Kiso Klein OMK-1

Kiso Klein OMK-1

This guitar is the product of collaboration between luthier Steve Klein and the Japanese craftsman at Kiso, named after the location of the workshop. The designs and concepts developed by Klein were implemented here, and feature signature elements of Klein including the Kasha-inpsired bracing, pinless bridge, rosette, long headstock, heelless neck, and the removable tail block.

Specs / Measurements

• c2000s
• Sitka Spruce / EI Rosewood (all solid woods)
• ~1.76” nut
• ~25.5” string length
• ~2.2” string spacing at saddle
• Removable tail block
• Pinless bridge
• Heelless neck
• Kiso-branded tuners (likely Gotoh)
• Fishman Matrix pickup
• Cedar Creek hard case

Condition / Setup Notes

Excellent; The guitar retains its luster and overall is in clean shape. There’s a small chip on the headstock edge, but otherwise just lightest signs of very minor wear, needing raking light to reveal. From certain more extreme angles, there is an imperfection in the finish or wood that manifests as a sort of clouding, shown in the last picture. Set up currently with string height about 5/64” - 4/64” from bass to treble, and very minimal relief in the neck.

***

These Kiso collaboration guitars are quite nice, and represent an opportunity to have all the design elements of a Klein in a much more accessible package. My favorite is the pinless bridge design, but there is also the rosette, removable tail block, heelless neck, and of course the unique Kasha-inspired bracing pattern. And, these Kisos have a vibe all their own, like with the crane inlay where the neck heel would be.

Thanks for looking, any questions please feel free. 

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