Classical Guitar in Japan

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John Williams Discography Edited by Tashima Tetsuya. Sorry This is Japanese only

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uitar Cultural Hall We introduce the Guitar Cultural Hall in Japan to the world. This page supported the “FRAME” of netscape 2.0 higher. Japanese version is here.

Guitar BBS
The Guitar BBS started. This scheme is still at an experimental stage. Guitar Music Resources on the NetWork! Many links and Guitar BBS in Japan. Sorry! It’s old data. Please wait next update. Link Free Page [Test]You can submit your URL of Guitar page! Please try it! Event and Competition Guide Yamaguchi Guitar Conpetition Last year Result Yamaguchi-ken JAPAN.

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1,188 thoughts on “Classical Guitar in Japan”

  1. Aria CET-85 Classical nylon cutaway with microphone
    Joeran

    Hi!

    I have tried to find any info about this guitar but found nothing.

    Does anybody know anything about this model?

  2. Hiroshi Tamura P50 guitar
    Bob

    I just had a P50 guitar fall into my hands and I noticed that there is no date on the label inside. Is this unusual. Previous owner had purchased guitar 20 to 30 years ago in San Francisco for $450.00 Any insight will help. Thanks

  3. Aria Concert AC-8 #1601,: how to determine the production year?
    Giulio62

    Hi!:) I had received, as a birthday gift from my brother, around 20 years ago, an acoustic 6 string guitar called ARIA CONCERT. On an inside sticker, where’s the guitar brand and name, there’s a number, the 1601 and the model type AC-8, plus I have more numbers at the end of the neck, inside the guitar.
    Does anyone knows how to establish the production year of this Aria guitar?
    Thank you

  4. Carulli H 250 S/N 52071057. Can anyone identify this guitar?
    AvidPlayer

    This guitar’s label reads “hand-crafted by CARULLI” , “JAPAN GIFU KANI”, “model no. H 250”, “52._9_6” (“_” indicates an illegible character, guessing 1976), Serial Number is 52071057 inscribed on the neck block. Purchased this instrument in 1978 or early 1979 in Bremen, Germany. Would like to know more about who made it, when it was made, what woods it is made of and what it is worth, of course. The instrument has the original case and both the guitar and the case are in near perfect condition. It has a 52 mm nut and 660 mm scale. The fretboard appears to be ebony, the neck is mahogany with an ebony reinforcement strip and stacked heal. The stacking of the heal is matched to the color of the sides including near perfect grain matching either by wood type or staining. The back and sides are almost definitely solid Brazilian rosewood, because some grain features appear on both the inside and the outside of the back and sides. (I have or have owned a number of Brazilian rosewood and East Indian rosewood instruments and so believe I know the difference between laminate and solid, but could be wrong.) The top is most probably solid cedar, but is translucent, at least in places, so it might be spruce. The headstock has rosewood veneer and very closely resembles an Jose Ramirez SPR-A SP/IR Classical Guitar. The construction of the instrument features blocked linings at the intersection of the top and sides and solid wood (unblocked) linings at the intersection of the back and sides. Tuning machines are identical to current Schaller LGO 1 553 Classical Guitar Machine Head Lyra – Gold, with the exception of some of the engraving, so these could be copies or just an older version. Edge binding, back center striping and heal lamination is very similar to Rodriguez Guitars, being all simple contrasting wood. Any information gratefully accepted!

  5. Joh Hammig Guitar
    Isaac

    I’m wanting to know more about this Joh Hammig guitar I found the other day. It’s model number is 1000 serial number 56. Said to be hand made in Japan. It’s honestly in terrible condition, but the wood that was used on the fretboard and everywhere else seems of really descent quality. However it’s cracked and really beat up. I’m considering restoring it but I have no idea what the guitar would have originally cost. Hoping someone here can enlighten me with some insight and details about this type of guitar. Thanks!

  6. Aria A560
    David Orland

    Hi. I recently picked up an Aria A560. I’ve looked through some of the older postings and from what I’ve read, the A560 was the top of the line model from Aria in the early 1980’s, I think. I believe this model has a solid top as well as solid Brazilian Rosewood sides and back. Can anyone confirm if the sides and back are indeed solid and not laminate? The serial number is 00609. If anyone has any idea when the model might have been made, please let me know (I know the serial numbers are kind of elusive re: what they tell about when the guitar was made). Also, does anyone have any idea how much this guitar might sell for today in good condition?
    Thanks!

  7. Aria A552
    apolloxi

    So I recently picked up an Aria A552 from a friend. Can’t seem to date it though. From what I’ve read, these guitars are quite the gem. Mine’s a little banged up, although, I just want to see if I can date it. Serial number is: #31258. Hopefully you guys can help me date this!

  8. wayne d50 guitar
    ian mclass

    I bought today a wayne d50 guitar in pristine condition with original case it has the w on the head stock but no made in japan but the yellow label has mt takamine I bought at a local thrift shop for $40.00 it has to be late 60s early 70s I am at the moment refinishing a Suzuki violin guitar Nagoya which when I sanded the back which had solid varnish it exposed the most beautiful timber I think it is rosewood a lot of work but worth it

  9. Aria Serial Numbers the same
    jimmy memel

    I purchased an Aria acoustic guitar in the early 1970’s with the serial number 147, model A-680, made in Japan. As I was trolling the net I came across a photo of another Aria guitar with the same serial number as mine, 147. I find this strange and thought this information might be useful to anyone trying to fathom out Aria guitar serial number identification. I can email photo’s if anyone is interested.

  10. Aria A583 classical guitar with no serial number
    Melissa

    I have an Aria A583 classical guitar, no serial number…and no information found. It was old when it was given to me. Does anyone out there know when this guitar was made? Obviously with no serial number it would be hard to pinpoint a year but right now I’m just looking for a time frame, not an exact date. I have only seen one other online, and heard of a third one. Please any information would be appreciated.

  11. Asturias guitar handcrafted by M. Matano C145S
    Ginger Hopkins Stephens

    What can you tell me about this guitar… label says Asturias hand crafted by M. Matano Model C145S. It appears to have makers sinature on it.

    1. As far as I know Masaru
      Anonymous

      As far as I know Masaru Matano previously made guitars for Aria. I would guess your guitar dates from the late 70’s to the early 90’s? The model # would suggest slightly under top grade. Signatures written in ink (autograph or not) or stamped and are not a guarantee of the best quality.

  12. WAYNE W-20
    Anonymous

    Hi
    I have just been given a Wayne W-20 and it does not have any of the other numbers that I have seen in the post, It doesn’t have made in any other contry just the lable with the mountain and last words on the label (for the player) is there any way I can find out the age of it as it is in very good conition and have been playing it for the past week and sounds grate, just that someone said to me that I sound get it checked out as it maybe some what old enough to be put up and played on the odd time and not full time. any help would be much app
    cheers
    Kelvin

    1. Wayne guitar
      Brucebubs

      That mountain on the label represents Mt. Takamine in Japan. The guitar factory was located nearby and took their name from the English spelling translation. If you check the writing on the label the word ‘conscience’ is missing the letter ‘s’. My guess is the guitar probably dates from the late 1960’s/early 1970’s.

  13. Ariana A570 Classical Guitar
    Anonymous

    I have an Ariana A570 Classical Guitar, approximately 50 years old. Does anyone have any information on this particular model?

  14. Suzuki 1665
    Anonymous

    Hi I have a Suzuki 1665 guitar, it was my grandfathers, I am not sure exactly how old it is but I expect it’s from either the 50’s or 60’s also has RM 10203 written on it. Could anyone give me some information about it and suggest how much it might be worth. It is in very good condition apart from needing new strings. label says suzuki violin co.ltd Nagoya Japan. Also does anyone know what wood they were made from. Thanks

  15. CHOWA CLASSICAL ACOCUSTIC GUITARS
    colinkkk

    I GOT A chowa guitar.and i have search everywhere for information on these guitars,,and i have found nothing..can anyone lead me in the right direction to where i can sourse information on the CHOWA guitars ..thank you ..

  16. Tamura for sale
    Anonymous

    I have a Mituru Tamura guitar 400 (1967), label inside. I would like to sell it but I have no idea how. Do you know the best way to do it? ANd what is a reasonable prise ? I hope you can help me.

    1. Tamura guitar
      Terry

      I don’t know what a reasonable price would be, but I’ve been looking for a Tamura guitar to replace the one I had to sell 20 years ago. Can you give me more details? Is the guitar in good condition?

      1. !975 H. Tamura Guitar
        Michael S

        I know your posting is old, but I have a 1975 Hiroshi Tamura guitar that I might be interested in selling for the right price. It’s in very good condition…Please advise…
        Michael
        Chicago

  17. KISO SUSUKI n° MR-301
    Anonymous

    I am looking for information on this guitar I’ve just got from my father.
    There is also a number inside 83606
    Its also written “susuki&co Est 1951”
    Does anyone know the manufacturing year for this guitar ?
    Regards, Flo

    1. your kiso guitar
      jarrod

      being a kiso Suzuki with the first number of your serial being an 8 and knowing that kiso did not build after 1985/86 your kiso will have a square label , is your guitar a gypsy ( maccaferri copy if I remember correctly ) anyway your guitar is made in 1978 # 3606 , ,, 1951- 1970 kiso’s had the build year stamped and the model number . after 1979 they had round labels with serials starting with 9XXXX , 0XXXX , 1XXXX etc if you need more help or info https://www.facebook.com/groups/kisosuzukiguitars/

  18. Domingo Esteso
    Caetano

    Domingo Esteso, 1931 for sale!

    Location: Germany
    Make: Domingo Esteso
    Country: Spain
    Model: Concert Classical Guitar
    Model Year: 1931
    Top: German Spruce
    Back & Sides: Brasilian Rosewood
    Scale: 65,4 mm
    Nut: 51 mm
    Stringdistance: 42 mm
    Playability: perfect
    Finish: French Polish
    Tuners: Original machines
    Condition: Used – Excellent – some repaired stabil cracks

    Domingo Esteso, Madrid, 1929. Domingo Esteso Lopez, born in San Clemente in the province of Cuenca in 1882, is one the most famous and respected classical and flamenco guitar makers of the early 20th century. In the 1890s, he began as an apprentice in the shop of Manuel Ramirez in Madrid, working along side such great Spanish luthiers as Santos Hernandez and Modesto Borreguero. Later on in 1917 Domingo Esteso openend his own workshop at calle Gravina 7 together with his wife Nicolasa Salamanca who applied the finish to the guitars. In 1926, Esteso’s nephew Faustino Conde joined the workshop of Domingo Esteso as did Mariano Conde in 1929. They stayed with him until his death in 1937 during the Spanish civil war.

  19. Jullian F120, made by Kurosawa
    Wings

    I got a crazy old guitar. It sounds really good. But I can’t find any information about it. The insided Label say: Folk, Jullian, Made by Kurosawa, No. F-120, Japan. Anyone knows it?

    THanks

  20. WAYNE guitars
    Anonymous

    can anyone help with the likely provenance and value of a Wayne guitar model W-30. I’m still looking on the web however information about this brand of acoustic guitar is about as scarce as hens teeth. Any relevant information would be appreciated.

    Peter.

    1. Wayne guitars
      Bruce Campbell

      Does your guitar have a slightly yellow label on the inside with a drawing of a mountain? Also, is the word conscience misspelt? Is there any mention on the label where the guitar was made? Is it steel string or nylon?

      1. Wayne Guitar Company Pty Ltd - acoustic guitar Model W20
        Diana

        Hello Bruce

        I am enquiring on behalf of a friend who has asked me to research her guitar. The guitar was made for Wayne Guitar Co and has a yellow label inside with a drawing of a mountain. Also the word conscience is misspelled. It is nylon string and there is no mention of where the guitar is made.
        Any ideas? Would love to hear from you with any information.

        Regards

        Diana

      2. Takamine guitar
        Anonymous

        Hi, Bruce,
        Yes the label is slightly yellow and almost of new appearance. The word concience (sic) is misspelt and there is the drawing of a rather more precipitous mountain than Fuji on the label as well. There is no reference given as to city or provence where the guitar was made only, that it was made in Korea (indicated by a gold coloured 15mm x 20 mm apx. label on the headstock) and that the instrument was made expressly for the Wayne Music and Electrical Co. Melbourne, Australia. The model of the guitar is listed just below the mountain and given as model W-30. The guitar is a classical nylon, generally in very good condition, except for the attempted repair of the bridge. The bridge has been snapped and patrially broken away then unsucsessfully repaired using an epoxy? adhesive then broken away again, or so it appears. I have been trying to find a seven inch + ready made bridge or have a go at making one up appears 6″ plus bridges are all the go now. Perhaps you could assist me in locating a suitable bridge Bruce? Regards, Peter.

        1. Takamine / Wayne
          Bruce Campbell

          Hi Peter, I`m unsure why your guitar has a Made in Korea sticker, Takamine guitars are Japanese. I wonder if Korea was considered OK due to anti-Japanese sentiment here in the 1960`s? I think the early Wayne/Takamines have no mention of country of origin. The Wayne Company was founded by Harry West and his son Sid in Melbourne. Harry had a post-war band called Rudy Wayne and the…..somethings, anyway, you see where the name Wayne came from, his stage name. I believe most of the Wayne guitars were nylon strings but have seen a few steel string dreadnoughts pop up on e-bay, I read of a 12-string Wayne that was left in a car in the summer sun and the neck separated from the body which brings me to your repair job! The broken bridge should have been completely removed properly with hot air to melt the glue, very slowly and very carefully. Finding a 7 inch bridge? I`d look at all the sellers of guitar related parts on e-bay and ask them all, cost nothing to ask. I found the bone saddle for a 7-string acoustic was a perfect match for my Guild F-412, cost me $1.00, good luck.

          1. Wayne/Takamine Guitar
            Cameron

            I have a W-10 Wayne guitar with the same label, the image of the mountain (no mention of Takamine) with the words “MADE EXPRESSLY FOR WAYNE MUSIC MELBOURNE – AUSTRALIA” above the image of the mountain and “We produced this instrument by hand with great care and concience (sic) for you – the player” below. On the back of the headstock there is also a small label saying ” Made in Korea” as well as a Brash’s Chadstone sticker, which is no doubt where the guitar was purchased when I was a lad, before Chadstone became such a huge mega-shopping center. This guitar has been sitting at my family home for as long as I remember, it’s a sweet 3/4 size nylon string acoustic. Given the information provided in this thread, I’m not sure why it has a ‘made in Korea’ label. Has Takamine ever had a Korean factory? Here is a link to a picture of the label:
            http://t.co/4sRsDQnXW9

      3. Wayne Guitar
        Frank

        I have a Wayne guitar at home with the yellow label of the mountain and the conscience missspelt.

        It is a steel string guitar and the model number appears to be W1-15 I think as it is quite faded. At the top of the neck of the guitar also has a gold label saying made in and the rest I cant make out.

        I am trying to find some history or value of this guitar. its in very good nick

        cheers

        Frank

        1. Wayne guitars
          Bruce Campbell

          That mountain is Mt. Takamine in Japan. The guitar makers nearby took their name from the English spelling. That label makes it a Takamine guitar. Looks like some early Wayne guitars featured the name Wayne on the headstock and the mountain label did not mention Takamine or Japan, then there was a change, Wayne on the headstock and Made in Japan appeared on the mountain label, later the name Takamine appears on the mountain label too, then around 1972/3 the headstock is changed to Takamine and Made Expressly For Wayne Music & Electrical Co, Melbourne. I own one of these. Wayne also made electric guitar pick-ups used on some Maton and, no surprises, Takamine guitars. Takamine began to export to USA in 1975, so these guitars pre-date their international success. I saw a 1975 Takamine for sale in USA on e-bay and it had the same yellow mountain label. I`ve seen the mountain referred to as Mt Fuji in some discussion but when you put together where the factory is and the use of the name Takamine it starts to make sense.

          1. wayne guitar
            couch player

            I have a Wayne steel string acoustic with the yellow label with mountain etc,with the words “made expressly for the Wayne Music co pty ltd,Melbourne,Australia.” “We produced this guitar with great care and concience for you-the player”,on the label it has model WJ-79 and inside the sound hole is stamped march 19-1979.It also has WAYNE in gold on the headstock,what looks to be a copy of a Gibson hummingbird design scratchplate but not sure if that is original,what looks to be rosewood or a similar dark timber on the back with a lighter coloured timber triangular shaped insert in the middle going from the neck right down the back which looks great!I have had a few acoustics over the years but none have come close to the beautiful tone of this one.From memory I think I got it from a music shop in Box Hill circa 1989 for about $200.

  21. Yamaguchi Guitar
    b2ockz

    i was wondering maybe there’s one of you folks knew this guitar brand “Yamaguchi” ?
    it has a stamp-like on its back says “Grand Prix Tokyo Festival 1970”
    i couldnt find any infos in net…its an acoustic folk guitar

    thx a lot

  22. 1972 Takamine
    Bruce Campbell

    I have a 1972 Takamine D-70 nylon string classical guitar. I am the original owner. The label inside the guitar reads; Made Expressly For Wayne Music And Electrical Company,Melbourne,Australia. I have found that Takamine made guitars for Wayne sometime in the late 60`s with the name “WAYNE” on the headstock and sometime in the early 70`s changed to “TAKAMINE” on the headstock, like my guitar. These guitars were coming to Australia some years before Takamine began to ship to USA

  23. Hiroshi Tamura guitar
    lisa

    I have a 1979 signed Hiroshi Tamura guitar, P60, that I’m interested in selling. It is used, but in pretty good condition. Please e-mail me with your offer. Thanks.

    1. Re: Hiroshi Tamura guitar
      Lisa

      : I have a 1979 signed Hiroshi Tamura guitar, P60, that I’m interested in selling. It is in very good condition. Please e-mail me with your offer.

      1. Re: Hiroshi Tamura guitar
        Will McCoy

        : : I have a 1979 signed Hiroshi Tamura guitar, P60, that I’m interested in selling. It is in very good condition. Please e-mail me with your offer.

        Hello Lisa,
        Greetings. i am interested in your Tamura P60. can you provide more information and details with photos? that would be great. thanks. peace ~ Will ~ [email protected]

    1. Re: Asturias Classical Guitar. Model 3350
      dave

      :
      : Can anybody place a current value on this very fine instrument.

      : Thanks & Regards
      : Gordon

      mine cost me 385£s in 1986 not including case

  24. 1967 Meiko Classical Guitar by Matano
    Larry Dito

    In 1969 I purchased a Meiko classical guitar, made and signed by Masuro Matano. I still use it today for recording. I have found very little about the history of this guitar, nor about its value today. Among my Martins and Taylors, this is still my favorite piece of musical artistry. Anyone have any contacts or information? Thanks

    1. Meiko Guitar
      Marc Gianandrea

      Larry,

      I have one also. I bought it new in 1968 at the suggestion of my guitar teacher. Mine is an A9-R and it is still like new and plays beautifully. From what I can see, they must be quite rare. I never thought about it until recently and decided to see if there were any others out there. I love mine and will keep it as a treasure. Probably pass it along to my son. Take care and enjoy yours.

      Marc

      1. I recently obtained a 1968 Meiko guitar labeled Tatsuo Tanaka constructor de guitarras, Meiko Gakki Co. LTD, Class 350 Japon ano 1968. It is in wonderful condition and sounds great. I have been unable to find another like it on the Web and wound appreciate any information as to the luthier and approximate value.

        1. Meiko Gakki Co.
          Terry B

          Although I can’t answer your questions regarding pedigree and value I have a similar instrument. My label is identical to your description except for Class 300. I purchased it in a shop in Long Beach, California in 1969 or 70.

    1. Re: Aria model 6814 12 string
      Bill

      I have one I bought new in January 1970 for $99US including a hard case. The early models made at their original Japan shop are believed to be higher quality than today’s Aria’s from China. Since Aria’s distribution network was much smaller back then, most 6814’s in the US were brought back by soldiers stationed in the Far East.

    2. Re: Aria model 6814 12 string
      Kris Moodley

      : i would like to find more info out on this guitar..i have had it for 20 years or so and it was given to me in great shape and still is

      : i know it was manufactured in the 70’s…

      : any help would be greatly appreciated thanks

      I just purchased one at a secondhand dealer for $80.00. It is in a very good nick. I dont know if is a bargain or not

    3. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Kelly
      Kelly

      i would like to find more info out on this guitar..i have had it for 20 years or so and it was given to me in great shape and still is

      i know it was manufactured in the 70’s…

      any help would be greatly appreciated thanks

  25. Manuel Contreras Senior Double Top
    Philippe

    Year: 1985
    Soundboard: Cedar
    Back and Sides: very dark Brazilian Rosewood
    High Quality Fustero Tuners
    scale: 665 mm
    Price: 4000 Euros

    This guitar is in perfect condition: no cracks and no repairs.
    It has a very loud and powerful sound.
    The soundboard has some surface marks that are normal on a 1985 guitar which has been played several hours a day (and is still played).
    I can send pictures to interested people.

  26. Guitar ABE AG330 looking for information!!!
    Luis

    I am Looking for infromation about the Abe classical guitar model AG 330 made by luthier Yasua Abe (Japan).
    Any info provided is appreciated.Thanks

    Luis

    1. Re: taka guitar model # ta 301
      maia ruiz

      It is some asian import. Not very expensive. My estralla acoustic geet was stolen and some friends kicked me down this one and a valencia (piece of shit) guitar. Mine is the same model as yours. It has held up and actually has a decent sound- it is made a little more sturdy that the bottom-line acoustic guitar. The tuning knobs get stuck but that just may from weathering.

    2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... jarrod logue
      jarrod logue

      Hi, im not sure how this works but i just got a guitar for christmas and i cant find any info on it. its a taka. model nuumber ta301 im just wondering how old maybe what its worth. not looking to sell. just wondering about info on it. thanks

  27. Bream/Hauser/Cohen
    Caetano

    1997 – made specifically for Julian Bream and carrying a note underneath the front saying ‘made for Julian Bream’
    Body: Indian rosewood
    Front: European spruce
    Tuners: David Rodgers high quality tuners
    Scale: 65cm
    Neck Width: 52mm at the nut
    Condition:
    This guitar is a very fine Hauser I reproduction made more than likely with the 1940 Hauser in mind that Julian Bream has played. The condition is extremely good with only very slight playing marks. All French-polished and extremely handsome.
    A very rare opportunity to acquire a fine guitar from such a legendary performer as Julian Bream who has owned the instrument since it was made.
    Infos: [email protected]

    1. Re: Aria A-626 Twelve string
      Reg Reid

      : Can someone please help me with some more information about a twelve string Aria A-626, sn:351

      Sorry I can’t help you but I have an Aria A625 – 6 string which I am trying to value can you assist me in any way ?

    2. Re: Aria A-626 Twelve string
      DC

      Hi, I, like you, have been trying to find more info on my Aria HF-A 626 twelve string sn-57. They’re not listed in the Aria archives.. Can only assume they are from 1964 to the early 70’s

  28. aria A544
    todd sinclair

    can anybody tell me about this guitar, value ,dating, any relative info about quality, playability, wood etc. i just bought one for 150$.it sounds quite nice. thanks

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