S. Yokoo No 15 Kohno Class Handmade Classical Guitar 1979

🇺🇸 OUR VALUED USA CUSTOMER, please keep in mind that there is a 15% tariff on goods that were made in the EU and Japan. It will be charged on the purchase amount by the UPS on behalf of the US Customs, plus the brokerage fee of about $40. However, our profit margins are lower than most sellers'. We price our inventory to help buyers save.

Shunsuke Yokoo No 15

A rare and beautiful concert guitar in excellent condition. Hand-built in Saitama, Japan.

One of the most skilled luthiers in Japan Shunsuke Yokoo was born in 1946. He studied guitar making with the famous Masaru Kohno in 1964. In 1967 he established his own Workshop - the Yokoo Guitar Studio.

Sadly, Shunsuke passed away in January 2023. His son Masato, who is also a prominent luthier, is in charge of the workshop today.
The guitar has the tone and quality of a concert level instrument. Very good volume and sustain. The tone is balanced and rich.

Condition

The guitar is in excellent condition for an instrument that's 47 years old. There are signs of use such as scuffs and small dings here and there but nothing major. There was a crack in between the sound hole and the bridge along the stings that has been professionally repaired. (Seen picture 6). The lacquer finish has some discoloration on the back and sides due to aging. The neck is straight with no visible fretwear.

Specs.
Top: High Grade Solid Spruce

Back and Sides: Indian Rosewood

Finish: Cashew Lacquer

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard:  Ebony 

Bridge: Rosewood, Natural Bone Saddle

Scale Length: 650 mm

Nut width: 52 mm

Action at 12 fret (1st): 3.5 mm

Action at 12 fret (6th): 3.5 mm

Comes with a quality hard case.

More general 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 us 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.