Masaru Kohno – 1979 Model 50

Description

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 1979 is an outstanding vinateg Japanese guitar. It is the Model 50, the highest model at the time, whose name is based on the list price of 500,000 yen. It features beautiful figured Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified) set and high-quality Rodgers tuners from the 1970s. Its condition is excellent, with only superficial playing marks and no structural damage. The sound is warm, open, and piano-like, with a beautiful vintage touch and a texture-rich quality that is unmistakably unique to Japanese guitars of this period.

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