1997 Takamine TD23BR
Made in Japan | Lawsuit Martin Style | Fancy Hard Case | Excellent Condition | Vintage Tone
£590.00
The Takamine TD-23BR is a Japan-made dreadnought built in the spirit of Takamine’s classic lawsuit-era tradition — a period celebrated for producing well-built acoustics inspired by traditional Martin-style designs. These MIJ Takamine dreadnoughts are known for their solid craftsmanship, stable necks, and balanced, musical tone, offering excellent value for players seeking a reliable vintage Japanese instrument with classic looks and feel.
This 1997 Takamine TD-23BR features a natural spruce top paired with beautifully grained back and sides, delivering a warm, open midrange with clear highs and a rounded, vintage low end. After decades of natural ageing, the guitar has opened up nicely with a mature resonance and woody character that newer guitars often can’t replicate.
The guitar has been fully cleaned and polished, professionally set up, and plays comfortably with action measuring approximately 2.0mm (low E) and 1.75mm (high E) at the 12th fret, making it easy and enjoyable to play across the entire fingerboard.
Condition is excellent for its age, showing only light cosmetic signs of careful ownership. There are no cracks, no repairs, and no structural issues noted. The neck is straight, the truss rod works correctly, frets are clean, and the guitar plays smoothly with that seasoned Takamine tone. It also comes with a fancy hard case, perfect for protection and safe shipping.
🪵 Features
Era: 1997 (Jan 1997) – Made in Japan
Model: Takamine TD-23BR
Series: Lawsuit-era inspired / Martin-style Takamine dreadnought
Factory: Takamine Japan
Top: Spruce
Back & Sides: Beautifully grained Mahogany
Back: One-piece style / very clean continuous grain look
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Bridge: Rosewood
Body style: Martin-inspired dreadnought
Colour: Natural
Case: Fancy hard case included
Action: 2.0mm (Low E) / 1.75mm (High E) @ 12th fret
✅ Condition
Excellent condition for its age
No cracks, repairs, or structural concerns noted
Straight neck with fully functional truss rod
Frets and fingerboard cleaned and polished
Fresh setup with comfortable low action
Fully functional and ready to play
Clean, honest vintage cosmetic wear only
🎼 Why buy this guitar?
A clean and honest example of a Made in Japan Takamine dreadnought in the spirit of the classic lawsuit-era Martin-style tradition, offering warm, mature tone, dependable MIJ build quality, and excellent playability. A great choice for players who want classic dreadnought sound and feel without modern price tags — fully set up, protected by a fancy hard case, and ready to enjoy.
🔑 Hashtags / Search Keywords
#TakamineTD23BR #TD23BR #TakamineVintage #TakamineMIJ #MadeInJapan #LawsuitEra #LawsuitEraInspired #MartinStyle #VintageAcoustic #Dreadnought #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.