Tacoma manufactured mainly acoustic guitars, although its product range extended to basses and mandolins.

Sawmill general manager J. C. Kim persuaded Young Chang to build a guitar manufacturing plant nearby.

In 1997, the Papoose and Chief models debuted at the 1997 winter Convention of the National Association of Musical Manufacturers (NAMM).

That year, mass production of the unconventional Papoose model, the first sold under the Tacoma brand, also began.

[2][3] A recession in the Asian economy caused by the Avian Flu epidemic prompted Young Chang to sell the division to Kim in 1999.

Several of Tacoma's models featured an unusual sound hole shape, a paisley soundhole, on the left side of the upper bout designed by world famous Luthier George Gruhn.

They placed two cross-braces on the outside of the X, which they said improves sound hole stability and rigidity, while leaving the edges more flexible and resonant.

Tacoma offered solid body electric guitars based on the Papoose's proportions.

All AJF's featured tops that were carved (as opposed to steam bent) from solid Sitka spruce by modern CNC milling machines.

Volume and tone control wheels were cleverly hidden on the lower edge of the pickguard/finger rest.

When ordered direct from the factory (as opposed to buying from a retailer), many options could be hand picked, including the type of wood.

55 Series instruments featured maple bindings, rosewood backs and sides, abalone floral inlays, and hand-rubbed UV gloss finishes.

28 Series instruments feature gold tuners, abalone trim, and hand-rubbed UV gloss finish.

9 Series instruments feature all-solid construction, mahogany back and sides and satin finish.