Yukinobu Chai　[茶位　幸信] No.60 bouchet Model

Product Description

Neck:Mahogany
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Lacquer
Finish(Back & Sides):Lacquer
Tuning Machines:GOTOH
String Height(1st):3.5mm
String Height(6th):3.8mm

[Maker Information]

Yukinobu Chai was born in 1931. While studying at university, he became interested in instrument making after constructing a violin. He continued to make stringed instruments largely through self-study, and began making classical guitars in 1968.

Chai’s instruments became highly regarded for their exceptionally orthodox design and rich, well-balanced sound. His uncompromising craftsmanship and meticulous construction—so much so that he proudly claimed his instruments were “absolutely unbreakable”—strongly appealed to Japanese players and also attracted many musicians outside the classical guitar world.

His guitars tend toward the understated character of traditional German instruments, with unnecessary decoration deliberately omitted in favor of functionality, solidity, and high-quality workmanship. Today, his son, Yukihiro Chai, has taken over the Chai Guitar Workshop and continues the family tradition of guitar making.

[Instrument Information]

This is a No. 60 Bouchet Model, made in 1990, with a 650 mm scale length.

The guitar is characterized by a vivid and sensual tonal character, with abundant overtones and an exceptionally rich, expressive resonance. The sustain is long, with a distinctive decay that seems to spread outward indefinitely. While the overall volume is moderate, the instrument offers excellent responsiveness, very good sustain, and an exceptionally well-balanced tonal character.

Yukinobu Chai’s Fleta Model is an outstanding instrument in which he demonstrates a deep understanding of the essence of Fleta’s acoustic design while adding his own distinctive craftsmanship and interpretation.

The guitar has a lacquer finish and is fitted with Gotoh tuning machines. The neck has a relatively slim profile and is straight, while the frets remain in good condition. The action is set at 3.5 mm on the 1st string and 3.8 mm on the 6th string. The string tension feels relatively soft, with a broad response to variations in touch, making the guitar comfortable and easy to play.

Approximately 34 years have passed since the guitar was made. Overall, it remains in good condition. There are several relatively large impact marks on the lower part of the soundboard, as well as several scratches near the neck joint. The finish is generally well preserved, although there is one area of finish lifting/separation on the back. The neck is in good condition, and there is no history of crack repairs.

These marks and the localized finish separation are signs of normal use and aging and do not affect the instrument’s playability. The structural integrity of the guitar remains sound. A hard case is included.