Masaru Kohno – 1968 No. 5

Description

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.

This 1968 Masaru Kohno No. 5 guitar is a remarkable creation from the esteemed luthier Masaru Kohno. This extraordinary instrument was crafted just one year after Masaru’s prestigious Gold Medal victory at the International Guitar Building Competition in Belgium in 1967, a testament to his exceptional skill and artistry. The guitar features a spruce soundboard expertly designed with a traditional 7-fan bracing system, providing exceptional tonal balance and resonance. The instrument is in superb condition, with only a minor dent on the lower bout, which has no impact on its performance or sound quality. This blemish is purely aesthetic and does not detract from the guitar’s overall beauty. A standout feature of the 1968 Masaru Kohno No. 5 guitar is its distinctive Spanish sound, representing the essence of the Kohno guitar legacy. This characteristic is beautifully complemented by the back and sides, which are made from exquisitely grained Indian rosewood, adding both elegance and warmth to the instrument’s appearance. In summary, the 1968 Masaru Kohno No. 5 guitar is an exquisite representation of Masaru Kohno’s masterful craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to quality. Its distinct Spanish sound and exceptional materials and construction make this guitar a must-have for any serious guitar enthusiast or collector.

Watch the presentation video of this particular guitar below, where you will find a lot of additional information about its playability and sound.