Description
Masaki Sakurai, nephew of the great Japanese luthier Masaru Kohno, was born in 1944. He studied electrical engineering at the Sophia University and joined “Kohno Guitar Manufacturing” after graduating in 1967. In 1988 he won the prestigious first prize at the Fourth International Paris Guitar Making Competition. Masaki Sakurai’s guitars are of impeccable craftsmanship and are known for their ease of playing and their great volume.
The model “Professional J” is a beautiful instrument, which is easily recognizable by its symmetrical bridge, as it is the only model of the Sakurai-Kohno line that has this feature, as well as by its beautiful back and sides made of Madagascar rosewood. Masaki Sakurai builds this guitar in the same tradition and manner as his uncle Masaru Kohno used to, resulting in an instrument very similar to the Model 30 from the early 1970s. However, unlike the earlier 664 mm scale models, this instrument has a more comfortable 650 mm scale, which makes it much more accessible for most guitarists.
This guitar, built with the extreme precision of Japanese craftsmanship, is of the highest quality. It is characterized by a beautiful selection of precious woods and a great love for detail. The Kohno Professional J feels very light to the touch and also impresses with its beautiful sound, while the singing trebles, in particular, have attracted our attention, as they are very clear and delicate with a very even sustain over the entire fretboard. One must also point out that this guitar, although it is still new, already has a very open and balanced sound, which is a general characteristic of all Kohno instruments.
Luthier: | Masaki Sakurai |
Construction year: | 2018 |
Top: | Spruce |
Back and sides: | Madagascar rosewood |
Scale: | 650 mm |
Nut: | 52 mm |
Weight: | 1689 grams |
Air resonance frequency: | G |