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1995 Taku Sakashta 'Brazilian Special'
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SN#: 2071, signed by the builder
Body size at lower bout: 17", Body Depth: 3" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .79/.82
Materials: Hand graduated solid AAAAA maple back, sides and neck; solid bookmatched hand graduated German spruce soundboard; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, binding, headstock overlays, kerfing, neck and endblocks; pearl headstock medallion.
Hardware: All Brazilian rosewood hardware includes sculpted tailpiece, finger rest, and compensated adjustable bridge; mini Schaller tuners with rosewood keys; Bartolini floating pickup with thumbwheel volume control, 1/4"endpin jack.
Notes: Born in 1966 in Kobe, Japan, Taku Sakashta began his fascination with the guitar at age of 10: by age 18 he had earned his degree in design and engineering, and was awarded the honor of developing a curriculum for luthiery training at his institution. Recognized for his brilliance, Taku was soon making prototypes and custom guitars for some of Japan's most prestigious manufacturers.
Moving first to Los Angeles in 1991, by 1996 he established his workshop in Sonoma County, producing an amazing panoply of instruments, including stunning solid body and flat top guitars, Florentine mandolins, and even effects pedals and pickups. Sakashta became best known however, for his exquisitely designed archtop guitars, chiefly slimline hollow bodies crafted with staggering beauty and precision.
This breathtaking instrument was built for a Brazilian guitarist, who had inherited an antique bed frame of solid Brazilian rosewood, which Sakashta accepted as a deposit for the commission. A labor of some four and a half years, the guitar was crafted with hardware carved entirely from that highly figured tropical hardwood, including the pickguard, tailpiece, tuner keys, binding, and headstock facings.
(An internal inspection revealed a detail we've never seen before and will surely not again: Sakashta had actually lined the body with both kerfing and endblocks crafted from that same stash of gorgeous rosewood. The fact that Sakashta would expend this most precious of all exotic tonewoods in areas most eyes would never see, tells you everything you need to know about why his name has become synonymous with luthiery of the highest order.)
Having built custom instruments for luminaries including Robben Ford, Boz Scaggs and Martin Simpson, Taku was plotting designs for both Tuck Andress and Pat Martino at his tragic death at the age of just 46. Since that time, his meticulously built instruments have reached cult status among both players and collectors alike, a reputation that has only continued to grow over the decades since his passing.
This magnificent guitar is a very rare example of a traditional full depth acoustic archtop from this builder. With a soundboard of cello grade German spruce, the rest of the instrument is carved of spectacular, superbly bookmatched AAAAA grade curly flame maple. With soundholes adapted from a traditional Portuguese design, the soundboard was hand graduated for maximum sensitivity to fingerstyle playing for Bossa Nova and solo jazz arrangements.
With it's tap tuned, X braced top, the Brazilian Special is a true acoustic guitar, clear and open, with warm resonance, and an even response along the entire scale. The neck profile has a fine gentle D profile, easy in the hand, with a fresh high-precision setup. In showroom condition, the guitar is free of playwear, and remains in 100% original condition, fitted with its handwound Bartolini floating humbucking pickup, and it's original owner's name inlaid at the 14th fret.
Though there will be no more of his stunning creations, Taku Sakashta remains beloved by his community of players and fellow luthiers, and an inspiration to all who remember his intense commitment to peerless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and a passionate work ethic. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
Case: Original deluxe Calton flight grade hardshell case.
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