1970s Takamine F-310S 00-Size Guitar

Overview: Old, Japanese-made Takamines from the '70s are pretty well-loved guitars and that's especially-so when we're talking the Martin-style copycat models. Whenever I have them in the shop, folks are asking after them immediately. This one is a 00-size guitar with ply rosewood back and sides but a solid spruce top (hence the S designation after the F-310 model name) and it's loosely based on a 14-fret 00-28 Martin design aesthetic.

Tone: It sounds rather similar to a Martin 00, of course, but with maybe a little more balance and "shimmer" to the mids compared to a Martin's more scooped and velvety mids.

Feel: This is also very close to a Martin-style build as it has a medium-heft, C/soft V hybrid neck profile and a flatter fretboard radius. It feels like playing a mid-'60s small-body Martin, more or less.

Interesting features: As a clone-style guitar, it's really more the differing elements from what's copied-from that give it interest. The ply back and sides, in this case, are a boon to someone gigging regularly with it as it will be easier to take care of because ply is so stable and durable.

Repairs included: Jose gave it a fret level/dress and cut a new bone saddle for it. He also set it up. This guitar is being purchased for a buddy's tour rig and, since the photos and video were taken, I've set it up as a Nashville-strung guitar for him and also added a pickup and better-quality tuners.

• Weight: 3 lbs 15 oz
• Scale length: 24 7/8"
• Nut width: 1 11/16"
• Neck shape: medium C/V
• Board radius: 16"
• Body width: 14 3/8"
• Body depth: 4 1/8"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: ply rosewood
• Bracing type: x
• Bridge: rosewood
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 54w-12 lights
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium

Condition notes: It's rather in good shape and all-original but does show light usewear here and there throughout. One of the bridge pins is a replacement.