About Wes Coleman Expertise I can answer any question regarding the repair, maintenance, and some alternate and exotic tunings. I can answer some questions regarding the history of your guitar, but not how much it will sell for. I can also answer questions regarding playing in various styles, and various influences. My influence include, Slash, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Malcolm Young, and Randy Rhoads.
Experience 5 year worth of customizing, repairing, and maintaining, and 10 years playing.
Education/Credentials Training under my uncle. He is an accomplished guitar tech.
Expert: Wes Coleman Date: 4/9/2008 Subject: what model is my Takamine 12 string
Question QUESTION: I have a Takamine 12 string that does not appear to have any obvious signs
of which model it is. I Purchased it at a San Diego area Guitar Center (I think.
Located downtown SD on 5th ave. possibly, maybe. ) around 1972-'75. The
only label on it is in the sound hole commanding one to "use light gauge or
silk and steel strings only!" It also sports the Takamine & Co. est. 1962 logo
on the headpiece in gold colored Martin-esque script. Dreadnought body.
Not 100 on the woods involved but I am 100 sure it has a fairly detailed
inlay up the middle of the back of the body. Some black & white pinstripe
inlay around the edge of the top. Looks to be a Rosewood neck with pearly
looking fret marks at 5,7,9,12,15 and 17th frets. Also Rosewood tailpiece(?) It
DOES NOT have an adjustable tension rod thru the neck. It has/had faux gold
plated machines which are in 2 assemblies (6 strings each) Came with your
standard black pick guard which I replaced on the way home from the store
with a tasty M.O.P. inlayed Hummingbird pick guard. This instrument
sounded good when I bought it ( $250.00-ish) and has improved with age. I
like to tune it way down Leo K style. Of course as I am a drummer, then any
thing sounds sound good to me right? I'm not interested in its value as it's
not going anywhere. Any input is greatly appreciated.
ANSWER: If you can provide me with a serial number, I can find out the date of manufacture for you. I may be able to decipher the model for you, as it is hard to find one going on description. This way I can give you accurate information. Thank you for your question!
-Wes
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Firstly, Thank you very much for your speedy response!
Secondly, just where would one find this alleged mfg. serial number. It is not
in any of the usual places, ie; out in the open where one can plainly SEE it.
Could it be under the cautionary 'string gauge warning label' or hidden away
in the deep dark recesses of 'the sound hole?' (a task possibly requiring the
use of a lighted probe and mirror on a long flexible telescopic shaft to extract
the information needed? This is getting interesting ...
Answer I'm honestly at a loss as to where to find the serial number. I would take to to an appraiser and get him to look at it. More than likely, he will be able to find your model out by looking at it thoroughly. I hope you have good luck in finding the information you are looking for! Best wishes!
-Wes
