I bought my TAMA early in the 70's. I have the 3558S, (which has the full TAMA name on top of the guitar)and it looks as good now as when I first purchased it. The sound is better(in my opinion) because of the aging of the wood. To my discredit I kept her in the case for long periods because she is gorgeous and I wanted her to stay that way. But the sound, the looks, the neck, the total package made it worth the $800 I paid for it. I have been offered twice that for it and declined the offer. I have added a Barcus-Berry pickup to the bridge and it sounds wonderful through an acoustic or regular amplifier (I use a Marshall AS-100 and a Peavey Renown). If anybody out there knows how to "read" the serial number please contact me at jab_long@yahoo.com. Thanx C'YA