1983 Masaru Kohno "Professional" SP/CSAR

This 1983 Masaru Kohno “Professional” is a classical guitar with a spruce top and CSA rosewood back and sides, made in Tokyo, Japan, with elaborate inlay work and figured CSA rosewood.

Inlay and Materials

Clear, woody and even a bit dark for a spruce, it has the sound that made Kohno’s guitars of this era so admired. The guitar features elaborate inlay work in the purfling throughout, and beautiful materials including figured CSA rosewood for the back and sides.

Condition and Label

The condition is excellent, with only one thin hairline crack in the top, expertly repaired by German Vázquez Rubio. The guitar is in concert-ready condition, with a comfortable set-up and easy playability. On the label: Model “Professional”, 1983, signed by Masaru Kohno. Overall an excellent and beautiful guitar from this highly respected maker.

In Orfeo Magazine

For more on Japanese guitar making, see Orfeo No. 15, “The Guitar in Japan”: it can be read online and is included in the print edition “Orfeo Magazine, 11-15”.

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.