supported more repeatable production.

  Source

• 1987

  Creation of the annual Limited Edition programProduct launch

  Background

  Takamine sought to highlight its craftsmanship and differentiate selected instruments through scarcity and distinctive decoration.

  Action taken

  The company began producing small annual batches with changing themes, finishes, inlays, and electronics.

  Aftermath

  The series became a recurring showcase for Takamine’s specialist construction and design work.

  Source

• 1978

  Launch of the Palathetic acoustic-electric platformProduct launch

  Background

  Large concert venues created demand for acoustic guitars that could be amplified reliably and consistently.

  Action taken

  Takamine introduced its proprietary Palathetic under-saddle pickup and integrated it into subsequent acoustic-electric models.

  Aftermath

  The pickup became one of the defining technologies of Takamine’s guitars and supported the company’s reputation among touring and recording musicians.

  Source

• 1968

  Pursuit of an independent Takamine identityStrategy

  Background

  After its manufacturing relationship connected with Martin’s Sigma Guitars program ended, Takamine faced the need to develop a stronger independent identity and international market position.

  Action taken

  The company moved toward strengthening the Takamine name and developing its own catalog, design language, and distribution relationships.

  Aftermath

  The change helped establish Takamine as an independent international acoustic-guitar brand rather than only a Japanese contract or partner manufacturer.

  Source

1. 1Takamine (guitar manufacturer)en.wikipedia.org