Terada 712

I bought the huitar as a closeout in 1974 from Musicland. It is made in Japan and has 14 frets above the body. It has a solid spruce top and mahagony sides. It has retained a very bright finish with zero specific care. It is a full body (maybe dreadnought) with an adjustable bridge. The nut on the bridge has begin to sink in the middle somewhat and I will take it to the guitar store in search of the metal crosspeice that holds the bridge nut. The tuners are open and now show lots of oxidation, (still work fine). The neck is wide and comfortable and the fretboard rosewood.

I was really excited 30 years ago at the sound, which has improved every year. It is bright and full. Of all the guitars I have owned it is the most consistant and from tuning to tuning (months at least holds it tune).

When I bought it was perfect. The wood though not exciting is wel matched. It has an inlaid sound hole and binding and has not shown a hint of aging other that oxidation of the tuners. The only thing that detracts from the guitar is the logo which is a varnished over decal or painted logo.

I first played it live in 1975 at a ked party where tickets were sold for a live band and I showed up expecting to gig with friends around a fire...it has held up to every excursion it has been on. My only concern is the sinking cross piece holding the brudge nut. I am sure I can replace it and it will be pristine again...still sounds great and holds a tune. If I replace that piece 30 years from now I am sure it will still be a great guitar.

Musicland warrantied everything and as I worked there was not concerned. I would not expect Terda is still around. If they are I'll buy another guitar from them.

I have played for 35 years. I own an original 50's Harmony Holloywood (mint), a Lyle prototype all in Rosewood, an Epiphone Casino, a 1968 Classica, two crappy guitars from Besslers, a Teisco Bass 1971, an accoustic bass from Surf City, a couple low end classicals from the 70's (they age well and sound fantastic now), a cello, violin, banjo-uke, mandolin, banjo, trombone, a couple dozen harps and my Terada...had a matching 6 string that I traded in 1981 for a cherry 1959 Dynamic 88 Olds...wish I still had the the Terada.

Made in Japan, "Inspected by M. Terada". Serial number is 70674, so I'm guessing it was made in 1970. I bought it on a web auction about a month ago.
14/20 frets, pearl dot markers on face and top of fretboard.
The spruce top appears to be solid.
Gloss finish body and neck (Rosewood?)
Rosewood bridge with adjustable saddle.
Tuners are open gear - no brand.
Neck is thin with rosewood fretboard.

Strung with light (.09-.47) strings, it sounds good for the folk music I play. Very bright, full sound. A little weak in the bass, but with lots of harmonics and sustain. Sounds like a whole band playing.

The action is low and easy at the low end, good thru the middle. A little high at the upper end due to some bowing of the top at the bridge. The spruce top is supebly bookmatched, as is the back. The tuners are the weak link. Some are very stiff, others are smooth. Nut is not perfect, some material has chipped out between the strings, but it does not seem to affect the sound, and the grooves are still deep enough so that the strings stay in place.

The guitar seems to be fairly rugged. Strap buttons are solid and finish is nearly perfect. The tuners worry me a little. Haven' had it long enough to form much of an opinion.

I have not attempted to contact the company. They seem not to have their own website. There is a web site of users, and the implication there is that you have to know the language in order to contact them.

I've been playing since the early 50's. Wish I had been able to inspect it and see the chipped nut. Not sure that would have disuaded me, but would like to have known about it. If I had to replace it I would probably choose a higher level instrument. I love the sound, though. It seems like I should look over my shoulder to see who is playing with me!