Tacoma Dread

PoiDog · May 28, 2012

I find myself in a position where I am being offered a Tacoma dread for practically nothing (inside sale from a guy at work), and just want the standard ego stroke and validation before I hand over the cash.

This seems to be one of those "under-the-radar" makers, but for a 100% all-solid wood build, with spruce top / 'hog B&S that was made in the USA, I have to say I'm wondering why there isn't more talk about them.

Best of all, this is a pre-Fender model, built in '02. No cracks or damage beyond a couple of dings and buckle marks on the back.

Anyone have any firsthand experience with them? I played it a bit (well, as much as I can actually play six strings), and am impressed. He allowed me to compare it side-by-side with a Martin dread and the Tacoma more than held it's own.

Thoughts or encouragement or warnings?

Mahalo

KimosTherapy · May 28, 2012

Ho, Brah!

Tacoma guitars are made here in the U.S. Pretty great guitars.

Does the one you stay interested in have a satin or gloss finish? Tacoma gloss finishes are notorious for "Bubbling and Peeling" but not shua if this is an issue for newer models.

RichM · May 28, 2012

Yup, I had a few Tacoma guitars over the years, all pre-Fender, including an archtop I still own. Very, very nice guitars. I had a spruce-over-maple dreadnaught which I loved because it was really well-balanced. Underappreciated and undervalued, IMHO.

PoiDog · May 29, 2012

Mahalo to both of you for the reply.

The one I'm almost certain to get is a satin finish - which is great because I'm not a fan of gloss. I looked it over on Friday and there weren't any finishing issues that I could see. And the feel of the satin was very nice - really similar to my Kanile'a.

I'm going to pull the trigger on this tomorrow. Thanks for confirming what my gut was saying.

Garydavkra · Aug 3, 2012

PoiDog said:
I find myself in a position where I am being offered a Tacoma dread for practically nothing (inside sale from a guy at work), and just want the standard ego stroke and validation before I hand over the cash.

This seems to be one of those "under-the-radar" makers, but for a 100% all-solid wood build, with spruce top / 'hog B&S that was made in the USA, I have to say I'm wondering why there isn't more talk about them.

Best of all, this is a pre-Fender model, built in '02. No cracks or damage beyond a couple of dings and buckle marks on the back.

Anyone have any firsthand experience with them? I played it a bit (well, as much as I can actually play six strings), and am impressed. He allowed me to compare it side-by-side with a Martin dread and the Tacoma more than held it's own.

Thoughts or encouragement or warnings?

Mahalo

I have two Tacoma acoustic guitars. The PM-20 and the DM-9. The parlor was manufactured in 1998. I bought the dreadnaught in 2001 or 2002, I think. Anyway, these are fantastic guitars and the tone is wonderful. The company is not around anymore, in fact, I think Gibson bought them but, hasn't done anything since.

I have the DM-9 for sale at a local music shop because, I just don't play it much and I have too many guitars. I'm hooked on ukuleles now.

I haven't had any problems with either one. The parlor has a gloss finish and the DM-9 has a matte finish.

I'd say, go for it!

Teek · Aug 3, 2012

Grab it, they have a very good resale value and a cult style following. I have a Tacoma Papoose and would buy it again in a heartbeat. Best little short scale out there. There is also a forum for Tacoma owners.

Tacoma Dread

PoiDog

Well-known member

KimosTherapy

Well-known member

RichM

Well-known member

PoiDog

Well-known member

Garydavkra

Well-known member

Teek

Well-known member

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