Masaki Sakurai – 1976 No. 5

Masaki Sakurai is a renowned Japanese guitar maker who has made a lasting impact on the field through his exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Born into a family of guitar makers, he inherited his passion from his uncle, Masaru Kohno, a highly respected figure in the industry. After graduating from Sophia University with an electrical engineering degree, Sakurai joined the family business, “Kohno Guitar Manufacturing,” to carry on the legacy and hone his skills.
Over the years, Sakurai’s hard work and dedication paid off as he established himself as a master of the craft. In 1988, he won the prestigious first prize at the fourth international Paris Guitar Making Competition, cementing his reputation as a world-class guitar maker. His guitars are sought after by musicians and collectors alike, who appreciate his instruments’ impeccable craftsmanship and exceptional sound quality.

This early work of Masaki Sakurai showcases his exceptional talent as a luthier from the beginning of his career. Mentored by his uncle, Masaru Kohno, Sakurai built this concert guitar with flawless craftsmanship and attention to detail. With its warm, attractive appearance, featuring a cedar top and Indian Rosewood back and sides with a reddish hue, rosewood binding, and green and red mosaic accents, this 1976 model 5 is a true masterpiece.

Sound-wise, this guitar boasts a rich and powerful tone, with sparkling trebles and a responsive feel honed through years of playing. Despite minor cosmetic imperfections such as playing marks and superficial dents, the guitar remains in excellent condition, providing a unique opportunity to own a piece of luthiery history. With its piano-like voice, this instrument is a gem, often undervalued for its exceptional sound quality.

A poem about Masaki Sakurai and this 1976 No. 5 guitar

A legacy passed down, from uncle to son,
A passion for guitars, under the sun.
Sakurai's skills refined, with electrical degree,
He joined the family biz, a place to be.

A prize won in Paris, his name in the light,
His craftsmanship praised, in the world's sight.
Musicians and collectors, seek out his creations,
His exceptional sound, an art without temptation.

A concert guitar, a true masterpiece,
Crafted with care, and flawless finesse.
Cedar top and rosewood, a warm hue in sight,
Green and red accents, a brilliant sight.

Despite minor flaws, the sound remains pure,
A rich and powerful voice, a musical allure.
A true gem, often undervalued,
This 1976 model 5, history created.

And from the hands of a master,
Came this work of art,
A 1976 model 5,
A concert guitar with heart.

Built with care and precision,
Crafted with skill so rare,
This instrument is a treasure,
A musical masterpiece to bear.

With its cedar top and rosewood sides,
Its reddish hue so warm and bright,
Its rosewood binding, mosaic accents,
This guitar is a true delight.

It speaks with a voice like a piano,
Its rich and powerful tone,
Sparkling trebles and a responsive feel,
It’s a musical gem that’s never flown.

Though it bears some cosmetic flaws,
Playing marks and superficial dents,
It remains in excellent condition,
A piece of luthiery history so well spent.

So here’s to the hands of Masaki,
And his uncle before,
Bringing beauty and sound to the world,
A luthier’s legacy forever more.

Watch the presentation video of this particular guitar below, where you will find a lot of additional information about its playability and sound.