Daisuke Kuriyama　[栗山　大輔] Class100　model Torres

Product Description

Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Shellac
Tuning Machines:GOTOH
String Height(1st):3.0mm
String Height(6th):4.2mm

〔Luthier〕
Daisuke Kuriyama (b. 1981) began building guitars while studying at Tokyo Zokei University, initially teaching himself the craft. After graduating in 2003, he joined a major musical instrument retailer where he worked in the repair department for more than ten years. During this period he had the opportunity to study many fine historical instruments from both Japan and abroad, which greatly influenced his refined sense of tonal balance.

During his time there he was introduced to the maker Kaoru Ono, and from 2010 he received direct guidance in Ono’s workshop. Kuriyama later established his own workshop and now builds approximately six to eight guitars per year, producing instruments known for their precise craftsmanship and musical character.

His guitars are based on traditional Spanish construction and often pay homage to historic masters such as Antonio de Torres, Domingo Esteso, and Marcelo Barbero I. In 2020 he was featured in Orfeo Magazine No.15, published by Camino Verde, further introducing his work internationally.


〔Instrument〕
A new guitar built in 2026 by Daisuke Kuriyama, No.129 — the maker’s 100th Torres Model.

Based on an 1864 instrument by Antonio de Torres, the design follows the historical body template and structural concept while incorporating Kuriyama’s refined interpretation. The result is an instrument that retains the spirit of the traditional Spanish guitar while presenting a fresh and highly polished character.

The appearance has a distinctly Torres-like elegance. The spruce top contrasts beautifully with the flamed maple back and sides, while decorative details in green, red, and black add a subtle richness. A lightning-pattern inlay at the center of the back recalls the famous FE08 La Guitarra Cumbre, and the craftsmanship throughout the instrument is exceptionally precise.

Tonally, the guitar reflects the balanced and natural voice associated with Torres instruments. The sound is intimate yet powerful, with quick response and expressive nuance. Notes emerge clearly and bloom into a lively resonance, allowing subtle variations in touch to translate naturally into musical expression. The maple body adds a clear, smooth tonal texture that complements Kuriyama’s characteristic brightness.

The bracing follows a traditional Torres-style layout with seven symmetrical fan braces supported by two closing bars at the lower bout. The main body resonance is set slightly above F#.

The guitar is finished in shellac, giving it a warm, slightly amber appearance. The neck has a comfortable D-shaped profile. String height is set at 3.0 mm (1st string) and 4.2 mm (6th string) at the 12th fret, with approximately 1.5–2.0 mm of saddle remaining for adjustment.

The instrument is fitted with custom Gotoh tuners and weighs approximately 1.40 kg.