Masaru Kohno No.8 - 1973 - Classical Guitar - Very Good

Masaru Kohno No.8 (1973) – Very Good Condition

Detailed Specifications and Dimensions

Specifications:
Model: Masaru Kohno No.8
Year of Manufacture: 1973
Builder: Masaru Kohno
Country of Origin: Japan
Type: Classical Guitar
Body Shape: Traditional Spanish Classical Design
Scale Length: 650 mm (25.59 inches)
Nut Width: 52 mm (2.05 inches)
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: Approx. 62 mm
Body Length: Approx. 490 mm
Upper Bout Width: Approx. 285 mm
Waist Width: Approx. 240 mm
Lower Bout Width: Approx. 370 mm
Body Depth at Upper Bout: Approx. 92 mm
Body Depth at Lower Bout: Approx. 98 mm
Top Wood: Solid Cedar
Back and Sides: Solid Indian Rosewood
Neck Wood: Spanish Cedar or Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Rosewood
Finish: Gloss Lacquer
Bracing Pattern: Traditional Fan Bracing
Headstock: Hand-carved Kohno Style Slotted Headstock
Tuners: Gold-plated Classical Machines with Decorative Buttons
Handmade: Yes

Hard Case: Includes

The Masaru Kohno No.8 from 1973 represents one of the respected mid-to-upper grade handmade classical guitars produced during the golden era of Japanese luthiery. Masaru Kohno was already internationally recognized for combining Spanish classical traditions with highly disciplined Japanese craftsmanship. The No.8 model was positioned as a serious concert-level instrument for advanced students and performing musicians.

Construction quality on a 1973 No.8 is typically excellent: the top was carefully thicknessed for balance and response, while the rosewood body provided strong projection with rich overtones. The neck profile is usually comfortable and moderately rounded, allowing traditional classical left-hand technique without excessive thickness. The ebony fingerboard offers durability, precise intonation, and a smooth playing surface.

Tone character is one of the most attractive aspects of this model: clear trebles, warm lyrical mids, and deep controlled basses. Compared with lower-grade student instruments, the No.8 has greater sustain, stronger separation between voices, and a more refined dynamic range. Spruce-top examples often sound brighter and more focused, while cedar-top versions tend to be warmer and quicker to respond.

Visually, the guitar is elegant rather than flashy: fine wood grain, tasteful rosette work, polished lacquer, and Kohno’s distinctive headstock design. Many surviving examples from 1973 are still highly playable today because these instruments were built with seasoned tonewoods and careful structural integrity.

For collectors and players, a 1973 Masaru Kohno No.8 is valued as a vintage Japanese classical guitar with professional musical potential, historical significance, and craftsmanship that rivals many European instruments from the same period.

 Note: This guitar remains in very good condition and produces a beautiful sound. Aside from a few minor dents and scratches resulting from years of use, the instrument looks fantastic.

The guitar will be sold exactly as described in the images and text provided above.