Sakurai Kohno – 2018 Special Cedar

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 great volume.

This superb “special” model is recognizable by its asymmetrical bridge as well as its sculpted head. Masaki Sakurai built this guitar in the continuity of his uncle Masaru Kohno’s guitars. It showcases the aesthetics, marquetry, and carving details as well as the sound of Kohno guitars. This instrument built with the extreme precision associated with Japanese craftsmanship is of the highest quality. It features a beautiful selection of precious woods and great attention to detail.

This lovely Sakurai Kohno Special model has a very fine cedar soundboard, contrasting nicely with the tasteful marquetry of the instrument. The well-selected cedar has an impressive, very close grain and a very homogeneous color. Homogeneous is also an adjective that perfectly describes the pure and very balanced sound of this guitar. The harmony of timbres across all strings and positions on the fingerboard is remarkable. In addition, it has a very pure clarity in the chords, which together with the smooth and warm sound of the cedar creates a rich, powerful, and truly versatile guitar.