Neck:Mahogany
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Cashew
Finish(Back & Sides):Cashew
Tuning Machines:Gotoh
String Height(1st):2.7mm
String Height(6th):3.7mm

Masaru Kohno Professional-R (1995)

A refined and highly responsive concert guitar from the later years of one of Japan’s most influential classical guitar makers.

[Luthier]
Masaru Kohno (1926–1998) is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of fine classical guitar making in Japan. Born in Mito, Ibaraki, he began building guitars in 1948 after graduating from the Woodcraft Department of the Tokyo Higher School of Arts and Crafts (now Chiba University).

Largely self-taught, Kohno developed his craft through careful study of existing instruments, including those of the respected Japanese maker Sakazo Nakade. From the early years of his career he experimented actively with guitar structure and bracing concepts, eventually developing his own distinctive design approach.

In 1960 Kohno traveled to Spain to deepen his understanding of traditional Spanish guitar making, visiting the workshops of legendary makers such as Ignacio Fleta and Arcángel Fernández. The influence of these encounters, combined with his own structural innovations, shaped the characteristic sound and construction style of Kohno guitars.

International recognition followed in 1967 when he won the Gold Medal at the International Guitar Making Competition in Liège, Belgium. That same year his nephew, Masaki Sakurai, joined the workshop and later continued the tradition after Kohno’s passing, leading to the well-known “Sakurai–Kohno” brand that remains highly respected worldwide.

Today, Kohno guitars are admired for their refined tone, excellent balance, and superb playability, and they continue to represent one of Japan’s most important classical guitar traditions.

[Instrument]
This Masaru Kohno “Professional-R” (1995, No. KB 0404) is a fine example from the later period of the Kohno workshop. While the Professional series was positioned as an entry model within the lineup, it fully reflects the design philosophy and tonal character that made Kohno guitars so widely appreciated among players.

The guitar features Kohno’s distinctive bracing concept, built around a structured system of harmonic bars and parallel braces forming a grid-like layout beneath the soundboard. This design provides both structural stability and lively responsiveness, with the resonance set approximately between F# and G.

Tonally, the instrument delivers a smooth and immediate response with a bright, clear voice and excellent balance across the strings. Notes connect naturally and flow with ease, making fast passages feel effortless. The guitar reacts quickly to the player’s touch, producing a singing tone with clarity and definition—qualities that many musicians associate with Kohno instruments.

Cosmetically, the guitar shows normal signs of use including light playing wear, small scratches, and minor dents on the top, sides, and back. There are no cracks, major repairs, or refinishing work.

The neck has a comfortable slim D-shaped profile, providing a relaxed and secure left-hand feel. Current setup measures 2.7 mm / 3.7 mm string height at the 12th fret (1st / 6th string), with approximately 0.5–1.0 mm of remaining saddle height. The guitar is fitted with Gotoh 35G1600-type tuners, functioning smoothly, and the original label bears the maker’s handwritten signature.

A well-balanced and musically expressive instrument from one of Japan’s most respected classical guitar makers.

〔detail〕