Yuichi Imai

Yuichi Imai, born in Tokyo in 1949, is one of Japan’s most renowned luthiers. After a three-year apprenticeship with Akira Nakade, he founded his own workshop in 1971. His guitars are celebrated for their tonal balance, precision, and craftsmanship. Due to high demand in Japan, his instruments are rare abroad. Esteemed guitarists such as Aniello Desiderio, Frank Bungarten, Roman Viazovskiy, and Alvaro Pierri have performed on Imai guitars.
  • Luthier: Yuichi Imai
    Construction Year: 1992
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Flamed Maple
    Soundboard Finish: Lacquer
    Body Finish: Lacquer
    Air Body Frequency: G
    Weight (g): 1700
    Tuner: Gotoh
    Condition: Excellent

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About the Guitar Maker

Yuichi Imai is one of Japan’s most renowned luthiers. Born in Tokyo in 1949, he began his career at the age of eighteen as an apprentice to the legendary guitar maker Akira Nakade, studying under him for three years. This formative period laid the foundation for Imai’s lifelong dedication to the art of guitar making.

In 1971, Yuichi Imai opened his own workshop and quickly rose to prominence as one of Japan’s leading guitar makers. His instruments are celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship, tonal balance, and elegant design. Combining traditional Spanish construction techniques with refined Japanese artistry, Imai creates guitars known for their clarity, warmth, projection, and superb playability.

Due to high domestic demand, Yuichi Imai’s guitars are rare outside Japan, making them highly sought after by collectors and performers worldwide. His instruments have been played by many world-class guitarists, including Aniello Desiderio, Frank Bungarten, Roman Viazovskiy, and Alvaro Pierri. Today, Yuichi Imai stands as a central figure in modern Japanese luthiery, admired for his mastery and enduring contribution to the world of classical guitar making.