Thankfully Takamine serial numbers are a little more straight forward than some other guitar companies.
This article will look at what your Takamine serial number can tell you about your guitar and how to decode that number.
What They Can Tell You About Your Guitar
The main things that the guitar’s serial number tells you is the date your guitar was built more specifically the month and the year ? not the exact day.
It also tells you which number guitar produced your guitar was, during the particular month i.e. the 1st guitar that month, the 22nd, the 1,000th etc.
This might give you some clue as to the day in the month it was made but not an accurate one ? for example, if your guitar was the 5th built that month, then it was likely to be on one of the first days of the month. But for most, the exact day of build and the sequential number it was built in that month, isn?t that important anyway.
So, the main thing this serial number will tell you is finding out the month and year of build.
Where Can I Find the Serial Number?
Takamine serial numbers are typically found on the neck block (where the neck joins the body) on the inside of the body of the guitar.
Decoding Takamine Serial Numbers
Now we come the important part ? decoding the serial number. Thankfully this is fairly straight forward when it comes to Takamine, though there are, as usual, a few extras.
There are a couple of different serial number systems depending on which model and depending on where they were made and distributed.
Pro Series Models
Takamine?s Pro Series (which is pretty much all of their series except for the G series) models follow an 8 digit serial number system.
The first 2 numbers represent the year of production.
The next 2 numbers represent the month of production.
The last 4 numbers represent the sequential order of that guitar for the month.
O.k. so pretty straight forward right. But let?s take a look at an example to make it really clear.
- Example serial number: 08040781
From our example serial number we can see that this guitar would have been built in 2008 (08), in April (04) and it was the 781st (0781) guitar built that month.
Said another way, this was the 781st Pro Series guitar that Takamine built in April of 2008.
However, this system is only relevant for up to the end of 2012 ? after that they adopted a new system (see overseas models below).
G Series Models
O.k. did I say that Takamine?s serial number systems were straight forward ? o.k. I might have lied, just a little.
The G series is the exception. There is no discernable system for G Series models. No decoding going on here, unfortunately.
Models Distributed in Japan
Note that Takamine is a Japanese guitar manufacturer (more on Takamine?s History).
Any models that were distributed in Japan, as opposed to internationally, used a slightly different serial number system. It?s still an 8 digit system and the 1st two digits still represent the year, the second two digits still represent the month, and the last 4 digits still represent the sequential order that the guitar was built in that month.
The difference is the first two digits for the year.
These digits represent the number of years since Takamine?s began in 1962.
For example, if the first two digits were ?40? then that would represent 2002 (1962 + 40 years).
So, using an example: 41100035
This was the 35th (0035) guitar manufactured in October (10) of 2003 (41 ? which is 1962+41)
Japanese Made Models Distributed Overseas
Towards the end of 2012 models distributed overseas started to use the same serial number system as those that are distributed in Japan.
So, if your Takamine was built after 2012 you might see something like this: 51050213
This would represent the 213th (0213) guitar built in May (05) 2013 (1962+51 = 2013).
Thanks for Reading
Apart from the G Series models, Takamine?s serial number systems are fairly straightforward and easy to understand.
If you have a G Series guitar, you might want to contact Takamine to see what they can tell you about the guitar. Otherwise, you should be able to decipher the year, month and the sequence in that month that your guitar was built.
Any questions or comments please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
Image Credits
By Alan Levine (Flickr: EST 1962) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Bonnie Guglielmetti says
I just inherited a Takamine g 132s series guitar and don?t know anything about it….Help.
Serial 08060378
Product 5550002804
KMC c1325 _02804 TAK AC Nylon Cedar W/CS
Please decode. Thank you
Nate says
Hi Bonnie
By my calculations and my understanding of Takamine’s serial number system, this was the 378th guitar built in June 2008.
Apart from that it sounds like it’s the C132S, which has solid rosewood back and sides and a solid cedar top – and is a classical (Nylon string) guitar. It’s not something I’ve played but sounds like a very nice guitar to inherit by the sounds of it.
Paul Christian says
Is it not a G series with no real system for serial numbers. ?g132s? ? The ?C? in ?C1325? or ?C132S? might denote Cedar. Just guessing, though.
Lori Moher says
I have a N-15 model serial number 90090077 Can u give me some information about this guitar PLEASE Im disabled and wanting to learn Can someone pls give me info about my mew toy Thankyou in advanse
Tom says
I have a G332 model I got when I was a kid. Thinking it about 35-40 years old.
Serial number is 50506245.
So not sure what year it is. Any help would be appreciated.
Darren Washen says
With the G series you basically have to guess the year, as to where it was made. G332, approx 35-40 years old, made in Taiwan.
Louis says
I have a Takamine Guitar model # s-34c with a ten digit serial number 2004101155
Darren Washen says
S34C is a Jasmine. More than likely from the 90’s especially if made in Korea.
William Isabell says
I Have inherited a Takamine EF 340 S with a serial Nu S1011769 and I?m trying to determine year and value, Can you help me out?
Darren Washen says
Pictures would help but that serial number may be from a refurbished guitar. Is it possible it starts with an 81 rather than S1 ? That would make it a 1981
Jim says
Recently gifted a guitar I believe to be a “lawsuit” (Martin like) guitar with head stock similar to picture above G330 w SN 86010121. Normally a Jan of ’86 121 off the line. Were these Chinese made guitars and what is the view of this guitar relative to sound quality.
Erik Danam says
I own a Takamine guitar F349 Serial Number 80060905
Can someone tell me how I figure the date it was made?
Michael Trueblood says
I recently acquired a used Takamine GD20 DS. Very nice. The serial number is CC170514253. The label says Japan, but does that serial number tell me anything? Thank you
Soul says
I just acquired a GS330S and none of pertains to my Guitar?? It says made in Bloomfield CT. with a 9 digit serial number! Can you help in any way to figure out just what I have ???
Marco Pastor says
I have a Takamine which serial number is 91081276. I don?t know which model it is because there?s no label. I can say that that it?s a red burst type D. Could you guess which model is my guitar and it?s estimated price?
Emilioc says
Do you know something about gx200 (electric guitars from 80′) serial numbers. Thanks!
Wyatt says
Hi
I have an older model that I bought used probably 30 years ago but am trying to find out more information about it like model number etc. I assume it was built January of 1977 but would like to find out more than that its S/N 77011651. Thanks for your help
Wyatt
Jose Amor V. Malong says
Hello there, I always wanted to have a Takamine ever since I watch Bruce Springsteen with his black Tamine guitar. I don’t know if I purchased an original Takamine. Serial no. 92100451 model is EF341C I don’t see anything that says made in Japan. My understanding from its serial number it was made October of 1992 and the 451th made that month. But can you tell me where it’s made? I paid $450.00
Brennan Totten says
Bought a Tak EG 4400 seven or eight years ago (serial TC10100538 ) from Musicians Friend. It was a return that had been marked down. I love the damn thing but I can’t find any information about it. There is no mention of this particular model on Takamines website.
Pat says
I have a takamine eg 45c g series
Ser num 60513269 would like more info on this guitar
Edmund I. Bonner says
I have a Goya jumbo guitar but inside it says Takamine serial number 78040702. I was wondering if you could help me out to find more about my guitar.
Ross Atkinson says
Hi. I bought my Takamine in 1978 as a 17yo and still have it. The serial number is 78052773 so obviously a May built 1978 guitar and the 2773th instrument that month. It has lost its model sticker and I can’t remember what it is. Is there any way to identify the guitar from the serial number? It’s still in great condition and now has a lovely mellow tone, so will stay with me until I “expire”.
Ben Stevens says
Hello, I have an EG531C with a s/n 1312694 , can you tell me the year it was produced and an estimated value please.
Thanks,
Ben
Aaron says
I just bought a takamine on a gamble at a flea market. I can’t find any information on this model. The tag on inside of the sound hoLe says takamine made in japan. Model number is “TW-2” and the serial number on the neck Block is “46.9.25”. I was hoping I scored with the price I talked him down too, but I really don’t know what I have. Please help.
Stephanie Ferrari says
I have same problem. Cant find anything on the kodel # GC100S
Leo says
I own a Takamine guitar EF-340 serial number # 79120902 can someone tell me the date and year .
Leo
Ross says
I think that was made in December of 1979 and was the 902nd guitar for the month.
Fabricio Pastrana says
I have a Takamine Guitar model ec-128 with a ten digit serial number 97120421
Regars
Ross says
Again, the first 2 numbers give the year, the next 2 give the month, and the last numbers show its place in the guitars prduced that month. So it was the 421st guitar produced in Decembef of 1997
Noel Blondel says
I have a F340S-F serial number 82101573. The pick up just died. It had the battery holder mounted inside the guitar covering the serial number. Do you know what the F stands for please and is the pick up still available.
Noel
Arno says
Hi,
I have a Takamine CP132 of 2001.
Serial number : 01051363
My guitar tech say she was build the May 13 2001. 63th of the serie !!
It’s true or false ?
Thx for help
Arno
Ross says
Almost right. May 2001 but the 1363rd guitar for that month.
Tatiana says
I have a blue model number:S34C-8T
Serial number: 012104714
Thomas says
I recently purchased a Takamine Guitar Model EG-334SC SERIAL # QKZ347-383
Can anyone tell me approximately what year this guitar was manufactured?
Thanks
Draven says
I have a beautiful Takamine that i cant seem to figure out the exact modle. Its G series with the modle number: EG350C. The serial number is: 06152181. Im extremely confused by this and would greatly appreciate any help
Patrick Tuohy says
Can someone help me with my takamine guitar,I bought it new a long time ago.Want to know what sort of quality it is classed as, where it was actually made,and what it’s current value is.Also any other information someone might have about it.The serial number is, 83091259.There is also another number stamped on the inside opposite the sound hole, that is,. F340S-LH.
The Fatguy says
Well, its a left handed F340S, made September 1983. Current value is what someone is willing to pay. Generally $400 USD
Welter Earnest says
Hi earnie hear i bought takamine on the advice of a friend i don’t remember the year mod.# EG530C sn# 1408656 I love this Guitar the sound is wonderful. The Pre.Amp went out cant find a guitar shop that can order me a new one an you help me please earnie.
The Fatguy says
I assume the 530 has a rectangular preamp that is in the side of the body, rather than the shoulder. You cant replace them, but you can have it rebuilt.
Derek Fraser says
Hi. I just acquired a C-128 classical in nearly pristine condition. The serial number is 74502127. Not sure if the 50 was inverted or not, but if the year is accurate, then this sweet guitar would have been produced the last year before Takamine started shipping worldwide?
The Fatguy says
Common error for them to invert the 05/50 May, 1974
Tom says
Hi, I need a little help. The serial number inside my Takamine is 93091486. There is no model anywhere on the guitar. How do I find the model from the serial number? Thanks
joe says
Normally model number you can see through the sound hole. Wonder if the label has come off? May have to find a site or send a pic to Takamine and they may have an answer for you.
Terrence Loychuk says
I have a Takamine classical guitar Model tg 60 R stamped an the Tak label with serial # on the neck block 46.9.8.
ny leads would be appreciated.I cannot find any info on this guitar.
Jonathan says
Hello,
I have a Takamine acoustic guitar that I bought new in 1996.
The Serial Number is 96090750.
I understand the year, month and sequence number, but no where can I find a Model Number.
Several people have asked me the Model Number.
Do you know what it is?
Thanks,
Jonathan
The Fatguy says
If you can somehow post a picture of it, I should be able to tell you what it is Jonathan
Annette Black says
I have a Takamine & Co guitar Est 1962, F375S, serial # 74D60385 can’t figure out what the D is for in the serial number.
Thanks
Annette
The Fatguy says
Thats not a D Annette. Maybe a 0. More than likely made June 1974. Spruce top with a 3 piece rosewood back.
NANTE says
Hi, can you decode the year, month and guitar number of Serial Number K11110118 of my Takamine EG523SC thanks
Tulley says
Hi. Trying to date a Takamine EG-335C #50727223. It?s a 12 string made in Taiwan. Any help appreciated. Thanks
Andy Spivey says
I have a Tan 45c serial number is 06101133
I think according to your system it was manufactured in October 2006 but not sure of the 1133 as your examples seem to have a zero where the first 1 is,
Kind regards Andy Spivey UK
Charles says
I have a takamine ef371mb serial 84120257 and i cannot have any information about it. It is in perfect condition
Nami says
Hi, I recently purchased a Takamine TD-27 , I’m trying to decode her serial Number 10201096 , according to the Takamane and this site, 10 indicates 2010 , and the second two digit represents the month of production .. any guess? , I’m not sure if the 20 was inverted or not .. and how can I find out where it was made ?
Any help appreciated.
Best Regards. Nami.