1989 Takamine No. 8 Vintage Fan-Braced Classical Guitar, Spruce & Rosewood, Near-Mint w/ Case

Up for sale, a 1989 Takamine No. 8 in showroom clean, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Takamine’s elevated status in the classical guitar world is directly tied to master luthier Masaru “Ken” Kohno, widely considered the preeminent figure in the world of Japanese classical guitar luthiery, who oversaw Takamine’s guitar production from 1968 until the late ‘70s. Although this particular handmade instrument was crafted after the conclusion of Kohno’s tenure with Takamine, it bears all the hallmarks of his influence, with a Spanish-influenced design, (five) fan bracing, ornate marquetry, and premium construction.

Tonewoods include a solid spruce top paired with solid Indian rosewood back/sides and a mahogany neck capped with an ebony fingerboard. Tonally, this guitar is warm and sweet, with an airy openness befitting an instrument of this vintage, and there’s a dark, rich expressiveness to the tone that hearkens back to the “Spanish sound” guitars produced by the legendary luthiers like Fleta and Torres (unsurprising considering this instrument’s legacy; Kohno studied in Spain, at the altar of the aforementioned masters). The trebles have a vocal-like smoothness, with a complex, layered midrange and a punchy immediacy, balancing well with the almost earthy resonance of the wound strings. Weighing 3lbs 13oz, this No. 8 has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with normal tension strings and ideal action.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: Classical D, measuring .890” 1st fret, .995” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Ebony
-Frets: Slender, pristine
-Scale Length: 650mm
-Nut: 52mm
-Tuners: Ornate engravings, pearloid buttons
-Serialization: 89-prefix (1989 production) stamp on neck block

Body Specs:

-Wood: Spruce, Indian rosewood
-Bracing: Five fan
-Bridge: Rosewood
-String Spacing: 58mm (bridge)
-Label: “Guitarras Takamine Handcrafted,” model stamp
-Marquetry: Ornate rosette, multi-ply purfling, rosewood binding

Crack-free and exceptionally well-kept, there are just a few tiny marks on the gloss lacquer finish. The gloss on the neck profile is immaculate.

The original hardshell case is included.