Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Shellac
Tuning Machines:FUSTERO
String Height(1st):3.0mm
String Height(6th):3.6mm

Luthier Information

Born in 1953. He began playing the guitar during his junior high school years, and while studying in the woodcraft department at university, he started building guitars as a hobby, applying his academic knowledge of wood. In 1980, he became a student of Alberto Nejime Ono (Kojiro Nene), a disciple of the Granada master Antonio Marín, where he learned traditional Spanish guitar-making techniques and formally embarked on his path as a professional luthier.

He has continued to pursue traditional construction methods throughout his career. In 2001, he participated in a guitar-making course in Spain led by the renowned master José Luis Romanillos. He also received direct instruction in construction techniques from Antonio Marín himself, and later benefited from valuable advice and encouragement from Arcángel Fernández during the latter’s visit to Japan.

The defining characteristic of Ono’s work lies in his highly theoretical analysis of traditional Spanish construction methods, grounded in his own scientific approach, and in how he translates these principles into actual instrument making. By pursuing the optimal resonance of each individual instrument, his guitars achieve an exceptionally clear and refined acoustic balance, producing a transparent, beautiful tone free from any unwanted overtones.

Beyond tonal excellence, his instruments are distinguished by meticulous craftsmanship extending to the finest details, as well as an elegant appearance achieved through delicate finishing work. In terms of total quality, his guitars represent one of the highest levels of craftsmanship currently attainable in Japan. His annual output is limited to approximately ten instruments. In 2020, his work and an interview were featured in Orfeo Magazine No.15, published by Camino Verde (France).

Instrument Information

Original Model No.107, built in 1999.
The scale length is set at 650mm.

This guitar is characterized by a soft, light, and expressive tone, with excellent balance across the entire range from treble to bass. It offers the transparent and beautiful resonance that is distinctive of Ono’s work. Volume, response, and sustain are all superbly balanced, while the string tension feels supple, resulting in outstanding playability.

The instrument is entirely finished in shellac varnish and fitted with Fustero tuning machines. The neck is straight, ensuring comfortable playability, and fret wear is minimal. The string height is set at 3.0mm on the 1st string and 3.6mm on the 6th string. With approximately 1.5mm of saddle height remaining, further adjustment is possible if desired.

Approximately 25 years have passed since its construction. Minor playing marks can be found on the treble side near the soundhole, as well as light scuffs near the center of the lower bout on the soundboard; however, these are superficial and do not affect performance. There is no history of cracks or structural repairs, and the shellac finish shows no signs of deterioration. The guitar remains in very good overall condition.
An Aranjuez hard case (blue) is included