Takamine

Takamine Gakki Co., Ltd., known simply as Takamine, is a Japanese manufacturer of acoustic guitars and other stringed instruments. The company specializes in steel-string acoustics and electro-acoustic guitars that incorporate built-in pickups and preamps, designed for performance and stage use. Takamine instruments are distributed worldwide and are commonly used by touring musicians.

The company traces its origins to the late 1950s in Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture, an area renowned for instrument making. It began as a workshop producing guitar components and gradually expanded into complete instruments. Through the 1960s and 1970s, Takamine established a reputation for reliable, affordable guitars, and in subsequent decades it broadened its range to include numerous electro-acoustic models. Production has historically involved facilities in Japan and, in later years, manufacturing in other countries to meet global demand.

Product lines emphasize built-in electronics, with preamps, tone controls, and volume adjustment integrated into the guitar body. Models cover various body shapes and price points, including standard cutaways and performance-oriented designs favored by live performers. The brand is noted for its consistency of tone and robust construction, making Takamine a common choice for gigging musicians, studios, and educators.

In the market, Takamine competes in the mid-range to professional segment, offering instruments that balance price, playability, and on-stage reliability. The brand maintains a global network of distributors and service centers, with ongoing development in pickups and on-board electronics.