Sold

Masaru Kohno - 1975 No. 20

This guitar is sold – but we may have something similar.

Our experts know every guitar in the house and are happy to advise you personally.

Ask about similar guitars

Overview

Masaru Kohno (1926-1998) is an essential figure in Japanese guitar making history and 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 travelled to Arcangel Fernandez’s workshop in Spain, where he stayed 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.

This guitar by Masaru Kohno from 1975 is a wonderful instrument. It is the Model 20, the second highest model at the time, whose name is based on the back then list price of 200,000 yen. It features beautiful Rio rosewood (CITES certified), which has a particularly beautiful grain, as well as high-quality Gotoh tuners from the 1970s and a well-aged spruce top. Its condition is very good, there is only one repaired crack on the back and some armless playing marks. The sound is warm, open, and piano-like with a wonderful vintage touch, a texture-rich quality, and grain that is unmistakably unique to Japanese guitars of this period.

Luthier: Masaru Kohno
Construction year: 1975
Top: Spruce
Back and sides: Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified)
Scale: 660 mm
Nut: 53 mm
Weight: 1740 grams
Air body frequency: G/G#
Tuners: Gotoh
Strings: Knobloch 400ADC
Case: On Stage case
Condition: Good
View full details

Video overview

Masaru Kohno - 1975 No. 20 Classical Guitar - Ständchen by F. Schubert
The Weekly Guitar Meeting #4 - Linscheid, Kohno, Carillo, Lijoi, Cuker | Siccas Guitars

While this guitar is sold, these are ready for you

  • Classical Guitars

    The classical guitar, with its soft nylon strings and characteristic timbre, has become a symbol of chamber music, Spanish tradition, and concert repertoire. Its modern form was shaped by Antonio de Torres in the 19th century, setting the standard for the body, fan bracing, and the 65-centimeter scale length that are still used today. Instruments in this category open up a rich palette from the refined Romantic miniatures of Tárrega to the majestic concertos of Rodrigo. Here you will find guitars that preserve historical continuity and at the same time inspire new interpretations.
    Look all products of the collection
  • Construction Year: 2026
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Cedar
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Weight (g): 1530
    Tuner: Kris Barnett
    Condition: New
  • Luthier: Chiara Frisio
    Construction Year: 2026
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: G sharp
    Weight (g): 1550
    Tuner: Gotoh
    Condition: New
  • Construction Year: 1984
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: G / G sharp
    Weight (g): 1640
    Tuner: Landstorfer
    Condition: Excellent
  • Construction Year: 1988
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: Polyurethane
    Body Finish: Polyurethane
    Air Body Frequency: G sharp
    Weight (g): 1540
    Tuner: Landstorfer
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Tamara Stahl
    Construction Year: 2026
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F sharp / G
    Weight (g): 1690
    Tuner: Kris Barnett
    Condition: New
  • Luthier: Fernando Mazza
    Construction Year: 2025
    Construction Type: Double-Top Guitars
    Top: Cedar
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: Nitrocellulose
    Body Finish: Polyurethane
    Air Body Frequency: G
    Weight (g): 1714
    Tuner: AR
    Condition: Excellent
  • Construction Year: 2026
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: European Ash
    Soundboard Finish: Lacquer
    Body Finish: Lacquer
    Air Body Frequency: G / G sharp
    Weight (g): 1810
    Tuner: Klaus Scheller
    Condition: New
  • Construction Year: 2026
    Top: Cedar
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: Lacquer
    Body Finish: Lacquer
    Air Body Frequency: G sharp / A
    Weight (g): 1870
    Tuner: Klaus Scheller
    Condition: New
  • Luthier: Jose Marques
    Construction Year: 2026
    Construction Type: Lattice
    Top: Cedar
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: Lacquer
    Body Finish: Lacquer
    Air Body Frequency: F / F sharp
    Weight (g): 1740
    Tuner: Kraken
    Condition: New
  • Luthier: Maxwell T. Sipe
    Construction Year: 2026
    Construction Type: Lattice
    Top: Cedar
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F
    Weight (g): 1560
    Tuner: Kris Barnett
    Condition: New

Related guitars

Join the Siccas Guitars Inner Circle

Receive early updates on newly arrived guitars, rare instruments, and selected special offers.