A special division of Takamine's classical guitar line, Hirade guitars bear the name of master luthier Mass Hirade, and each one is built by hand in the Takamine pro facility in Japan. Intended to be a step up from Takemine's typical model lineup, the Hirades show strong build quality and high-end materials, and the right details come together to make inspiring instruments.
This Hirade HD-90 was made in Japan in 1999. Constructed of a Spruce top and Rosewood back and sides, it features a cutaway body with a unique "racetrack" oval soundhole. Equally as suited for traditional classical playing as it is for flamenco, this HD-90 produces a versatile, well-balanced voice that is articulate and dynamic. The cutaway makes it easy to play up the neck, and it has a classical-appropriate 2" nut width. Although the 1999 electronics are a bit dated by today's standards, they still do a great job of recreating the acoustic sound when you plug in. Sure, the onboard DSP reverb may not be your favorite choice, but dial it out and the guitar still sounds great with any effects you want to throw at it.
This 1999 Hirade HD-90 shows some signs of play and use, especially around the picking area. On the treble side of the soundhole, there is considerable pick wear, and there are also some dings around the bridge as well as next to the output jack. The previous owner painted position-marker dots on the side of the fingerboard at the 5th, 7th, 9th, and 12th frets. These could probably be removed, but they're helpful. On the neck heel, there is an after-market strap button, and the previous owner also wrote their name (see photos).
This 1999 Hirade HD-90 plays nicely and produces a nuanced, played-in sound. The wood binding and intricate details set it apart from more straightforward Takamine models. This is a fine classical guitar with a lot to offer, and the factory-installed electronics are an added bonus. It includes its original molded plastic hardshell case.