Big Thumb BW-50 – Natural, Custom Order, c. 1980 - PRE-SALE

ATTENTION! This instrument is presented as a pre-sale. Luthier work will be performed on it, including, among others, lacquer polishing, hardware restoration, and electronics shielding. Depending on the verification of the neck geometry, the original frets will undergo advanced dressing and polishing, or – if fingerboard leveling is necessary – the instrument will receive brand new frets. The final price includes the above-mentioned work. This announcement does not constitute a commercial offer within the meaning of the Civil Code.

Big Thumb BW-40 is a Japanese acoustic guitar, manufactured in the 1970s at the Terada Gakki factory. The instrument is a replica of classic American Dreadnought designs. The guitar features a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. According to the information above, the instrument is currently being prepared and will undergo a comprehensive luthier overhaul before the final handover.

Technical specification

• Manufacturer: Big Thumb (Terada Gakki)

• Model: BW-40

• Year of production: 1970s

• Body: Spruce / Mahogany

• Neck: Mahogany

• Fingerboard: Rosewood

• Frets: Vintage (Condition: planned new / after dressing)

• Pickups: None

• Electronics: None

• Visual condition: Pre-sale / Visible signs of use (details in description)

• Finish: Natural

• Weight: (to be completed)

Body and construction The Dreadnought-shaped body has a top made of spruce, while the back and sides are made of mahogany. The instrument is finished with a clear lacquer (Natural), and a dark pickguard is placed on the front. A traditional set-neck construction was used. In accordance with the pre-sale conditions, the lacquer coating will undergo a cleaning and polishing process in our workshop.

Neck and ergonomics The mahogany neck is paired with a rosewood fingerboard. At the 19th fret, there is a personalized block inlay with the inscription "YUKIE.S". Depending on the verification of the neck geometry, the original frets will undergo advanced dressing and polishing, or – if fingerboard leveling is necessary – the instrument will receive brand new frets.

Sound The instrument is a fully acoustic guitar without a factory electronic system.

• Characteristics: The use of a spruce top and a mahogany Dreadnought body generates a warm, balanced frequency response with a distinct midrange and a less pronounced low end compared to rosewood constructions.

• Dynamics: The guitar offers good acoustic projection and an even response to articulation, performing well with both picking and fingerstyle playing.

Additional information

• The Big Thumb brand was an internal product line (house brand) of the Terada Gakki factory, intended mainly for distribution on the Japanese domestic market.

• The BW designation in the model name refers to the Western (Dreadnought) shape, and the number 40 indicates the original catalog price in Japan of 40,000 yen.

• The presence of the personalized "YUKIE.S" inlay indicates that the instrument was made as a Custom Order or was modified at the request of the original buyer.

• The guitar is offered in a pre-sale formula, which means it can be reserved before the full luthier restoration process is finally completed in our workshop.

Hardware

• Bridge: Rosewood – a classic design. As part of the service work, the system will be fully adjusted for intonation.

• Tuners: Closed Gear mechanisms. According to the scope of work, the chrome hardware will undergo cleaning and restoration to ensure smooth mechanical operation.

Instrument condition

• Technical condition: The instrument is currently being prepared for playing (pre-sale). After the planned luthier work is completed, it will be 100% mechanically functional.

• Visual condition: The guitar shows signs of use appropriate for its age. Minor scratches and dents are visible on the lacquer coating. The instrument has no structural wood cracks.

• Setup and Modifications: Service work is ongoing, including lacquer polishing, hardware restoration, fingerboard leveling, and fretwork.

Why choose this instrument

• Terada Gakki production: An instrument from a highly regarded Japanese factory, famous for high-quality assembly and careful wood selection during the Lawsuit era.

• Unique detail: The personalized inlay on the fingerboard makes this piece historically one of a kind.

• Pre-sale offer: Purchasing in the pre-sale format is a chance to reserve the instrument and receive it right after a professional luthier restoration.

• Comprehensive service: Within the set price, the guitar will undergo all necessary work, so it will be fully ready to play.