Masaki Sakurai No. 5 Classical Guitar – 1976 – 660mm – Vintage MIJ – Big Spanish Voice

Offered for sale is a 1976 Masaki Sakurai No. 5 classical guitar, built during the golden-era of Japanese classical guitar making (MIJ). This is an early Sakurai instrument with a large, powerful, Spanish-influenced voice, often compared to Ramirez-style tone and construction at a fraction of the cost.

Specifications:

• Maker: Masaki Sakurai (Japan)
• Model: No. 5
• Year: 1976
• Scale Length: 660 mm
• Top: Solid cedar
• Back & Sides: Rosewood
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Neck: Spanish cedar
• Construction: Traditional Spanish influence

Condition & Setup:

• One cosmetic finish wear spot that goes through the finish to the wood
• • The wood itself is not cracked
  • Fully stable and purely cosmetic
• Otherwise very clean for its age
• Professionally set up with 4 mm action, very comfortable
• Plenty of saddle remaining for future adjustment if desired

Tone & Playability:
This guitar has a big, open, vintage Spanish sound—deep basses, rich mids, and singing trebles with strong projection. It responds well to both lyrical playing and powerful attack, making it an excellent choice for serious classical players seeking a concert-capable instrument without modern pricing.

About the Maker & Era

Masaki Sakurai was part of the elite generation of Japanese luthiers in the 1960s–1970s, closely connected to Masaru Kohno, Japan’s most influential classical guitar maker. Guitars from this period are highly respected for their craftsmanship, consistency, and tonal power, and are increasingly sought after as values for European instruments continue to rise.

Open to reasonable offers.
Local players are welcome to visit my Mill Valley, CA showroom to play the guitar by appointment.