I have a Kiso-Suzuki acoustic guitar that I picked up years ago for next to nothing (because of the split in the bridge). I only just realised it is a copy of a Martin D35. And apparently held in relatively high regard (?). I always thought it was a lot more detailed and played a lot nicer than its apparent value.
Anyone able to shed any light on this guitar? I'm assuming 1970s, but not really sure.
Thanks.
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Yea these came from the lawsuit era as well with "slight" changes to the design. These are great and definitely a keeper. They go for roughly $300-450nzd here in Japan. Value of these guitars are a little low in japan only because they're not popular.
Oh.. I found these too.. Confused whether the neck is Maple or Mahogany. Most likely maple. Fretboard is definitely Rosewood. solid Spruce top and Jacaranda sides and back
Translation below.
Kiso Suzuki Violin 70's Acoustic
Japan Vintage
Top Spruce solid
Side Back Jacaranda Plywood
Center, White Sycamore Plywood
Neck Mahogany
Fingerboard Bridge Rosewood
Then at the bottom they have these information:
Neck material Maple
Fingerboard material Rosewood
Top material Spruce
Top material Solid
Back material Jakaranda (American Wood)
Side material Jakaranda (American Wood)
scale 648mm 25 1 / 2inch
Number of frets 20F
Fingerboard R 14 "355mm
Shape U
The Tamas are the best of the bunch, I think. And some of the early Yamahas apparently used Brazilian rosewood, though I think it was laminated! So they are desirable, to certain collectors.
Marshmallow wrote: ↑Tue Dec 08, 2020 4:33 pm
Yea these came from the lawsuit era as well with "slight" changes to the design. These are great and definitely a keeper. They go for roughly $300-450nzd here in Japan. Value of these guitars are a little low in japan only because they're not popular.
Thanks for the reply and the all the info in the follow-up! Much appreciated.
Definitely a keeper as it sounds really nice to my ears. Might have to look at getting that bridge repaired though...
Marshmallow wrote: ↑Tue Dec 08, 2020 4:33 pm
Yea these came from the lawsuit era as well with "slight" changes to the design. These are great and definitely a keeper. They go for roughly $300-450nzd here in Japan. Value of these guitars are a little low in japan only because they're not popular.
Thanks for the reply and the all the info in the follow-up! Much appreciated.
Definitely a keeper as it sounds really nice to my ears. Might have to look at getting that bridge repaired though...
WHen you get the bridge fixed, consider replacing that adjustable saddle with one that is flush to the bottom of the bridge (and without the metal surround). It should sound fuller/better like that.
olegmcnoleg wrote: ↑Wed Dec 09, 2020 7:57 am
WHen you get the bridge fixed, consider replacing that adjustable saddle with one that is flush to the bottom of the bridge (and without the metal surround). It should sound fuller/better like that.
Thanks for the advice! Yeah it is a little odd - not something I've seen before.
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olegmcnoleg wrote: ↑Wed Dec 09, 2020 7:57 am
WHen you get the bridge fixed, consider replacing that adjustable saddle with one that is flush to the bottom of the bridge (and without the metal surround). It should sound fuller/better like that.
Thanks for the advice! Yeah it is a little odd - not something I've seen before.
IMG_20201028_122121.jpg
You see it on many acoustic guitars from the 60s and 70s, including some made in the USA. Setup ease vs tone...
Hmmm, you may be better off with an entirely new bridge, you are struggling for a decent break angle there.
