{"product_id":"wataru-tsuji-s-1-640-mm-handmade-classical-guitar-japan","title":"Wataru Tsuji S-1 640 mm Handmade Classical Guitar Japan","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"item-specifics\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"specs-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-pair\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"item-description\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"description-text\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb style=\"letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003eOUR VALUED US CUSTOMER\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e, please keep in mind that there is a 15% tariff on EU and Japan made goods. It will be charged on the purchase amount by the UPS on behalf of the US Customs, plus the brokerage fee of about $30. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003eA beautiful \u003cstrong\u003eWataru Tsuji S-1\u003c\/strong\u003e Classical Guitar hand-built in Japan \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003eThe guitar is a concert class instrument with excellent volume and sustain, wide dynamic range, well balanced trebles and basses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003eThe guitar is in great condition with quite a few scratches, dents and scuffs, mostly on the front but nothing major. The fretboard has some wear from the nails. The white strips that you might see on some pictures are just reflections. Guitar players have different styles and features, so it might need to be set up according to your preferences. The neck is straight, action is medium low, comfortable to play. There is no visible fretwear. The guitar has been kept in a room with humidity set to 45% at 22 degrees (75F).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecs.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTop: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eSolid Red American Cedar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBracing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e Fan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBack \/ Sides: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e Indian Rosewood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eLacquer Top, Polyurethane back and sides\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeck: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eMahogany, Natural Bone Nut\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFingerboard: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eRosewood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBridge: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eRosewood, Natural Bone Saddle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eString Length: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e640 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNut width: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e51\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003emm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eString Width: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e42 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBody Thickness: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e93 mm (3 6\/8\")\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAction at 12 fret (1st): \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e2.25 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAction at 12 fret (6th): \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e3.50 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShips in a semi-hard case (Better protection than the plywood hard case)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsturias Story and Japanese Luthier tradition.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003eAsturias guitars have gained widespread acclaim internationally for their exceptional tone and quality of craftsmanship. Produced at the same small workshop in Kurume, Japan, the team comprises approximately 10 highly skilled craftsmen, each capable of independently crafting a guitar. Since 1981, the workshop has been under the leadership of master luthier Wataru Tsuiji.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003eThe Kurume workshop's guitar-making journey began in 1962 as Meiko Gakki co., under the ownership of the legendary Japanese luthier Masaru Matano, known as \"the genius of sound.\" Matano earned this title before 1962 by enhancing the sound of numerous old violins, including renowned Stradivarius violins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003eInitially, Meiko Gakki workshop focused on crafting classical guitars in limited numbers with a strong emphasis on quality. These guitars were initially sold under the Meiko Gakki label and signed by Matano. Around 1968, the labels were changed to \"Masaru Matano Constructor de Guitarras,\" and by 1974-1975, another series of guitars with unique design labels was introduced, indicating production in Fukuoka, Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003eBeyond this, during the same period of 1974-1975, Matano, along with a group of associates, produced La Esperanza guitars under the label \"Ongaku Geijutsusha Co.\" Unlike Matano's guitars, La Esperanza guitars predominantly featured Spruce tops and Ramirez-style headstocks. While most of Matano's label guitars were not signed, many La Esperanza guitars had labels signed by their actual makers. The production of La Esperanza guitars continued until 1982, though in limited quantities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003eMatano, like many luthiers, always worked with a team of highly skilled associates. Tatsuo Tanaka, his associate in the late 1960s, was the only one allowed to put his name on Meiko Gakki labels. The names of other associates, including Hiroumi Yamaguchi and Eichi Kodaira, remain unconfirmed, but they later joined the \"New\" Asturias team in 1980. In 1980, Rokkomann Co took over Matano's Kurume workshop, marking the birth of the \"New\" Asturias workshop. The details of this transition and Matano's disappearance in 1981 remain unclear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003eSince 1981, Wataru Tsuji has led the Asturias workshop. In the same year, the \"New\" Asturias workshop implemented a serial number system on labels. The design, created in the mid-1970s, remained unchanged and was used on some of Matano's guitars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003eNotably, associated luthiers such as Hiromi Yamaguchi, who established the \"Cervantes\" Concierto Guitarras brand in the early 1970s, and Eichi Kodaira, responsible for making AST models within the \"New\" Asturias team, played crucial roles. The narrative also highlights the continued success of Kodaira's workshop, operating with only three employees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003eGuitars crafted by these Asturias-associated luthiers are highly regarded by international players for their quality, often considered the best in the mid-price range for classical concert guitars. It's essential to note that the pricing of guitars made by these artisans has consistently been moderate compared to similar-grade guitars by Masaru Kohno and other Japanese elite luthiers. Until 1980, Matano's top model, the Classe 1000, was priced at 100,000 yen, competing favorably with Masaru Kohno #20 from the same year. Until 1982, top Cervantes, La Esperanza, and Ecole models were also priced at 100,000 yen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore general history on Vintage Japanese Classical Guitars.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6; word-break: break-word; color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;\"\u003eFrom the late 1960s Japanese luthiers produced guitars of exceptional quality. These skilled craftsmen typically ran small shops, employing a handful of master builders who were often trained in Spain or under Spanish master builders in Japan. During this period, bans on certain types of wood were not yet in place, allowing luthiers to source high-quality wood for their creations. Although these guitars are considered a bargain in today's market, finding top-quality Japanese classical guitars from this era can be challenging, and restrictions on exporting certain types of wood make them even more difficult to obtain. Similar guitars built with comparable materials today would cost significantly more due to the scarcity or complete bans on certain types of wood. Most of those talented luthiers from the 70s and 80s are now retired or have passed away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .item-specifics, .item-description {font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 16px;}\n  .title {font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0 0 8px 0;}\n  .specs-grid {display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: 12px 24px;}\n  .spec-pair {display: grid; grid-template-columns: 120px 1fr; gap: 8px;}\n  .spec-name {font-weight: bold; color: #111;}\n  .spec-value {color: #333;}\n  .description-text {margin-top: 8px; line-height: 1.4; color: #333;}\n\u003c\/style\u003e","brand":"Guitareum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67598850162781,"sku":"v1|137801202148|0","price":1395.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0739\/6111\/1645\/files\/20260930_154759.jpg?v=1791226125","url":"https:\/\/guitareum.com\/products\/wataru-tsuji-s-1-640-mm-handmade-classical-guitar-japan","provider":"Guitareum","version":"1.0","type":"link"}