❌SOLD❌ Takamine LTD 2012C Michi Black, 2012

The nylon string Takamine LTD 2021C ‘Michi’ was one of the 2012 limited edition models from Takamine, paired with a steel-string version. ‘Michi’ translates to ‘Path’ or ‘Road’, and the intention was to commemorate Takamine’s 50th anniversary.

The Takamine LTD 2021C ‘Michi’ model is unusual in a number of ways. It is a long-scale – 660mm or just shy of 25 inches – nylon string guitar with solid Spruce top and solid Indian Rosewood for the bridge and back (Laminate for the sides), with Mahogany for the body blocks and neck and Ebony fingerboard. However, it carries a number of non-classical elements starting with the gloss black finish. The oval soundhole and French-style cutaway are reminiscent of ‘Grand Bouche’ Maccaferri and Selmer guitars introduced in the early 1930’s for French Jazz players. Very much unlike traditional classical guitars, it has a lovely fingerboard vine and leaves inlay that’s reflected in the inlaid rosette, plus a stylized ‘T’ on the headstock.

While many guitars, including classicals, now have pickup and preamp systems, I can’t recall another non-Takamine model that uses a *tube* preamp. The Takamine LTD 2021C ‘Michi’ uses the CTP-2 Cool Tubes II Preamp using a 12AU7, which will apparently run for 24 hours on power provided by four standard AA batteries. These are generally switched on by inserting a plug in the tailblock-mounted endpin jack, so be sure to unplug that when not in use – this applies to pretty much all battery powered musical equipment. Takamine was one of the first companies to include pickup and preamp systems on steel string guitars and in the 1970’s and 1980’s Takamini and Ovation guitars were seen on many Country stages for this reason.

Overall this guitar is in very good, clean condition. It plays well, and sounds good, and has a classy, unique visual appeal.

The original quality Takamini branded hard shell case is included.