Takamine PT407 Parlour Acoustic/Electric Natural Koa 1994
Takamine PT407 parlour, natural gloss, made in Japan 1994. What a lovely little thing this is. Takamine call this body shape a New Yorker: it's similar in size to a Martin 0, but with a 14th fret join and a little bit of extra depth. The top, back and sides are Hawaiian koa, which is a gorgeous timber. It's so rare these days that you're not allowed to visit the hillsides where it grows unless you've got a permit, but back in the 90s, it was a little easier to find. It has a rich dark red hue and some pretty grain lines to trace; it's quality stuff. The tone is warm, punchy and rich, with a generous midrange punch rounded by a woody bass and a zesty treble. The 'Palathic' pickup is very good: each string gets a little crystal sensor, and it translates very nicely amplified. We've had a few of these Japan-made Tak parlours through, and they're always a delight.
Model: Takamine PT407
Made: 1994, Sakashita Japan
Serial: 410802478
Finish: natural, gloss poly
Body: Hawaiian koa top, back and sides, parlour size, 356mm across, 104mm deep
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fretboard, 24.8" scale, 12" radius, 43mm nut, 14th fret join, very soft V profile
Weight: 2.040kg
Mods: none
Pickup: CT-4Bii preamp + 'Palathetic' system
Accessories: Takamine hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has scuffs on the end and some minor clouding on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just some dimples, scuffs and clouding of the finish on the back. The back has minor rub wear on the shoulders and elbow area and minor clouding of the clear coat around the whole body, more visible on some angles than others. The sides have minor clouding and dimples around the whole body The front has minor scuffs along the back edge, dimples in the elbow area and some play wear on the shoulders.
Overall: very good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. Setup with 12/54 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 8/10, minor wear only