ENTRY-LEVEL ACOUSTIC BRAND · KMC MUSIC
Jasmine
Jasmine is an acoustic-focused value brand with a useful historical wrinkle: older instruments may say “Jasmine by Takamine,” while current Jasmine guitars are a separate KMC Music line. That headstock wording can matter almost as much as the model number when identifying an older used guitar.
MODEL SEARCH
Know the model number?
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OVERVIEW
What to know quickly
Headstock wording is a dating clue, not a quality grade. Older Takamine-branded Jasmines and current standalone Jasmine models should be identified and valued as their exact instruments.
IDENTIFY YOUR GUITAR
Which Jasmine do you have?
Jasmine model numbers are commonly found on the soundhole label. Older used examples can be especially confusing because current Jasmine support specifically separates modern products from older “Jasmine by Takamine” instruments.
- Read the soundhole label. Record the complete S-, J-, C-, JD-, JO- or other model designation.
- Photograph the headstock. “Jasmine by Takamine” points to the older relationship; current instruments normally carry Jasmine alone.
- Identify body family. Dreadnought, orchestra/auditorium, mini, classical and acoustic-electric versions should be compared separately.
- Check electronics carefully. On CE and older ES/TC models, test the preamp, tuner, battery compartment and output jack before assigning value.
SERIES & CURRENT RETAIL GUIDE
Find the family first
Current and recently observed U.S. retail examples, August 2026. The official Jasmine catalog contains additional models and older S-series availability varies by retailer.
USED VALUE GUIDE
Start with the exact model—and the era
Jasmine is one of those brands where a modest used asking price can be perfectly normal. Common S35 and S34C examples often remain in the low hundreds, while acoustic-electrics, 12-strings, solid-top classicals and cleaner older instruments can command more.
- Find the model and determine whether it is a current Jasmine or older Jasmine by Takamine.
- Check neck angle, action, fret condition and bridge/top movement before worrying about cosmetic wear.
- On acoustic-electrics, test tuner, EQ, battery compartment and output jack.
- Separate 12-string, classical and solid-top models from basic laminate steel-string comps.
- Do not assume “by Takamine” automatically turns an entry-level Jasmine into a high-value Takamine.
CURRENT USED MARKET
Four quick searches before you price it
Jasmine has enough long-running model names that an exact-model search is especially useful.
COMPARE
What else lives in this neighborhood?
Compare Jasmine mainly with other value-oriented acoustic lines of similar body size, construction and electronics.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Before you buy—or price—one
- Takamine confusion. “Jasmine by Takamine” describes the older brand relationship; it is not the same thing as a Takamine-branded model.
- High action. On any inexpensive acoustic, determine whether the setup is adjustable or whether neck angle/bridge geometry is the real problem.
- Bridge and top movement. A low purchase price does not make structural acoustic repairs inexpensive.
- Electronics age. Older preamps and battery compartments deserve a full test.
- Model drift. Specifications can change across long-running names, so photograph the actual instrument rather than copying a current spec sheet onto an older guitar.
HISTORY & COMMENTARY
From “Jasmine by Takamine” to a standalone value brand
Jasmine began as a lower-cost line associated with Takamine and later became a standalone KMC Music brand. Current Jasmine support is handled by KMC Music, and the company explicitly notes that it cannot provide information or parts for older Jasmine by Takamine instruments.
That history matters because the old Takamine wording is still common in classifieds. It can make a seller assume the guitar belongs in Takamine’s regular used-price structure. Usually the better approach is simpler: identify the exact Jasmine model, inspect the guitar honestly and compare it with other Jasmine examples from the same era and construction level.
WHAT PLAYERS LIKE
Why a Jasmine can be worth picking up
- Accessible prices. Jasmine has long lived where beginners and budget acoustic shoppers actually buy.
- Familiar body choices. Dreadnought, orchestra/auditorium, classical and smaller formats make fit easier to match to the player.
- Long-running S35 reputation. The S35 remains one of the more recognizable inexpensive acoustics in the used market.
- Short-scale options. Some JO and CE models use 24.75-inch scale lengths that can feel comfortable to many players.
- Simple sleeper appeal. A well-set-up inexpensive Jasmine can be exactly the kind of guitar the logo does not adequately explain.
CURRENT RETAIL & REFERENCE