Alberto Nejime Ohno　[アルベルト・ネジメ・オーノ] Original model

Product Description

Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Shellac
Tuning Machines:SLOANE
String Height(1st):2.7mm
String Height(6th):3.6mm

[Luthier]
Alberto Nejime Ohno (Kojiro Nejime)

Born in 1952, Alberto Nejime Ohno studied guitar making in Spain from 1979 under the Granada master Antonio Marín. During his two-year stay, he immersed himself not only in traditional techniques but also in the cultural and artistic sensibilities of Spain.

After returning to Japan, his instruments came to be regarded as among the first truly authentic Spanish-style guitars made domestically, noted for their refined craftsmanship and deep musical character. In 1988, he won the Grand Prize at the Kutná Hora International Guitar Making Competition, establishing his reputation internationally.

His work is characterized by elegant aesthetics and a rich, dense, and expressive tone with strong projection. In addition to his work as a luthier, he has contributed to education and writing, authoring publications on Spanish-style guitar making and supporting the next generation of builders. His work was also featured in Orfeo Magazine (France) in 2020.

[Instrument]
2016 Alberto Nejime Ohno, Original Model (Used)

This 2016 instrument represents a standard form among Nejime’s original designs, which continue to influence his more recent work. While he is widely known as a leading figure in transmitting traditional Spanish guitar-making techniques in Japan, it is less often noted that he is also a highly innovative luthier. His originality is often expressed subtly within a traditional framework, making it all the more distinctive.

The top bracing is structurally simple yet highly refined. It features strong harmonic bars above and below the soundhole, with a reinforcing plate around the rosette area. The lower bout employs a symmetrical seven-fan bracing system combined with two V-shaped closing bars placed closer to the bridge than usual, creating a unique distribution of structural support. The resonance is set slightly below A.

Tonally, the instrument produces a distinctive sound with a strong sense of weight and depth, as if the notes are firmly grounded. The response is tactile and slightly percussive, emerging from deep within the body. This results in a unique tonal character that balances power and clarity with subtle nuance—both robust and refined, expressive yet controlled. It offers a wide range of tonal colors, well suited for detailed musical expression, particularly in classical repertoire.

The guitar is finished in shellac and retains its original specifications, with no cracks or major repairs. The top shows noticeable playing wear, including light scratches and small dents, especially around the soundhole and bridge area. The back and sides remain in clean condition with only minor surface wear. The neck shows minimal signs of use and remains comfortable to play.

There is a slight forward bow in the neck, but it does not affect playability given the current string setup. The frets are in good condition. The neck has a standard D-shape profile. String height is set at 2.7 mm (1st string) and 3.7 mm (6th string) at the 12th fret, with remaining saddle height of approximately 1.0–1.5 mm.

Fitted with Sloane tuning machines, functioning properly.
Weight: 1.95 kg.