2022 Masaki Sakurai "Concert-R 640" CD/IN

Mr. Masaki Sakurai is the nephew of the greatest luthier from Japan, Masaru Kohno, with whom he worked with, and learned the craft of guitar making. Although clearly influenced by his uncle, Sakurai also infuses his own personality into his guitars. A modest look at this instrument reveals a beautiful, classic design - perfectly executed. The double ebony reinforcing strips in the back of the neck allow for a very accurate setup, so the action is low and easy without buzzing. The stiffer neck also improves sustain. The cedar top has a warm and fat sound while still retaining the clarity and balance of its spruce counterpart. There is plenty of power here for any concert situation, including ensemble settings. Playability is a breeze, and for players looking for a smaller scale guitar, this one has a 640mm string length. Overall, a very charming instrument which we can recommend to anyone looking for a top-quality concert instrument.

Orfeo No. 15: The Guitar in Japan