Tetsuo Kurosawa　[黒澤　哲郎] Flamenco Negra

Product Description

Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Shellac
Tuning Machines:GOTOH
String Height(1st):2.6mm
String Height(6th):3.0mm

【Luthier Information】

Born in Ibaraki Prefecture in 1976, the maker was deeply influenced by his father, master luthier Sumio Kurosawa. After graduating from the Tokyo Metropolitan Kogei High School, where he studied guitar making, he moved to Spain in 1997. There, he apprenticed at the workshop of Tessanos Pérez and later studied finishing techniques at the workshop of Antonio Marín, before returning to Japan.

Taking inspiration from legendary makers such as Manuel Ramírez and Vicente Camacho, he continues to build guitars with solid craftsmanship that thoughtfully assimilates traditional Spanish nuances into his own style. In recent years, he has released collaborative models with renowned flamenco guitarist Jin Oki, and his work has expanded to include classical guitars employing lattice bracing. He is regarded as a young yet versatile luthier with a broad and evolving range.

Through the production of Jin Oki’s original models, this brand has become one of the most successful Japanese flamenco guitar makers in attracting new audiences. Rather than emphasizing an overly dramatic or intoxicating emotional character, these guitars excel in functional balance—offering sharpness, quick response, and tonal clarity without compromise. Beneath this refined balance lies a firm foundation of authentic Spanish character, a true testament to the maker’s skill. Suitable for a wide range of genres, these instruments are highly versatile. Featuring all-shellac finishes and carefully selected tonewoods, they are also well regarded for their excellent cost performance.

【Instrument Information】

This is a 2012 flamenco negra model. The top is made of spruce, while the back and sides are Indian rosewood. Typical of flamenco negra guitars, it offers a deep, rich tonal character combined with crisp articulation, resulting in a very satisfying and comfortable playing experience.

The guitar produces a moderate volume with excellent note separation. The neck is not overly thick, providing good playability, and the string tension is set at a well-balanced, medium level. It features an all-shellac finish throughout, is fitted with Gotoh tuning machines, and the neck has a slight, appropriate forward relief, ensuring good overall playability.

While there are some light playing marks on the top, they are shallow, and the instrument remains in generally clean condition. There is no history of crack repairs. Apart from approximately 1 cm of shellac alteration around the bridge area, the condition is very good. The guitar is currently well adjusted and easy to play; however, due to limited remaining saddle height, further lowering of the treble-side string action is difficult. A hard case is included.