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So, let’s start with the name “Takamine”, @Big_Red45 . There are quite a few factors that come into play when buying a guitar. @Marty69 alluded to that when he compared buying a guitar to buying shoes. It’s pretty personal. However, there is one factor can be immediately checked off when buying from certain companies… quality. You won’t find a better built guitar than a Takamine. Generally, to get a guitar of equal quality you would have to spend a lot more money than what a Takamine cost. In other words, you can’t go wrong buying a Takamine… assuming you know what you want in a guitar and this guitar fits. I own a Tak, so I can attest to this.
Second, if you have played the guitar, then you already know that you like this particular model and it fits.
But here’s the odd part. I can’t find a model EF 4555 anywhere, even on Takamine’s website. The have a family of guitars that are designated EF 450. Here is a blub about the “parent” model:
<header>EF450DLX</header>
The guitars created in Takamine Specialty Shop are very limited production models showing design elements that appear nowhere else in the Takamine line. Every so often we get the opportunity to acquire some exquisite examples of rare and valuable tone woods. These timbers are so unique they deserve an extraordinary guitar to show off their natural brilliance. The EF450DLX NEX brings your stage presence to a whole new level. From the intricately inlaid pick guard and fretboard to the stunning solid flame maple back and sides, every element of this guitar was chosen to catch the eye and the ear. The combination of solid sitka spruce over solid flame maple back and sides creates a harmonic richness and amazing level of sustain to the voice of this guitar. Gloss natural finish and deluxe gold hardware put the finishing touch on this visually striking instrument. Includes Takamine’s Palathetic™ pickup, known in the industry as one of the most accurate and natural sounding acoustic/electric pickups. Takamine’s TLD Line Driver provides the player with an active output.
I have to ask if you have the model number correct. If so, I am really confused as Takamine’s website is extremely well designed and I can find any custom guitar they ever built. So, if you are sure that you have the model number correct, I would be worried about the “real” story behind this particular guitar.
The other side of the coin is, if anyone was trying to make a “fake” Takamine, they’d be very careful to use a model number that existed in the Takamine line. So again, I’m confused. The first thing you need to do is check and see if you have the model number correct.
If this is a genuine Takamine and you like it, I’d have to say jump on it. Their electronics are second to none and better than most. If fact, I would not swear that anyone makes pickups and preamps that can equal Takamine’s.
I hope this helps you make a good decision. Please let us know what you find out and what you decide to do. I would be interested in the rest of the stroy.
MG 😀