1989 Masaru Kohno "Professional-J" SP/CSAR

This 1989 Masaru Kohno “Professional-J” is a classical guitar with a spruce top and CSA rosewood back and sides, made in Tokyo, Japan, French polished and fitted with electronics.

Kohno’s “Professional-J”

It has the classic Kohno sound of this era: clear, woody, and even a bit dark for a spruce. Jacarandá – the “J” of the model name – is used for the back and sides, and the whole guitar is French polished.

Electronics and Condition

It has been fitted with electronics (with a quarter-inch endpin jack) and a tap plate, which makes it an ideal instrument for the working guitarist who needs a concert-level guitar that can be played acoustically or amplified. The condition is excellent, with no cracks or repairs, only some normal, respectable playing wear. It is concert ready, set up comfortably and easy to play. The label has faded, but the year 1989 can still be read.

In Orfeo Magazine

Orfeo’s issue No. 15, “The Guitar in Japan”, is available to read online, and in print as part of “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.