Takeharu G-85

Takeharu classical guitars were made by the Kiso Suzuki Violin Company of Japan. Like many of the Japanese guitars made in the 70s, the build quality is very high. The G-85 has a cedar top (laminated), two-piece mahogany back and sides, walnut neck and rosewood bridge and fretboard. The finish is high gloss with ornate rosette and bidge. The neck has fret markers at the upper edge; the logo is silkscreened in gold letters on the headstock. The tuners are chrome and of good quality with pearl colored plastic knobs. The nut and saddle are plastic.

The sound is very rich. The bass notes are full and resonant; the treble is equally strong. The guitar has good sustain. I was very impressed with the tone. It equals the tone of my high end Takamine classical guitar.

The MIJ build quality is evident throughout. The two-piece back is transected with contrasting wood binding. The rosette is intricate and perfectly fit. All seams, joints and bindings are flush and smooth. Braces ae scalloped and there is no evidence of glue residue in the interior. The label is perfectly centered and square within the body. Frets are well finished at the edges. The bridge fits perfectly. The high gloss finish is beautiful.

This is a 1973 classical guitar. The neck is still straight; the action is good. There is no deterioration due to age. This speaks to both build quality and owner care.

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I play many steel string and classical guitars and would rate this one as a very good, high quality instrument perfect for an ambitious or above average player who wants a classical in his/her collection. You will never need to apologize for this instrument as it can hold its own with guitars costing four times more. Though not a well known name, as with many of the MIJ guitars, it is a good instrument that is well made and worth owning if you can find one.