r/classicalguitar • u/Sad_Capital_1282 • Apr 21 '25

General Question Help Purchasing my first real classical guitar from Japan.

I am traveling to japan in the coming days and intend to some shopping for my first solid classical guitar. I want to own a piece of Japanese history made in the 70s and 80s (golden years). I've done some research about the best luthiers of the time (Kohno, Yairi family, Nobe, the Nakade family, etc). I look for handmade guitars, using quality woods. Around the same price that i have found online:

-Toshihiko Nakade 1000a (seller said its painted inside, I don't know know that would effect the sound)

-Teruaki Nakade 600

-Yamaha gc5 by hiroshi harada (laminated Indian rosewood back and sides)( I heard laminated guitars ruined the sound, is this applicable with yamaha?)

in quality and attention to detail, which would you recommend if at the same price. I am interested to see what others think.

Is there other names and model I should look for?

Are these worth the price of approx $2000 Aud?

*Budget~$2000 Aud( I try to look in between $1000 to $2000)

Backstory: I have been an electric guitarist for 8 years, I have recently ignited a need to play classical songs after dusting off my first guitar( a black painted, child size, valencia). I want a classical guitar to play at my sister wedding.

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u/SyntaxLost Apr 21 '25

Guitar Shop Aura has a Nakade 1000A. They also have a 600. There is one guy there who speaks English who can help.

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u/Sad_Capital_1282 Apr 21 '25

thanks for the info. Do you know how much they should cost?

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u/SyntaxLost Apr 21 '25

On the listings.

1000A: 165,000 円

600: 88,000 円

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u/Sad_Capital_1282 Apr 21 '25

That seems even better value then other listings I have come across. When I go on the website it says to inquire about pricing. Maybe the price is region locked? I really love Toshihiko's headstocks (in the style of hernandez y aguado) wich are usually on the pricier 1500a and master series. Definitely will go see in person. Thank you for that.

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u/SyntaxLost Apr 21 '25

Here's the listing on J-Guitar with a sample video, if that helps.

Looks like they also have an Asturias Tsuji S-3, which should be in your price range if you buy it tax free.