Takamine SAJ10N Jumbo Acoustic/Electric Natural 1994
Takamine SAJ10N jumbo, made in Japan 1994, natural gloss. This is an unusual one, but oh boy: it's cool. It's hard to find this model listed in a catalog, or even in sold listings around the internet, but it certainly does exist. What we have is a thick, juicy jumbo. The shape is pretty close to a Gibson SJ-200, with a big wide top and plenty of depth to match. The neck is a slim comfy shape and the guitar isn' super heavy, so despite the size it's pretty comfy to play. The top is tightly grained, bookmatched sitka spruce, paired with some gorgeous solid ribbon grained mahogany for the back and sides. The sound on offer is remarkably crisp: there's a generous smooth low end, but it's the high end chirp and clarity that's most noticeable. The midrange is dry and open, and chords and lead lines pop with sparkling clarity. There's a lot to enjoy here, it's a very cool slice of Japan's famous craftsmanship from late last century.
Model: Takamine SAJ10N
Made: Sakashita Japan, 1994
Serial: 42080005
Finish: natural, gloss poly
Body: solid sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, jumbo size, 434mm across, 122mm deep
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fretboard, 25.5" scale, 16" radius, 43mm nut, C shape
Weight: 2.265kg
Mods: none
Pickup: none
Accessories: lightweight semi-hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor dimples on the end and some scuffs on the front around the posts. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear on the back only. The back has some clouding of the finish on the shoulders, as well as some dimples and scuffs around the rest of the body. The sides have dimples in the elbow area and bottom bout, as well as minor clouding and scuffs around the whole body. The front has some dimples in the elbow area and along the back edge, as well as some play wear on the guard and shoulders. There's some clouding in the finish on the top.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. Setup with Moonshiners 12/54 strings.
Fret Life: 8/10, minor wear only