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Product Description

Neck：Cedro
Fingerboard：Ebony
Finish：Cashew
Tuning Machine：GOTOH
String height：1string 3.2mm／6string 4.2mm

【Profile】
Masaru Kohno was born in 1926 in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. After graduating from the Department of Woodcraft at Tokyo Higher School of Industrial Arts (now part of Chiba University’s architecture program) in March 1948, he began building guitars as a self-taught luthier. His first instrument was modeled after a guitar built by Sanzo Nakade, though Kohno did not have any direct interaction with Nakade himself.

From the outset of his career, Kohno pursued innovative structural ideas, some of which were quite advanced for their time. His extensive experimentation culminated in the late 1960s with a bracing pattern based on a grid-like layout of vertical and horizontal elements along the grain of the soundboard. This became a hallmark of his design, with various adaptations continuing into the present.

In 1960, Kohno traveled to Spain, visiting workshops of renowned makers such as Ignacio Fleta and Arcángel Fernández, gaining valuable insight into traditional Spanish guitar-making. His international recognition came in 1967 when he won the gold medal at the Liège International Guitar-Making Competition in Belgium.

That same year, his nephew Masaki Sakurai joined the workshop. Following Kohno’s passing in 1998, Sakurai took over the atelier, continuing the legacy under the Sakurai-Kohno brand.

Kohno is regarded as a pioneer of high-end classical guitar making in Japan. His instruments, which combine Spanish guitar aesthetics with tonal characteristics suited to Japanese players, are known for their excellent materials, refined craftsmanship, and outstanding musicality. They quickly gained a devoted following in Japan and continue to be held in high esteem both domestically and internationally.

【Description】
We are pleased to offer a 2024 Sakurai-Kohno Maestro, the top-tier model in the Sakurai-Kohno lineup. This instrument represents the refined legacy of Masaru Kohno’s pioneering work, developed and modernized by Masaki Sakurai after Kohno's passing in 1998.

At the heart of this model is the unique and intricate bracing system developed from Kohno’s original concept: a structural grid where fan braces run nearly parallel and intersect with various sizes and shapes of transverse bars. The result is a sophisticated, irregular lattice that is both acoustically efficient and structurally stable.

Incorporating Sakurai’s own acoustical research, the Maestro model features subtle asymmetries between the treble and bass sides, enhancing clarity and tonal balance. Small circular wooden blocks (approx. 3 cm in diameter, 5 mm high) are strategically embedded within the grid—a detail unique to Sakurai’s design. These are placed based on analysis of localized over- or under-resonating spots, helping to optimize the soundboard’s vibrational behavior. The instrument’s resonance is tuned just below G-sharp.

Tonally, this guitar is characterized by its polished, bright voice and exceptional clarity across the register. It offers a stress-free response, balanced projection, and superb playability, making it highly versatile and suitable for a wide range of players and genres.

Despite being a used instrument, it is in near-mint condition with no visible damage, no repair history, and excellent playability. The neck is a moderately thick, slightly squared D-shape that fits comfortably in the hand. Action height is 3.2 mm on the 1st string and 4.2 mm on the 6th string at the 12th fret, with 2.0–3.0 mm of saddle remaining, allowing for further adjustment if desired. Weight: 1.74 kg.