Terada W513 12-String Acoustic

Picked this guitar up for #110 last week at an Antiques fair. Couldn't believe the price when I saw the quality of the instrument and heard the sound. Was told it was bought secondhand in the 60's and had been in the sellers possession ever since. 20 frets with average wear, looks like a solid spruce top with mahogany table, sides and neck and a rosewood fingerboard, finished with rectangular pearl inlays. Dreadnought style. Plastic string buttons in a rosewood tailpiece, turners rather cheap looking with some wear on the 4 D&G pegs.Slimline neck with no warp.Scratch plate with Hummingbird design.

No electrics, sound beautiful, even with the old strings still fitted, clear and bell like

Superb action, almost too close, but no fret buzz anywhere. Finish is what you would probably expect from a 40 yo + guitar, quite a few minor knock and scratches, but no serious damage all inlays nicely yellowed but snug as the day they were fitted. Standard cherry sunburst finish with headstock lacquered black. This guitar has been finished as well as any Gibson acoustic I've seen

Does feel rather lighter than I would have expected, but if it's lasted this long in this condition, and it has obviously been used plenty over the years then it must be pretty durable. Some of the lacquer on the top bout looks like it is starting to sink into the grain

I understand the Terada compnay still make guitars for Epiphone, but as yet haven't been able to find a site which will accurately date the instrument. Any decent lutier should be able to effect any repairs if ever necessary

This is the best 12 string I've ever played, its action and neck wouldn't be out of place on a Les Paul. As a copy of a more expensive Gibson it's hard to see how it could be bettered, especially in terms of it's sound and playability. Wish I could get some more history on it though

Japanese, looks like it was manufactured in the 70's. 19 frets, Laminated top, Acoustic, not sure of the body and neck woods, could be a rosewood fretboard with a 2 colour Sunburst finish. Wooden bridge and plastic nut with a zero fret. Standard acoustic shaped body, Square pearl fret markers with a fat neck. Picked it up from a jumble sale in bad condition and fixed it up, bought a cheap clip-on pickup from Maplin for it.

I usually play it acoustically, but it sounds sweet through a clean amp, or with extra chorus and reverb effects. It has a bright, full sound, not very variable, and its only really any good for playing chords as with most 12-Stringed guitars. Its sound counter balances any variablity downfalls.

The guitar itself was in bad condition when I bought it, but now its been re-fitted, its tidy and looks good. Its a very well built guitar, with amazing action, no body warping, which is common in most guitars of similar age and style. No fret wear, and only one had sprung a little when I got it.

The finish is still 100% perfect, and it has a new scratch plate. It is the most durable guitar I have. Its reliable, I've only had one string snap so far, and its travelled down to Spain on a camping holiday with me. The strap buttons fine, and is great for small perfomances.

Terada... well, ive looked everywhere, but cant find them. Probably out of business.

I've played guitar for about 3 years and have been playing this guitar for a year or so now. Its an excellent guitar, and I rate it highly. Not bad for #3!