1977 Tama Hoshino TW-09 - Natural - Dreadnaught w/ Pickup and Case
We' don't get to see a whole lot of Tama guitars here in the US, especially here in Kentucky. It's too bad, because they are consistently great sounding guitars when we do find them. Tama was a manufacturing arm of Hoshino that was launched in 1962 to produce guitars and amps for Ibanez, and drums for Star Drums. At some point, Tama-branded instruments started to be produced for the Japanese market. By 1979, the Tama guitars were phased out to focus on the much more successful Ibanez line and all materials and exiting models were morphed into the Ibanez line. Tama drums are still widely available today, but vintage Tama guitars are becoming harder and harder to find. This model, the TW-09, was introduced in 1977 and is generally styled after the Martin D-28. Solid Rosewood, Solid Spruce, Dreadnaught X-bracing....it's a simple recipe for success and a reason why this model is coveted among those in the know!
This TW-09 has a lot going for it as far as tone, volume, vibe, originality, and playability. Unfortunately, there have been some ugly, yet structurally solid, repairs performed. The back has several cracks that have been sealed and resprayed and it looks like someone attempted to shine up the top of the guitar by sanding it and adding a thin coat of lacquer. It looks like a beat up old guitar though, which is fine with us. The bridge has been reglued. The tuners and hardware are original, the frets are original and have plenty of life left, the neck is straight and the truss rod works in both directions. The neck has worn spots and has been sanded smooth in others. There appears to be a stand rash on the neck, but it has also been sanded smooth and isn't an interruption to the playing experience. It plays well, has a fresh setup and fresh strings. The repairs that were performed were done a long time ago. It's a good candidate for a future refinish and to touch up some of the previous repairs, but as it sits it is a totally usable guitar with lots of character and vintage vibe. The original chipboard case is included.
A Fishman Rare Earth soundhole pickup/microphone system is installed. This is a $320.00 system (plus installation). We will not sell it separate, or sell the guitar without it, sorry.