Hiroshi Komori No.40 - Classical Concert Guitar - 1997

Hiroshi Komori No. 40 (1997) – Handmade Classical Guitar

This guitar is a Hiroshi Komori No. 40, handcrafted in 1997 in Hokkaido, Japan. The No. 40 was one of the higher-grade models in Komori's lineup and was intended as a serious concert-level instrument. The model designation "40" traditionally indicated a substantially higher specification than the No. 15 and No. 20 models.

Specifications

Model: Hiroshi Komori No. 40

Year: 1997

Luthier: Hiroshi Komori

Place of Manufacture: Date-shi, Hokkaido, Japan

Scale Length: Approximately 650 mm

Nut Width: Approximately 52 mm

Top: Master Solid European Spruce (typical for higher-grade Komori instruments)

Back and Sides: High-grade Brazillian - Jacaranda Rosewood

Neck: Spanish Cedar or Mahogany

Fingerboard: Ebony

Bridge: Ebony

Construction: Traditional Spanish fan bracing

Finish: Thin lacquer finish designed to maximize resonance

Concert Level: Professional-grade classical guitar

Comparable 1990s Komori guitars are documented with spruce tops, ebony fingerboards, 52 mm nut widths, and concert-class construction.

Sound Characteristics

The Hiroshi Komori No. 40 is highly regarded for combining Japanese precision with a distinctly Spanish tonal influence.

The bass response is deep, rich, and controlled, with excellent sustain. The midrange is warm and colorful, making it particularly attractive for Romantic and modern classical repertoire. Trebles are clear, singing, and well separated, allowing individual voices in polyphonic music to remain distinct.

One of the most impressive qualities of higher-grade Komori guitars is their balance. Notes speak quickly and evenly across the entire fingerboard. Chords develop a rich overtone structure, while individual notes remain focused and articulate. Owners frequently describe vintage Komori guitars as responsive, expressive, and surprisingly powerful for their body size.

Compared with many factory-made classical guitars from the same era, the No. 40 offers greater tonal complexity, superior dynamic range, and a more mature concert voice.

Overall Tonal Profile

Bass: Deep, powerful, and well defined

Midrange: Warm, rich, and expressive

Treble: Sweet, clear, and singing

Projection: Excellent

Sustain: Long and complex

Note Separation: Outstanding

Responsiveness: Fast and sensitive to touch

Concert Performance: Professional level

About the Luthier

Hiroshi Komori is one of the most respected Japanese classical guitar makers of the late twentieth century. He worked within the tradition established by leading Japanese masters such as Masaru Kohno while developing his own highly refined approach to construction and voicing.

Komori's instruments are known for their meticulous craftsmanship, excellent wood selection, and consistency. His guitars were never produced in large quantities, which has contributed to their growing reputation among collectors and serious classical guitarists.

Many players consider Hiroshi Komori guitars to be among the finest Japanese handmade classical guitars of their era. His higher-grade models are especially sought after because they deliver concert-level performance at prices that remain considerably lower than comparable Spanish master-built instruments.

Current Market Value in the United States (2025–2026)

Because the No. 40 appears much less frequently on the market than the No. 15 or No. 20, exact pricing is difficult to establish. Based on documented sales of comparable Komori instruments and the hierarchy of the Komori model range, the following values are realistic:

Fair condition, repairs required: $1,500–2,000 USD

Good original condition: $2,500–3,500 USD

Very good to excellent condition: $3,500–4,800 USD

Exceptional collector-grade example with premium rosewood and original case: $4,800–6,000+ USD

Expert Assessment

The Hiroshi Komori No. 40 (1997) is a professional-grade handmade Japanese classical guitar that sits well above entry-level and intermediate models. Its craftsmanship, mature spruce-top voice, and limited production make it highly desirable among players who appreciate vintage Japanese luthiery.

Assuming the guitar is structurally sound, free of major cracks, and retains its original finish and hardware, a realistic market value in the United States today would be approximately $3,500–5,000 USD. Well-preserved examples with exceptional tone and attractive rosewood can command even higher prices from collectors and serious classical guitarists.

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Note: This is a rare, exquisite instrument crafted by luthier Hiroshi Komori, featuring a stunning finish. The "No. 40" designation corresponds to a price of 400,000 Japanese Yen in 1997 - a significant sum at the time. Reliable sources indicate that the No. 40 and No. 50 models were custom-made instruments requiring a year-long wait for delivery; Komori produced only a handful of such guitars annually. Every component is of premium quality—from the wood, bridge, and neck to the tuning machines. The tuning machines are particularly impressive, with a value of around $500 on their own. The guitar arrived in excellent condition, though the previous owner unfortunately scratched the bottom of the body against the hard case's latch while removing the instrument. Lacking professional expertise, he attempted a DIY fix based on YouTube tutorials: applying super glue, sanding it down, and touching it up with black ink. While this amateur repair detracts slightly from the guitar's visual appeal, it has absolutely no impact on the structural integrity or stability of the wood. Furthermore, the affected area is in a dark, inconspicuous corner, making the marks difficult to notice (please refer to the photos marked with two red dots). The instrument produces a magnificent tone that blends characteristics of both Japanese and Spanish guitars. It is also very lightweight.

*The guitar will be sold exactly as described in the text and photos above.