1974 Masaru Kohno "15" SP/CSAR

Masaru Kohno (1926-1998) is arguably Japan’s most important luthier, and of course one of the most played, concertized and recorded of the 20th century. Top players of Kohno guitars include Julian Bream, Oscar Ghiglia, Sharon Isbin and Shinichi Fukuda, among others. Although Kohno began building guitars in 1948, it wasn’t until returning back to Japan in 1960, after a 6-month trip to Spain (where he apprenticed with Arcangel Fernandez) that he established his successful workshop. His international debut came in 1967, when he was awarded a Gold Medal at the "Concours International de Quatuor a Cordes et Rencontres Musicales Internationales de Liege" in Belgium (of interest, Daniel Friederich was another of the top winners at this competition). This guitar has the classic Kohno sound - clear, woody, and even a bit dark for a spruce. It features beautiful materials including a very dark and velvety-looking top made of Hokkaido spruce and figured CSA rosewood for back and sides. Condition is excellent with only one marginal wear in the finish. It is in concert-ready condition with comfortable set up and easy playability. Overall an excellent and beautiful guitar from this highly respected maker.Orfeo No. 15: The Guitar in Japan