Takeharu

by John D.
(Orlando, FL)

First of all, thank you for looking into this for me. I have done a little bit of research online, but can't seem to find much more than a few paragraphs about the Takeharu guitars, let alone this specific model. I've donated $5 via paypal, but am unsure of how to verify this.

I've had this guitar for over 12 years, having received it as a thank-you for helping a friend clear out his deceased father's home. I am no longer in contact with that family, and have no real information about the original owner.

Guitar Info:

It is a small (3/4?) size classical guitar with what appears to be a solid top, back and sides. The headstock has the Takeharu Guitar logo, and the inside label reads:

Kiso Suzuki Violin Company
LADY Takeharu Special
Made in Japan

The following numbers are listed on the left side of the label, though i'm not sure which would be the serial number:

60305
LGT-31B

In-between those numbers is a machine-printed signature reading T. Yamamoto (Takeharu's name, according to my research), and on the opposite (left) side of the label, somewhat over the wording "Takeharu Special" is an actual ink signature matching the printed one, with what appears to be a Japanese symbol underneath. Could this be Mr. Takeharu's autograph? I'm including a picture of the label.

Again, thank you for your time on this. I've been interested in this guitar's origin, materials, and age for many years now. It sounds beautiful, and I doubt that I would ever sell it, but I'm not quite sure where it ranks amongst my other guitars' values.

ANSWER

Hi, John--

The Blue Book does not list these guitars. I was able to find numerous Takeharu owners on the internet who, like you, love the guitars but can't find any information about price.

The ones that did mention price were bought for $100-$350 and one that had sold,for $800.

As for materials, I was able to find out that many of these guitars were made with solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides and Rosewood neck, but there were other materials used. One had Rosewood back and sides, Mahogany neck and Rosewood Fingerboard.

In short, the Takeharu guitars seem to be very valued by their owners and seem to be of high quality, but for some reason are not selling for high prices.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help Maybe some of our readers will have more info.

Lynne

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