(SOLD) Takamine F375S Dreadnought Acoustic Natural 1975
Takamine F375S, natural gloss, made in Japan 1975. This is a really lovely dreadnought, it sounds and looks so classy. First up: this has been de-badged, so the headstock is black and the inner label is missing. The serial number is stamped on the neck heel, so that's visible, which allows for a reasonably accurate date of birth, and then we've been able to match up the specs to confirm the model number. The other thing to note on this model is the back and sides: the catalog lists them as 'jacaranda', which is a name commonly given to Brazilian rosewood on vintage Japan acoustics. The stunning three-piece D-35 style back and the richly coloured sized certainly appear like the Brazilian stuff, but owing to the restrictions around moving such rare timber, it's officially 'jacaranda'. The tone on deck is awesome: shimmering rich treble, complex earthy mids with heaps of attack and nuance and an assured, tuneful bass. The neck is slim and straight and the action is still nice and low after all these decades. Vintage Tak stuff is always well made, and this being a higher end model, it really does sound brilliant. Plus, a bit of mystery is good in life, no?
Model: Takamine F375S
Made: Japan, 1975 (serial 75113211)
Finish: natural, gloss poly
Body: square shoulder dreadnought style shape, solid spruce top, 3-piece laminate 'jacaranda' back and sides (likely to be Brazilian rosewood, unconfirmed)
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fingerboard, dovetail joint, 25.5" scale, 15" radius
Weight: 2.210kg
Pickup: none
Mods: none
Case: basic non-original hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end and both edges, as well as some scuffs on the front. The headstock decal is missing, there's no obvious signs of removal. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a few light scuffs on both shoulders, dimples near the bottom corner and a small scratch a couple of inches from the back edge of the body along the bass side divide inlay. The sides have some minor dimples on the top shoulder, elbow area and bottom corner. The front has some dimples in the elbow area and bottom corner, some play scratches around the bridge and guard, some light surface scratches on both shoulders and up from the soundhole and standard play wear on the guard and shoulders. Overall: very good condition (8/10).
Playing condition notes: action is moderately, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. The frets have some normal wear but are pretty even with no major issues, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 12/54 strings.