Japanese Martin Clones

[Brock the Mod]

Anyone have particular experience with the Takamine Lawsuit Acoustics series and or Terada Factory style acoustics?

Theres a couple on my radar right now, an F360S (D28) a F3375S (D35), and a Terada D35/D41 model of sorts. Theyre old, Im aware some might need professional work, but any owner experience (or Martin people for that matter) inputs would be appreciated.

[marqueemoon]

I have a 1977 Takamine F312. It doesn’t have the delicacy of a vintage Martin, but that’s kind of what I like about it. It’s heavy on the fundamental and can get kind of honky when strummed which is great for certain things. It’s very balanced sounding.

Here it is with just guitar/voice (a New Year cover). The guitar is compressed, but there’s no level riding automation between the fingerpicked and strummed parts. Not a lot of eq happening either.

https://soundcloud.com/user-631280886/g ... pectations

Here it is in a full band mix with a little dirtying up to give it that chunky 70’s thing.

https://thelaughinggroup.bandcamp.com/t ... odys-bikes

[Pepe Silvia]

I have a short lived Japanese Martin clone, an Aspen. It is a D28 clone. Solid top, laminated back and sides. It sounds good, loud, and has a nice soft V neck. They are not common but when they do come up they are $100-300. Lots of guitar for the money.

[Embenny]

My uncle has one of the lawsuit Takamines. He absolutely adores it. He plays a bluegrass jam weekly and everyone there thinks it's awesome. I'm not a Martin person so I can't compare the two but it's certainly a very nice guitar.

[MattK]

I have a K Yairi DY-51, which is a D-28 copy with a cedar top and laminate burl mahogany sides. It's a gem, as are most K Yairi guitars (they also built for Alvarez in the 1980s).

[Brock the Mod]

https://reverb.com/item/35309016-el-tor ... ing-w-case

Cant find much info on El Torres specifically other then they seemed to be a brand sold specifically to Canada from Japan. But this looks awesome to me. Just curious on the wood if its jacaranda rosewood like the takamines and overall quality of build.

[Brock the Mod]

I ended up buying it Ill report back.

I think a Takamine 375S would have held a better value in the long run but given this guitars condition and half the price (plus case) I went for this.

I also kinda like that its a D35 clone with a D41/42 abalone inlay on the front that seems kinda unique. We'll see, 400$ for like a Japanese 70s anything seems feel right.

[marqueemoon]

Cool. Hopefully it’s good quality. Definitely a classic design and looks like quality materials. Acoustic guitars are usually a “must try in person” thing for me.

[Brock the Mod]

I 100% agree with that. It should be something I should feel out before I buy

However Im banking on its a good quality and build and being happy with what I spent (compared to what I was going to spend). I could return it at worst but that would be a nightmare

[Brock the Mod]

To follow up on this, I ended up getting it a couple days ago and it kicks ass.

Definitely well crafted and sounds different to most other acoustics I've played, that 3 piece back makes a subtle difference!