1987 Hiroumi Yamaguchi Model A Vintage Classical Guitar, Cedar + Rosewood, 1A-Style w/ Case

Up for sale, a 1987 Hiroumi Yamaguchi model A in excellent, 100% original condition. While somewhat less prolific in his output than other Japanese classical luthiers, Hiroumi Yamaguchi spent much of his career apprenticing under legendary luthier Masaru Matano, establishing the Cervantes brand in the 1970s and producing guitars under his own name up until the early ‘90s. Much like Matano, Yamaguchi is best known for his expertly crafted Ramirez-style instruments, and this particular model faithfully recreates Ramirez’s famed 1a with exquisite precision and detail.

Weighing 3lbs 12oz, premium tonewoods include a cedar top with seven-fan bracing, rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck, and ebony fingerboard. Tonally, this guitar is sonorous and sweet, with a lively treble response and a taut, punchy low end. The volume ceiling is quite high, and this instrument is very receptive to a spectrum of playing dynamics ranging from soft, delicate plucks to passionate, full-bodied strums. This model A has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with normal tension strings and ideal action.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Mahogany
• Shape: Substantial classical D, measuring .870” 1st fret, 1.005” 9th fret
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Frets: Medium, no wear
• Scale Length: 648mm (25.5”)
• Nut: 52mm (2.05”), bone, 44mm string spacing
• Tuners: Open-gear strip, pearloid buttons

Body Specs:

• Wood: Cedar, rosewood
• Bracing: Seven-fan, spruce
• Bridge: Rosewood, bone saddle, 58mm string spacing
• Marquetry: Ornate rosette, multi-ply purfling
• Label: Signed by Hiroumi Yamaguchi
• Factory Markings: “62.2.12” stamp on underside of soundboard dates to the 87th year of the Showa period (translating to 1987)

This is a crack-free example, with cosmetic wear on the gloss lacquer finish limited to some minor nicks and finish scratches. The gloss on the neck profile is smooth and clean, with just a few shallow marks that are practically imperceptible to the palm.

A zippered hardshell case is included.