Vintage Yoshino Tokyo Kiku Handcrafted Classical Guitar Toku Ichi-Go MIJ

Up for grabs at the Japanese Guitar Company is a phenomenal piece of vintage Japanese luthiery history: a late 1960s / early 1970s Yoshino Handcrafted "Kiku" (Special No. 1 Grade) classical guitar. Unlike standard production-line models, this instrument was individually constructed in Tokyo, bearing the traditional hand-brushed ink calligraphy tag: 「東京・吉野作」 (Made by Yoshino, Tokyo) and marked 「特一号」 (Special Grade 1). In keeping with high-end Tokyo-school custom traditions, it features the prestigious "Kiku" (Chrysanthemum) model series designation. The craftsmanship is evident the moment you pick it up. It features a beautifully aged solid spruce top that has developed a deep amber patina, paired with a gorgeous rosewood back and sides showing an incredibly straight, dark grain pattern. The headstock sports its original premium engraved brass tuners with ivory-style buttons. Tonally, it delivers the exact deep, resonant bass response and articulate, voice-like trebles that make master-built Tokyo guitars highly coveted by collectors. This master-built instrument is in beautiful vintage condition, displaying honest cosmetic character that tells its story:

• Finish: The top shows beautiful, fine natural lacquer checking/crazing behind the bridge on the lower treble bout (see photos). This is strictly localized to the clear coat and is completely stable.
• Bridge Note: There is a very small, minor gap visible in the center underneath the bridge footprint. Both the left and right sides of the bridge are completely solid and flush to the top. Given the age and stable environment of the instrument, there is no structural movement or danger of lifting. It is fully stable and ready to play under tension.
• Case: Includes a protective hard shell case for secure storage and transport.
  
  

If you are a serious collector or player looking for a unique, master-grade MIJ classical guitar with a stunning aesthetic and deep historical pedigree, this Yoshino "Kiku" is an incredible choice.

Case: Hard

Scale Length: 645mm

Nut Width: 52.1mm

Fret Wear: 10/10

Action at 12F (6th): 3.25mm

Action at 12F (1st): 3.25mm

Weight: 1501grams

Overall Condition: 7/10

Cool Factor: 11 out of 10

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Internal Use (Bin) - PA-9-1