Takamine PTU431K Parlour Acoustic/Electric Natural 1995
Takamine PTU431K, natural koa finish, made in Japan 1995. These 90s-era Takamine koa-body parlours are such gorgeous little things, and there's just no way they could ever be made in this price bracket these days. Takamine call this body shape a New Yorker; it's similar to a Martin 00 or a Gibson LG-0, with a pretty compact shape and a 14th fret neck join. This one boasts a glorious top, back and sides all crafted from Hawaiian koa. Koa trees are so rare now that you have to be a certified indigenous Hawaiian to even get permission to visit the couple of mountain slopes where they still grow. Koa has a pretty distinctive voice: abundant clarity and attack on the high end, with a dry and airy midrange and an understated, fast bass. It's very articulate and sweet, perfect for fingerstyle stuff especially. Needless to say: it looks outstanding too, those grain patterns are absolutely brimming with amazing detail. The Palathetic pickup system was top-end at the time, and it works very nicely; it's got separate sensors for each string and things come out sounding pretty balanced and warm. This is a perfect couch companion or live gig supper-singer; they seldom last long around here.
Model: Takamine PTU408K
Made: 1995, Sakashita Japan
Serial: 54090032
Finish: natural, gloss poly
Body: Hawaiian koa top, back and sides, parlour size, 356mm across, 104mm deep
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fretboard, 24.8" scale, 12" radius, 43mm nut, 14th fret join, slim C shape
Weight: 1.910kg
Mods: none
Pickup: CT-4Bii preamp + 'Palathetic' system
Accessories: basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dents on the end and some scuffs on the back. The neck has minor rub wear only. The back has light scuffs on the shoulders and elbow area and a small dimple on the bottom edge. The sides have minor dimples on the top shoulder and bottom corner. The front has dimples in the elbow area, scuffs around the bridge and some play wear around the sound hole.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. Setup with 11/52 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 8/10, minor wear only