Neck:Mahogany
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Polyurethan
Tuning Machines:Gotoh
String Height(1st):2.8mm
String Height(6th):4.0mm

【A beautifully balanced voice—clear, responsive, and naturally musical】

[Luthier]
Yukihide Chai (b. 1956) is based in Chino, Nagano, Japan. He learned guitar making from his father, Yukio Chai, and continues the tradition of fully handmade Spanish-style construction. His instruments are known for their careful craftsmanship, warm and rounded tone, and comfortable playability suited to Japanese players.

He is also part of a respected family of luthiers, with Yukinobu Chai as his uncle. Today, Yukihide Chai remains a consistently popular maker, appreciated for his refined balance between musicality and craftsmanship.

[Instrument]
This is a 2001 No.30 model by Yukihide Chai, originally positioned as an entry-level model within his lineup. Despite this, it demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship and musical balance, making it an उत्कृष्ट introduction to his work.

The guitar offers a well-balanced tonal character, with clear and slightly glossy trebles, stable bass response, and a smooth overall integration across all strings. The response is quick and comfortable, with a natural sense of attack and a pleasant elasticity from the wood. Notes connect organically, allowing phrases to flow naturally while maintaining clarity between individual voices.

Rather than emphasizing sheer volume, the instrument focuses on musical expressiveness and balance. Its tone is articulate yet warm, capable of singing lines with ease while retaining a refined and controlled character. This makes it suitable for a wide range of repertoire and playing styles.

The internal structure follows a traditional Spanish bracing concept, with harmonic bars and a symmetrical seven-fan layout, complemented by additional reinforcement elements. The resonance is set slightly above G#, contributing to its clear and stable tonal response.

Condition is good overall with no major cracks or structural repairs. The top shows visible playing wear, particularly around the fingerboard edges and soundhole, as well as marks below the bridge from string contact and changes. The back and sides show light signs of use.

The neck has a slight forward relief within normal range, and the frets show minor wear in the lower positions but remain in good playable condition. The neck profile is a standard D-shape, offering a comfortable grip. String height is set at 2.8mm (1st) / 4.0mm (6th) at the 12th fret, with approximately 1.5mm of saddle remaining.

Fitted with Gotoh tuners, functioning well.

A well-crafted and musically balanced instrument that reflects the maker’s skill and consistency, offering both reliability and expressive potential.

〔detail〕