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OBGD = Old Braai Guitar Day... 8) Here's a oddity - Terada C308N nylon string acoustic. Date unknown, probably early 70's? Terada are known for making some great steel strings back in the day - kinda like levin, they are known to those who know ::) Apparently they were the only company Martin ever contracted to make guitars outside of the U.S. Extremely abused, came wearing a set of steel strings (steel reinforced neck...Note to self : does not mean put steel strings on!) and a immense bellying issue - caused by four broken pieces of bracing (Combo of wood drying out & too much tension from the steel strings). My mate at Traut Guitar Worx replaced the bracing - said the body too shallow to install a bridge doctor though. I did replace the nut (it was cracked and superglue wasn't working). Also replaced the saddle, with less success. Initially, I used a fancy intonated nubone one and shaved it right down. Intonation was way out and it was too low (buzzing). So went back to a stock classical one and took just a little off - much better! Action is higher than I'd like, but very playable. Size wise, it feels a bit smaller than a standard spanish classical - a lot more comfy. But it's the same length & width...with a few differences. Neck is a little narrower (2mm) and the profile is a bit flatter. Length and width are pretty much the same...but the beeeegg difference is the depth, there it's a lot shallower (5-6cm) and that seems to make a world of difference to comfort. Tone-wise, it's very different - tough to describe, not a lot of bass (it is shallower), but the treble is somehow accentuated. It's a pleasing sound in isolation, and somehow in comparison it stands out - Not notable, just different. Construction wise - it's probably the most interesting about this guitar. 99.999999% sure it's made from all laminated bits (except bracing), if it were solid, it would be cracked/termite food ;) The fingerboard is definitely a laminate (check the pic, it's classic), and you can see the wear marks through the layers - love that. Tuners are great too! Why be bothered to rescue this guitar? The top & back resonant unlike anything I've played - very satisfying to play a guitar that feels lively like this. Also sounds great when pounding away in a percussive guitar style. Say what you want about laminated guitars, this Terada proves something well built can entertain for decades.
    Rare find. Terada still make lovely guitars today. They the home of all the pro Gretches.
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