This Masaki Sakurai Concert-R Spruce top classical guitar from 2001 is a good illustration of the higher ends of Japanese guitar construction. Masaki Sakurai is the nephew of the late, renowned guitar builder Masaru Kohno. After taking an electrical engineering degree, he chose to work at his Uncle’s Tokyo guitar shop.
Flamenco
The Ramirez Model 1a Tradicional, seen here with a Red Cedar top, has been a benchmark of top quality classical and flamenco guitars for over half a century. The 1a designation technically refers to the quality of the materials and workmanship, but has become associated with the Tradicional model.
The Ramirez 1a or Tradicional, seen here with a Spruce top, has for been a benchmark of top quality classical and flamenco guitars for over half a century. The 1a designation technically refers to the quality of the materials and workmanship, but has become associated with the Tradicional model.
This Yamaha GC-30A no.829 Grand Concert Brazilian Classical, dating to 1982, reflects the upper end of Yamaha guitar production in a concert grade instrument, featuring a pairing of a Red Cedar top and Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. This fine instrument was built during 1982 at the Yamaha home facility in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture and is signed by master luthier Mr. Toshio Kato. The GC or ‘Grand Concert’ line was conceived during the mid 1960s, when Yamaha arranged for three luthiers – Hiroshi Harada, Hideyuki Ezaki and Toshio Kato – to learn from Spanish master Eduardo Ferrer.
This Sergei de Jonge Classical guitar was built during 1980 in Toronto, following de Jonge’s return to Canada from a year in Holland and creation of a new workshop. Having learned guitar building in Toronto during the years 1969 to 1971 from Jean Larrivee and Edgar Monch via Eli Kassner, and then a year with Patt Lister in Collingwood, this de Jonge classical shows these strong influences.
This Sergei de Jonge Classical Spruce top guitar was built during 2000 in Toronto, following de Jonge’s return to Canada from a year in Holland and prior to his move to Chelsea, Quebec where his shop and school are now located. Having learned guitar building in Toronto during the years 1969 to 1971 from Jean Larrivee and Edgar Monch via Eli Kassner, and then a year with Patt Lister in Collingwood, this de Jonge classical shows these strong influences yet has moved beyond them.