Posted by Craig Ramsey on May 19, 2005 at 07:25:01:
In Reply to: Tama Acousitc 3560N posted by Charlie on May 11, 2002 at 13:35:58:
: Have a beautiful Tama in mint condition. Played very little over the years. Does anyone know about it other than it is not made anymore.
: CHARLIE
Hi Charlie
My jam buddy has an awesome Tama that compares very well to my 30 yr. old Martin and my handbuilt Applegate (Brian Applegate is a protege of James Olson, luthier to Kottke, James Taylor, etc.). On the merits of his guitar, I started haunting ebay and just took delivery of a beautiful , Id guess '70's, Tama - a virtually unplayed example that is a considerable upgrade to his. I'd love to hear more about yours, in an effort to determine what I have.
About this one: It is absolutely cherry, some minor finish flaws. Zero fret or board wear, some light pickguard scratches. Features extensive MOP or Abalone (I'm guessing the latter) inlays. I mean extensive; around the neck, soundhole, both sides of all right angle seams (i.e. both sides of front and back, sides). Neck is mahogany,ivory bound and headstock is rosewood laminate, outlined and bound as neck. Truss rod cover is tortoise shell, pickguard black plastic. MOP / Aba vertical "TAMA" centered between gold tuners with gold star inset in black plastic on tuning machine cases. Spruce top, incredible straight grained and matched rosewood back. Rosewood bridge and board, the latter with beautiful diamond rectangular MOP / Aba inlay.
I thought it might be a Renaissance model, but it doesn't have the 'tree of life' fretboard inlay I think they feature. It sounds and plays like a vintage d28, nice as action as you'll find. It has no interior label, just a 4 or 5 digit number inprinted on neck butt. I'd appreciate learning more about yours if you get a chance - thanks
Craig