Takeharu Dove copy

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Takeharu Dove copy

by Ron Babin
(New Brunswick Canada )

From the label inside I know this guitar was made in Japan. Model number WK-65D Kiso Suzuki Co. ltd There also is another number 91020. Any info would be appreciated
Thanks
Ron babin

ANSWER

Hi, Ron--

This is a tough one--the Blue Book says only this about Takeharu guitars:

"Instruments previously produced in Japan during the early 1980s.
These good quality solid body and semi-hollowbody guitars featured original designs."

I was, however, able to find this information on the internet:

Mine was made by Suzuki Kiso in Japan in 1973 and except for a couple of very minor details is a very good copy of the Gibson Dove, as was played by Elvis Presley. I have been able to find 4 Gibson variants that Suzuki copied, the Dove and Hummingbird – identical guitars except for the pick guard (one has a dove on it, the other has a hummingbird), in black and cherry sunburst.

Suzuki made very high quality guitar copies between about 1960 (perhaps earlier) and 1975, and typical of the Japanese copy mentality of the time they were meticulous, so for mine it is almost certain that all of the Gibson specs were followed – probably why it looks and sounds so good. During that period there was a highly publicized court case about copies of Gibson guitars, which Gibson won but Suzuki was not one of the “copiers” that was in court. I tracked a genuine 1969 Gibson Dove for sale on ebay just before Christmas and it sold for around US$9500 in the US. I also tracked another copy Dove guitar circa 1975, for sale on ebay that was branded as a Suzuki Kiso. It sold for £650 in the UK. My guitar teacher uses a couple of very expensive guitars and he says that the tone of mine is better than both of his."

Takeharu guitar brochures are available at:

VintAxe

Here is a link to a review of the guitar:

Suzuki WK 65 D Takeharu

Best Wishes,
Lynne

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Takeharu Dove copy

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Aug 22, 2010
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Takeharu Guitar Model No. NK 65H
by: Rockers2Rockers

Hi, I live in New Zealand and have recently bought a Takeharu Guitar. Model No.NK65H, I think the 'H' makes reference to the humming bird on the 'tortoise shell'(not sure if it is real tortoise shell), pick gaurd. Others that have posted, say they have a dove on their pick gaurd, I notice have the letter 'D' at the end of the model number. Perhaps 'D' refers to a Dove model Takeharu. I paid about $90USD for my guitar. It is in very good condition for its age, with very few marks on the Cherry Burst paint. The neck is straight with the original frets. On close inspection of the trapezoid dual block position markers, I am convinced that they are genuine mother of pearl and not an imitation. The nut on my guitar is not plastic, I'm unsure what it is however a friend has a 60s Gibson HB, and the nut on his is ivory. I am told that apart from the adjustable bridge, the Kiso Suzuki Violin Company copied the Gibson Hummingbird in every way. Choice of materials, constuction techniques and methods, custom paint etc. I put medium gauge strings on mine tuned to concert pitch. The integrity of the body held, proving that the maker of these guitars were masters of their trade. It never will be a Gibson and Gibson did and still makes some beautiful guitars, but this Takeharu is oh so close. It sounds wonderful with a full rich tone and a voice that doesn't 'boom' from the sound hole. 'Oh she's litlle and she Loves me too much for words to say, when I see her in the morning sleeping...hummingbird don't fly away' wrote Jimmy Page in his song 'Hummingbird', now I understand. So please I would Love to know more if anyone does, please post it. Peace and Love to ya.

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Aug 22, 2010
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Submitted by: Rockers2Rockers

Title

Comment
Hi, I live in New Zealand and have recently bought a Takeharu Guitar. Model No.NK65H, I think the 'H' makes reference to the humming bird on the 'tortoise shell'(not sure if it is real tortoise shell), pick gaurd. Others that have posted, say they have a dove on their pick gaurd, I notice have the letter 'D' at the end of the model number. Perhaps 'D' refers to a Dove model Takeharu. I paid about $90USD for my guitar. It is in very good condition for its age, with very few marks on the Cherry Burst paint. The neck is straight with the original frets. On close inspection of the trapezoid dual block position markers, I am convinced that they are genuine mother of pearl and not an imitation. The nut on my guitar is not plastic, I'm unsure what it is however a friend has a 60s Gibson HB, and the nut on his is ivory. I am told that apart from the adjustable bridge, the Kiso Suzuki Violin Company copied the Gibson Hummingbird in every way. Choice of materials, constuction techniques and methods, custom paint etc. I put medium gauge strings on mine tuned to concert pitch. The integrity of the body held, proving that the maker of these guitars were masters of their trade. It never will be a Gibson and Gibson did and still makes some beautiful guitars, but this Takeharu is oh so close. It sounds wonderful with a full rich tone and a voice that doesn't 'boom' from the sound hole. 'Oh she's litlle and she Loves me too much for words to say, when I see her in the morning sleeping...hummingbird don't fly away' wrote Jimmy Page in his song 'Hummingbird', now I understand. So please I would Love to know more if anyone does, please post it. Peace and Love to ya.

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Jul 29, 2010
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WT65 1965 KISO SUZUKI VIOLIN CO
by: Anonymous

MY LUTHIER RATES THIS INSTRUMENT AMONG THE BEST HE HAS PLAYED WITH STRINGED INSTRUMENTS FOR THE LAST 42 YEARS HARRY BAKER PERTH. WA. AUSTRALIA

Oct 09, 2009
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Takeharu wk 65 D
by: Peter

Well
I have one of these. Put simply, unbelievable rich tone rings in the mid and bass is pronounced but not boomy. Sound box is a revelation. needs careful selection of the thin strings to get the right voice. Top strings are very sweet if finger picked, however pastic plectrum needs careful string selection to get the best sound from these thin strings. the Mid and bass strings just blow all the big name Americans to the weeds. Nothing touches this.

Sniff the Soundbox and after 40 years I can still smell the bloody timber like I am in a winery smelling a freshly made wine barrel. (I come from South Australia and we sit beside the best wine production areas in the world.) This thing smells like a new wine barrel.

Finger pickers delight because it plays so easily and the bass & mids come out with just a fine touch. Think James Taylor Fire and Rain sound at its best and you got this one.

I also have a Suzuki WT 65H 12 string from 1979, it is also just as unbelievable. Stands beside the best of any Martin 12.

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Takeharu Dove copy

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