This 1977 Takamine F-365MS is a wonderful example of the Japanese “lawsuit-era” guitars of the 1970s, when makers such as Takamine were building remarkably close interpretations of established American designs. In this case, the inspiration is unmistakably Guild: a large-bodied jumbo with a spruce top, maple back and sides, ornate appointments, and the kind of big, immediate voice associated with Guild’s F-series guitars.
These early Japanese Takamines have developed a following for good reason. They were not simply inexpensive visual copies; many are genuinely excellent instruments, with substantial construction, strong projection, and their own vintage character. This one has a huge, lively sound with plenty of low-end presence, clear mids, and a bright top end that keeps the guitar from becoming woolly when strummed hard.
There is one important caveat. The neck angle is beginning to reach the point where a neck reset will likely be appropriate in the future. Because the heel and neck joint were finished over at the factory, much like the Guild construction it emulates, performing that work would be considerably more invasive than a conventional neck reset. For that reason, we have chosen not to undertake it and are offering the guitar as is and priced accordingly.
At present, it remains playable, fun, and genuinely great sounding. For someone who wants a vintage jumbo without paying vintage Guild money, this is a lot of guitar.
Professionally inspected and set up by Daymaker Music before sale for the best playability possible within the instrument’s current neck geometry
Free shipping on instruments within the continental United States
Includes Hardshell Case
This 1977 Takamine F-365MS is a wonderful example of the Japanese “lawsuit-era” guitars of the 1970s, when makers such as Takamine were building remarkably close interpretations of established American designs. In this case, the inspiration is unmistakably Guild: a large-bodied jumbo with a spruce top, maple back and sides, ornate appointments, and the kind of big, immediate voice associated with Guild’s F-series guitars.
These early Japanese Takamines have developed a following for good reason. They were not simply inexpensive visual copies; many are genuinely excellent instruments, with substantial construction, strong projection, and their own vintage character. This one has a huge, lively sound with plenty of low-end presence, clear mids, and a bright top end that keeps the guitar from becoming woolly when strummed hard.
There is one important caveat. The neck angle is beginning to reach the point where a neck reset will likely be appropriate in the future. Because the heel and neck joint were finished over at the factory, much like the Guild construction it emulates, performing that work would be considerably more invasive than a conventional neck reset. For that reason, we have chosen not to undertake it and are offering the guitar as is and priced accordingly.
At present, it remains playable, fun, and genuinely great sounding. For someone who wants a vintage jumbo without paying vintage Guild money, this is a lot of guitar.
Professionally inspected and set up by Daymaker Music before sale for the best playability possible within the instrument’s current neck geometry
Free shipping on instruments within the continental United States
Includes Hardshell Case
