Yamaha No. 45 1964-1965 Classical Guitar

The No. 45 is a very rare and unusual (in a great way!) made in Japan Yamaha classical guitar that was produced for only two years from 1964 to 1965!

The No. 45 was the first generation Yamaha classical guitar available in the USA. This model immediately followed the Dynamic Guitar line and, despite what you may research on the internet, is a true classical model not a folk guitar. It also features one of the most extensive uses of Maple you'll ever see.

If you're familiar with the Yamaha Dynamic guitar line of the late 50’s, you're aware that those models were folk guitars with a hybrid brace pattern and a rounded club like neck. They have a unique and pleasant sound but are somewhat hard for players to get used to due to the neck shape. The No. 45 is a true classical guitar.

The body shape is not like current Yamaha classicals which are all based on Spanish designs. This guitar is more like a German Hauser classical guitar in body shape and decoration complete with a herringbone Rosette and Rosewood stripe on a Maple head.

In either case a classical guitar is truly defined by it’s brace pattern and this one conforms to the simple 5 fan brace pattern used by many builders.

This simple brace pattern makes for a light responsive soundboard. The top is Spruce which is a pretty conventional choice however the back and sides are Maple. This is once again a characteristic found in many Hermann Hauser instruments from 1900-1949.

The real departure is that Yamaha made the neck, fretboard and bridge all out of Maple! The Maple really is quite a striking wood, and such a contrast to the common Mahogany/Rosewood guitars you commonly see.

One final cool feature is the fingerboard and bridge are made of the heavy and rare Japanese timber Isunoki.

This guitar had one owner before recently coming to me and was lovingly cared for. It definitely has it's play wear especially below the sound hole and the fretboard shows it's history as well. It has beautiful checking in the lacquer that is standard for it's age. It feels, plays and sounds amazing.

Top plate: Solid Ezo Spruce
Sides and back: Flame Maple
Neck: Maple with Rosewood fingerboard
Bridge and fingerboard: Isunoki