1964 Kazuo Hashimoto Classical

[bobsnuscruz]

OK, this is back on the market.  
Well aged, complete with all the bruises and facial characteristics of an interesting life.  $345 OBO

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38836549@N04/sets/72157629250516558/

1964 Nylon string guitar, handmade by Kazuo Hashimoto, Japan, number 285.
I've had this 17 years≈. I bought it from Kerry Char, who did a little set up work, for use at a friend's house in Portland, and brought it home in 2000. Since then it's lived mostly in the case, in the closet.
Probably one of a kind: unkown owner before Char.
Spruce top. No apparent cracks in the wood, but a few small dings.
Oddly, there is a tapping plate/pick guard under the finish. (Probably a leftover from folk music times)
Flamed solid hardwood back and sides (unknown species, might be mahogany or some type of maple): highly figured on the back. Warm color nice looking.
Hardwood neck (cut on the 45), and rosewood fingerboard.
Rosewood in all the usual trim locations.
Celluloid or plastic rosette and binding.

Action: Comfortable, but could use a little lowering at the nut.
Sound: robust bass.

Finish: probably lacquer, maybe shellac. Certainly used and crazed. Chips and scratches all the way around.
Original frets, vg condition.
Looks like original nuts and saddle: looks like bone but could be the i-word.
Solid newish Schaller tuners in nickel and white: solid and smooth. Like new.
Old case, carboard with vinyl and thin plush interior. fair condition.

Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/38836549@N04/sets/72157629250516558/

Aside from Kazuo Hashimoto, the inventor of things like the answering machine and digital telephone, there is little record on line of Hashimoto the luthier, and only a couple for sale (with adds in English; sadly, I read no Asian languages).


   
   

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[Tuba Mike]

I don't find a price listed in this thread.  Am I just missing it?

[bobsnuscruz]

Thanks. $350. OBO

[bobsnuscruz]

In the last year, several of these have surfaced.  $750 at the top, $300 at the bottom.