Takamine Guitar Serial Number Lookup/Decoder
Founded in 1959 at the base of Mount Takamine in Sakashita, Japan, Takamine is a premier manufacturer of acoustic-electric guitars renowned for superior craftsmanship, innovative pickup technology, and reliability. Renamed in 1962, the company pioneered the modern acoustic-electric guitar with their proprietary Palathetic pickup system.
Takamine Serial Number Lookup/Decoder FAQs
Where can I find the Takamine serial number?
Most Takamine guitars list the serial number on the back of the headstock. Some acoustics place it inside the soundhole on a paper label, and older instruments may use a neck plate or stamped marking. If you cannot find it, check the headstock back and the neck joint first.
What can this Takamine serial number lookup/decoder tell me?
It typically identifies the production year, factory or plant code, and country of origin. Some serial formats also hint at model lines or production sequence, but that varies by era.
Why won't my Takamine serial number decode?
Serial formats change over time, and limited runs or custom shop instruments can deviate from standard patterns. Try removing spaces or hyphens, and if it still fails, reach out so we can review it and improve the decoder.
Decoder Note
Note: If you try a serial number and the decoder is not able to decode it, please contact us and let us know so we can check the number and fix the decoder. Thank you!
How to decode a Takamine serial number
Takamine guitars, specifically Japanese‑built models from 1962 to 2012, use an 8‑digit serial number typically found on the neck block inside the soundhole. The first two digits represent the year (e.g., 07 for 2007), the next two digits indicate the month (e.g., 10 for October), and the final four are the production sequence.
Decoding Takamine Serial Numbers (Common 8‑Digit Format)
- Digits 1 & 2: Year of manufacture (e.g., “09” = 2009).
- Digits 3 & 4: Month of manufacture (e.g., “05” = May).
- Digits 5–8: Production number for that month (e.g., “0112” = 112th guitar).
Examples
- 07100091: Built in October 2007, 91st guitar produced that month.
- 09050112: Built in May 2009, 112th guitar produced that month.
Important Notes
- Location: Look for the number on the neck block inside the soundhole.
- G‑Series/Other: Some, particularly G‑Series, may have different formats (sometimes found on the electronics box or back of the headstock).
- Modern Models: Post‑2012 models might feature different formatting, but many still follow a similar date‑coded structure.
- Limited Runs: Special Limited Edition models (LTD) are usually marked with the year, such as “LTD2025”.