Tama Guitar

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Jules N
Date: 10 Jun 21 - 06:35 AM

I have a TAMA TG 80, with the TGs acknowledged as a superb top-end series of TAMAs built '77 - '79.I bought it in '79 at the age of 16 in Tasmania after working my butt off for a couple of weeks hay-baling. It was $570 down from $750. A lot of money then, but it was, and still is, the most beautiful guitar that I've played. Solid mahogany body, ebony fretboard, spectacular wood binding, abalone and bone. Just stunning. Truly a work of art and rings like a bell. Sold it to an ex-girlfriend in the late 80s on the condition that if she ever sold it, it would be to me. Found out later that she had hocked it for $40!I was devastated. I have missed that guitar terribly, buying a still-beautiful TK 50 for $200 about 10 years ago to try to cheer myself up...

Well, looking online two days ago, found a TG 80...yes, my old guitar! Incredibly, it had been found by a music shop guy in the same interstate hock (pawn) shop after sitting in a back room, dirty, but still in its case for more than 30 years...and under the dirt, brilliant condition still. It'll be back in my hot little hands in three weeks' time - can't wait!!

And now I have two TAMAs :)

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Rick Matei
Date: 25 Feb 16 - 10:55 AM

I have a 1974 Tama 3550 classical c/w the original case for sale. a couple of scratches and dings on the binding edges but a great player
Asking 750 CND plus shipping charges. email [e-mail]. Guitar in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Kevin Vallee
Date: 28 Nov 14 - 08:45 PM

I bought mine in New Zealand in 1977. It had the brass "Ray Durant" plaque covering the abalone inlaid TAMA on the head. I wonder if they did that to get around some import issues or something as they were having copyright issues with Martin guitars. I paid $238.00 NZ for it and while I considered selling it as I could use the grand plus I cannot part with it. An exceptionally beautiful guitar. I have passed it on to my oldest son asking him to "keep it in the family".

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Brett
Date: 31 Jul 13 - 07:09 AM

I have a Tama 3650-12 on ebay right now
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=321176100581

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Mar 12 - 08:13 PM

It also had the unusual feature of geared tuners - you could set them up for open tunings and it would move smoothly between the two settings. I've only seen that kind of tuner on Banjoes.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Jayne Lloyd Guitar Teacher
Date: 02 Mar 12 - 08:09 PM

My first 'professional instrument' was a Tama - it cost me £995 in 1981. It had a sitka top, solid rosewood back and sides and snoflake and daisy inlays. Around 25 years later I stupidly gave it to the local guitar shop to have a pick up put in, with strict instructions not to alter the neck or set up in any way. The stupid idiot who put the pick up in 'gave the truss rod just a tweak to bring the bass end up'. AT 6am next morning I was screaming at him down the phone as the truss rod had come out of its seating and was trying to break through the beautiful fretboard.

A local lutheir repaired it but it was never the same again. I purchased an awesome replacement from the luthier, which I still have, I gave the Tama in part ex. I would still be playing it. At the time, I remember the lovely guitarist from Fairport Convention had one exactly the same as mine (he replaced it with a Santa Cruz) and the Spinners had a couple of similar ones, (with plain inlays) a six and a twelve string. I think Dave Paskett had one of the earlier ones and Derek Brimstone has already been mentioned.

How I wish I had that guitar now x x x

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Alcide
Date: 30 Jan 12 - 08:28 AM

Hi I'm very glad to have found this site on Tama Guitars
mine is A TM 200 Production 1977 I baught about 15 Years ago $550.00 Canadian with the case Its still in very good shape I once tried A Martin my Instructor had
I wont say Mine was better but I taught mine was as good.
I believe Mine is Spruce Top Jacaranda Back & side with Ebony finger board. If one of You know this to be diffrent I would like to know.
I would not sell Mine But I would like to know its Worth.
Again thanks for all the info. Apreciated

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,JGwinkler
Date: 07 Jan 12 - 08:07 PM

I just bought a Tama @ a thrift store for $16 USD. Model # is 6920, under the neck it has a number too 7296P or 3296P. I don't know anything about it. The bridge looks like its coming unglued a bit.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,tanolina
Date: 06 Jan 12 - 09:53 PM

I bought my TAMA TM105 (1977?) from the original owner in 1983. Have been trying to locate 2 TAMA buttons that cover the machine head gears.Approx. 14mm diameter. Anyone know where I could get hold of any.(Moral of the exercise is dont lend your TAMA). Thanks AL.

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 02:25 PM

I have a RARE and hard to find - TAMA 3563 - Top of the line - Solid top - Tree of Life inlay

I found it at a yard sale 17 years ago and they guy wanted to buy a classical guitar instead. I had a cheap classical which I traded straight across. I didnt know anything about guitars then and the TAMA wanst set up right and didnt stay in tune so I stuck in in the closet for 16 years. I was looking to buy a new guitar (Taylor or Larivee) last year and decided I should check out the, what I thought, was a piece of crap in the closet. After doing the research I found out I had an incredible instrument collecting dust. I took it to a luthier who set it up and all I can say is WOW! What a gem. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,Guest, RD
Date: 16 Sep 11 - 08:37 PM

Have a Tama TG-80 I'm thinking of selling. Great shape, been my main player for years, has opened up awesomely. Any idea what I might be able to sell it for?

Subject: RE: Tama Guitar
From: GUEST,KB
Date: 14 Sep 11 - 03:46 PM

I have a TAMA classic guitar, purchased in 73 or so -- still have the brochure. cedar top, rosewood back and sides and no idea what the neck is made of. Used it for years - nice sound. Now use it as back up having just made my first guitar purchase since 73!!   Invested in a Esteve/Manuel Adalid 9C/B.

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

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,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,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: 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,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: 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,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: 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,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,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,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,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,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 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,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
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,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: 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: 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,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: 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,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
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
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: 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,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: 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, Sminky
Date: 15 Apr 09 - 09:01 AM

Information about Tama 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,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,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,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: 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,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: 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,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,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.!