This guitar was built in 1981 by Tatsuhiko Hirose, son of Hirohiko Hirose. According to various sources, Hirohiko began his career as a luthier in the late 1930s, likely crafting violins and traditional Japanese string instruments before turning to classical guitars in the early 1960s.
Hirohiko Hirose was among a group of lesser-known Japanese luthier pioneers who, alongside renowned makers such as Sakazo Nakade, Rokutaro Nakade, Hiroshi Tamura, Mitsuru Tamura, and Masaru Kohno, helped modernize Japanese luthiery by adapting traditional Spanish guitar-building techniques and designs.
Although highly respected within Japan and supported by a loyal clientele, Hirohiko never gained significant international recognition. He operated a small, traditional workshop in Nagoya with the assistance of only a single apprentice at any given time. For a period, that apprentice was his son Tatsuhiko, and during those years both names appeared together on the guitar labels.
Tatsuhiko began signing labels independently in the mid-1970s and continued carrying on his father’s tradition through at least the late 1980s, possibly beyond. Due to the relatively small number of Hirose guitars appearing on the second-hand market, along with the limited historical documentation available, much of the Hirose family’s story remains difficult to fully trace today.
Condition
The guitar is in very good condition. It has superficial marks of use in different places, such as dings and scuffs, but no major issues. Please refer to the pictures. Guitar players have different styles and features, so it might need to be set up according to your preferences. The neck is straight. There is no visible fretwear.
Specs
Top: Solid Spruce
Bracing: Fan
Back / Sides: Indian Rosewood
Finish: Polyurethane
Neck: Mahogany, Natural Bone Nut
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Rosewood, Natural Bone Saddle
String Length: 650 mm
Nut width: 52 mm
String Width: 42.5 mm
Body Thickness: 97mm (3 5/8")
Action at 12 fret (1st): 3.00 mm
Action at 12 fret (6th): 3.60 mm
Ships in original case
