As someone who doesn’t have a lot of money to throw around, I appreciate these videos covering hidden guitar gems

More from the dog please. Love the way he just sits and watches you play.

In 1982, when I was 15, my parents bought me my first guitar, a used 1975 lawsuit Takamine. A lot of guitars have come and gone over the past 41 years, but I still have that Takamine. It has aged wonderfully. It sounds better now than it ever has.

The reason that one sounds so good is it's an EF-360S. The "S" was for a solid spruce top, with laminated back and sides. The "E" indicates the electronics. So that aged spruce is (mostly) what you're hearing, and you got the exact model people seek out. The difference to a D-28 is obviously solid back and sides, which makes quite a difference as well. Nice find!

I had the good fortune of seeing Eagles play live many times since the early 70s when they toured with their highly collectible Martin guitars. On the Hotel California tour, they brought Takamines and left the Martins safely at home. As Rhett stated, from a distance they look like Martins. As a certifiable gear-head I have always taken binoculars to shows and I noticed at that show - those aren't Martins! A little known fact, the acoustic intro we hear on Hotel California is a Takamine. Here's a quote from Don Felder: "The acoustic guitar in the intro is a Takamine 12-string with a DeArmond pickup. We miked the acoustic and put that in the center of the mix. Then we took the pickup’s output and ran it though an Echoplex and a Leslie. We miked that in stereo so it has this left-to-right kind of swirling, ethereal characteristic.

I have several Japanese made acoustics from the 70’s that are Martin lookalikes and surprisingly so sweet sounding & easy playing. A couple I’ve had since the seventies…one’s a Gould another’s a Kasuga, a couple 1970 Epiphone’s that in 1970 were made in Japan instead of kalamazoo, Michigan that I purchased for next to nothing. The Japanese really knew how to make great guitars, still do!

I met David Crosby in 1991 backstage at a CSNY show in Saskatoon, SK Canada Joni Mitchell"s hometown. I told David I loved his vintage Martin's and their tone. I mention I just bought a used 70's lawsuit Takamine copy of one of his. He said those early Takamines were very good guitars with a few he played sounding as good as some of his old Martins. It was a super cool night. CSN gave their band the night off after Joni's parents, during dinner at there place, said they loved it when they played their early songs just 3 piece acoustically. They were promoting a new album but changed the set list and their set up for Joni's parents. It was the only time on that whole tour they did that.

As a long time owner of a lawsuit era F360S, it's nice to see these guitars getting their due. They are fantastic value for the money!

Sadly, mine disappeared in 2017. Beautiful tone and voice. It was a gift in 1974, used, from my brother in law, meant to bring me back to life. It worked. I fell in love with it, returned to playing, recording and touring.

That was great Rhett, really enjoyed! Have a wonderful week my friend!🎷🎷

What a great find! That takamine you picked did sound better than the other one. Such a great dry vintage sound 👍

My mom gave me her Takamine D-28 copy when I was still my teens -- the 1980s. Fast forward to 2015 or so, when I had been playing with younger guys in The Big Idea: they see my "old Martin knockoff" and I heard for the first time "Lawsuit Takamine." It now stays in the home studio. At some point it became priceless to me, anyway. Takamine & Co. F-360S, July 1977. I now have a "Mystery Martin" (copy with no information, no numbers, to be found on it anywhere, no name on the headstock ...) that I use to play out and about that also sounds.. amazing. But that's a different story, eh?

Had a lawsuit era 12-string that sounded phenomenal. These are fantastic finds!

I have one from ‘78. It’s my go-to acoustic. I also have an early 80’s Japanese electric that just kills called an Aria Pro 2 cs-400. Currently my go to electric.

I haven't been to a Music-Go-Round in years and years. I just searched their website after watching this video and found a 70's EF-340 for $50 less than you got yours. It has mahogany back and sides, and an unbound fretboard (I guess like a D-18). I called the shop and had someone look it over. They said the neck was solid, and other than a few dings from its nearly 50 years of age, it is in very good condition. It should be on its way to me soon.

Nice find Rhett and your dog just loves the sound as well 🐶

These are great! I'm lucky to have my dad's 1976 Takamine F385 12 string that he bought new in 1977. Records like a champ, and sounds better then any of the Martins I've played.

You always give out very good vibe ...always inspiring lots of respect and love to you❤️🔥

My uncle got a “Lawsuit Tak”, in the late 70’s & that axe had such a smooth & gentle sound but had really good volume as well. Your spot on when speaking about the Tak’s! Great video!!

Takamine have been a very popular acoustic here in the UK since at least the 80s. Ive worked with quite a few singers who've sworn by them.

As we learned recently from Paul David’s video, we aren’t always hearing expensive guitars on recordings. More and more session guitarists are using Squiers and amp modelers. I dig it.

I love old Japanese guitars. I have way more cheap guitars around the studio than I do expensive ones, the mic doesn't care what something costs.

The Takamine has a gorgeous sound.... reminds me of a lot of great 70s records by artists like Bread. Definitely a keeper!

When my Dad passed back in April, he left me a Martin and an Arbor Acoustic from 1978 Based on a D-35. Same deal. Has the Martin style stamp on the brace inside the sound hole. Sounds and records fantastic. Like a Vintage Martin. Maybe not a Pre-war but a Martin from the 70’s.

I tend to like the build quality and sound of Japanese guitars. One of my guitars is a 1989 Takamine 6-string and was looking at a new Takamine 12-string. I saw your video with you holding the lawsuit 12-string and decided that I needed to check it out. I headed off to Music-Go-Round, played the guitar and wow, what a sound. So much better sounding than the new model. I bought it, took it home and proceeded to go over it. I did a bit of work to it cleaning things up and I replaced the worn bridge saddle. I also installed a LR Baggs Anthem since I find Takamine electrics too brittle sounding. It now looks, plays and sounds fantastic! Thanks Rhett for pointing me in that direction. I'm a happy boy!

I had a 1973 F-360 (a D-28 clone but with a laminated spruce top and rosewood fingerboard and bridge instead of ebony) that served me well through my college days in the early-mid 1990s but I took poor care of it. I put it in storage but neglected to loosed the strings and the glue holding the neck block in place softened, causing the block to slip and the neck angle to degrade. The binding bridge and binding came loose as well. I paid to have it repaired but it still didn't last longer than a few more years and it inspired me to take up luthiery as a hobby. I read about Martin construction techniques and attempted to apply the same neck reset process but found out quickly that the similarity to an actual Martin D-28 is simply cosmetic. For starters, I discovered that the neck joint is not a dovetail neck joint - or even a mortise/tenon; it is a but joint held in place by five wooden dowels. I also had access to a Martin store display top and intended to replace the bellied laminate top with a solid spruce one. When I routed off the old top and compared it with the Martin top I discovered that the Takamine braces were much thicker and not scalloped. In addition, the bridge plate (which on a Martin is typically maple) was actually an oversized piece of spruce - which is a soft wood and was likely the reason why the top bellied so much. I still have the guitar but it's in three pieces. I've since built a couple of guitars but never repaired one. I'm wavering if I should take the chance with it. PS: eventually I replaced it with a real but low end Martin D-16GT but that guitar is a mahogany/sitka dreadnought with a satin finish on the back and sides and faux ebony bridge and fingerboard. I was able to play them side by side before the Tak met its demise and even the newer guitar sounded much better to my ear.

Had a 1979 just like it ! Lawsuit era ! Built like a D-28 and had the original tak electronics and still worked ! Found it in a small shop! Coolest part was the original owner owned a guitar shop but had died of cancer ! His daughter wasn’t able to keep any of his guitars and I was able to return it to her as a gift ! Awesome sounding guitar too!

I have one, I bought new in ‘79. The electronics still work and I still love it.

I've had an EF-340 of the same era for many years and absolutely love it! My Dad bought it for me used in the late 80's. The EQ on the pick up can be pretty bright, so when I play plugged in I keep it down all the way, but other than that it plays super easy and sounds full and balanced both plugged in and acoustically. Just got it re-fretted a few years ago and even though the re-fret cost more than the guitar is worth, I couldn't be happier with it. Great guitar and tons of sentimental value for me.

My first guitar was a Takamine F-340, and it is a lot like that; warm resonant bass heavy tone, I love it.

10:05 I love that you have your dog (name?) so attentively sitting and watching you play. My two are my biggest fans and never cover their ears even when I miss a note. Great video as always Rhett. Thank you!

I have one of these myself my dad bought and gave to me and have always loved the tone of it and it has only gotten better with time and I prefer the thinner neck. Thanks for you're content!!

Great video! Fun to see young fellows like yourself discovering Japanese made '70's acoustics. People tend to forget that the Japan was loaded with master craftsmen in the post war years while they were rebuilding their economy. It's my firm belief that they are what made the difference in the instruments they built.

I was gifted a "lawsuit" Takamine 12 string several years ago in mint condition. It has always sounded amazing and I'm glad to see this era of Taks getting recognized. I'll have to look for a 6 string before the prices go up.

I bought a 1976 F360S about 20 yrs ago. Needed some work but sounded great. My sister was dating a guy named Chris Camp at the time- great Luthier. He reworked the fretboard, replaced the tuners and installed a Martin pickup. The sound it projects is incredible.

I bought a lawsuit Tak 360s in 1976. I was a college student and couldn't afford a d28 Martin. The music store told me that the Tak was a better value. The top is solid spruce, back and sides are laminate but it still plays and sounds amazing. It's my campfire guitar. Never had to adjust the truss rod, neck is straight as an arrow.

I recently bought a Yamaha red label acoustic and it sounds phenomenal. I have a Martin 000-15S and a Gibson J35 as well. All great guitars but sound totally different to each other. I can see why people can spend crazy money on acoustic guitars - but as your video shows, there are still great deals to be had which get you sounding like a record, and well-loved acoustics always get better with age.

Old Takamine’s just entered the Bad Monkey pool

That guitar has such fantastic depth. Amazing sound !!

Bro seriously as a guitar player myself, I have been really enjoying all of your content. I love how you go deeper into the sound structure of what you are playing and show the differences that we as guitar players hear. That old Takamine sounds amazing. Personally I really enjoy Ovations for my acoustics and a good 700-800 Ovation Mid to Deep Body can compare quit well against a 1500 Martin. Any ways thanks for the all the info and details you put into your videos. It really does help.

I’m a big fan of MusicGoRound in Duluth. I’ve bought and sold there. Good guys. Reasonable prices.

Welcome to the lawsuit guitar club, Rhett. I bought my 1981 Takamine F360s about 9 years ago for $320, and I love it. I also tune it to D standard.

Love this! I have a 1977 F360S (the same guitar without the pickup) that was my grandpa’s, and it is such an amazing guitar. Every time I go into the studio, people are blown away by the sound of it. They’re steals for the price, and they do great under a mic!

Rhett, you've just discovered one of the Holy Grails of guitar values. Great guitars.. I've played Takamine "lawsuits" (from my understanding they were cease and desist threats, not full on lawsuits, but the moniker stuck) for 45 years, including the model you bought, but without the "E" part (electronics). They had different trims on the same (numbered) models over an eight or ten year period, at one point that (F360) being a dead-on "D-28" like mine was, then they added the neck binding for a half-way-to-35 look. A 370 model added (typically) fancier figured wood and headstock binding, accidentally or not creating a guitar Martin never really had in their regular line up, but still with this horizontal logo scheme. I lost my 360S and it's virtual D12-28 twin 12 string, the 400s, in a church/pastor's office burglary the night before I was about to play at a friend's wedding- as I found out 90 minutes before ceremony...rushing home to get my trusty Red Label Yamaha FG180 which saved the day! The 375S, one of my current two, went full on 35 with the 3 piece back and added nicer-yet figured Brazilian/jacaranda, albeit laminate (as all these are, thus the lower price point). I think they may have variously then added a "non 35" bound headstock and (also non 35) diamond valute on the neck/headstock backside. The F375 effectively is the top of the line, as a 4-something 41/45 clone-- complete with a large vertical logo--is scarce and comparatively unobtanium having been made in very low numbers. The other one you tried looked perhaps like their "18" variant, 340, my other one, which of the dreadnaughts is perhaps the most common out there. Critical to me is having the "S" suffix (340S etc), which signifies solid top, and those run a bit of a premium over the "non S"-- or let's say the latter should generally not be priced like the "S." The mahogany b&s 340S makes for a great gigging / road guitar. That one you tried, especially if an "S," may indeed have just needed some major TLC, string change, nut and everything. By the way, try setting yours up with D'Addario "light mediums," AKA "bluegrass" as some call them. They keep the mediums' bass wound guages and lighten the trebles down a modest notch for greater lead playability. Your and Rick's string guage test notwithstanding, IMO these dreadnaughts truly do exhibit "better" tone and volume with a bit heavier (than light) strings, IMO, in the Tak's case helping the Martin illusion further along. Highly subjective I realize depending on what you're trying to do. That said, my 375S simply did not play as well as I wanted with straight mediums that my 28 (and 340S) seems fine with, and I found that the light mediums solved that playability issue. All guitars are different however, and yours may do fine with straight lights. A particular guitar's overall goodness can oftentimes belie the string gauge--or at least make lighter/heavier guage less important. My F-375S is my daily and, along with my 340S, travel/gigging guitar(s) as you're alluding to, saving my still like new '99 D-28 from getting bashed around. I love my 28--not quite "vintage" yet, but the 375 with that Brazilian (again albeit laminate) and close to 50 year aged top resonates it out of the room. Aging is part of it, but it's not just that. my first (new then stolen) ones had that quality right out of the box! It's a canon. Yours looks to desperately need a fretboard and bridge moisturizing. These pieces being rosewood will never be as dark and rich as the Martin's ebony, but I've never seen any as light and dry as yours. Also, while the electronics were "ok" in their day, in fact one of the few on board units (watch Stephen Stills in concert--as CSN--playing Treetop Flyer and others on his 370S or 375S),...but use the fact yours doesn't work along with your low purchase price and mount a much better LR Baggs in the same location (not as ideal as in the valley between bouts but better than nothing). Be not dissuaded by the laminate back and sides. Takamine, like Alvarez Yairi (of the famous Kazuo Yairi, RIP, which is a notch up in price and quality from these but "even more" will have you saying 'bargain Martin') ...makes/made them well and resonant. When Martin forced Takamine to change their logo, effective early '80s here in the US, they went overboard, IMO, to their now familiar and drastically different headstock shape and oversized script logo, and in the process lost some of their mojo, again IMO, however otherwise excellent they may be... and Garth Brooks and just about every country act (and the Eagles)--can you say perhaps artist subsidy?-- notwithstanding. As trite as it may sound, I've always gotten a kick out of people coming up to me and saying "your Martin sounds great" and then, after a thank-you, I let them in on the little secret! EDIT: don't get me wrong, these are not, typically, "vintage Martins" or good examples of recent decades' manufacture (I'm talking Martin's long standing "Standard line of D18-45)--missing the ebony pieces for one thing--so I would set those expectations aside,...But individual ones can do a very close mimic, and they all are very good and for all intents and purposes indistinguishable in a live setting, note Stephen Still's usage...or do great at recording also as Rhett alluded to. Quality strings of the right gauge (to you) and a good set-up are everything on these, not that they are not on others... But these truly can shine with just a little bit of investment, or just be great daily at home or road guitars as is.

Their 12 strings made in mid 70’s were extremely playable (not the norm back then) and great sounding!

I have one of these, '78 F-360S-L (but was converted to right handed), it was my first guitar, I was 16, took it to every party, bon fire, etc., beat the heck out of it basically, lots of dents and dings, lots of temps and humidity swings. I'll be 43 next month, still have her, still play her, and she still sounds fantastic. Great guitar! Also have a '99 Bourgeois Slope D. Almost afraid to play that thing, its *way* nicer than anything I should own, and worth more than anything I own other than my house lol

I have an EF-349 from 1982, in pristine condition, and it is a phenomenal guitar.

I bought my Takamine 12 string new 48 years ago. Have absolutely LOVED it since day one! Phenomenal tone and voice. Throughout the years have had several offers. No way would I ever consider parting with it.

I have one from 1982 that is still a lawsuit era. I have frequently had people tell me how great that Martin d-28 sounds. I've gotten away from it for several years, but use it as my knockaround guitar. Sounds and plays great!

The old Yamaha acoustics from that era also sound and play great. Same with Martin's sigma line.

My grandparents had an old Takamine in their basement storage when I was a kid. I'd pull it out and play around the campfire often. When I got a bit older I gave it a full setup with fresh strings when I was there. Played and sounded real nice.

My Dad has a Takamine just like that which he purchased while in the Navy during Vietnam. It needs a neck reset and the fretboard has some wear, but it is a great guitar with a cool history. The 70's Epiphones made by Matsumoku in Japan are also great guitars that won't break the bank.

I have a 70s Alvarez lawsuit era triple 000 and man that guitar has all the vibe I could ever want in an acoustic

Another guitar that you don't hear about to much are "red" label Yamahas from the same era. They may not sound like a Martin, but are still killer guitars. (6 & 12 string)

Ive had an EF360S since 1986 and it is outright the best performance guitar Ive ever had. She a bit beat up but you've just given me the inspiration to take it in for a fret job and set up. They are now known as the Glenn Frey special and of course cost a lot more.

That's my guitar! My Dad gave it to me for Christmas in 1980 and it was my first "real" guitar. I've had it and loved playing it ever since.

I love that you called it an old Martin

The Bourgeois sounds better for me, but definitely not ten times better! That Takamine was a steal of a deal, congrats!

Those Takamine guitars are fantastic. I have a 1990 Vester Custom Shop acoustic and it’s aged beautifully. It’s also a gem.

Sounds amazing. 9:27 Love your dog listening...and then turning with a look of complete approval. :)

That Takamartin sounds amazing, imo even better than the expensive one

The old Takemine guitars can be very, very good. I've had three old one's through my workshop. The preamps usually need new capacitors and pots which is a proper pain and doesn't result in a decent sound (well not yet anyway!). I tend to fit a jack socket preamp without any controls so that the guitar looks original. Enjoy this gem Rhett. Also worth looking at old Yamahas...

good for you, glad you got a DEAL. AN OLD FRIEND OF MINE HAS ONE, HE BOUGHT NEW BACK IN THE MID 70'S AND i REMEMBER IT, AS BEING A GOOD ONE TOO AS WELL. MY HUNCH IS THAT IT MAY NEED STRINGS However= I bet it is in great shape, my hopes and not prayers but i do hope to see and play her again one day. Mike in phoenix, Az. stay safe and healthy...............

I was doing setups and minor repairs for guitars coming into a local pawn shop when I landed a beautiful 1988 Takamine NP-15C in almost perfect condition. I spent a lot of time with it, and promptly put it on layaway. For $500 I couldn't wait to get it home. Beautiful maple binding, cedar top with solid rosewood back and sides. The preamp sounds great, and it proudly hangs next to my 2001 Martin SWDGT where it deserves to be. Tweed HS case was included. Winner!

Probably a little less obscure to most players but for those that aren't aware many yamaha acoustics from that era are unbelievable for the money. I think its a combination of old wood and great craftsmanship.

I must admit that the Takamine sounds like Melissa off of the Allman Bros album. The sound is full even and well balanced sound. I am impressed and I think you hit a home run on the choice you made Rhett! Well Done. Find a Fishman that will fit and your set.

I have a 76 (I believe) 12 string lawsuit. They're the real deal. Loved Melissa by the way!

I own 2, a 1984 F-340s and a 1977 F-360s. Both solid tops, both factory left handed. If I sold off all of my acoustics, these are the two I’d keep. No question.

Thank you for saying you like dead strings. I do too, and sometimes I feel like I'm crazy for hating that tinny top end sound.

Gotta love the aura that vintage instruments give off. They truly are a beautiful and reliable breed.

Love that the dog is digging the sound too!

My dad handed me down this same guitar - I’ve always loved it. Needs some love now, I feel bad for neglecting it. Thanks for teaching me a little more about it

My uncle has had one of those for my entire life and my Dad bought the Tak 12-String that was built like a Guild back in the 90's for like 250 bucks and it's without question the best 12-string guitar I have ever laid my hands on. Takamine made Amazing instruments for a VERY long time. Thanks for spreading awareness about this very important issue LOL

Takamine is the go to for Bon Jovi.

Awesome video, I'm gonna have to look out for some of these vintage acoustics!

Simple but lovely playing, thanks Rhett.

rhett....my dear man...i used these old early 80's brown pickup takamines on the road for years...decent guitars for the price and the first pickups that actually sounded "good"....but..."vintage martin killer"??

i own one of these!!! absolutely great guitar and sounds amazing!! i couldn’t be happier with it as my main acoustic guitar! great for sitting on the couch and songwriting!

I have an all mahogany one of these. Had so many people tell me it was worthless but it’s one of my favorites for sure. Also have an Alvarez from the same era and it also rips.

Hey Rhett, thanks for playing the opening to The Weight. I was trying to learn it from the recording, but wasn't quite getting it. 👍

That is a gorgeous sounding guitar. The singer/songwriter Jeffrey Martin uses one of these lawsuit era Takamines and it's a fantastic-sounding guitar.

These things were, and are gems! I had the D-45 version, bought new at McCabe's Guitars in Long Beach, CA in 1972. It was stunning, both in sound and appearance. Build quality was superb. These are excellent value instruments. This one you bought sounds incredible! In the test you've performed, the Takamine easily hangs with the Bourgeois.

I love how your dog is mesmerized by you playing guitar!

that sounds great! I played along with my 1996 Martin SPD-16TR and man it sounded DEAD on and it's my best acoustic. that's a hell of a deal, I'll have to keep my eyes out for one of those

Had a ‘79 for a long time. Tracked incredibly well and was just a great guitar.

It sounds great, you can hear how the Strings bounces through the top and inside the guitar

I love acoustics that have a bassy resonance! Good find!

Dude you NAILED that Sweet Melissa thing...nice job!

I bought a Takamine 12 string in Ventura at JB Penny, original receipt with SN noted in the early 70s, played drop D finger picking and open G tuning at Cold Spring Tavern in SB and it was stolen in Portland a few years later. I even let people play it at Cold Spring since I enjoyed hearing it so much! Johnny Paycheck's guitarist corrected my playing of Jorma's Embryonic Journey and Water Song while at Cold Spring one day. Wasn't too swift on remembering names at that time. Bought another 12 string Takamine later in the 90s for $100 that had been tuned to E and had a warped neck. Loosened the strings for a year and the neck behaved itself when tuned to D.

Wow Rhett, I play a 1950 L7C and I tuned it down to D standard. It sounds and plays so much better. Thank you so much!

I had one of these in the late 80s. It was a deluxe tobacco sunburst with maple binding. Sounded amazing.

I bought a 1978 Takamine S in high school 1978. I still have it. Sounds incredible mint condition. The interesting feature is the 7.25 neck radius.

Man, i have a F375 this model has back and sides in Brazilian rosewood and it’s absolutely gorgeous !!! When I bought mine it was never played, which is a shame If you ask me. Sounds and plays amazingly well, I also bought a 12 string one that is also amazing. Great video Rhett!!!

That sounds lovely well done.

Great video thanks for the info really enjoyed watching it!!!

Rhett, Great video! I have one of the early Sigma guitars and have had it out playing against many Martin and Taylor guitars, and most people cannot tell the difference. I've played it mic'd on a few recordings, and the full sound really comes out and sounds great on a recording.

They are for the most part really good guitars along with other Japanese models. I found an Epiphone Masterbilt at our local music go round a couple years ago and it has killer tone!

Wow. It sounds great. I'd love to hear it again after you tweak it a bit. A follow-up episode?

Thanks confirming my own impressions of this under-rated acoustic. I still have my EF-360S my wife bought for my birthday in the late 80s. Still my favorite and sounding better than ever. I may have to try the D standard setup.

They have a great pickup system for live music.