Tama Guitar

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Wenny, NY
Date: 22 May 07 - 03:08 PM

I had bought in 1971 Tama (Japan) acoustic steel string price then apx $1000.00. It is in excellent shape and does have a liftime guarantee. I want to sell this guitar. Any ideas what my Tama is worth? I cant find anything for price listing online. ThanX

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: Grimmy
Date: 23 May 07 - 08:50 AM

Wenny, I recommend you try this site.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Juergen
Date: 15 Jun 07 - 04:29 AM

Hello to you all. If you need informations about your TAMA guitar please have a look at my site http://freenet-homepage.de/hufschlag
I have collected a lot of information and will add some more from time to time.

Be happy with your TAMA!

Juergen

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Ghazza in NZ
Date: 06 Aug 07 - 06:34 AM

Hey all....

I have just recieved a gift from a friend an old guitar, dust covered, broken strings and dull looking... but now that i have cleaned and polished her up, had new strings and fully tuned it she is a very rich toned amazing sounding TAMA Guitar!!! The shop that tuned it where amazed also at the sound she produces!!! ...it appears to be very well built with alot of 'Mother of Pearl' and 'Paua' featured into the craftsmanship, also beautiful rich graining wood which i think is Rosewood on the back, sides and fingerboard.

The label on it reads....
Ray Durant LUTHIER 'Exact Replica' Dreadnought 1970 and it also has the following addresses on label...
Ray Durant Ste, 12 Rue La Vieuville, Paris 12e, France
Durant Sales Inc. 302 4TH AVE. NEW YORK, NY
Inside the guitar is stamped 3558P and also TAMA, SEISAKUSHO CO. AICHI, JAPAN.

What i thought was just a dirty old guitar that i didnt know was worth fixing or not for me to learn to play on seems to be a peice of precision instruments that has its own high place in history...

Cheers and looking forward to playing this little classic acoustic even more so now!!!!

Ghazza

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Matt Snowball
Date: 17 Nov 07 - 07:34 PM

I have a TAMA 3555 that my father bought new in the 70s. It's been on loan to me for the past 20 years. It sounds fantastic and I wouldn't change it for any Gibson , Martin, or Taylor. So bright & full.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Guest, Kirk, FL
Date: 20 Nov 07 - 11:26 PM

To: Guest, Wenny, N.Y.: Wenny did you sell your guitar?? What model is it??

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Stuart
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 01:02 PM

I have two Tama guitars,they were well built.One is a 3566 model.The other is the top of the range 3563 tree of life.They are both around the same vintage being 74-76.They are great guitars,I believe that Slim Whitman used one for many years.
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Steve M.
Date: 24 Jan 08 - 08:44 AM

I have an oldie plane jane...wouldn't trade it for the world. Bought it in the seventies new and have been playing it ever since. Not sure of the model...but the sound has only gotten better. Can put it away for a couple of months and then pick it up and it is still in tune!

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Stuart
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 07:17 AM

Well guys the Tree of Life has a new home now.She was shipped off to Paris,France.Still have the older 3566 tho she is a real delight.She has served me well and never had a problem with her.I have replaced the nut and bridge with a tusq replacement.The neck is as true as the day she was made.She sounds better than most guitars I have heard.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,GUEST, April C.
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 12:44 PM

Hi, I know nothing about guitars. I bought one in 2003 to take guitar lessons, but didn't follow through. It's a Tama in perfect condition to my eyes. There are 3 sets of numbers inside. 74041160
3548   and 45. I am looking to sell it and need some information about the value of it. I can find hardly anything about Tamas. A little help please? Thanks

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Beaz750
Date: 18 Apr 08 - 12:52 AM

And I have a TAMA.   Found in a thrift store for $175 about a year ago. It looks like a Martin D-45. with abaloney inlay in the neck and around all sides. Sounds wonderful...the neck needed ajusting but there was something not right with the trussrod. Took it to Fatdog in Berkeley and in less than 10 minutes he said "you don't know how good of a guitar this is" more that 8 times (he sold them in the 70's)...I knew I had a winner.   New truss rod and I now have a beautiful Tama 3558-S. Not a Martin D-45 but soooooo close. I will exchange pics if anyone is interested...
Did I say matching Brazilian rosewood????

[e-mail]

Jerry

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,guest, david
Date: 15 Jun 08 - 05:25 AM

have a tama tw-09, bought brand new, 1978

we've been around the world several times, my tama and i, and despite the battering it has sustained it still plays briliantly and suits me fine

if you've got one - hang onto it, or if you don't want it, let me know and i'll give it a good, loving home

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Mike Melbourne Australia
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 09:04 AM

Hi .wasnt aware of these till last week but have interest in the early Japanese acoustics,that is to say once they began producing better quality products only we didn't know back then.I saw one of these gorgeous models go off on New Zealand :Trademe: this week and thought I like this I'll wait and have a go.Forget it!!!Keen punters took it up to $810,even with a good exchange rate thats a seriously good result for the seller.I reckon I'll be aware next time I see one.!

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Chelsea S.
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 08:40 PM

I have a Tama model #3558 serial#50381130. Anyone know what it's worth and the best place to sell it? I contacted Juergen's site, but I wish the guestbook was in English--I'm not sure if I'm registered.
Thanks.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Bill
Date: 14 Oct 08 - 11:13 PM

I did not put the right model number from my Tama which is a 3561 that I bought in 1974. I have kept it 34 years and it's staying with me till the end. I love this guitar.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,andrew
Date: 15 Oct 08 - 08:52 AM

i have a tama tg 80-12
german spruce, solid mahogany, 1977-79
made in japan
how much would that be worth,
im looking to sell it

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: Whaler
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 01:47 PM

I am looking for a Tama guitar. Does anyone have one for sale in the New York City area.

If so please email me at [e-mail]

Thanks

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Bob Long
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 03:32 PM

Chelsea S................Do you still have the guitar for sale? Contact me at [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,jump
Date: 14 Feb 09 - 05:51 PM

Hi, just bought a Tama TM 105, has the tree of life on the neck, but not on the headstock.
It's in pretty good condition, paid $325 Canadian. The sound is wonderful. Seems to be solid wood throughout. Maybe someone here has more info on this particular model.

Thanks

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Aj
Date: 11 Mar 09 - 08:38 AM

i agree with robyn ,maybe we dont know how fortunate we are in new zealand,i paid $35.00 nz for a Tama 3565,it was in a second hand shop ,its had a hard life ,lots of scratches and dents,screwed and glued , 5 strings on it when i bought it ,the sound is absolutely perfect,the sustain and vibrato of each chord played is crystal clear warm and rich ,cant wait to hear what it sounds like with all 6 strings ! these certainly are special guitars !

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Arve
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 02:14 PM

I bought a Tama 3553M new in 1974. This was my first guitar. I sold it in 1987. I now own many other guitars like Martin, National, Takamine, Ibanez, Dobro and several others, but I really regret selling the Tama. For my 50th birthday my son managed to buy back the same guitar and I got it for my birthday. That was really great, there´s something about the first guitar you´ve owned.
So to my question. It´s spruce and rosewood, but does anyone know what the M in the modelnumber/name stands for?

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 15 Apr 09 - 09:01 AM

Information about Tama guitars.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Dave in DC
Date: 18 Apr 09 - 12:52 PM

I bought one the summer after my freshman year in college (August 1977), mainly because my hero at the time, Neil Young, played one (see "Comes a Time" album cover) and they were way more affordable than Guilds and Martins. Model 3561, s/n 41281643, a "New Old Stock" from 1974. The local music shop didn't seem to know much about them. Paid around $275, a lot of money for a near-minimum wage restaurant worker. I still have it and it's in nearly pristine condition and has aged beautifully. Not as much bass as my Taylor 410, but brighter mids and trebles, and sustain that'll last until next Tuesday. Excellent build quality; we seem to only now be discovering how good the Japanese were at building wooden instruments in the '70s. I almost sold it 10 years ago when I bought the Taylor, but the LMS was only offering $100 for it so I kept it. One of the best decisions I ever made! If you can get one for under $1000 it would be a screaming bargain. Nothing can touch it in that price range. Action, tone, sustain, and balance are superb.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Gardawg
Date: 19 Apr 09 - 11:42 AM

Tama guitars are one of the best kept secrets in acoustic/classical guitars from the 1970's! My first one was bought at a pawn shop for $30.00 canadian a couple years ago. It's a mod# 3561 herringbone from 1974. I'm a lefty, so I had a new bridge, saddle, and nut installed. It sounds amazing with martin strings and keeps in tune for very long periods of time. Just bought a classical Tama #3550 yesterday. Sounds really rich with a nice tone.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: Nick Brooker
Date: 10 May 09 - 07:05 PM

I have a Tama 3560 which I bought new in 1978 for £250.
Over the years it has matured into a truly beautiful instrument. I wouldn't sell it at any price. I have played the Martin D45 of which it is a replica and I prefer the Tama by miles. It has a much sweeter tone. It is irreplaceable and to buy a guitar of anything like the quality of the Tama would probably cost around £2,000. I use it constantly. I love playing it.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jul 09 - 11:37 AM

SHK

I have had a Tama 3558 P for many years. Would really like to know value. Not used much at all. Would like to sell

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Sep 09 - 10:21 AM

Bill,
Well, I just bought a Tama TW-07 from a music shop in Ohio that buys used instruments. I paid $410 even though I knew it had some problems. I got it Friday and when I took off the old strings the nut fell off, ok, not a major problem. It also had a crack along one side where the neck joins the body but it seems to have been properly repaired. I took it to a local guitar shop and the guy looked at if for about 10 seconds and said "get your money back" he saw a little glue on the back where the neck is joined and told me it wasn't factory glue. The guitar stays in tune and the sound is beautiful. It has almost no nicks or scratches but a couple of tuners are replaced with ping. I have 2 more days to send it back but I am afraid I may never find another one, even in this shape. I bought a 3561 in 1974 and it's in perfect shape and I just wanted another Tama. Any suggestions? I really want to keep it.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,redeyebob
Date: 20 Oct 09 - 04:48 PM

I have just started to get interested in finding out a bit more about my old Tama guitar having read a few comments from various owners on a couple of different sites. There appears to be a similar story regarding the arrival of early Tama acoustics in New Zealand in the 1970's badged as Ray Durant models. I bought mine in 1973/74 from an Auckland music store called Lewis Eady Ltd. It cost me $69 and was offered at that price as it was part of a trial shipment of Ray Durant guitars and was considered a 'sample'. I've checked photos of different models on the listed official Tama site and mine appears to be a 3555 with a serial number of either T2120294 or 72120294, the first letter/numeral being blurred. My understanding of the badging situation is that these are Tama guitars, rebadged by a music importing company based in France and distributed around the world. Rebadging , whilst perhaps not common in those days is certainly done on a massive scale today with instruments manufactured in China and elsewhere and may well have been undertaken in order to circumvent import restrictions which were prevalent around the world in the 70's.
My Tama, which I have owned for 35 or so years, also has paua (abalone) inserts in the fingerboard and is still my favourite acoustic. I know of one other local owner but there may well be many more.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,KerryB
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 10:02 PM

Very interesting reading posts! I am a New Zealander and it is interesting to read the posts and the perceptions of the quality of these guitars as far as guitar brands in general. I have a "tree of life" dreadnought which I bought new from Lewis Eady in Auckland in 1977. I think I paid about $300 odd for it. It has the Tama name in full and Horizontal across the headstock. Full Mother of Pearl inlay, Real Ivory (it has gone yellowy with age) Rosewood sides and back, ebony fretboard...etc etc. a truely beautiful and awesome sounding guitar, anyway back to the ignorance in NZ, About 5 years ago I took my Tama to a music shop for a replacement quote for insuring. They could not give an answer or compare like with like on paper for my insurance. I asked one guitar shop if they had heard of tama guitars and the salesman said yes sure, but his opinion was they were rubbish and not worth insuring! Needless to say I told him he didn't know the difference between a Gibson and a Martin and that,no, its not a guitar made by a drum company! Anyway, now I pretty much keep my Tama in its case and bring it out for the occasional play. it gets better with age and is truely, I feel, a collectors guitar. As with above posts I think there are very few of them around and those that have them, tend to hold on to them. Then again I guess that music shop in my story had the right answer, as I think they are irreplaceable instruments! Keep it up fellow Tama lovers! Kerry.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,John P
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 09:36 PM

I have a TAMA 3560 I bought from a local music store here in Goldsboro, NC back in the mid 70s. I'm a Martin guy but couldn't resist. Being a replica of a D-45, I sent it to a repair shop and had all the plastic fake pearl taken out and replaced with true abalone pearl from C.F. Martin. It took the guy two years to complete the job.(he said his first and last inlay job of this nature)Even though she isn't a D-45(I hope to get one of those soon along with a D-42), I've used it in public performances and in studio work on several occasions. I have had nothing but compliments on the old girl and plan to keep playing her for many a year to come.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 04:23 AM

....John P ....

couldn't be the John P****, could it ?????

He does play Martins, after all, does he live in Goldsboro NC ?

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 10:02 AM

I have a Martin, a baby Fender and the Tama 3561 I bought as a beater.It didnt turn out that way however,I would step over a pile of Martins to get to my 3561. Just that solid deep bass and ringing highs will be enough to convince anyone that this is indeed one of the finest musical instruments ever manufactured. I dont go by what others say or what something costs.Use your ear and you bwill understand that Tamas are priceless.
Phlyonthewall

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,erik
Date: 14 Apr 10 - 02:40 AM

I used to be a Sigma guy. I have owned at least 10 top notch Martin Sigma (DR7, SDR28H, DM5, etc.,) But I happened to stumble on a Tama TG-80, for a very good price. Since then, I sold all my Sigmas, except for my DR7, just because of its sentimental value. The Tama outgunned all of them. My Tama TG-80 has solid spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides. My buddy who has a Martin D35 is jealous. My Tama has more volume and clarity compared to his D35. He just could not believe it!

To anyone who may not be familiar with Tama guitars, if you see one for sale, buy it!! You surely will not regret. I have yet to find a Tama owner who regrets owning one.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 09:36 PM

I have a Tama 3558 for sale if anyone is interested. Not a museum piece, just has some scratches/scuffs. Neck is straight, bridge secure to top, frets are in great shape, very nice well made guitar. Asking $550 with hardshell case.

Should put my email address, [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,John P
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 02:40 PM

Murray MacLeod, I do play Martins (I have 4 of them) but also have a slightly modified TAMA 3560 with real abalone pearl inlay on the top, back and sides. I don't know if I'm the John P you're thinking of, but I do live in Goldsboro, NC. Born and raised here.

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar 3558 S
From: GUEST,munijoy
Date: 01 May 10 - 08:48 PM

i have a Tama 3558 S with serial number 73040660 ( or maybe the last number is a o ) I may want to sell with original hard case any idea of price. can send pictures email [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Bob W. Tennessee
Date: 07 May 10 - 04:21 PM

I purchased my Tama 3560 February 1976.
At that time the Martin D-45 sold for $3800 - $4000.
I gave $500.00 for the Tama 3560 and wouldn't trade it for a Martin D-45
today.
The Tama is an exact copy of the D-45.
The Tama sounds better and is still in mint condition.
Keep your Tama guitars. Once sold you'll probably never get another one.
Martins are built everyday. The Tama guitar is a rare piece of history.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,DRZ
Date: 12 May 10 - 05:51 PM

Back in the 70's my mother purchased a new Tama 3570 acoustic for me when I was very young. I regret not taking advantage of my guitar skills back then and only played it for a short time. It has sat pretty much idle for most of the past 30 years, occasionally taking it out and I am now starting to play again. This guitar is beautiful and has significant quality not found in todays guitars. I would never part with it and you will not find anything like it.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,tom lee in florida
Date: 25 May 10 - 11:23 AM

I have a 3558, a 3571 and my origanl one, the 3555. I love them and would starve before i would sell one. The 3571 has the sweetest tone you can imagine. loud and clear, especially the overtones in the highs. sweet.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,erik
Date: 28 May 10 - 11:24 AM

There is a Tama 3553 for sale on Ebay. Auction will close, I think, on June 1. If you want a Tama, go to Ebay! Tama's are fantastic guitars. Just like the seller said, "Tama eats Martins and Taylors for breakfast!"

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,coxen
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 08:44 PM

I have a Tama 3550p that I bought in 1969. It is like new w/ org case,
any idea what it is worth to sell.
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 03:46 PM

Hey, I own a very rare Tama 3560 12-String guitar. I am the original owner. Actually my dad bought it for himself and decided his fingers were to short to play it and gave it to me. It is in very good condition and is gorgeous. Does anyone know what it is worth?

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,billy9472
Date: 10 Sep 10 - 07:49 AM

Have anyone know about Ray Durant 3558s 1974 I got one yesterday its surprising very good condition.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: RogerD
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 02:44 PM

Can anyone help me identify a model number 3562 ? I bought this new in about 1972 ? , looks like a D-28, has ss on the headstock alongside the vertical TAMA. Spruce top, rosewood sides, I have to say it sounds brighter then my Martin D-28. Really rings out. I put it aside when I got my "real" Martin in 1989 but having brought it out of the closet, literally, all these years later I put a new set of strings on it and it's red hot! So I see here mention of the model 3560- is this 3562 known to anyone. The serial number is 73112747. RogerD

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,RJN0519
Date: 11 Feb 11 - 11:31 AM

http://www.hufschlag.info/html/tama_main.html
go to the above website and you will see the model yours is and the serial numbers that coincide with them.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: RogerD
Date: 17 Feb 11 - 05:45 PM

Thanks to you RJN0519 for above suggestion. Been there, don't find corresponding model or serial number but it's a good work in progress inventory of info. If I can learn more I'll submit it to hufschlag so they can add to the data base. Meanwhile I'm having a good time playing the insturment.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Miranda
Date: 27 Mar 11 - 10:05 AM

I have got a left-handed TAMA 3560! It was my sister's and it was only given to me yesterday. I'm trying to find out the history of it so would welcome any info.

Thanks,

Miranda

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Guest, Ben
Date: 05 May 11 - 05:02 AM

I recently had a Tama 3651 I think and it was a stunning guitar. I foolishly sold it and I'm now on the hunt for another one whether it be that model or otherwise.

I don't suppose anyone has one for sale do they?

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Nick Mullinar
Date: 15 Jun 11 - 03:51 PM

HELLO TAMA FANS!

I have an original TAMA 3555 in great condition (with original hard-case) that I'm willing to part ways with for the right price!

I would be more than happy to provide more information and pictures if any of you are interested, which I'm hoping that you will be! I'm based in the UK.

Please contact me by email if you would like to find out more....

Nick Mullinar, [e-mail].

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,C. J. Krieger
Date: 03 Aug 11 - 12:22 AM

I bought a TAMA around 1972 (which I still have today) It is the sweetest sounding guitar you've ever heard that has melowed over the years. Personally, I wouldn't trade it for a Martin or Guild... it has been with me through thick & thin and is in excellent condition. It came with a lifetime warentee which I have used once around 1980... no problems. A fine guitar with fine workmanship. If you can get your hands on one (an old one) don't pass it up.
Best
CJ