Tama Renaissance

I also have what I have always known as a "Tree of Life" Dreadnaught which I purchased new in 1977 in Auckland, New Zealand.
I beleive these to be extremly rare and I have never come across another one in 25 years of playing and talking to other guitar players in New Zealand.
It has all the finish as described by previous reviewers, however It is news to me that it is accociated with Ibanez! (I would walk over an Ibanez to get to a Tama!)

My Guitar is now well seasoned and just gets beter with age. I believe it would give a Marton of similar age a run for its money.

The action was originaly quite high, but some work on the nut and tail piece, both solid ivory, have produced a great, playable guitar. I also use extra light guage strings.

I have played my guitar live and on campiung trips and generaly used it and loved it as a friend, with no sign of the beautiful finish or tonal qualities being compromised.

Never had a problem

This was the First guitar I bought for myself, however I have owned various Accoustic Guitars, and played many over the years, but would never part with my Tama.

Just a short note for the guy who said no truss rod .
If you remove the nut, you just may find the adjustment device.

These are not very common. Beautifully detailed, top of the range acoustic made by Ibanez in 1977. It features Ivory and Abalone inlay of the fret board.as detailed in the previous review.
I didn't know what model it was until that review was posted. The only difference is the tuning pegs on mine are silver with a black star at the back rather than gold. Maple neck Ebony fret board, Spruce top and Rosewood sides and back
It has a really solid feel about it.
It came with case and this is still used though the hinges are now held together with paper clips.

It sounds good to me and better than any other acoutic guitar I've tried. Rich full sound, the neck has never warped

It seems to stay in tune for ever.

Finsh is superb.
I think the action is a bit high compared to a lot of newer guitar but once you get used to it not a problem.
The only flaw on this guitar is I can read the model name through the sound hole

This guitar is solid. It still looks brand new apart for a few small chips of varnish gone.
Never required anything to be fixed. Not like the epiphone I had before this which had a warped neck and machine heads lifting off after only 12 mths. I traded it in for this

Never had to contact them.

I started playing guitar in 1968, had three acoutic guitars before this. The first was totally crap and it was followed by a fairly cheap classical. I put a lot of money into an Epiphone acoustic which virtually fell apart in 12 mth and I was devastated. I vowed I would only get the best next time. This was the best I could afford and I think its proved it.

The Tama Renaissance is the top-of-the-line acoustic put out by Ibanez. They were trying to take advantage of the brand success of the Tama drums (Tama is a tribute to Hoshinko's wife - her first name). I believe it is 1976-77. Made in Japan

The guitar has the famous ivory and abalone inlaid "tree of life" running the entire length of the neck and peghead. It has fancy inlay on the ebony bridge and abalone inlay on all binding. The soundhole has similar binding.

The guitar has a German spruce top and solid rosewood sides and back. The neck is mahogany (no truss rod) with an ebony fingerboard.

The body shape is similar to a Martin. The gold tuning pegs are Gotoh and have the black star on the back. "TAMA" logo is mother of pearl inlaid.

The guitar and its original advertisement appear in a feature on vintage 70s Ibanez guitars in the Nov 01 issue of vintage guitar.
To quote the article "a very handsome guitar indeed". I'd give it a 10 just for beauty and craftmanship.

The sound of this guitar is exquisite. It has a balanced tone and excellent projection. The absence of a truss rod seems to make this guitar have no "dead spots". I have had this guitar for 23 years and it has never had neck warpage!! Love that ebony fingerboard.

I have recorded extensively with it and it has a sparkle and clarity that is unique.

The guitar plays like a dream. I had to have the first seven frets replaced from use. Despite no truss rod and Canadian swings in temperature and humidity, the neck has remained stright and true.

The guitar has survived 23 years of hard love including regular camping trips and other places where I should have left it at home.

Ithas never let me down and sounds better than ever. It has outlived the case (which was beautiful - green interior).

Never needed help from Ibanez. A little love along the way from a local luthier.

I have been playing in bands and recording for over 25 years. I have a large collection of vintage guitars and amps. I have a Gibson MK-72, a takamine, yamaha solid top 12 strings, and other acoustic instruments.

The Renaissance is my favourite hands down. If it were stolen I'd have to dedicate my life to tracking it down. To me its irreplaceable and I know of know other guitar with such beautiful inlay - except a D-45.