1974 Takamine Elite TW-50

The Takamine Elite TW-50 comes from Takamine’s respected Made in Japan acoustic era — a period known for excellent craftsmanship, stable construction, and dependable vintage tone. Built in 1974, this model reflects the quality and musical character that made early Takamine acoustics so well regarded among players and collectors.

Featuring a solid top with rosewood back and sides, this dreadnought produces a clear, balanced and articulate tone with strong projection. It responds well to both strumming and fingerstyle playing, offering crisp highs, focused mids, and a controlled low end that sits nicely in both solo and accompaniment settings.

This particular example is especially appealing for its elegant cosmetic appointments. It features beautiful abalone fascia binding and matching abalone fascia position inlays, giving the guitar a refined and distinctive vintage Japanese look. These decorative details add real character and help set the TW-50 apart from more standard models of the era.

The guitar remains in good overall condition, showing normal signs of age and careful use. The neck is straight, the frets are healthy, and it plays comfortably with a low action setup (Low E ≈ 2mm / High E ≈ 1.5mm at the 12th fret).

Please note that there is some clouding / hazing visible on certain areas of the back and sides. This is very common on many vintage Japanese guitars and is considered a normal age-related cosmetic characteristic. It does not affect tone, structure, or playability.

It has been professionally cleaned and setup in our UK workshop, so it’s ready to be enjoyed straight away.

A hard case is included for protection and safe transport.

🪵 Features

• Model: Takamine Elite TW-50

• Year: 1974

• Body style: Dreadnought

• Top: Solid top

• Back & sides: Rosewood

• Fingerboard: Rosewood

• Inlays: Abalone fascia position inlays

• Binding: Abalone fascia binding

• Finish: Natural gloss

• Made in Japan

• Includes: Hard case

✅ Condition

• Good vintage condition with age-appropriate cosmetic wear

• Some clouding / hazing on parts of the back & sides

• Common on vintage Japanese guitars and does not affect tone

• No structural issues affecting playability

• Straight neck, healthy frets

• Low action setup: L.E. 2mm / H.E. 1.5mm @ 12th fret

• Recently cleaned and setup in our workshop

🎼 Why this guitar?

The Elite TW-50 is a lovely example of early Takamine MIJ craftsmanship. With its solid top, comfortable playability, attractive abalone fascia detailing, and mature vintage voice, it offers both visual charm and dependable musical performance. A great choice for anyone looking for a well-made vintage Japanese acoustic with real character.

🔑 Hashtags / Keywords

#Takamine #TakamineElite #TW50 #TakamineTW50 #MadeInJapan #VintageTakamine #MIJGuitar #1974Guitar #JapaneseAcoustic #VintageAcoustic #SolidTop #Dreadnought