Mitsuru Tamura　[田村　満] No.1000

Product Description

Neck:Mahogany
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Lacquer
Finish(Back & Sides):Lacquer
Tuning Machines:GOTOH
String Height(1st):3.1mm
String Height(6th):3.6mm

[Luthier]

Mitsuru Tamura was born in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, and established his workshop there, earning a strong reputation for his flamenco guitars. He was the brother of Hiroshi Tamura, who was also known as a guitar maker. Among his notable apprentices were Kazutaka Kawada and Hakusui Imai, both of whom went on to become respected guitar makers in their own right.

Kochi, on the island of Shikoku, has produced a remarkable number of noteworthy guitar makers and guitarists. Tamura Mitsuru is one of the representative names of this regional tradition and is widely recognized today as an important name in Japanese vintage guitars.

Together with his brother Hiroshi Tamura, he helped establish the popularity of their instruments from the 1960s onward. While Hiroshi expanded the scale of his brand and moved toward a more production-oriented approach, Mitsuru appears to have remained committed to individual, handcrafted construction. At the time, few Japanese-made guitars could rival his instruments in their ability to reproduce the sound and nuances of authentic Spanish guitars.

His guitars remain highly appealing today for their remarkably quick response, generous volume, dry and distinctive tonal character, and exceptional playability.

[Instrument]

This is No.1000, made in 1972, with a 660 mm scale length.

The instrument is characterized by a lively, almost bouncing attack, with an exceptionally immediate response to the player's touch. Even with a light touch, it produces a clear and well-defined sound. The body vibrates freely, giving the player a tangible sense of the wood itself coming alive.

The volume is generous, the response is very good, and the sustain is also strong, resulting in a well-balanced overall character. Made during the mature period of Tamura Mitsuru's career, when he remained firmly committed to individual handcrafted construction, this is an outstanding instrument that combines the sound and nuances of an authentic Spanish guitar with exceptionally quick response, rich volume, and a dry, subtly distinctive tonal character.

The guitar has a lacquer finish and is fitted with Gotoh tuning machines. The neck has a standard thickness and is straight, while the frets remain in good condition. The string tension is soft, with a wide range of response to the player's touch, making the instrument exceptionally comfortable and easy to play.

Approximately 52 years have passed since the guitar was made. Overall, it is in average used condition, with several areas showing signs of use. Fine impact marks can be found across the soundboard and on the back of the neck, while there are several relatively prominent playing marks around the soundhole. The back also shows numerous surface scratches, apparently caused by contact with clothing. The finish remains in good condition, and the neck is also in good condition.

There is no history of crack repairs or other major structural repairs, and the instrument remains structurally sound. These marks reflect the fact that the guitar has been genuinely played and used over many years, bearing witness to its long playing history and the experience it has accumulated over time. The fact that the instrument remains free from cracks after more than 50 years is also a testament to the high level of craftsmanship achieved by Tamura Mitsuru and the care with which the guitar has been handled.

A hard case is included.