Takamine Serial Number Guide: What You Need to Know Before Buying or Selling
Takamine Serial Numbers: How to Decode and Date Your Guitar
Takamine is a well-known brand of acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars that has been producing quality instruments since 1959. If you own a Takamine guitar, you might be curious about its history and value. One way to find out more about your guitar is to look at its serial number. Takamine serial numbers can tell you when and where your guitar was made, as well as some of its features and specifications. In this article, we will explain how to find and decode your Takamine serial number, and what it can reveal about your guitar.
Takamine Serial Number
How to Find Your Takamine Serial Number
The serial number on a Takamine guitar can be found on the label inside the body of the guitar or on the label on the headstock. The label inside the body is usually located near the end pin. The label on the headstock is usually located on the back of the headstock . The serial number is typically an eight-digit number that is printed or stamped on the label.
How to Decode Your Takamine Serial Number
Depending on when your Takamine guitar was made, there are different ways to decode its serial number. Here are the two main methods:
Guitars Made from 1962-2012 (excluding G-Series)
Japanese-built Takamine guitars made between 1962 and mid/late 2012 can be reliably dated from the eight-digit serial numbers typically found at the neck block inside the instruments. The first two digits designate the year of manufacture, followed by two digits denoting the month. The remaining four digits denote the instruments sequential number of manufacture among all the instruments made during the month indicated. For example, serial number 07100091 indicates a guitar built in 2007 (07), in October of that year (10), and that it was the 91st guitar made that month (0091). Similarly, serial number 09050112 indicates the 112th guitar made during May 2009.
Guitars Made From 2012-Present (Excluding G-Series)
In mid/late 2012, US distributed Japanese-built guitars switched to the year designation that guitars distributed in Japan use. The first two digits represent the number of years from 1962 (1962 + 51 = 2013). The second two digits are the month (01). The last four is the sequential number from all guitars made that month. For example, serial number 51010999 indicates a guitar built in 2013 (51), in January of that year (01), and that it was the 999th guitar made that month (0999).
Why Takamine Serial Numbers Matter
Takamine serial numbers are not just random numbers. They can provide useful information about your guitar, such as:
The year and month of manufacture. This can help you determine the age and value of your guitar, as well as its warranty status.
The model and series of your guitar. This can help you identify the features and specifications of your guitar, such as the body shape, wood type, electronics, hardware, and finish.
The production number of your guitar. This can help you estimate how rare or common your guitar is, as well as its quality and consistency.
Knowing your Takamine serial number can also help you verify the authenticity of your guitar, especially if you are buying or selling a used one. You can compare the serial number with the official Takamine website or other reliable sources to make sure it matches the description and condition of the guitar.
How to Use Your Takamine Serial Number
Now that you know how to find and decode your Takamine serial number, you might be wondering how to use it. Here are some ways you can use your Takamine serial number:
To register your guitar with Takamine. This can help you get access to customer service, warranty support, and product updates.
To date your guitar with Takamine. This can help you learn more about the history and background of your guitar, as well as its place in the Takamine timeline.
To search for your guitar's manufacturing date with online tools. There are some websites that offer Takamine serial number lookup tools, such as Guitars Dater or Mozart Project . These tools can help you quickly and easily find out when your guitar was made.
To appraise your guitar's value with online guides. There are some websites that offer Takamine serial number guides, such as Six String Acoustic . These guides can help you estimate how much your guitar is worth based on its age, condition, and rarity.
What to Do If You Can't Find Your Takamine Serial Number
Sometimes, you might have trouble finding or reading your Takamine serial number. This can happen for various reasons, such as:
The label has fallen off or faded over time.
The guitar has been modified or repaired and the label has been removed or replaced.