Neck: Cedar
Fingerboard: Ebony
Finish(Top): Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides): Shellac
Tuning Machines: Gotoh
String Height(1st): 3.0 mm
String Height(6th): 4.2 mm

【Luthier Information】

Born in 1981, Daisuke Kuriyama began building guitars as a self-taught luthier during his studies at Tokyo Zokei University. After graduating, he joined a major musical instrument retailer in 2003 and worked in the repair department for over 10 years. During this time, he had the invaluable opportunity to study many renowned instruments from both Japan and abroad firsthand. These experiences nurtured his extraordinary sensitivity to tone, supported by an exceptional sense of balance.

While working at the company, Kuriyama was introduced to luthier Kaoru Ono, and in 2010 he began receiving direct instruction at Ono’s workshop. Later, Kuriyama became independent and now produces 6 to 8 guitars annually. His works are characterized by meticulous craftsmanship and refined quality. Drawing from Spanish traditions such as those of Torres, Domingo Esteso, and Marcelo Barbero I, Kuriyama’s guitars faithfully embody the spirit and resonance of vintage Spanish instruments. His guitars are now loved by players across various musical genres.

In 2020, Kuriyama and his instruments were featured in Orfeo Magazine No.15, published by Camino Verde in France.

Click here for the online shop page of the Orfeo Magazine issue featuring Japanese luthiers

Click here for the Orfeo coverage diary featuring Daisuke Kuriyama, Yuichi Shimizu, and Aomi Neshime

【Instrument Information】

This is the latest arrival from luthier Daisuke Kuriyama: a Robert Bouchet model, No. 115, crafted in 2024, featuring a 640 mm scale. While Kuriyama is widely recognized for his exceptional homage work to pre-war Spanish masters such as Manuel Ramírez and Marcelo Barbero I, he has also produced several high-quality tributes to French masters in recent years.

This particular guitar is based on a 1960 Robert Bouchet instrument formerly owned by the late guitarist Minoru Inagaki. As always, it is crafted with Kuriyama's hallmark precision. Bouchet’s seemingly straightforward design somehow yields an extraordinary depth of expression—often described as among the most “demonic” in the classical guitar world. While the exact acoustic logic remains partially mysterious, Kuriyama faithfully brings out the original essence by remaining true to the structural principles of the design. At the same time, his own clarity and sensibility ensure a sound that is not only faithful but also fresh and appealing—a compelling and invigorating Bouchet model.

The guitar possesses all the characteristics commonly associated with Bouchet: a sound often described as 'organ-like', a rich and weighty tone with quick responsiveness, and a unique melodic swell that could be called 'distinctively French'. It is an instrument that inspires musical ideas the moment one begins to play.

With maple back and sides paired with a spruce top, the guitar features a subdued yet tasteful rosette, elegant body lines, and a headstock shape true to Bouchet’s style—all finished with a delicate shellac coating. The result is a visual harmony of majesty and elegance.

Internal construction of the soundboard:

Above the soundhole (toward the neck): one harmonic bar and a delicately crafted reinforcement bar.

Below the soundhole (toward the bridge): another harmonic bar with an approximately 5 cm long and a few millimeters high open section on both the treble and bass sides.

Fan bracing: five symmetrically arranged braces.

A wide transverse bar (aligned with the saddle position) spans nearly the entire width of the lower bout, through which the fan braces extend toward the bottom edge of the soundboard.

The two outermost fan braces (treble and bass sides) continue through the tunnel-like opening beneath the lower harmonic bar and reach all the way to the soundhole’s edge.

Body resonance is set between G♯ and A.

Neck & Playability:
The neck has a nearly square D-shaped profile with average thickness but a distinctive grip.
String height at the 12th fret: 3.0 mm (1st string) / 4.2 mm (6th string).
Saddle clearance: 1.5–2.0 mm, allowing for further adjustment to suit the player’s preference.
Equipped with Gotoh tuning machines.
Weight: 1.66 kg.