Music

MASARU KOHNO (KONO) VERY RARE EARLY MODEL CLASSICAL ***1954*** A very rare and early gem from Japan's most celebrated luthier, Masaru Kohno. Kohno (Kono as it was then spelt) started producing guitars in 1949. Since then Kohno guitars have become recognised as being among the world's very finest instruments. Check out the illustrious names who have performed and recorded on a Kohno. It's pretty much a who's who of classical guitar mastery. History-wise...Being such an early example of the Master's output, this guitar is almost worthy of a museum place. So naturally we were keen to discover as much as we could about its history.We sent it to the Kohno works in Tokyo where it was examined by Masaki Sakurai (Kohno's nephew) and So Kimishima (his grandson). Both celebrated luthiers in their own right they have maintained the Kohno tradition into the 21st century since Masaru Kohno's death in 1998.Sadly records simply do not exist from that long ago. If there was any documentation from the time it has not been kept. So, they helped to confirm much of what we already knew about the guitar's materials and condition, but could not help us develop the story. Their condition report has enabled us to bring this guitar up to its present level. Condition-wise...The guitar has one longstanding luthier's repair to the inside of the body (we acquired it that way) but we waited for Kohno's condition report to be fully confident before offering it for sale. Their recommendations concerned some points of loose bracing and especially the condition of the frets & fretboard. This was their major concern regarding playability and in terms of affecting the sound. Any fundamental changes would almost certainly alter the guitar's original sound and this of course is what we were most anxious to avoid. The work has now been carried out according to Kohno's recommendations in full. Frets and fretboard have been completely overhauled and the bracing is firm. The structure is sound throughout. Neck, bridge, frets and tuners are all in very good order. The original maple figuring to the body is particularly stunning abd the finish is generally good all round. There are only minor lacquer chips to the heel, back of the neck and body end. (See photos). The guitar is now fully set up with brand new strings. It plays beautifully and sounds sweeter than ever. Overall...In summary this is a lively and impressive vintage instrument which both looks and sounds outstanding. Such a gorgeous little piece of classical guitar history deserves to be played, heard and celebrated. Or cushioned in a special glass case if you happen to be a museum curator.A very rare beauty. Specs:Body: Spruce Top; Flame Maple Back & Sides Neck: MahoganyNut: 49.2mmFingerboard: EbonyScale: 646mmBody Length: 482mm / 19"Body Width: 365mm / 280mm - 14 3/8" / 11"Body Depth: 92mm / 90mm - 3 7/8" / 3 1/2" Weight: 1542g / 3.4lbsHigh quality Hiscox Liteflite Pro II Classical Hard Case included WORLDWIDE SHIPPING AVAILABLE-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Almost everything for sale in this Reverb shop is coming from a 40+years personal collection. As the shop name suggests these are predominantly Vintage, Eclectic or Japanese - so if you are looking for something specific, please get in touch. Maybe we have got something you've been searching for.VEJ-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------A Note On Shipping:We want you to be fully satisfied with everything - from the item itself (naturally!) through the shipping, packaging, communication etc.Of course there is nothing we can do about customs duty, local taxes etc at your end. But we can keep the overall price as competitive as is decently possible.The Japan post office service (EMS) is reliable and efficient but shipping costs from Japan to Europe or the states are unavoidably expensive.For this reason none of the shipping costs we quote reflect the actual price we have to pay. We are more than willing to take a hit on that to make things as attractive for you as possible.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Vintage Instruments & EquipmentShipping by air plus climatic changes can affect how a guitar is set up - no matter how well it is packed. Consequently there is no guarantee that an instrument arrives with exactly the same set up as stated. After a period of acclimatisation, you may still need to make any adjustments at your own expense.