Kazuo Sato

Kazuo Sato, born in Tokyo in 1946, is one of Japan’s most respected classical guitar makers. After training with Kuniharu Nobe and spending over four formative years working under David Rubio in Oxford, he developed a refined, elegant style rooted in the European tradition. Since the mid-1970s he has built exceptional concert guitars in Europe, continuously advancing the traditional Spanish model through innovation and precision. His son Hideo Sato has worked alongside him since 2011, drawing on his father’s extensive experience while contributing his own ideas. Their instruments are highly regarded by international concert artists and professors for their tonal sophistication, projection, and superb craftsmanship.

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Kazuo Sato – Guitar Maker

Kazuo Sato was born in Tokyo in 1946. In 1965, he began training under master luthier Kuniharu Nobe. In the same year, he started his apprenticeship with Nobe in Tokyo. In 1971, Sato traveled to Oxford, England, to study with the renowned master David Rubio, under whom he built guitars and lutes for more than four years, perfecting his craft. In 1974, he opened his first workshop in Belgium and settled in Germany two years later. With continuous new ideas and innovations, he has pushed the development of the traditional concert guitar forward to this day.

His son Hideo, who—like his brother—studied classical guitar with Prof. Ansgar Krause, followed the workshop activities with great interest from a young age. Despite a promising career in the software industry in Japan, he decided in 2011 to fully dedicate himself to guitar making. After several years of apprenticeship, he now builds classical concert guitars together with his father. Hideo draws upon his father’s extensive experience while adding his own ideas. His first instruments were appreciated and played by well-known guitarists and professors.

The Sato family is committed to promoting guitar culture through the establishment of the classical concert series “Best of Guitar,” serving on the board of the “Kultur und Gitarre e.V.” association, and supporting the International Guitar Festival Augsburg.

They regularly collaborate with international artists on the demanding development of sound and playability. Since the beginning of his career, world-renowned concert guitarist and professor Takeo has been their most important advisor.