1972 Takamine Elite TW14
Made in Japan | Excellent Condition | Adjustable Saddle | Hard Case | Rare Vintage
£540.00
The Takamine Elite TW-14 is a rare early-1970s Made in Japan acoustic from Takamine’s vintage Elite line, built during the formative years of Japanese guitar making when craftsmanship, tone, and traditional construction were already beginning to earn worldwide respect.
This example dates to 1972, and represents the kind of honest, well-built vintage Japanese acoustic that collectors and players continue to seek out today. With its comfortable folk / small dreadnought-style body, warm aged appearance, and lively response, the TW-14 offers that unmistakable early MIJ character in a package that is both musical and highly usable.
The guitar features a spruce top with beautifully matured vintage colour, paired with dark mahogany back and sides, giving it a warm, dry, and balanced voice with a pleasing midrange focus. It responds well to both fingerstyle and light strumming, with a clear and open sound that feels mature rather than overly bright.
One of the standout vintage features on this guitar is its adjustable saddle, a classic period-correct detail often seen on earlier Japanese acoustics. Combined with its solid overall setup, it offers very comfortable playability. This guitar has been fully cleaned, polished, and set up, with a low action of approximately 2.0mm (Low E) / 1.5mm (High E) at the 12th fret, making it extremely easy and enjoyable to play.
Condition is excellent for a guitar of this age. It presents very well, with only light cosmetic signs of use and age-related surface wear visible under close inspection. The guitar retains a lovely vintage look, including its original-style open-gear tuners, reinforced neck plate, and attractive aged finish. Overall, it is a very clean and well-kept example of a scarce early Takamine.
It also comes with a hard case, which suits the guitar well and makes this an especially appealing vintage package.
🪵 Features
Era: 1972
Model: Takamine Elite TW-14
Origin: Made in Japan
Body size: Folk / small dreadnought style
Top: Spruce
Back & Sides: Dark mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Bridge: Rosewood with adjustable saddle
Tuners: Vintage open-gear tuners
Finish: Vintage natural gloss
Action: 2.0mm (Low E) / 1.5mm (High E) @ 12th fret
Case: Hard case included
✅ Condition Notes
Excellent vintage condition
Light cosmetic wear consistent with age
Clean and well-preserved overall appearance
Vintage adjustable saddle bridge
Original-style open-gear tuners
Neck straight and stable
Professionally cleaned and set up
Hard case included
🎼 Why buy this guitar?
Early Takamine Elite models are becoming harder to find, especially in this kind of clean and well-kept condition. The TW-14 captures the appeal of early Made in Japan acoustics beautifully: traditional styling, mature tone, comfortable playability, and charming vintage details that newer instruments simply do not have.
With its 1972 build, rare Elite branding, adjustable saddle, excellent setup, and hard case, this is a superb choice for anyone looking for an authentic and highly playable vintage Japanese acoustic.
🔑 Hashtags / Search Keywords
#TakamineElite
#TakamineTW14
#VintageTakamine
#MadeInJapan
#MIJ
#1972Guitar
#VintageAcoustic
#JapaneseVintageGuitar
#TakamineGuitar
#RooftopMusicUK
Dispatch promise: Orders ship within 5 business days (Mon–Fri, excluding UK public holidays).
Default service (UK): Royal Mail Tracked 48 (standard 2–3 business days in transit; not a guaranteed timeframe).
For details, see our Shipping & Returns policy.
Used/Vintage items — final sale for change-of-mind
No change-of-mind returns on used/vintage items.
If an item arrives damaged or significantly not as described, email us within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the outer box, inner packing and item. Keep all packaging until resolved. We’ll arrange an appropriate remedy (repair/replacement/refund) after assessment.
This does not affect your statutory rights.
New items — 14-day returns (buyer pays return postage)
Change-of-mind returns accepted within 14 calendar days of delivery for new items.
Buyer pays return shipping and is responsible for the parcel until received; use a tracked, insured service.
Items must be unused, in “as-new” condition, with all original packaging, tags, accessories, manuals and freebies.
Returns showing signs of use/installation, marks, missing accessories/packaging, or damage may be rejected or deducted to reflect diminished value.
How to return: contact us within 14 days for Return Authorisation and instructions. Unauthorised returns may be refused.
Refunds go to the original payment method after inspection. Original outbound shipping is non-refundable (unless the item is faulty/not as described).
Non-returnable (unless faulty): opened strings, consumables, personalised/custom orders, and any setup/labour services once performed.
Faulty/not-as-described (all categories)
If your item is faulty or not as described, contact us within 48 hours with photos. We’ll cover reasonable return costs or offer another suitable remedy in line with your statutory rights.
See our Shipping & Returns for full details.