Journey to the beginning of Acoustic-Electric

Before 1978, the year Takamine first commercialized the acoustic-electric guitar, the most common method of amplifying an acoustic guitar was by way of an open microphone. This system greatly compromised on-stage performances and many popular American musicians of the era whose music relied heavily on acoustic guitar were feeling the stress. Yet the idea of any modification to the guitar’s body, such as drilling the hole to install an endpin jack, was unacceptable to many.

Yet, when a relatively new acoustic guitar company introduced an innovative, bridge-mounted pickup system with brown colored control panel that allowed true acoustic tone to be amplified throughout stadium-sized venues, the solution was largely accepted.

At a time when the standard design for acoustic guitars involved spruce tops combined with rosewood or mahogany, the early Takamine acoustic-electric guitar lineup included unique creations such as an all Hawaiian Koa model and a classical guitar-shaped steel-string.

It is in honor of these now validated features and characteristics from Takamine’s early days, that we have designed and hand-crafted THE 60TH and LTD2022.

It is our wish that the story of Takamine’s remarkable journey, from our inspired beginnings to present-day, be seen, felt and heard when experiencing these very special instruments.