Takamine GB7C Garth Brooks Signature Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Natural
Fast forward 1 short year, Garth’s second album “No Fences” was #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums charts and #3 on Billboard’s Top 200, where it would stay in the top 40 for 126 weeks. He had become an international star, all the while playing his Takamine EN15C (similar to current P3DC). The Takamine cedar top, satin finish cutaway had become an integral part of the Garth Brooks persona - and the Takamine brand had begun the ride of its life.
In June of 1995 Garth called with an idea. He’s seen a music video featuring a Gretsch acoustic with triangular shaped sound-hole and it triggered thoughts of a custom model. The concept was simple. Change the sound-hole design of his EN15C from round, to the shape of dreadnaught cutaway itself. When I noted that a guitar-shaped sound-hole would “not be very traditional”, Garth’s reply was “Neither is a cutaway”. Of course he was right, and after faxing a series of rough mock-ups back and forth - the ready, willing and able Takamine factory was working on the first prototypes of what would become Takamine’s second signature model guitar, the Garth Brooks GB7C (incorporating Garth’s favorite number).
Garth’s much anticipated tour was scheduled to begin in March of ‘96 with a record-setting 5 dates at Atlanta’s Omni Colosseum (a record he has since shattered) but the Takamine factory was still working on some unexpected bracing issues presented by the new sound-hole design. With the first show only a few days away Garth was understandably anxious to see and hear the new model. What he didn’t know was that his previous model EN15C had essentially been discontinued and was unavailable in the configuration he preferred. So if for any reason the new custom model was not ready in time, or not done properly, there was no plan B and Garth Brooks would have no acoustic guitar for his biggest tour yet - at least not a Takamine. On the final day of rehearsal, 2 finished prototypes of GB7C arrived and deemed perfect by a very pleased Garth. The relief I felt that day makes for a very vivid memory, and my admiration and gratitude to Takamine as one of the great guitar factories in the world remains as keen today as on that March afternoon in 1996.
2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the Garth Brooks Signature Model. His current 3 year tour continues to set attendance records in virtually every city he plays and is on track to set overall records not likely to be approached, much less broken, by anyone but himself. In the 26 years since our fortunate meeting, Garth Brooks has become as strongly associated with the Takamine GB7C as any artist, to any guitar, ever. Still, his professional value to Takamine remains surpassed by that of his friendship.
Chicago Music Exchange
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3-Day / 15-day Return Policy If you are not completely satisfied with any product, return it for a full refund of the product purchase price, full credit, or exchange of your choice. We give you 3 days from the shipping date on Vintage instruments, and 15 days on New instruments. Credit card returns are issued a credit for purchase price. Refunds are made for product value only, excluding shipping and handling charges. New, Unopened items: You may return most NEW, untouched, unopened items within 15 days of delivery for a full refund. if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.) we'll also pay the return shipping costs. AmEx credit cards: Note that if your order was paid using an AmEx card we may pass on a 3.5% fee of the purchase price to process your refund. Vintage, Used items: We have to evaluate vintage and used guitars, amps, and other items on a case by case basis. We spend a lot of time with you and the item before your purchase to try to avoid any surprises after your purchase. AmEx credit cards: Note that if your order was paid using an AmEx card we may pass on a 3.5% fee of the purchase price to process your refund. You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, we strive to issue your refund sooner. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days). Send your return to: Chicago Music Exchange 3316 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60657 The following items are returnable only if defective OR unopened or unused: strings, harmonicas, microphones, cleaners, polishes, and polishing cloths. Software/soundware, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, and videos may be returned for credit only if they are in their original, sealed packaging. If defective, these items will only be exchanged for the same product. For complete details on our guarantees, shipping, and return policies, please contact our Customer Service Department at 773-525-7773; fax us at 773-525-2775; visit our website at www.chicagomusicexchange.com, or write us at Chicago Music Exchange, 3316 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657.