Takamine EA-360 Flying A

Sounds like my Flying A is the same configuration as the original reviewer. Top is book matched as is the back with side binding and inlaid center back strip. The case was specifically designed for the guitar with a black vinyl exterior and gold fur interior. The case is a large stretched triangle fitting the guitar perfectly.

As an acoustic the sound is amazing. I would differ in saying that mine has a rich bass tone as well as vibrant highs which you would not expect from the shape of the guitar. It is also amazing when amplified and has unbelievable character.

This is an amazing piece of work. Down to every detail. The front and back are perfectly book matched and the binding and back inlay are perfect. In 24 years of owning this guitar I have noticed no flaws at all.

I have played this guitar live many times. It is as solid an acoustic as I have ever found. I never had a problem with temperature affect, the finish is still perfect with the exception of minor satin scuffing at the pick guard. The strap peg was unique at the bottom of the guitar because it was one of the first to be combined with the cable input. I did have to get it replaced about 10 years ago due to wear. I installed my own locker peg at the top of the A on the body and it's always been great. The only problem I have with this guitar is keeping an eye on it because everyone wants to take it home.

I purchased mine new in 1984 for $280 with case. That was a lot for me then. This was the most amazing acoustic in the shop and they couldn't move them because of the shape. The case was specifically designed for the guitar with a black vinyl exterior and gold fur interior. The case is a large stretched triangle fitting the guitar perfectly. I only needed to get the cable input replaced many years ago and it was an easy fix.
I spoke with Takamini directly about 13 yrs ago about this guitar and it's worth at the time. They dodged me for several months claiming they never made the guitar. Later an article appeared in Acoustic Guitar magazine with a pic of the guitar that belonged to the owner of Kaman, stating that only about 4000 were made to compete with the Ovation market. They were discontinued due to poor sales. Takamini then stated the worth of the guitar would be what it would cost to have one custom built. Each was also stamped with the month, day and year of it's birth inside the sound hole at the base of the truss rod. But in short, I have not needed to have work done on this beauty in 24 years and don't anticipate ever needing anything done that could not be fixed at a quality guitar shop.

I've been playing for 30 years and have a Carvin AC-175 custom as well. My beater guitar is a sticker covered, aluminum necked Applause. Many other guitars have come and gone. The 'A' was one of my first guitars and I have never regretted getting it. If it were ever stolen I would try to find another while hunting down the bastard and arranging for a very painful restitution. I love everything about this guitar. It's beautiful, different and sounds amazing.

This guitar -- built in 1983 -- is a beautiful, rare, and great sounding treat. The Takamine Flying A -- which looks like a Gibson Flying V on steroids -- was only made for a few years, supposedly about 800 came off the Japanese assembly line. Solid spruce top, nicely figured rosewood back and sides, excellent mahogany neck (14 frets clear of the body, 20 total) with rosewood fingerboard and headstock overlay -- very much a Martin vibe, except for the shape! Also has onboard preamp (three controls: gain, bass, and treble) and pickup so you can plug in and be heard over your drummer! Mine is a natural finish -- looks fabulous! These were also made with painted finishes -- saw a candy apple red one on eBay recently. Tuners are stock -- not the best -- takes a while for tuning to stabilize after a string change. I would swap them for something better if I wasn't so hung up on keeping this guitar bone stock. This guitar gets a 10 for overall versatility and eye appeal.

Sounds great -- my only problem is that, because of the shape of the guitar, bass response suffers. Highs and midrange rule. If you're looking for a boomy D-28 sound, look elsewhere. Overall, though, I was very pleasantly surprised with the acoustic sound -- excellent plugged in as well. Clean and bright. I really like miking the guitar and running the onboard pickup through the PA at the same time with a little bit of chorus/delay. Minus one point for the limited bass response.

Excellent -- very nice craftsmanship. I assume that this was mostly made by hand because of the unique shape. What's really great is that the shape allows you to play REALLY high up the neck. This is the best playing acoustic I've ever had -- I'm a lead player and I love playing lead on this guitar. I can't say the same for playing lead on the (many) Martins I've owned over the years.

This thing is solid as a rock. Gotta be careful, though -- those wings sticking out the back will clunk on stuff if you don't keep an eye on where you're going. Gonna give this a 9, however, because of the lame tuners. I'm worried about them.

No idea.

I'm a total guitar head. Been playing for at least 30 years and have owned four or five Martin acoustics, a couple of Gibsons, plus more electric guitars than I can remember (Les Pauls, Teles, Strats). Have also been through lots of amps -- Fender tweeds, brownface and blackface, and now Marshall. I was not familiar with this guitar -- it is quite rare -- but saw a photo of my rock hero Mitch Easter with one and decided I just had to have it. Prowled the ads and eBay for months and finally found this one. If this one were stolen, I would immediately start the search for another. Plays great, sounds great, and over the top stage presence. Oh, and the price was right. This one gets a 10 overall!