Masaru Kohno　[河野　賢] No.20

Product Description

Neck:Mahogany
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Cashew
Finish(Back & Sides):Cashew
Tuning Machines:GOTOH
String Height(1st):2.2mm
String Height(6th):3.0mm

[Maker Information]

Masaru Kono was born in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, in 1926. In March 1948, upon graduating from the Department of Woodworking at Tokyo Higher Technical School (now the Department of Architecture at Chiba University), he began making guitars. In May 1960, he traveled to Spain to study guitar making. In September 1967, he was awarded a Gold Medal at an international guitar competition held in Belgium.

Masaru Kono was a pioneer of high-end classical guitar making in Japan and remains one of the most highly regarded and admired Japanese guitar makers. His instruments are known for their beautiful appearance, exceptional precision of construction, ease of playing, and reliable stability. Above all, Kono created guitars whose tonal character and playability strongly suited the preferences of Japanese players, while also earning a high reputation internationally as one of Japan’s foremost classical guitar brands.

[Instrument Information]

This is No. 20, made in 1977.

The guitar is characterized by a powerful, full-bodied tone and an impressive sense of scale. Its rich resonance and sweet tonal character are beautifully balanced, reflecting the sophisticated acoustic design for which Masaru Kono is renowned. It produces substantial volume with excellent responsiveness and an overall well-balanced tonal character. While the sustain is moderate, its rich overtones and deep, resonant sound provide clear and convincing projection, allowing the tone to carry remarkably well.

This is an outstanding example from Masaru Kono’s prime period, when his refined craftsmanship and solid understanding of acoustic principles came together to create an instrument of exceptional tonal quality.

The guitar features a cashew lacquer finish and is fitted with Gotoh tuning machines. The neck has a relatively substantial profile and is straight, while the frets remain in good condition with only minor signs of wear. The action is set at 2.2 mm on the 1st string and 3.0 mm on the 6th string. The string tension is moderate, with a broad response to variations in touch, making the guitar comfortable and easy to play.

Approximately 47 years have passed since the guitar was made. Overall, it is in average used condition, with some minor marks and scratches consistent with normal use. However, these are relatively limited, and the finish has been well preserved. The neck is also in good condition.

There is evidence that an endpin had previously been installed, and the resulting hole has been properly filled and repaired. The repair was carried out appropriately and does not affect the guitar’s current playability. There is no history of any major repairs, such as cracks, and the instrument is basically in good condition.

The overall condition suggests that the guitar has been handled with care over the years, and there is no noticeable deterioration in its tonal quality. It remains an excellent and highly playable example of Masaru Kono’s work. A hard case is included.