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Product Description

Neck：Cedro
Fingerboard：Ebony
Finish：top /Shellac、back & sides/Cashew
Tuning Machine：GOTOH
String height：1string　2.8mm/6string　3.0mm

[Luthier Information]
Toshihiko Nakade was born in Tokyo in 1932 as the second son of renowned luthier Sakazō Nakade (1906–1993), one of the most highly regarded names in the world of Japanese vintage guitars, alongside Masaru Kohno. Under the guidance of his father, Toshihiko began crafting violins and guitars at the age of 16, eventually dedicating himself fully to guitar making by the age of 21.

In 1960, he established his own independent workshop and began producing instruments under his original label. In 1968, he traveled to Spain to apprentice under the legendary Madrid-based luthiers Hernández y Aguado, an experience that had a profound and lasting impact on his craft. Their influence can clearly be seen in both the visual design and internal structure of his guitars, which he enriched further with his own refined aesthetics and tonal sensibilities.

Nakade’s instruments are praised for their powerful projection, rich tonal expression, and the fusion of Spanish elegance with Japanese craftsmanship. Even into his 80s, Nakade continued to produce instruments ranging from excellent mid-range models to high-end guitars priced over 2.5 million yen, maintaining meticulous quality throughout his output.

Having recently retired after using up his extensive stock of tonewoods, Toshihiko Nakade has solidified his legacy as one of Japan’s most revered guitar makers. His instruments — especially flamenco models — are now sought after internationally, often mentioned in the same breath as those of his father, Sakazō. Notably, his older brother is luthier Teruaki Nakade (now retired), and his younger brother Yukio Nakade, while Rokutarō Nakade was their uncle.

[Instrument Details]
This is a 2009 Toshihiko Nakade Master Flamenco Blanca, a custom-built guitar featuring a spruce top and cypress back and sides — the classic configuration for a flamenco blanca. Crafted to individual order, it exhibits Nakade’s distinctive tonal character: a firm, quick attack typical of flamenco guitars, but with sustain, warmth, and sonic density more commonly found in high-end classical instruments.

This fusion of classical sensitivity with flamenco responsiveness creates a unique tonal balance. While it lacks the dry, percussive edge associated with traditional Spanish flamenco guitars, it instead offers a smooth, rounded voice with excellent projection and lyrical sustain — a perfect reflection of Nakade’s stylistic identity.

Bracing & Internal Structure:
Two harmonic bars each above and below the soundhole.

The lower bar (nearest the bridge) is slightly angled from bass to treble side.

Seven symmetrical fan braces span the lower bout.

Two closing bars form a V-shape at the lower end, supporting the fan braces.

A thin bridge reinforcement plate is applied underneath the bridge.

The layout of the two harmonic bars below the soundhole is reminiscent of Ignacio Fleta’s design (though Fleta used 9 fan braces).

Main body resonance is tuned to just below G♯, between G and G♯.

While this bracing structure deviates from the Aguado-inspired layouts seen in Nakade’s higher-end models, it remains robust and classical in spirit — a rare approach for a flamenco guitar, and further evidence of Nakade’s blended aesthetic.

Condition:
No structural cracks or major repairs.

Two faint grain lines (approx. 30 cm) are visible near both shoulders of the back — these are natural finish sink lines following the grain and not actual cracks or separations.

Top shows minor string-change marks below the bridge and a few small dings near the lower bout. Overall, the top is very clean for a used flamenco guitar.

Back and sides show several dings near the bottom and some light rub marks where the guitar meets the player’s body.

Neck has a visible fingernail scratch on the treble side near the heel, and smaller nail marks between the 1st and 5th frets.

Headstock has minor scratches likely from string changes.

Neck and frets are in excellent playing condition.

Neck shape is a thick D-profile, offering a solid grip.

String action at the 12th fret: approx. 2.8 mm (1st string) / 3.0 mm (6th string).

Saddle height remaining: approx. 0.5 mm.