Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony
Finish(Top): Lacquer
Finish(Back & Sides): Lacquer
Tuning Machines: SLOANE
String Height(1st): 3.0mm
String Height(6th): 4.0mm

[Profile]
Born in Tokyo in 1949, Yuichi Imai began his journey in guitar making in 1967 when he joined the workshop of Teruaki Nakade immediately after graduating high school. In 1971, he established his own workshop and has since built a strong international reputation, actively expanding his reach beyond Japan.
Drawing upon the unique Japanese interpretation of the legendary Hernández y Aguado style as taught by Nakade, Imai’s instruments have evolved into remarkably balanced guitars with powerful projection. Today, they enjoy high regard, especially among concert guitarists, for their dynamic tonal presence and structural integrity.

[Description]
Yuichi Imai – Model YJ-1 (No. 940650-A) – 1994 – Used
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a pre-owned Model YJ-1, crafted in 1994 by Yuichi Imai. Known today as the "Limited" model, this guitar stands as the flagship of Imai’s lineup. The internal bracing structure is nearly identical to the current Limited model: three bars and a triangular reinforcement plate are placed on both the treble and bass sides of the neck foot, extending right up to the edge of the soundhole. Additional reinforcement plates are found on either side of the soundhole, and a single harmonic bar sits below it toward the bridge. The fan bracing features seven symmetrically arranged braces supported by two V-shaped closing bars, and a thin (approx. 1.5mm) patch reinforcement spans the area beneath the bridge. The body resonance is tuned just below G#.

One of the most defining features of this instrument is its exceptional sound pressure—among the most powerful guitars produced in Japan. This brings an impressive range of dynamic expression. The tone is bright and lustrous, with a crystalline clarity. Rather than emulating the depth and spatial layering typical of traditional European instruments, this guitar offers a modern, flat tonal balance—pushing each note forward with equal intensity. This quality gives it excellent versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of repertoire from classical to contemporary, a reason why it is highly favored by concert guitarists.

[Condition」
There are no major cracks or past structural repairs. Some nail marks are visible on the top, particularly near the first string above the soundhole. Other minor dings and marks are present, but overall, the instrument remains in good cosmetic condition. The back has slight clouding in the finish but is not visually distracting, with only light wear from contact with clothing.
The neck features a standard D-shaped profile with 20 frets on the treble side. It shows slight forward relief, but this is within the normal range. Frets are in good shape. String height is set at 3.0mm (1st string) and 4.0mm (6th string) at the 12th fret, with saddle height remaining between 0–1.0mm. Equipped with Sloane tuning machines, which function smoothly.

Performance video

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