Product: Tama 3555
Price Paid: US $550 used
Submitted
09/28/2003
at
08:00pm
by
Fragen
Features
:
8
Model 3555
Fine close-grained genuine solid spruce top
Nicely shaped mahagony neck for ease in playing
Selected, matched Indian rosewood back and sides with a center band of beautiful wood inlay
The bracing is all hand-shaped and sanded for excellent resonance and powerful tone
Really, that doesnt explain the unbelievable workmanship that went into these guitars, mine is a fairly basic guitar, no bells or whistles past the abalone around the binding on the sides. But it is an absolute work of art, the pearl inlay name, the dots, the binding - all done to perfection. It is just an acoustic dreadnaught so what features could you expect, oh yeah, the gloss finish is very nice.
Sound
:
10
Play a harmonic, go away, have a cup of tea come back and it will still be ringing. Not boomy, but plenty of base, like all good dreadnaughts.
I come every time I think about how good this little bitch sounds.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
A bit high, but then so are Martins, this is after all a copy of a Martin. But which one??
You would not find a flaw on these guitars when they were new, mine is 30 years old as solid as the day it was born, I mean solid, the finish is still immaculate (God knows what sort of life its lived, probably a very dull one under some "collectors" bed, but since I bought it last month, its learnt to live again.)
Not one flaw, Bookmatched,!, I cant even tell where the grain ends and the tree begins its done so god damn well. This must have been carved by a Japanese ninja.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
As I say, its 30 years old and looks immaculate, what more can I say. i think this guitar should be king.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I emailed Tama - the drum company...
"Can you tell me anything about these supe guitars you built"
no reply.
I checked there website where they had history of every model the built going back past the 60s, of course no mention of a single guitar ever being built. This only adds fuel to my theory it was carved by a super-human Japanese ninja living as a recluse at the summit of Mt Fuji, not showing his work because the guitars he was making were too good. So I can't give Tama an opinion because cleary Tama isn't Tama as I know it.
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been playing guitar a year now, this guitar shouldn't be mentioned in the same sentence as the Chinese crap I bought to learn on. It is much better than the Maton I tested it against at the shop.
Ive been playing music for a long time and so I know what a good sounding instrument is, Ive also played Martins and the ones I've played (new ones) don't come close to Mr. Tama.
Seriously to get this sort of tone, your going to have to buy an old Martin - but that wont cost $550 will it? certainly not in "As New" condition like this one, I mean it still has the plastic seal on the tuners, My God! i would be happy with this guitar even if I had paid over a 1000 for it.
