H.T. Hirose No. 10 Handmade Classical Guitar Japan 1981

🇺🇸 OUR VALUED USA CUSTOMER, please keep in mind that there is a 15% tariff on EU and Japan made goods. It will be charged on the purchase amount by the UPS on behalf of the US Customs, plus the brokerage fee of about $30.  

This guitar was built in 1981 by Tatsuhiko Hirose, son of Hirohiko Hirose. According to various sources, Hirohiko began his career as a luthier in the late 1930s, likely crafting violins and traditional Japanese string instruments before turning to classical guitars in the early 1960s.

Hirohiko Hirose was among a group of lesser-known Japanese luthier pioneers who, alongside renowned makers such as Sakazo Nakade, Rokutaro Nakade, Hiroshi Tamura, Mitsuru Tamura, and Masaru Kohno, helped modernize Japanese luthiery by adapting traditional Spanish guitar-building techniques and designs.

Although highly respected within Japan and supported by a loyal clientele, Hirohiko never gained significant international recognition. He operated a small, traditional workshop in Nagoya with the assistance of only a single apprentice at any given time. For a period, that apprentice was his son Tatsuhiko, and during those years both names appeared together on the guitar labels.

Tatsuhiko began signing labels independently in the mid-1970s and continued carrying on his father’s tradition through at least the late 1980s, possibly beyond. Due to the relatively small number of Hirose guitars appearing on the second-hand market, along with the limited historical documentation available, much of the Hirose family’s story remains difficult to fully trace today.

Condition

The guitar is in very good condition. It has superficial marks of use in different places, such as dings and scuffs, but no major issues. Please refer to the pictures. Guitar players have different styles and features, so it might need to be set up according to your preferences. The neck is straight. There is no visible fretwear.

Specs

Top: Solid Spruce

Bracing: Fan

Back / Sides:  Indian Rosewood

Finish: Polyurethane

Neck: Mahogany, Natural Bone Nut

Fingerboard: Ebony

Bridge: Rosewood, Natural Bone Saddle

String Length: 650 mm

Nut width: 52 mm

String Width: 42.5 mm

Body Thickness: 97mm (3 5/8")

Action at 12 fret (1st): 3.00 mm

Action at 12 fret (6th): 3.60 mm

Ships in original case

Some history on Vintage Japanese Classical Guitars.

From the late 1960s Japanese luthiers produced guitars of exceptional quality. These skilled craftsmen typically ran small shops, employing a handful of master builders who were often trained in Spain or under Spanish master builders in Japan. During this period, bans on certain types of wood were not yet in place, allowing luthiers to source high-quality wood for their creations. Although these guitars are considered a bargain in today's market, finding top-quality Japanese classical guitars from this era can be challenging, and restrictions on exporting certain types of wood make them even more difficult to obtain. Similar guitars built with comparable materials today would cost significantly more due to the scarcity or complete bans on certain types of wood. Most of those talented luthiers from the 70s and 80s are now retired or have passed away.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

SHIPPING

We pack professionally, double box and reinforce the walls. We loosen the strings for transit as recommended. We'll send pictures of the packing process if you'd like.
PLEASE NOTE that shipping times are not guaranteed due to holidays, weather, other disruptions etc. 

We cannot be responsible for local taxes and/or duties.

RATES

🇺🇸 USA: Ground, 10-15 days US$100 (Please keep in mind that there is a 15% tariff in effect plus about $40 UPS brokerage fee)

🇨🇦 Canada: UPS Ground, 2-3 days CA$100

🇪🇺 European Union: UPS Express Saver, 5-7 days EUR 195

🇬🇧 UK: UPS Express Saver, 5-7 days GBP 165

🇦🇺 Australia: Please inquire with your Postal code

Return Policy.

We do not accept returns of used items. 

We do our best to make detailed descriptions and use high resolution pictures.

Please study pictures and read the description carefully. Contact us if you have more questions.

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Please ask any questions prior to bidding, if you have any.
Check my other listings for more guitar stuff.
Let me know if you want combined shipping.
Thanks for looking and good luck!