Takamine TD-204 Dreadnought 1987
Takamine TD-204 dreadnought, made in Japan 1987. This is a lovely example of a vintage Tak; they have made so many beautiful guitars over the years. This model is loosely based on Martin dreadnoughts, but it's sporting a gorgeous body of flamed sycamore... phwoar. Sycamore is a naturally light coloured wood, so this has stained to a rich red-brown mahogany, which brings out all the grain lines nicely. Aside from looking superb, this has a lovely mellow tone. It's understated: snappy enough to get your notes and chords out with crisp clarity, but it's all gooey warm mids and round, juicy lows. It's a great rhythm guitar, chords just sound better than they do on other guitars. The neck is straight and a comfy moderate C profile, it's easy to get along with and just works nicely. The hardware is good quality and the ebony bridge is a really nice touch. These are seldom seen outside Japan, so if you're hankering for a classy dark strummer, welcome this saucy item into your home and enjoy it for the next few decades.
Model: Takamine TD-204
Made: Japan, 1987 (serial 87101958)
Finish: mahogany stained flamed sycamore, gloss poly
Body: dreadnought style shape; laminate sycamore, ebony bridge
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fingerboard, dovetail joint, 25.5" scale, 15" radius
Weight: 2.150kg
Pickup: none
Mods: none
Case: basic non-original vintage hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor scuffs on the end and some dimples on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a few dimples along the middle of the body and some widespread light scuffs and surface scratches, no major marks. The sides have minor dimples and light scuffs around the whole body, no major marks. The front is pretty tidy, just a couple of dimples near the fretboard on the lower horn and behind the bridge as well as some standard play wear on the horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10).
Playing condition notes: action is moderately, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Frets look nice and even and in pretty good shape, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 12/54 Moonshiners strings.