Brand: Sakurai
Instrument Categories: Classical and Flamenco, Guitars
The M. Sakurai No.8 Cedar Top Classical guitars, indeed the entire line of Masaki Sakurai models, are under-appreciated gems.
The set of guitars with labels reading ‘M. Sakurai Supervised by M. Kohno’ are from the period where Masaki Sakurai was still learning the craft from his uncle, Masaru Kohno. At Kohno’s death in 1998, Masaki Sakurai took over the workshop and now produces the Kohno guitars plus his Sakurai models which are now professional grade. Masaki Sakurai was joined in 2008 by So Kimishima, Masaru Kohno’s grandson. The shop now produces Kohno, Sakurai and Kimishima designs.
This particular M. Sakurai No.8 Cedar Top Classical dates to 1977 and was built at the Kohno shop in Tokyo. As an ‘Advanced Student’ model, the top is Cedar, paired with laminate Indian Rosewood for the sides and back. The body blocks, linings and neck are Mahogany, with Ebony for the fingerboard and solid Indian Rosewood for the head plate and bridge. These models use a dovetail neck joint rather than the traditional Spanish Heel where the sides are glued into slots in the heel. The fingerboard has a slight radius, making it a little easier to play.
This lovely guitar is in overall very good condition, with the top, back, sides and neck being very clean. It is a full 650mm scale guitar, with traditional 52mm nut width, and plays well. It has a full, warm, developed voice.
These instruments are well constructed – it’s plain that Sakurai was devoted to learning the craft and paid a lot of attention to his work. The supervision of Masaru Kohno makes these instruments notable, and points to their underlying quality.
A period arched top hard shell case is included.
- Model: No.8 Cedar
- Year: 1977
- Finish Natural
- Class: Vintage
- Serial Number: 70709314, built during 1977 in Tokyo Japan
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Condition: Very Good
- Date Posted: 14/12/2023
- Consignment Item
- Including Hard case
- Instrument Weight: 3.652lbs 1.66kg
- Scale Length: 25.59in 650mm
- Nut Width: 2.048in 52.02mm
