"I want to make anime guitars," the president would always blurt out. Whether it was a spur-of-the-moment idea or something he'd been thinking about for a while, anime fans were summoned to discuss which anime to bring to life and how. From Sazae-san to Evangelion, tastes varied depending on the generation. From the beginning, the concept was not to make guitars with just a print on the top, so the meetings were difficult. Suddenly, one (relatively) young employee asked, "How about Tachikoma?" and when everyone looked at the video, they seemed to see a direction to take with its rounded design and adorable character.

We immediately had the staff create rough designs, and proceeded through the complicated procedures by trial and error. The president, who had previously asked "What's a Tachikoma?", apparently secretly watched the entire anime TV series from the first to the last episode, and before we knew it, there were figures of them lined up in the office.

This is how the "TACHIKOMA GT" project began.

If we're going to do it, let's make something truly great as a musical instrument. If it's a guitar made by a music store, let's make it something worthy of that reputation. The specifications include a neck-through design, a headless body, and a glowing fretboard. More and more dreams were packed into it, and at the same time, the cost also increased. I struggled with this many times, but ultimately, if I had to compromise on cost, it wouldn't be my dream model. I wanted to create a model that I could be completely meticulous about, until I felt it was the guitar I truly wanted. That's how the specifications were decided.

And if we're going to make it, it has to be here in Japan. If we're collaborating with a representative Japanese anime series, it has to be a handmade guitar crafted with Japanese technology and soul. We want to stick to "Made in Japan." A guitar that will spread Japanese culture to the world.TCGAKKIIt has finally been launched.

Based on the design, we added suggestions like, "Let's make this a little rounder," or "Let's make it look more like a Tachikoma," and with everyone's love and effort, the miniature sample was completed!

I was relieved that everyone at Production I.G. was pleased. After going through various procedures, we finally started production.

Heading to one of Tokyo's top guitar workshops! We'll refine the design through numerous meetings to discuss the production process.
Now that we're deciding what kind of wood to use and how much weight to aim for, our dream is finally becoming a reality.

We held meticulous meetings day and night to discuss the body shape, taking into account factors such as the playability of the neck heel and the ease of tuning from the body end, which is unique to headless guitars.

After numerous revisions, it was finally completed to the actual size.BassThe drawing is complete.

Even after the design is finalized, the actual playability may not be as expected once it's created on a wooden mold. We take this into consideration and prepare a variety of templates.

They're making the wooden mold.
We combine various patterns to determine the final shape.

After trying countless combinations, we finally decided on this wooden mold!

Selected woods are used. Because of the neck-through construction, flame maple is used generously. After much trial and error, basswood was chosen for the body sides due to its weight balance and natural acoustic characteristics.

I can see the shape of the guitar taking form, and I'm so excited!
Small, lightweight, and straightforward. But with a strong core. We were able to select materials that bring out the essence of Tachikoma.

We'll determine the position of the parts based on the test assembly.At this stage, the volume knob is still just a sample.This is a crucial part that determines Tachikoma's facial expression, so we had it remade many times without compromise.

What looks most like a Tachikoma when actually installed? The size and spacing of the dots make a big difference in the overall look. We went through many prototypes until we were satisfied. Thank you to everyone at the factory who made them for us so many times.

Now we're finally starting the process of creating the glowing lines on the fretboard.
Masu.

The same line is carved repeatedly, gradually widening the groove.

Once the grooves are made, it's time to embed the neon lights. We'll finish it carefully.

The neon-integrated fretboard was installed, and the finishing touches were added.

Now it's time to paint. I'm mixing a blue that's characteristic of Tachikoma. I'm being very careful with the blend of blue and silver to get the right texture for Tachikoma.

A pristine guitar before painting. The spray painting process is both delicate and bold.

It's being dyed in Tachikoma's blue. The most exciting moment!

The drying process begins. Once the masking tape is removed, the beautiful through-neck design is revealed.

After it dries, apply a clear coat.

A portion of the "Ghost in the Shell: SAC 2nd GIG" logo has been added.
Blue anodized parts from B,W&R were prepared for this purpose.

I put a lot of effort into making the knob, but simply placing it on the body didn't quite capture the look of Tachikoma's eyes. So I made a custom aluminum plate. Now it looks much more like Tachikoma.

Once the painting is complete, it's time for assembly.By adding white to the escutcheon, it becomes a two-tone design with blue, which enhances the Tachikoma feel. I'm doing it even though I know people will say, "Nobody would notice that!"

Here it comes! The red light.This is what I wanted to do.

The engraved backplate is absolutely gorgeous!

We incorporated each carefully selected part and wired it up.

We also paid attention to the output jack, placing it where Tachikoma's mouth would be.

When told as a story, it seems to have happened in an instant, but it was a long journey that took two years from the initial idea and one year from the design stage. The emotions we felt when the first prototype was completed were extraordinary. It was like meeting a real Tachikoma, and we felt like we wanted to say something to it.
And so, the TACHIKOMA GT was born. We would love for you to experience its true value for yourselves. The TACHIKOMA GT awaits you.