Tama Guitar

Subject: Tama Guitar
From: Big Red
Date: 27 Jul 02 - 06:45 PM

Know a guy that wants to dispose of a Tama Guitar, Model 3565. I understand they were made in Japan from 1973 to 1979 and were a copy of Martins. Beyond that I can't seem to find anything else. It was played very little and is in excellent shape. (So I have been told.) Can anyone enlighten me on this guitar?

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 27 Jul 02 - 07:40 PM

I believe, although I am not certain, that British folk legend Derek Brimstone also plays a Tama guitar. His is a guitar of outstanding tone and volume.

Murray

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 28 Jul 02 - 08:08 AM

My pal Tony Martin has one - very nice guitars, well made, nice inlay, good tone & volume.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Guitarfixer
Date: 29 Jul 02 - 12:24 AM

I have seen a few Tamas and had them in the repair shop for basic maintenance. They are a little lightly braced, so one that has been abused (like Medium strings over a period of many years)could be a bad bet. If you have a chance to check it out and the setup needs just minor adjustment, I think they are one of the better guitars around. I agree with the poster who said 1970's C.F. Martin replicas. I have one friend with a Brazilian rosewood (laminate) model, another in mahogany. Solid spruce tops on both. Great sound, well made. I'd estimate value to be around $550 if no significant work is needed.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Lanfranc at the orifice
Date: 29 Jul 02 - 06:04 AM

Derek Brimstone's Tama is a special edition model built to commemorate the Bicentenary of the US in 1975 (?date, us limeys tend to elide the year of the secession from our memories!) It has elaborate inlays including the Great Seal of the US in MOP/abalone on the back. It is indeed a superb instrument, and rare withal.

I have only come across a couple of more run-of-the-mill Tamas, and these were close copies of Martin D28s, although I suspect the back and sides were laminate rather than solid.

$500-$600 sounds like a fair price, although if it is a special edition like Derek's - PM me!!

Alan

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: clansfolk
Date: 29 Jul 02 - 11:05 AM

I have a Tama in my collection - with a "tree of life" up the neck - well finished instruments - not up to Martin/Gibson but not in the same price range!

I found a web site with a lot of information/models etc will try and post a link (when I find it again!)

Pete

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Richard Bridge (cookie and format C)
Date: 24 Oct 02 - 05:18 PM

I know a local guitaris who plays one.

I think opinion here is a little on the cautious side.

Certainly to my ears a better ring and sustain than any Maton's I've seen and rather cleaner and less twangy than either most Martins or most Gibsons. Directly comparable to a good Morris. I'd buy it fast at up to about GBP 600 if it's as nice as the one I know.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: DonMeixner
Date: 24 Oct 02 - 05:24 PM

I believe I played one owned by Wendy Grossman in Ithaca New York about 1975. I thot it was an exceptional sound guitar for the money.
It played well and it stayed in tune as I recall. But that was 25+ years ago. Memories fade but guitars get better.

Don

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: 53
Date: 24 Oct 02 - 06:08 PM

I've never tried a Tama.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: Fingerbuster
Date: 24 Oct 02 - 07:15 PM

Tama make splendid drum kits. Exceptionally loud i seem to remember.
Nic.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Oct 02 - 07:53 PM

If its half as good as Brimmo's its alright!

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Steve Burgess
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 03:27 AM

I have a Tama which I like so much that when it was run over by a truck (a long and interesting story) I had
Doug Eaton, a local luthier, make and fit a replacement neck to the undamaged body. The result has been a success. Although it is now no longer a Tama it is once again my main 'tough as nails, play loud and stay in tune' guitar for festival gigs etc.

I played it at the recent Woodford Folk festival (a great festival, by the way - www.woodfordfolk festival.com). At a workshop, I sat next to a fellow and was initially surprised to see him play what I thought was my guitar (his was almost identical). It was the only other Tama that I had seen being played, and vice-versa for him. He had been using his professionally since 1975 and has had no complaints other
than it's weight.

Steve Burgess
Dagun Qld. Australia.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jul 03 - 11:32 PM

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Fred in Denver
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 11:39 PM

I have an absolutly perfect TG 120 that I bought new in Boulder, Colorado about 1980. I was looking to buy another guitar, but when I played the 120, nothing else sounded as good in its class. It has a rich, full, and round sound and is a pleasure to play. I am disappointed that they quit making them in favor of the lower end Ibanez guitars.

Does anyone know why they quit making the Tama guitar?

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 04:16 AM

I remember Tama made drums as well and Tony Capstick played one for a while in the 70's at least. it didn't register with me what he was playing last time i saw him.

I didn't know Derek's was a Tama.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,kab907
Date: 12 Dec 04 - 12:39 AM

i have a tama and i love it still sounds better then any guitar i have played.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Dec 04 - 10:34 AM

I have the best TAMA link I could find with picture from what appears to be Tama's sales brochure with wood description and the like. the ads are in english but the sight is in germAN. click guitarren and then Tama on the header. I have a 3558 and am the envy of anyone whom I have let touch it. NOT REPLACEABLE AT LESS THAN $2,000 and you might still get screwed. I tried to buy a jumbo larrivee so I could put it away for a few years. Well... I did buy one. Although comparative in sound (which they shouldnt be by a long shot, the jumbo being a JUMBO for god's sake) I enjoy the size and cannon like sound i Get from the pre-ban brazilian rosewood SOLID back and sides. Paid $1300 for the j-09 larrivee on ebay.

Gl. if anyone has a Tama for let me know for sure! take away the nospam and email me at [e-mail] to swap pics and make trades of cash or other valuables. http://home.t-online.de/home/pjs.hufschlag is your link.

Best, Philip

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: PennyBlack
Date: 15 Dec 04 - 02:12 PM

Now that was the site I'd lost!

PB

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,gary brown
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 05:10 PM

i just bought a 3555 today for 150.00 candian - about 120. us
sounds good , plays well . didn't know tama even existed. was looking for a jamming guitar so that my martin wouldn't get beat up.

solid wood top for sure - don't know about back and sides- looks like
rosewood. don,t know if laminate or solid. maybe someone can help me
here.

email [e-mail]

gary

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 05:57 PM

I did a session on the Capstick show a few years ago and I remember him telling me that he used to play a Tama when he saw the one I played that day.

I've been playing my Tama for the last 15 years or so. It's been re-fretted once but still sounds as fresh as the day I bought it. It's about time I got my sodding Martin though!!

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: Inükshük
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 06:51 AM

I was poised to buy a Martin a couple of years ago, but this Tama 3566 came up for $250 (Canadian - case included). I scooped it immediately. One of the best deals of my life. Very handsome instrument, great sound, and this one had been played very little, if at all.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: PennyBlack
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 07:56 PM

I'll have to dig mine out again and double check whether its a Model 3563 or the Model 3568! it's been too long since I played it..

It was/is a nice guitar to play though, with a nice balanced sound. Not bad for a drum company - there was a review in the UK guitarist mag about 3 years ago which gave them quite a good review.

PB

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From:
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 03:07 PM

I've got a Tama 3560s, it was the top of the line when I bought it back in 1973. Its like a Martin D45 and sounds equally as good. I wouldnt sell it for less than £1000.00 and I have been offered it on more than one occasion. No I'm not a chump, I just appreciate a superb guitar when I see one. If you've got one then hang on to it. I have never seen another one of this model although they are out there. They were named after the wife of the guy that owned the Suzuki guitar Company I think. They got into hot water back then because they were a repica rather than just a copy. Sitka spruce top , Jacaranda rosewood back and sides (laminate). Gold plated machines, ebont neck. Just quality built. Happy playing. I also own 3 other Martins, a Lowden and Fylde instruments, but still love my Tama.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Dan Tohjill
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 04:49 AM

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Dan Tohill
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 04:57 AM

So much dicussion about Tama guitars its great. I saw on e in a shop about 15 years ago and was really impressed, it had a brass "Ray Durant" badge on the headstock, actutally covering the Tama logo, not sure what this was all about. Well I finally got to own one when one came up on an Auction site late last year. It has a screw hole either side on the Tama logo and Ray Durant, Luthier inside the sound hole printed on the label. So it probably also had the brass badge on the headstock. Sounds amazing I keep it at work. If you can find one I'd highly recommend buying it.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: Little Robyn
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 05:01 PM

I have one of those - I understand the company made a few lines with names of guitarists (so who is/was Ray Durant?) and that they made about 100 of each model.
I paid about $100(NZ) for mine, second-hand, about 1978.
Mine is the small size - possibly like a Martin 00, but it's not sounding so good at present. Maybe a new set of strings?
Robyn

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Guest - RWW
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 02:03 AM

I've had a Tama 3568 for about 30 years. Bought it new in early 70s for $625 Canadian. It is a lovely instrument, (just been messing about for the last half hour or so on it.) It plays beautifully with a great neck. The tone is gorgeous, brilliant and rich. The workmanship is excellent. No laminate, solid hardwood throughout. Mine has the tree of life up the neck, and herringbone inlay around the outside and soundhole. I have never played another acoustic I thought was better, and I looked around for a while before settling on it.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From:
Date: 13 Feb 05 - 03:12 PM

I have a 3558S which I bought at the Frankfurt Music Fair 1975. It was one of ten exhibition models they had at the booth and I paid 1200 DM including the original hard case. For the poor student I was at that time a lot of money but it was a really good investment. The guitar accompanied me for many years and I still play it today. It looks great although it has some minor reminders of a long life. As my ears get worse its difficult to evaluate but I think it sounds better than ever. It carries the serial no. T304D690.

I'm getting into nylon guitars now since my finger joints get painful when I play heavy steel strings.
Should somebody be seriously interested and make me a good offer I might consider to sell the Tama guitar. Well, at least I'd send you a photo.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Laurie
Date: 23 Feb 05 - 09:53 PM

Wonderful to find discussion on Tama guitars. I believe the later Tamas circa 77-78 are all solid wood, beautiful tone.

Tama had some info on their website a few years ago but took it down, I had downloaded it but have lost the copy. I beleive they stopped making them because of legal difficulties being that they are supposedly a Martin replica.

I bought mine (first guitar) in 1988 second hand for NZ$400. It has aged beautifully, the top is now a deep golden orange. Rosewood bookmatched back with inlaid centre strip, rosewood sides, herringbone binding, just stunning. I think mine is a 3567, I will have to check. Havent played it for a year or so.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: PennyBlack
Date: 24 Feb 05 - 09:48 PM

TAMA - clicky thingy

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From:
Date: 19 May 05 - 09:38 PM

I have a jam buddy with a killer Tama, plain jane. On the merits of his guitar I started searching ebay. After picking up a nice journeyman BC Rich (a great mahogany / spruce econo D18) and watching a apparently nice, but plain, Tama out of Canada not reach it's reserve several times, I slapped down a $480 max on this other one from a pawn shop with zero feedback and hit the trout stream. Came home that night and I'd bought it for 400, 418 delivered insured!.

It came 2 days ago and it is an incredible guitar. Totally pimped, which I didn't anticipate. Solid rosewood matched sides and back. Spruce top. Mahogany neck. Now for the bling: Rosewood laminate headstock veneer with an "S" either side of the "T" in the vertical "TAMA" on the headstock - all lettering in MOP or Abalone. Tortoise shell truss rod cover. Black plastic pickguard. MOP / Aba binding EVERYWHERE: Around the soundhole, neck butt, both sides of every 90 degree seam on the body, top, back and sides. Rosewood board with MOP / Aba parallelogram markers, appears to be ivory bound.

Virtually unplayed. Incredibly bright, loud, sustained and balanced, with low, fast and buzz free action. It has either 8559 or 3559 stamped inside on the neck butt, and a serial number on the brace north of the sound hole.

I have an old Martin I bought new, a CAGuitars x body, a handbuilt Applegate, #15, (James Olson protege) - some nice guitars, and I've played some other very expensive units and this guitar compares no excuses. It's a $2000 - 3000 plus guitar. Name your price type deal.

I sure would like to chat with other Tama owners and learn more about these great axes and would appreciate any info on this one. Thanks

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,PB on a cookie diet
Date: 19 May 05 - 10:38 PM

I would think it's 3559 The model number.

the link above you goes to a reference for different models, although there's not much on the 3559 my own TAMA is the 3563 there's a picture on the previously mentioned site and the details are:-


Model 3563

Well-seasoned, finest close-grained genuine solid spruce top

Simulated pearl inlays around the top and sound hole

Hand-shaped mahagony neck for ease in playing

Rich genuine selected, matched Indian rosewood back and sides

Vintage vine designed pearl inlay on highly ebonized fingerboard

Gold plated SMOOTH TUNER machine heads for precise tuning


cheer

PB

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Chris
Date: 02 Jun 05 - 01:02 PM

For the past five years I have been the lucky owner of a tama 12 string guitar. My then girl friend/now wife bought this off of her step-dad who was the origonal owner. In the past few years, I have moved more to a classical style of guitar, and haven't picked up my Tama for a long time. Instead of letting it waste away, I want to send it to a good home who will take good care of it.

It is a 3560-12 Rosewood Deluxe mother-of-pearl inlay.

As I said I'm the second owner of the guitar, and it's in great condition. I have taken some pictures of it, and can take more if need be. I'll ship anywhere as long as you pay for it. If you are intersted in this please shoot me an e-mail at spendel gmail dot com. (Sorry don't want spam).

Thanks much,
Chris

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,David Masterson
Date: 01 Oct 05 - 03:11 PM

HEY Tama players, I have one for you. I have a 12 string that is older than anything metioned so far. My brother gave me this guitar that he bought in Wheatridge Colorado between 1968 and 1970 when we were teenagers. The numbers on the inside are 4990698 and under that number is 3557-12. Rosewood back, light spruce top, mother of pearl, etc.. Not over fancy, just absolutely beautiful, and I am still playing it, stays in tune, and best of all, the sound( as far as my ear goes...) is better than anything I have played in any quitar shop, anywhere, at any price!

I absolutly think this is one of the great guitars ever, and I am delighted to see so many others with Tama guitars. I have told people about mine( I also have a 6 string Tama..TM-107 ...) and the normal response from guitar people is " I don't think Tama ever made guitars!! Well I have two beauties to prove them wrong.

We should have a convention or something for Tama Guitar owners. Get together with each other and " show off our stuff" and play a few tunes together.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Alex
Date: 11 Oct 05 - 03:28 AM

go here to see a Tama TG-80-12 on ebay right now

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Tama-TG-80-12-String-Acoustic-Guitar_W0QQitemZ7357098984QQcategoryZ2385QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

first in best dressed

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,lefty fred
Date: 02 Feb 06 - 09:54 AM

I think I have the only left handed TAMA 3560 in existance. If anyone knows of another one please post a reply.
                                       FRED

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Richard
Date: 08 Feb 06 - 01:58 PM

Third owner of a TM106. Met original owner who says bought in 1980 for what he thought was $800. Was kind enough to give me the original brochure. Still regrets letting it go as has several gutiats since but considers this the best one he everhad. Sound compares favourably to Martins & Gibsons played by friends. Mellow & rich & a joy to play. Also have Yamaha,Fender, Wasburn & Crafter but will never part with the Tama which will be my grandson's some day.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,John M
Date: 14 Apr 06 - 10:35 PM

I have a Tama TM200 model, that I recieved as a gift from my Mom and Dad I think around 1975. It has the stlized T at the top and tree of life inlay up the neck. It still sounds great but goes out of tune fairly easily. Is anybody out there familiar with this model or does anyone else have one? - would like some more info!!??

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From:
Date: 17 Apr 06 - 08:16 PM

Got your back!

http://people.freenet.de/hufschlag/html/tama_main.html

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From:
Date: 22 Apr 06 - 11:15 PM

I have a Tama 3601 which I bought new in 1974. It's very difficult to find any information about this guitar. If anyone has an idea about the value or other information please let me know.......Bill

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: Little Robyn
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 05:40 PM

I've just checked my little Tama - the Ray Durant and can't find any model number - just the name.
So I googled the name and found an old Blues/Jazz pianist who died more than 20 years ago.
Are there any other Ray Durants who played guitar?
Why would he have a special model named for him?
It does say 'Japan specially made' on the label but it also suggests Ray Durant was the luthier and his address was in Paris, France and there was a sales/distribution company in New York?????
So did Tama do contract work for other guitar makers?
Robyn

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Guest, George
Date: 03 Jun 06 - 08:13 PM

Finally got around to googling Tama. Been happy with the results as I've never known the pedigree of my Tama, TW-07. I bought it new, May 22,1981, from the Sound Hole in Spokane Wa. as a factory second for $295 but it listed for $465. There was a crack on the back that was repaired internally with diamond buttons. It has been a very stable guitar and I had the neck adjusted and action lowered a few years back and it still sounds and plays great. Since it was a second I've not worried about it getting banged up and it has taken the occasional too much beer abuse. I spun my Pinto station wagon once in the snow and the guitar, in a hard case, popped the hatch and ended up out in the road. I'm in Montana at three thirty in the morning and I'm laughing at myself and then this log truck comes by and I'm all scattered out in the road. The driver yells at me in this New York accent to get my ass off the road. Bizarre.

The guitar still plays like the day I bought it if not a little better. I'd like to hear how it sounds miked up though.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,DK
Date: 02 Nov 06 - 02:57 PM

After much thought I am selling my Tama Guitar, TG-135 (original owner). Info and pics are on Craigs List for New Hampshire. If anyone's interested, please let me know. Thanks, David http://nh.craigslist.org/msg/

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,megababe
Date: 02 Nov 06 - 05:58 PM

i think tama are shitty. guitars make nioses. i got one that broke as soon as i unwraped it. cool!

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: Kiwi.in.OZ
Date: 11 Feb 07 - 07:00 AM

I also am lucky to have purchased new (in NZ) a Tama guitar in 1974, badged as a Ray Durant. I play it regularly and it continues to amaze me with its exceptional rich tone. Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides and mother-of-pearl inlay all over. I understand these were a very high quality copy of Martin who sued Tama successfully resulting in the stopping of production.
I would recommend these guitars to anyone fortunate enough to find one.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: Little Robyn
Date: 11 Feb 07 - 01:15 PM

Someone must have brought in a 'job lot' because, for a rare guitar, there were quite a lot in little ol' MZ.
Eobyn

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: Little Robyn
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 02:37 AM

That should be NZ and Robyn. I should have turned the light on sooner!
Robyn

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,WillF
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 11:52 AM

I have a Tama 3555p with the P meaning it has a laminate top. I have had it for about eight years but it looks like it has had a rough life as it was a bar band guitar that has seen many Saturday night gigs. It is the guitar I am learning to play on this paast year and my more experienced friends love the tone on this thing. Most of the issues are cosmetic so I will enjoy having this rare instrument. If I was to part with it it would only be to perhaps have a guitar with less scratches. Sound wise it may be tough to compare.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Bob Long
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 04:19 PM

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 [e-mail]. Thanx C'YA

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Lawrence Moore
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 09:37 AM

Hi Everyone,
Well I don't know if my 'new' (very old) guitar is a TAMA or not.. It's actually a solid-body electric guitar badges as a Ray Durant, but it looks suspiciously like Vantage brand guitars from the mid '70s. Could it be that Tamas, Vantages and Ray Durants all came from the same Japanese factory (probably Matsumoku) and just had different labels applied? I might have to remove the glued-on Ray Durant label to see what lies beneath.. There are no markings in the body cavities.