A site that helps you buy guitars from Japan! [J-Guitar.com]

Product Description

Neck：Cedro
Fingerboard：Ebony
Finish:Top/Cashew 、Back & Sides/Cashew
Tuning Machine：GOTOH
String height：1string　2.5mm/6string　3.2mm

[Profile]
Masaki Sakurai, born in Tokyo in 1944, graduated from Sophia University in 1967 and joined the Kono Guitar Workshop. He won first place at the 1988 Paris International Guitar Making Competition, and his award-winning model, the PC (Paris Competition) model, remains a top seller. After his mentor Ken Kono’s passing in 1998, Sakurai continued to craft guitars under both the "Sakurai-Kono" and his own "Masaki Sakurai" brands, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and playability, earning global acclaim.

[Description]
This is a 2018 model of the P.C. (Paris Competition) 2018 G1222A used guitar, which positions itself in the mid-range of the Masaki Sakurai lineup. Based on the award-winning design from the 1988 Paris competition, it has since undergone further refinements, representing the pinnacle of Sakurai's brand concept.

The guitar produces a bright, vibrant tone with excellent uniformity across all strings. Its fast response and sufficient sustain make it easy to play, while its remarkable sound pressure eliminates much of the stress that players may encounter. The wide tonal range and rich overtones contribute to a smooth performance with minimal inconsistencies, making it ideal for shaping the expression of various musical pieces. Unlike the romantic, distant feel of traditional Spanish guitars, Sakurai's engineering-driven approach creates a balanced, versatile sound capable of supporting a wide range of musical styles.

The internal structure of the soundboard includes harmonic bars placed above and below the soundhole, and transverse bars positioned near the bridge and soundhole. These are supported by five fan braces arranged to optimize resonance, and additional wooden patches enhance the soundboard’s acoustic properties. The overall design follows Ken Kono’s principles while introducing modern refinements aimed at meeting the high demands of concert guitarists. The guitar resonates well around G# (G-G#), offering an expressive tone with excellent balance.

Finished in a high-gloss cashmere coating, the back and sides are crafted from Madagascar rosewood, adding a touch of luxury to its appearance. The instrument is in excellent condition, with only minor cosmetic signs of use, such as light scratches near the fingerboard and a few small marks near the bridge from string changes. The neck is straight, and the frets show slight wear on the first to fifth positions, which does not affect playability. The neck features a comfortable, ergonomically-designed D-shape, and the action is set at 2.5mm for the first string and 3.2mm for the sixth string at the 12th fret, with room for adjustment if desired.