Tama Guitar

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: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Oct 02 - 07:53 PM

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

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: 53
Date: 24 Oct 02 - 06:08 PM

I've never tried a Tama.

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: 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: 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,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: 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,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: 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: 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?