Subject: RE: Haruo 12 String - What do we know?
From:
Naemanson
Date: 30 May 02 - 10:28 AM
Here is what I have received for information on my inquiries from the people who posted to that bulletin board:
Esmond's message
Here's the message I got from my query which clears up the mystery, except where the master is now. I hope you enjoy your guitar as much as I have mine. So that's five of us so far. I've e-mailed Fred to let him know there's another lucky person in the club.
(Fred's answer to Esmond)
Here's what I've learned about the T. Haruo axes. A post on the vintage guitar site by Peter Berge was asking the same questions we are and mentioned that he heard a rumor that the builder used to work for Yamaha. I followed this up and called Yamaha, finally connecting with a guy named Ken in Hollywood, CA who has worked with Yamaha for some time. He confirmed that "Terry" Haruo was one of the best builders that Yamaha ever had and that he tried to make a go of it by himself but ultimately didn't succeed financially (where's the justice in that?). Ken told me that he also has one of Terry's axes, known for their quality and tone. So, that's about it; Ken isn't sure where Terry is now or what he's doing. We're lucky to have found what we have.
Alfred's message
as i had posted, i had heard (can't remember where) that T. Haruo guitars were made by someone who used to work for yamaha. i subsequently followed that lead and spoke with a manager who worked for yamaha guitars in hollywood, ca. he confirmed that "terry" haruo had in fact been one of yamaha's best guitar builders and had made a go at starting his own company. i'm not sure how long he lasted on his own until he encountered money/business problems. in any event, his guitars were of very high quality and i agree that you probably got a great deal. have fun with it.
Bob's message
Brett, good luck finding out anything about your Haruo, it's completely impossible. Nobody on Earth can find out anything. If I told you the extent to which I tried to find out about the guitar, you would laugh! I've contacted every major music hub in The US and elsewhere, New york, Nashville, L.A., Detroit etc. I 've contacted many people in Japan including the Japanese luthiers association. Nobody knows anything. So far, you are about the 5th person I heard of that owns one, we are all trying to find out something, anything and come up zero every time. So... good luck and if u do hear anything, please let me know. I still have mine, bought in a pawn shop in L.A. about 10 yrs. ago for $300. how much did u pay for yours? I think it's worth close to $1500, $1700 dollars. Because... it's as good as any guitar I've played that goes for that kind of money. But, you'd never get that for it if u sell it because nobody's ever heard of it. If you ever want to sell yours, please let me know. Thanx and keep me posted. – Bob
P.S. if u hear the rumor that Haruo worked for Ibanez and made a few of his own guitars, forget about it, Ibanez says... no way.
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