Takeo Koba - 1980s( Ramirez 1a copy)+Gatorhardcase

Great sounding guitar

Ramirez 1a copy...

Takeo Koba

Spruce top

Rosewood back and sides

Mahogany neck

Ebony fret board

665mm long scale

52mm nut width

Very easy to play like butter,

Straight neck ...

Comes with used gator hard case

**NOTE....Theres a cranky feeling you're experiencing when touching the neck heel  part of the guitar might not actually be a crack issue but definitely stable….Pls.see photo

Needs a new home...

**Couple years ago, one of Japanese experts told me that Takeo Koba was just a brand name for line of Yairi’s guitars made mostly for export. After selling several of Koba’s guitars I wasn’t sure about that. Yet when just I was making new pictures and saw Kazuo Yairi stamp on the Spanish heel, everything made sense to me. This stamp is very hard to spot in regular light because it is in black ink placed over very dark lacquered wood.

For several years I was in touch with the longtime manager at Kazuo’s factory who was always patiently answering my questions. When I asked him about Takeo Koba existence, he never answered my question, and I lost his “friendship” all together. Now I strongly believe that luthier Takeo Koba never really existed.

Just like many other prominent Japanese luthiers, Kazuo Yairi always had several highly skilled associates working for him, while only few of them were ever allowed to put their name on Yairi's labels. One of Kazuo’s very top luthiers, Yukio Niwa was permitted to make his guitars while working at Yairi's custom shop. Niwa's own models appeared on Japanese market in 1979 and were made through the years, yet in very small numbers. Yukio Niwa later became a head of that Kazuo's custom shop (which he successfully runs until today). So, he is a real figure.

In 1960s and 1970s for great majority of Japanese luthiers Cedars were not worthy their attention and not noble enough for making their very top models. Many luthiers were making only Spruce top guitars. Those who were using Cedars, were using them only for lower end to midrange models. In early 1980s it was only Yamaha, Kazuo Yairi and Takeo Koba who were making really world class Cedar top guitars for Japanese market. That trend changed by mid/late 1980s.

    
**NOTE: "If you're looking for perfection or have specific requirements, I recommend that you visit a physical store where you can find new items that meet your needs.