1982 Masaru Kohno "Concert" SP/IN

This 1982 Masaru Kohno “Concert” is a classical guitar with a spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, made in Tokyo, Japan; Xeno Müller II plays Sérgio Assad on it in the video above.

The “Concert”

The “Concert” is one of the named models Kohno introduced in the early 1980s, when names – Concert, Professional, Special, Maestro – took the place of his old model numbers. It has the classic Kohno sound of this era: clear, woody, and even a bit dark for a spruce.

Condition and Label

The condition is excellent, with no cracks or repairs, only some normal, respectable playing wear. It plays easily, with a comfortable set-up, and is in concert-ready condition. The string length is 660mm and the nut 53mm. The “Masaru Kohno Luthier” label names the model – “Concert” – and the year 1982.

In the Video Above

Xeno Müller II plays Sérgio Assad’s “Cataretê” on this guitar.

Further Reading

The guitar makers of Japan are the subject of Orfeo Magazine No. 15 – read the issue online, or find it in the print edition that collects issues 11 to 15.

Orfeo No. 15: The Guitar in Japan

Orfeo Magazine, 11-15 (print edition)

Masaru Kohno (1926–1998)

Not only the most important luthier to emerge from Japan, Masaru Kohno is also one of the best worldwide. He was born in 1926 in Mito City, Japan, and in 1948 he graduated from the Tokyo College of Arts and Crafts with a degree in woodcraft. It was during this time that he became interested in guitar construction, and in 1960 he traveled to Spain to learn the craft.

Six Months with Arcángel Fernández

Kohno apprenticed for six months at the workshop of Arcángel Fernández in Madrid, and although neither could speak a word of the other’s language, they managed to communicate. Kohno’s apprenticeship consisted mostly of sitting in the back of the shop and quietly – but attentively – observing the master Fernández at work. Upon his return to Tokyo he established his own workshop and quickly gained recognition among Japanese guitarists.

Gold Medal in Belgium, 1967

His international debut came in 1967, when he was awarded the Gold Medal at an international guitar-building competition in Belgium. On the judges’ panel were, among others, Ignacio Fleta, Robert Bouchet, Joaquín Rodrigo and Alirio Díaz. Since then, many players of world renown have used Kohno guitars; among them are Julian Bream, Oscar Ghiglia and Sharon Isbin, to name a few. After Kohno’s death in 1998 his nephew Masaki Sakurai carried on the workshop as Sakurai-Kohno, and today his grandson So Kimishima continues the tradition – read more on our page Kohno, Sakurai & Kimishima.