Seji Shinano No. 40 Classical Guitar , c. 1968
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Seji Shinano No. 40 Model Classical Guitar, c. 1968, made in Japan, natural finish, Indian rosewood back and sides, spruce top; laminated mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This Seji Shinano Classical guitar is a fairly obscure instrument here in the US but a very nicely made, high quality instrument from the era when Japanese luthiers really started to make their mark on the guitar world. This was one of the higher end Shinano models of that era, a predecessor of Grand Shinano series launched around 1970. The No. 40 is built of all solid woods and dates to the period around 1968. The subsequent Top Grand Shinano model GS500 had very similar looks but laminated back and sides.
In 1967 Mr. Shinano hired several younger luthiers and opened the Shinano Musical Instrument Co. building classical and steel string acoustic guitars. There were at least few series of Shinano classical guitars released in late 1960s. All these Shinano guitars have always offered incredible value for the money. This Shinano No. 40 is an high grade, full size classical guitar with very neat, solid workmanship and fine wood selection. This model was originally priced at 40,000 yen in 1968, which was a rather expensive instrument at the time. 50+ years on it compares favorable with many higher priced modern and older guitars, offering a well balanced sound with impressive volume.
Overall length is 39 3/4 in. (101 cm.), 14 7/8 in. (37.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 in. (10.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 26 1/8 in. (664 mm.). Width of nut is 2 in. (51 mm.).
This is a very clean guitar overall, appearing not much played over the last 50+ years. There are some tiny dings and dents, and a spot of finish blushing on the back which looks more like a flaw than any sort of damage. There is one tight grain split along the treble side of the fingerboard from the front edge to the rosette. The neck is quite straight, the action is set 3/16" on the bass and treble sides, normal on older Ramirez guitars if a bit high for some modern players. This considered the instrument plays well with a very authoritative sound and really seems to want some play time to really open up. It resides in the original HSC, which is also very clean. Excellent - Condition.
This Seji Shinano Classical guitar is a fairly obscure instrument here in the US but a very nicely made, high quality instrument from the era when Japanese luthiers really started to make their mark on the guitar world. This was one of the higher end Shinano models of that era, a predecessor of Grand Shinano series launched around 1970. The No. 40 is built of all solid woods and dates to the period around 1968. The subsequent Top Grand Shinano model GS500 had very similar looks but laminated back and sides.
In 1967 Mr. Shinano hired several younger luthiers and opened the Shinano Musical Instrument Co. building classical and steel string acoustic guitars. There were at least few series of Shinano classical guitars released in late 1960s. All these Shinano guitars have always offered incredible value for the money. This Shinano No. 40 is an high grade, full size classical guitar with very neat, solid workmanship and fine wood selection. This model was originally priced at 40,000 yen in 1968, which was a rather expensive instrument at the time. 50+ years on it compares favorable with many higher priced modern and older guitars, offering a well balanced sound with impressive volume.
Overall length is 39 3/4 in. (101 cm.), 14 7/8 in. (37.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 in. (10.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 26 1/8 in. (664 mm.). Width of nut is 2 in. (51 mm.).
This is a very clean guitar overall, appearing not much played over the last 50+ years. There are some tiny dings and dents, and a spot of finish blushing on the back which looks more like a flaw than any sort of damage. There is one tight grain split along the treble side of the fingerboard from the front edge to the rosette. The neck is quite straight, the action is set 3/16" on the bass and treble sides, normal on older Ramirez guitars if a bit high for some modern players. This considered the instrument plays well with a very authoritative sound and really seems to want some play time to really open up. It resides in the original HSC, which is also very clean. Excellent - Condition.