A rare a beautiful Concert Classical Guitar Handmade by Yukinobu Chai in 1998, Model No 15.
Masary Kohno level of craftsmanship. Near mint condition, unbelievable for a 26 year old instrument.
A scratch & dent one was sold for $1200 not so long ago. (see in pictures)
The Chai Family Guitar Workshop was founded in 1959 in Tokyo
by Yukinobu Chai, one of Japan's leading luthiers, and is now succeeded by his son, Yukihiro Chai.
It appears that the workshop operates as a custom shop, not as a factory that produces a lot of guitars.
There are only a few available worldwide.
This particular guitar shows amazing craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Finest tone woods used to built it.
The tone of this guitar is rich and beautiful with good volume.
Very good balance of frequencies and impressive sustain.
Fast neck, easy to play.
Specs.
Top High Grade Solid Spruce w. Cashew lacquer
Bracing Fan
Back / Sides Indian Rosewood w. Polyurethane
Neck Mahogany, Natural Bone Nut
Fingerboard Ebony
Bridge Rosewood, Natural Bone Saddle
String Length 650 mm
Nut width 52 mm
Action at 12 fret (1st): 3.00 mm
Action at 12 fret (6th): 3.25 mm
Comes with a molded plastic hard case
History of Japanese Classical Guitar Making
From 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.
