SUZUKI VIOLIN No.470 1980 4/4 | Rare 2-Year Production | Nagoya Japan

SUZUKI VIOLIN No.470 1980 | 4/4 Full Size | Made in Nagoya, Japan

About This Instrument

This is a Nagoya Suzuki No.470 violin, manufactured in 1980 in Nagoya, Japan. Suzuki Violin Co., Ltd. has been crafting fine violins in Nagoya since 1887. The No.470 sits in the mid-to-upper tier of the Suzuki lineup — well above the student entry models — and is highly regarded among advancing intermediate and adult players.

About Nagoya Suzuki Violin Co., Ltd.

Suzuki Violin Co., Ltd. was founded in 1887 in Nagoya, Japan by Masakichi Suzuki — making it one of the oldest and most respected violin manufacturers in Asia. For over 130 years, Nagoya Suzuki has supplied fine instruments to students, teachers, and conservatories worldwide. Their numbered model series (No.200 through No.1200+) represents a carefully graded range from quality student instruments up to professional-level violins, all handcrafted in Nagoya.

Nagoya Suzuki violins from the 1970s and 1980s are particularly prized by players and collectors. During this era, skilled craftsmen applied traditional Japanese woodworking techniques, and the aged tonewoods on these vintage instruments have developed a warmth and resonance that new violins simply cannot replicate.

Why the No.470 is Exceptionally Rare

The Suzuki No.470 was produced for only two years — 1979 and 1980 — before being discontinued. With an original retail price of ¥66,000 (a significant sum in Japan at that time), it was positioned as a premium instrument aimed at serious intermediate and advancing players, not a mass-market student violin.

This extremely limited production window means that very few No.470 instruments exist anywhere in the world, and outside Japan they are virtually impossible to find. In our research across all major international marketplaces, we found no other examples of this model currently available internationally.

The label inside this violin confirms its authenticity: "Established 1887 in Nagoya / No. 470 / Size 4/4 / Anno 1980 / Suzuki Violin Co., Ltd."

If you have been searching for a genuine vintage Nagoya Suzuki violin with documented rarity and exceptional provenance, the No.470 is one of the most compelling instruments we have ever offered.

Specifications

Make: Nagoya Suzuki (鈴木バイオリン製造)

Model: No.470

Year: 1980

Size: 4/4 (Full Size)

Origin: Nagoya, Japan

Condition

This violin is in Excellent condition. The body, varnish, and scroll are remarkably well-preserved with virtually no scratches or wear. It presents beautifully for a 1980 instrument. Please refer to all photos for full assessment.

Pre-Shipment Setup

Before shipping, we carry out the following adjustments:

- Peg lubrication and fit adjustment

- Bridge check

- Sound post position check

- Body cleaning and polishing

- Fingerboard cleaning

What's Included

- Violin (No.470, 4/4)

- Hard case

- Bow is NOT included

Packing & Shipping

We take great care in packing. The violin is placed in its case and the bridge, tailpiece, and other delicate parts are individually wrapped in plastic to prevent movement in transit. Strings are loosened slightly before packing to reduce pressure on the bridge.

Please note: the sound post inside the violin may occasionally shift during international shipping. If this happens, simply take the instrument to your local luthier or music shop — repositioning a sound post is a standard, inexpensive service.

We ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) from Japan. Tracking is provided and delivery typically takes 7–14 days.

Payment

We accept PayPal. Payment is expected within 3 days of purchase.

Customs & Import Duties

Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item or shipping price. These are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office prior to purchase, as these amounts vary by country.

Questions?

Please feel free to message us with any questions. Additional photos are available on request.