Takamine LTD-97 Santa Fe | Made in Japan |
This is a stunning and highly collectible piece of Japanese craftsmanship: the 1997 Takamine Santa Fe LTD97. This limited edition model was restricted to just 1,500 pieces worldwide and is famous for its intricate Southwestern-inspired "Gecko" design. Featuring a scaled-down Jumbo (NEX) body, this guitar offers a silky, balanced tone that is exceptionally supportive of vocals.
The LTD97 is renowned for its unique aesthetics, most notably the laser-cut rosette featuring a Jacaranda and real Turquoise gecko. This theme continues up the rosewood fingerboard with maple "footprint" inlays depicting the lizard’s path across the neck. Built with a solid Cedar or Sitka Spruce top and beautifully figured Hawaiian Koa back and sides, it delivers a punchy, articulate sound with a focus on trebles that shines in live performance.
Test it for yourself at our Sydney shop, or we can ship it safely to your door anywhere in Australia. Contact us for a shipping quote.
In stock at Guitar Garage Sydney.
Key Features
Year: 1997 (Limited Edition Run of 1,500)
Model: Santa Fe LTD97 "Gecko"
Made in: Japan (Sakashita)
Body Style: NEX (Scaled-down Jumbo) with Venetian cutaway
Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides: Hawaiian Koa
Neck: Mahogany with Koa headstock face
Fingerboard: Rosewood with real Turquoise and Maple footprint inlays
Electronics: AccurAcoustic Preamp with Palathetic pickup
Hardware: Gold Gotoh tuners with Takamine branding
Case: Original Takamine Deluxe Hardshell Case included
Sound and Tone
The combination of a solid top and Koa back/sides produces a sound that is balanced and clear, with an emphasis on the high-end "shimmer" rather than heavy bass. Acoustically, it is responsive and bright; however, it truly excels when plugged in. The AccurAcoustic preamp is widely considered one of Takamine's best-sounding systems, providing a natural, full-bodied tone that doesn't get lost in a band mix.
Condition
Excellent condition. This 1997 instrument has been well-preserved, showing only minimal signs of play-wear consistent with its age. All electronics are fully functional, and the structural integrity is perfect, with a straight neck and healthy frets.