1992 Masaru Kohno "Professional-R" SP/IN

This 1992 Masaru Kohno “Professional-R” is a classical guitar with a spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, made in Tokyo, Japan, French polished, with a 660mm string length.

A Late Kohno

The “Professional-R” is the Indian rosewood version of Kohno’s “Professional” model, one of the named models he introduced in the early 1980s. Clear, woody and even a bit dark for a spruce, it has the sound that made Kohno’s guitars of this era so admired. Made in 1992, six years before Kohno’s death, it is French polished.

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 “Masaru Kohno Luthier” label names the model – “Professional-R” – and the year 1992, and is signed by Kohno. A guitar from one of the most respected workshops of the twentieth century.

The Guitar in Japan

Orfeo Magazine devoted its issue No. 15 to the guitar in Japan. You can read it online, and it is also part of the print edition “Orfeo Magazine, 11-15”, available at GSI.

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.