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Masaru Kohno - 1969 No. 8

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Overview

Masaru Kohno (1926-1998) is an essential figure in Japanese guitar-making history and a visionary luthier. Born in Mito City, Japan, he started his career as a luthier after graduating from the Tokyo College of Arts and Crafts. In 1959, Masaru Kohno traveled to Arcangel Fernandez’s workshop in Spain, where he stayed for six months for an enlightening apprenticeship. A turning point in his career was winning the Gold Medal at the Elizabeth’s Concourse International Guitar Building Competition in Belgium in 1967, which brought him worldwide recognition. The list of players having recorded and performed on Masaru Kohno’s guitar is substantial, and to name a few, Julian Bream, Oscar Gighlia, and Sharon Isbin.

The 1969 Masaru Kohno No. 8 guitar offers an exceptional opportunity for musicians searching for a quality concert guitar at an accessible price point. Built shortly after Kohno's gold medal win at the 1967 "Concours International de Quatuor a Cordes et Rencontres Musicales Internationales de Liege," this instrument embodies the celebrated sound characteristics of that era—clear, woody, and with a slightly dark tone, unusual for a spruce. It provides a dynamic and responsive playing experience, suited for various musical settings, from intimate practice sessions to robust live performances. The trebles are notably clear, producing a vibrant and richly expressive sound that resonates beautifully in response to the player's touch. Despite showing some signs of use, the guitar maintains very good condition with no structural issues, making it a reliable and enjoyable choice for both emerging and experienced guitarists looking for vintage quality and sound.

Luthier: Masaru Kohno
Construction year: 1969
Top: Spruce
Back and sides: Indian rosewood
Scale: 655 mm
Nut: 51 mm
Weight: 1615 grams
Air body frequency: G/G#
Tuners: -
Strings: Knobloch EDC 34.0
Case: Hardshell
Condition: Very Good
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Video overview

Which Guitar Do you Like More? The Weekly Guitar Meeting #101 - Dauge, Kohno, Hildebrandt, Calanna
Masaru Kohno 1969 No. 8 - Classical Guitar Review

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