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Product Description

Neck：Mahogany
Fingerboard：Ebony
Finish：top /Cashew、 back & sides/Cashew
Tuning Machine：GOTOH
String height：1string　 2.8mm／6string　4.2mm

[Luthier Information]
Toshihiko Nakade (b. 1932, Tokyo) is a leading figure in the Japanese classical guitar tradition, often mentioned alongside Masaru Kohno as one of the most respected makers of the “Japan Vintage” era. He is the second son of Sakazō Nakade (1906–1993), one of the early pioneers of guitar making in Japan. Trained by his father, Toshihiko began crafting violins and guitars at the age of 16, eventually focusing solely on guitar construction by his early 20s. In 1960, he established his own workshop and began producing guitars under his original label.

A turning point in his career came in 1968, when he traveled to Spain and studied under the legendary Madrid luthiers Hernández y Aguado. This experience left a lasting mark on Nakade’s style—evident in both the aesthetic and acoustic characteristics of his instruments. His guitars combine robust projection, lush tonal color, and Spanish architectural sensibility, all tempered by his uniquely refined craftsmanship.

Even after the age of 80, Nakade continued to produce high-quality instruments ranging from excellent mid-range models to flagship guitars priced over ¥2.5 million, a testament to his enduring commitment to quality. After retiring—having exhausted his carefully aged tonewood stock—he remains one of Japan’s most revered luthiers, with increasing international recognition. His brothers Teruaki and Yukio, as well as his uncle Rokutarō Nakade, are also known as skilled guitar makers.

[Instrument Information]
This is a 1977 Toshihiko Nakade “Standard 20”, a mid-range classical model from his post-Hernández y Aguado period. During the mid-1970s, Nakade transitioned from a numerical model system (e.g., No.1000, No.2000) to named models such as Standard, later evolving into Maestro, Deluxe, etc. The “Standard 20” represents the maker’s effort to integrate Spanish-inspired tonal architecture into a finely balanced, professional-grade guitar.

Despite its designation as a mid-tier instrument, this guitar displays a clear, powerful voice with a warm and rounded timbre, a hallmark of Nakade’s style. It has also benefitted from decades of playing, resulting in matured resonance and a highly responsive character.

Bracing & Construction:
Top: Spruce

Back & sides: Rosewood

Two harmonic bars (above and below the soundhole)

One angled treble bar, starting from the lower harmonic bar and descending diagonally toward the treble-side lower bout

Seven fan braces, evenly spaced

Two closing bars in a herringbone (“V”) layout at the lower bout

A full-width bridge plate reinforcement

Main body resonance is set slightly above G#

This bracing pattern, though slightly modified, clearly shows the influence of Hernández y Aguado, Nakade’s mentors.

Condition:
No major cracks, repairs, or structural modifications

Top shows various signs of use typical of its age:

Concentrated pick wear and small dings near the bridge and soundhole on the treble side

Multiple small dents on the bass side lower bout

Back and sides show light scratches and rubbing marks from contact with clothing

One or two small dings on the treble side, especially near the neck

Neck back shows light nail marks, but nothing affecting playability

Neck is straight, with only minor fret wear in the 1st–3rd position

Neck profile is a medium D shape, comfortable for most players

Action at 12th fret: 2.9 mm (1st string), 4.5 mm (6th string)

Saddle height: ~0.5 to just under 2.0 mm remaining

While the bass-side action is slightly high, the guitar remains playable and well-balanced, thanks to moderate string tension

This 1977 Standard 20 is an excellent representation of Toshihiko Nakade's mid-period work, showcasing the subtle elegance and sonic generosity that have made his guitars so desirable both in Japan and internationally. A fine choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking vintage tone and mature projection from a historically significant Japanese maker.