In the 1950s, guitar makers established new small workshops in the area around Nagoya and Matsumato, the so-called "Japanese Alps." But it was not until 1959 that Mr. Ozhone laid the foundation for what is now Takamine Guitars. After the Ise-wan typhoon hit the Tokai region around Nagoya hard, Mr. Ohzone lost his job at a stringed instrument manufacturer. Together with his wife, who was from the area, he moved to Sakashita-cho in neighboring Gifu Prefecture and established a small guitar manufacturing company, Ozhone Musical Instruments. In the beginning, the team consisted of five guitar makers who specialized in building classical guitars. Today Takamine is one of the most famous guitar brands in the world and stands for the highest quality and craftsmanship.

In 1962, 30 guitar makers joined forces to form TAKAMINE Guitars Inc. at an existing site in Sakashita in the Kiso Valley at the foot of Mount Takamine. The company's name was inspired by the large, green mountain. Three years later, the company is renamed TAKAMINE Gakki Ltd. and now employs 60 people, manufacturing mainly classical guitars and some mandolins. Takamine's main goal is to serve the growing demand for guitars and folk music in Japan. The city of Sakashita, which is home to many woodworking companies, plays an important role in the company's continued growth.

In 1968, TAKAMINE faced increasing competitive pressure due to the rising demand for guitars. To differentiate itself from the competition, the company focused on quality, talented young people and innovative manufacturing methods. That year, Mass Hirade was appointed as the new chief developer and production manager. Hirade was a charismatic guitar expert and helped TAKAMINE network in the musical instrument industry. Through a partnership with the renowned guitar company Kohno, TAKAMINE was able to develop additional skills in material use and quality. Other key collaborators included Mitsuo Furui, an experienced craftsman, and Mituyasu Ohno, who was responsible for sales.

At that time, Martin Guitar Corporation is looking for a Japanese partner to produce cheaper Martin guitars according to their designs. Therefore, they turn to the musical instrument distributor Coast Wholesale, which already has some connections in Japan.

The Takamine team has the ability to produce top quality steel string guitars that resemble the original Martin and Guild guitars in appearance and sound. These are offered under the brand name "Sigma Guitars". Everything seems to be going perfectly for Martin, but things turn out differently.

In 1968, Kaman Corporation acquired Coast Wholesale, after which Eric Emerson was appointed president of Kaman's new subsidiary and became a close confidant of Charlie Kaman. As a result, Martin ended his association with Coast Wholesale, as it was now owned by a competitor, and sought new partners for their "Sigma Guitars" project.

Beginning in 1969, Coast Wholesale successfully distributed guitars similar to the Martin and Guild models in the United States. The advertising campaigns were aimed at making a direct comparison between the guitars and the Martin D-45 and Guild models.

Due to the extraordinary quality and the high production capacities, it is agreed with TAKAMINE to establish "TAKAMINE" as an independent brand in the USA. In the mid-70s, the TAKAMINE development team works on new independent designs. This inspires the TAKAMINE team even more. They begin to continue to find unique selling points to be ready for the next decades in the guitar industry. 1976 - Ichiro Katayama becomes president of TAKAMINE.

1987 - TAKAMINE celebrates its 25th successful anniversary with the introduction of the first limited edition model, the EF25.

1988 - The preamplifier, including battery compartment, is henceforth integrated into the frame. The Palathetic Piezo pickup has remained unchanged since it was first used in 1977.

Since the first limited edition model, additional limited editions have been released annually, representing TAKAMINE's hallmark of design and guitar craftsmanship.

Some of these models are given special designations, such as the 1993 ESF93, also known as the Santa Fe, which paved the way for the later Santa Fe series. It combines TAKAMINE's signature NEX body, state-of-the-art preamp technology and stunning inlay work.