Asturias　[アストリアス] PreludeS　No.43096

Product Description

Neck:Mahogany
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Polyurethan
Finish(Back & Sides):Polyurethan
Tuning Machines:GOTOH
String Height(1st):2.5mm
String Height(6th):3.5mm

[Brand Information]

Asturias Guitars was founded in 1962, originally under the name “Meiko Guitars,” and adopted its current name in 1981. Its factory is located in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The production line, staffed by approximately 15 skilled craftsmen, is based entirely on handwork, with all instruments proudly made entirely by hand.

The company uses carefully managed, naturally seasoned tonewoods dried within its own factory. The instruments are crafted with the meticulous attention to detail characteristic of Japanese craftsmanship, and the brand's consistently high standards are evident throughout its diverse product lineup. While actively embracing modern trends such as double-top guitars, Asturias has also maintained a certain independence from excessive commercialization—an attitude that reflects the brand's pride and integrity.

In 1977, Wataru Tsuji, who would later become head of production for the classical guitar division, joined the company. He made a significant contribution to improving quality and establishing the production system following the company's reorganization in 1981. Models designed by Mr. Tsuji are now offered as a separate line under the “Tsuji” series.

The rest of the lineup follows traditional Spanish guitar styles and ranges from beginner to advanced models, including standard instruments, multi-string guitars, short-scale models, and the contemporary Advanced Series. Asturias also produces ukuleles and acoustic guitars. As one of Japan's leading brands dedicated to handmade instruments, its reasonably priced yet high-quality lineup has earned the strong appreciation of guitar enthusiasts both in Japan and abroad.

[Instrument Information]

This is a used Asturias Prelude S, featuring a 640 mm scale length. Positioned as an entry-level model within the brand's lineup, it is designed as an ideal instrument for players looking to progress gradually from the beginner level.

As one would expect from a Japanese brand, the instrument offers an excellent sense of balance while also possessing a depth of tone and tonal variation reminiscent of Spanish-made guitars. Although Asturias positions the Prelude S as an intermediate-level model, its comfortable playability and rich expressive potential also make it highly suitable for those picking up the guitar for the first time.

There are several minor impact marks in the lower area of the soundboard, including one slightly deeper mark, though none currently affect the instrument's condition or performance. Apart from these marks, the guitar remains in very clean condition with very few other signs of wear. The neck, frets, tuning machines, and other components related to playability are all in good condition.

The string height is set relatively low at 2.5 / 3.4 mm (1st / 6th string at the 12th fret), with approximately 2.0–2.5 mm of saddle material remaining for adjustment. Combined with the comfortable 640 mm scale length, this setup helps reduce left-hand fatigue and makes the instrument particularly well suited to players with smaller hands.

The soundboard bracing consists of seven symmetrically arranged fan braces, and the resonance is tuned to slightly above G.