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SUPER RARE HIROSHI TAMURA P50 1969 CLASSICAL GUITAR IN EXCELLENT+ CONDITION
Estimated price for orientation: 2 500 $
Category: Classical Guitars
Class:
Description
Please read my 3 days return policy at the bottom of the page.If you'd like to see pictures of over 500 classical & flamenco guitars that I've sold in the past, please visit "Victor's Guitar Gallery" on Facebook 1969 HIROSHI TAMURA P50 This guitar was made in 1969 by Hiroshi Tamura, one of the best luthiers in Japanese history. Some experts say that he was actually the best Japanese luthier, who had collected many international awards for his works, even more than great Masaru Kohno.This is a very high grade instrument, way better that many quite expensive guitars that you might have encountered in the past and considered as great. This guitar produces very characteristic to all Hiroshi Tamura guitars, truly Spanish, gentle and very seducing sound. Guitar is very responsive. Trebles are sweet and clear, basses vibrant and colorful. All well balanced, at very good volume with great sustain. You will have a hard time to put it down. This guitar has very little in common with model P50 distributed in US in mid 1970’s. In 1969 it was priced 50 000 yen, while average yearly salary of a Japanese college graduate was 34,600 yen. This salary in 1970 was 40000, but in 1975 it was 80 000. Exactly the same quality guitar by 1970 would labelled at least P65, by 1971 as P80, by 1973 as P100.This guitar, just like Yamaha model GC5 (made in 1969) and many other 50 000 yen guitars made by many other Japanese luthiers, was built with solid Latin America Rosewood = either straight grain Brazilian Rosewood or another closely related species of Rosewood with identical to Brazilian tonal properities. At that time only Masaru Kohno was able to sell his model 5 with "only" Indian Rosewood b/s. Most Hiroshi Tamura P series guitars distributed in US in 1970’s have developed a network of internal wrinkles within the finish. They often break at the very top and create a network of hair-like fissures. It must have been caused by light induced chemical degradation of at least one of the ingredients of the original lacquer. This guitar is an exception to this rule and its finish remains in super excellent condition for the age of a guitar. At very close inspection, on the sound board one can find few very small & shallow indentations within the finish and some very fine scratches. On the back there is just couple of very small dents. All of these mentioned above cosmetic imperfections are so minor that they hardly visible in nature and almost impossible to photograph. The most conspicuous cosmetic flaw is a tiny dent on the back of the very tip of a headstock.Very likely tuners, saddle and nut on this guitar have been replaced by the previous owner. They simply look brand new. In addition this guitar was refretted in January 2016 by Greg Hails, owner of "Aperio Guitar" LLC.If you'd like to own much better quality guitar at similar price you need to take a look at El Vito Concert J, Concert MR or Concert BM guitars. If you'd like equal quality guitar at much lower price you need to consider El Vito Concert R-L or Concert R-F guitars.Specifications:Top: High Grade Solid Spruce Top / finish Cashew LacquerBack and Sides: Solid Latin America Rosewood / finish Cashew LacquerNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyNut and Saddle: BoneNut Width: 52 mmScale: 662 mmAction is set to 3.50 mm under E6 and 2.80 mm under E1, with extra room for experiments with lower action.This guitar will be shipped in used Aria Hard Shell Case in very good condition.In order to ship a package with guitar to Australia at affordable rate +/- $150.00 (USPS International Priority Mail), length of such package can’t exceed 42” and its girth (2 x times width + 2 x height) + length can’t exceed total of 97”. If you want original or non-original hard shell case, the size of the package will qualify it only for USPS/Fedex Global Express Guaranteed at $400.00 price. Real Value of Japanese Vintage GuitarsThe key to understand value of vintage Japanese guitars is to acknowledge galloping devaluation of Japanese yen in 1960s & 1970s. This devaluation was somewhat slower in 1980s. The best measure of this devaluation is Starting Yearly Salary of Japanese College Graduate (SYSJCG).SYSJCG in in 1965 was 19 600 yen, in 1969 – 34 600 yen, in 1970 39 200 yen, in 1972 – 62 300 yen, in 1975 79 200 yen, in 1977 121 200 yen and in 1980 - 163 000 yen.During 1960s and most of 1970s model numbers of Japanese guitars were strictly interconnected with their prices in Japanese yen. In late 1970s and during following decades model numbers were no longer strictly associated with their prices. Many Japanese guitar makers introduced model names instead of model numbers. Others were still using model numbers with addition of letter abbreviations or other symbols. The best and only logical approach while evaluating real value (real grade) of vintage Japanese guitar is to compare its price in Japanese yen with SYSJCG during the year guitar was made.Any guitar priced 100 000 in 1970 (labelled usually as No10) would be priced 200 000 yen in 1975 (relabeled to No20 or 2000), 300 000 yen in 1977 (labelled as No3, No30 or 3000). Starting in 1977 Masaru Kohno introduced his model No50 priced at 500 000 (and likely model 40 ). Soon other famous Japanese luthiers did the same. By 1983-84 Kohno started to use model names instead numbers and was raising their prices as he was pleased. Naturally soon other great Master luthiers did the same.Knowing all of that, you can bet on that Masaru Kohno No50 made in 1982 is practically the same quality as Kohno No15 made in 1972, or Kohno no20 made in 1975 or Kohno No30 made in 1977. I know it for a fact.The lowest grade models currently made by Matsuoka workshop are M75 and MH75. They are commonly considered as “beginner guitars”. Matsuoka model M30 made in 1973 is simply far, far better instrument. It is naturally better than model M50 made in 1977, model 80 made in 1982 or model M100 made in 1990. At present, the highest grade Matsuoka models are M300 and MH300. They absolutely stand no chance in competition with model M150 made in 1975… or model M200 made in 1977.It is very important to mention that if modern era luthiers are using 40 years old woods to make a classical guitar, its price is at least $8000.Some important info regarding Tamura brothers and their guitars:Guitarsite.comHiroshi Tamura Classical Guitar Model P60 made in Japan by Hiroshi Tamura.This guitar has a warm, mature voice that plays very easily.
The scale length is 658 mm.
The knut and saddle are made of micarta.
The neck is Honduras Cedar with an Ebony fretboard and Ebony re-enforcing strip.
The top is solid Spruce with beautiful purfling around the soundhole and inlaid banding around the sides and on the back.
The sides are Rosewood veneer, the turners are gold plate.
The neck is straight and there are no cracks or flaws in the guitar but the frets show a small bit of wear.Please email me with offers. Interested in knowing more about the lutheir too. Filcker | These are very good guitars. I have owned several. a friend of mine was a salesman for the Wilson trading company in Ohio [in the 70's] that imported high end Japanese classical and flamenco guitars.[Tamura,Kohno,Nakati,]
The Tamura guitars won many international guitar building awards in the late 60's. As a previous comment was made, the c series were flamenco [cypress back], the p series were classical [rosewood back]. Many were built to the same spec's and then graded for sound, which determined the price. A p-30 was 300 dollars, a p-50 was 500 dollars. The workmanship is exceptional. I have owned at least 12 of them. I have not had one for several years and have not seen one recently. They are becoming rare. I am still looking for the cypress body ones, preferable a c-60 with wooden tuning pegs [like a violin], I could be interested in all models for the right price. I am happy to pay what would be considered reasonable. I do not believe them to be too expensive, just good. Thanks begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting | Tamura brothers were Japanese luthiers living in Kochi-prefecture, Japan. They produced Classical and Flamenco guitars from 1950s to early 1980s. Both of them passed away so there are not many information now. Hiroshi Tamura is older brother and the guitar you have was made by him.
The model on the label can be read "Jupitar" in Japanese language is a flamenco model.
Usually, each model has number which we can know its grade. Classical guitar has "P" but not sure for flamencos. Unfortunately I can't find on your guitar.
For example, P-150 means the price at that time was $1500. P-40 means $400.
Current price for Tamura varies depending on the condition. You can find them through eBay or Japanese auction site or other guitar shops. Sometimes I find $4500 for P-150 and $400 for P-100. Recently I found P-40 for around $500 on eBay.
| I have a Tamura that I got in 1971, built in 1969, that is a full classical 650 guitar: not a Flemenco guitar. It is one of the finest instruments that I've ever played, and I'll keep it the rest of my life because of it's wonderfully balanced sound. It works very well as a solo instrument, but particularly well in duets and other ensemble situations because of its full mid-range and unusually brighter basses. That's not to say that the trebles are poor: they are snappy and bright if you play them so. Hold this guitar: don't sell. What a gem! | I have three Tamura guitars: 1) A 1966 Flamenco with spruce top and Cypress back and sides. I am the original owner purchasing it in 1968 in Okinawa while in the Navy. It has wooden tuning pegs, now changed to a modern type with a better mechanical advantage and it has had a professionally repaired midline crack. 2) a 1970 C-40 Flamenco with cypress back and sides and machine heads. 3) a 1978 P-80 classic in Brazilian rosewood back and sides and I think with an unusual lining of cypress in the interior sides. This was a feature on some of the Ramirez III guitars. None are for sale, as they are in unusually good, nearly mint condition and they have a sound that is at least approaches the sound of some of the best Spanish made guitars. The quality of construction is amazing. I think that if your guitar is without major repair that it is going to be worth over $ 2000 USD. I will eventually post detailed pictures on my site of my three Tamuras as I can see that some will be interested! Take care of that guitar!
Guitarsite .comThe Tamura Bros. are some of the first and finest guitar japan. I have a tamura P30 made in 1968 and signed by H. Tamura, my dad paid about 600.00 back in 1971 and now i have found that the guitar is worth about 3,000.00. it is a beautiful instrument and is made of rosewood. These 2 brothers were possibly the first to build and took much pride in the craftsmanship of the guitars they build. They are no longer with us, but their instruments will be with us a very long time.Justanunswer.comCustomerHiroshi Tamura Classical Guitar
1973 Model P45
Solid Cedar top & solid Rosewood back and sides
Sound v loud and good distinction of notes
Condition v good
All original - including original hard case and hand-made wooden string winder.Kindly appraise.
ThanksExpert:
Description
Please read my 3 days return policy at the bottom of the page.If you'd like to see pictures of over 500 classical & flamenco guitars that I've sold in the past, please visit "Victor's Guitar Gallery" on Facebook 1969 HIROSHI TAMURA P50 This guitar was made in 1969 by Hiroshi Tamura, one of the best luthiers in Japanese history. Some experts say that he was actually the best Japanese luthier, who had collected many international awards for his works, even more than great Masaru Kohno.This is a very high grade instrument, way better that many quite expensive guitars that you might have encountered in the past and considered as great. This guitar produces very characteristic to all Hiroshi Tamura guitars, truly Spanish, gentle and very seducing sound. Guitar is very responsive. Trebles are sweet and clear, basses vibrant and colorful. All well balanced, at very good volume with great sustain. You will have a hard time to put it down. This guitar has very little in common with model P50 distributed in US in mid 1970’s. In 1969 it was priced 50 000 yen, while average yearly salary of a Japanese college graduate was 34,600 yen. This salary in 1970 was 40000, but in 1975 it was 80 000. Exactly the same quality guitar by 1970 would labelled at least P65, by 1971 as P80, by 1973 as P100.This guitar, just like Yamaha model GC5 (made in 1969) and many other 50 000 yen guitars made by many other Japanese luthiers, was built with solid Latin America Rosewood = either straight grain Brazilian Rosewood or another closely related species of Rosewood with identical to Brazilian tonal properities. At that time only Masaru Kohno was able to sell his model 5 with "only" Indian Rosewood b/s. Most Hiroshi Tamura P series guitars distributed in US in 1970’s have developed a network of internal wrinkles within the finish. They often break at the very top and create a network of hair-like fissures. It must have been caused by light induced chemical degradation of at least one of the ingredients of the original lacquer. This guitar is an exception to this rule and its finish remains in super excellent condition for the age of a guitar. At very close inspection, on the sound board one can find few very small & shallow indentations within the finish and some very fine scratches. On the back there is just couple of very small dents. All of these mentioned above cosmetic imperfections are so minor that they hardly visible in nature and almost impossible to photograph. The most conspicuous cosmetic flaw is a tiny dent on the back of the very tip of a headstock.Very likely tuners, saddle and nut on this guitar have been replaced by the previous owner. They simply look brand new. In addition this guitar was refretted in January 2016 by Greg Hails, owner of "Aperio Guitar" LLC.If you'd like to own much better quality guitar at similar price you need to take a look at El Vito Concert J, Concert MR or Concert BM guitars. If you'd like equal quality guitar at much lower price you need to consider El Vito Concert R-L or Concert R-F guitars.Specifications:Top: High Grade Solid Spruce Top / finish Cashew LacquerBack and Sides: Solid Latin America Rosewood / finish Cashew LacquerNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyNut and Saddle: BoneNut Width: 52 mmScale: 662 mmAction is set to 3.50 mm under E6 and 2.80 mm under E1, with extra room for experiments with lower action.This guitar will be shipped in used Aria Hard Shell Case in very good condition.In order to ship a package with guitar to Australia at affordable rate +/- $150.00 (USPS International Priority Mail), length of such package can’t exceed 42” and its girth (2 x times width + 2 x height) + length can’t exceed total of 97”. If you want original or non-original hard shell case, the size of the package will qualify it only for USPS/Fedex Global Express Guaranteed at $400.00 price. Real Value of Japanese Vintage GuitarsThe key to understand value of vintage Japanese guitars is to acknowledge galloping devaluation of Japanese yen in 1960s & 1970s. This devaluation was somewhat slower in 1980s. The best measure of this devaluation is Starting Yearly Salary of Japanese College Graduate (SYSJCG).SYSJCG in in 1965 was 19 600 yen, in 1969 – 34 600 yen, in 1970 39 200 yen, in 1972 – 62 300 yen, in 1975 79 200 yen, in 1977 121 200 yen and in 1980 - 163 000 yen.During 1960s and most of 1970s model numbers of Japanese guitars were strictly interconnected with their prices in Japanese yen. In late 1970s and during following decades model numbers were no longer strictly associated with their prices. Many Japanese guitar makers introduced model names instead of model numbers. Others were still using model numbers with addition of letter abbreviations or other symbols. The best and only logical approach while evaluating real value (real grade) of vintage Japanese guitar is to compare its price in Japanese yen with SYSJCG during the year guitar was made.Any guitar priced 100 000 in 1970 (labelled usually as No10) would be priced 200 000 yen in 1975 (relabeled to No20 or 2000), 300 000 yen in 1977 (labelled as No3, No30 or 3000). Starting in 1977 Masaru Kohno introduced his model No50 priced at 500 000 (and likely model 40 ). Soon other famous Japanese luthiers did the same. By 1983-84 Kohno started to use model names instead numbers and was raising their prices as he was pleased. Naturally soon other great Master luthiers did the same.Knowing all of that, you can bet on that Masaru Kohno No50 made in 1982 is practically the same quality as Kohno No15 made in 1972, or Kohno no20 made in 1975 or Kohno No30 made in 1977. I know it for a fact.The lowest grade models currently made by Matsuoka workshop are M75 and MH75. They are commonly considered as “beginner guitars”. Matsuoka model M30 made in 1973 is simply far, far better instrument. It is naturally better than model M50 made in 1977, model 80 made in 1982 or model M100 made in 1990. At present, the highest grade Matsuoka models are M300 and MH300. They absolutely stand no chance in competition with model M150 made in 1975… or model M200 made in 1977.It is very important to mention that if modern era luthiers are using 40 years old woods to make a classical guitar, its price is at least $8000.Some important info regarding Tamura brothers and their guitars:Guitarsite.comHiroshi Tamura Classical Guitar Model P60 made in Japan by Hiroshi Tamura.This guitar has a warm, mature voice that plays very easily.
The scale length is 658 mm.
The knut and saddle are made of micarta.
The neck is Honduras Cedar with an Ebony fretboard and Ebony re-enforcing strip.
The top is solid Spruce with beautiful purfling around the soundhole and inlaid banding around the sides and on the back.
The sides are Rosewood veneer, the turners are gold plate.
The neck is straight and there are no cracks or flaws in the guitar but the frets show a small bit of wear.Please email me with offers. Interested in knowing more about the lutheir too. Filcker | These are very good guitars. I have owned several. a friend of mine was a salesman for the Wilson trading company in Ohio [in the 70's] that imported high end Japanese classical and flamenco guitars.[Tamura,Kohno,Nakati,]
The Tamura guitars won many international guitar building awards in the late 60's. As a previous comment was made, the c series were flamenco [cypress back], the p series were classical [rosewood back]. Many were built to the same spec's and then graded for sound, which determined the price. A p-30 was 300 dollars, a p-50 was 500 dollars. The workmanship is exceptional. I have owned at least 12 of them. I have not had one for several years and have not seen one recently. They are becoming rare. I am still looking for the cypress body ones, preferable a c-60 with wooden tuning pegs [like a violin], I could be interested in all models for the right price. I am happy to pay what would be considered reasonable. I do not believe them to be too expensive, just good. Thanks begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting | Tamura brothers were Japanese luthiers living in Kochi-prefecture, Japan. They produced Classical and Flamenco guitars from 1950s to early 1980s. Both of them passed away so there are not many information now. Hiroshi Tamura is older brother and the guitar you have was made by him.
The model on the label can be read "Jupitar" in Japanese language is a flamenco model.
Usually, each model has number which we can know its grade. Classical guitar has "P" but not sure for flamencos. Unfortunately I can't find on your guitar.
For example, P-150 means the price at that time was $1500. P-40 means $400.
Current price for Tamura varies depending on the condition. You can find them through eBay or Japanese auction site or other guitar shops. Sometimes I find $4500 for P-150 and $400 for P-100. Recently I found P-40 for around $500 on eBay.
| I have a Tamura that I got in 1971, built in 1969, that is a full classical 650 guitar: not a Flemenco guitar. It is one of the finest instruments that I've ever played, and I'll keep it the rest of my life because of it's wonderfully balanced sound. It works very well as a solo instrument, but particularly well in duets and other ensemble situations because of its full mid-range and unusually brighter basses. That's not to say that the trebles are poor: they are snappy and bright if you play them so. Hold this guitar: don't sell. What a gem! | I have three Tamura guitars: 1) A 1966 Flamenco with spruce top and Cypress back and sides. I am the original owner purchasing it in 1968 in Okinawa while in the Navy. It has wooden tuning pegs, now changed to a modern type with a better mechanical advantage and it has had a professionally repaired midline crack. 2) a 1970 C-40 Flamenco with cypress back and sides and machine heads. 3) a 1978 P-80 classic in Brazilian rosewood back and sides and I think with an unusual lining of cypress in the interior sides. This was a feature on some of the Ramirez III guitars. None are for sale, as they are in unusually good, nearly mint condition and they have a sound that is at least approaches the sound of some of the best Spanish made guitars. The quality of construction is amazing. I think that if your guitar is without major repair that it is going to be worth over $ 2000 USD. I will eventually post detailed pictures on my site of my three Tamuras as I can see that some will be interested! Take care of that guitar!
Guitarsite .comThe Tamura Bros. are some of the first and finest guitar japan. I have a tamura P30 made in 1968 and signed by H. Tamura, my dad paid about 600.00 back in 1971 and now i have found that the guitar is worth about 3,000.00. it is a beautiful instrument and is made of rosewood. These 2 brothers were possibly the first to build and took much pride in the craftsmanship of the guitars they build. They are no longer with us, but their instruments will be with us a very long time.Justanunswer.comCustomerHiroshi Tamura Classical Guitar
1973 Model P45
Solid Cedar top & solid Rosewood back and sides
Sound v loud and good distinction of notes
Condition v good
All original - including original hard case and hand-made wooden string winder.Kindly appraise.
ThanksExpert:
The scale length is 658 mm.
The knut and saddle are made of micarta.
The neck is Honduras Cedar with an Ebony fretboard and Ebony re-enforcing strip.
The top is solid Spruce with beautiful purfling around the soundhole and inlaid banding around the sides and on the back.
The sides are Rosewood veneer, the turners are gold plate.
The neck is straight and there are no cracks or flaws in the guitar but the frets show a small bit of wear.Please email me with offers. Interested in knowing more about the lutheir too. Filcker | These are very good guitars. I have owned several. a friend of mine was a salesman for the Wilson trading company in Ohio [in the 70's] that imported high end Japanese classical and flamenco guitars.[Tamura,Kohno,Nakati,]
The Tamura guitars won many international guitar building awards in the late 60's. As a previous comment was made, the c series were flamenco [cypress back], the p series were classical [rosewood back]. Many were built to the same spec's and then graded for sound, which determined the price. A p-30 was 300 dollars, a p-50 was 500 dollars. The workmanship is exceptional. I have owned at least 12 of them. I have not had one for several years and have not seen one recently. They are becoming rare. I am still looking for the cypress body ones, preferable a c-60 with wooden tuning pegs [like a violin], I could be interested in all models for the right price. I am happy to pay what would be considered reasonable. I do not believe them to be too expensive, just good. Thanks begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting | Tamura brothers were Japanese luthiers living in Kochi-prefecture, Japan. They produced Classical and Flamenco guitars from 1950s to early 1980s. Both of them passed away so there are not many information now. Hiroshi Tamura is older brother and the guitar you have was made by him.
The model on the label can be read "Jupitar" in Japanese language is a flamenco model.
Usually, each model has number which we can know its grade. Classical guitar has "P" but not sure for flamencos. Unfortunately I can't find on your guitar.
For example, P-150 means the price at that time was $1500. P-40 means $400.
Current price for Tamura varies depending on the condition. You can find them through eBay or Japanese auction site or other guitar shops. Sometimes I find $4500 for P-150 and $400 for P-100. Recently I found P-40 for around $500 on eBay.
| I have a Tamura that I got in 1971, built in 1969, that is a full classical 650 guitar: not a Flemenco guitar. It is one of the finest instruments that I've ever played, and I'll keep it the rest of my life because of it's wonderfully balanced sound. It works very well as a solo instrument, but particularly well in duets and other ensemble situations because of its full mid-range and unusually brighter basses. That's not to say that the trebles are poor: they are snappy and bright if you play them so. Hold this guitar: don't sell. What a gem! | I have three Tamura guitars: 1) A 1966 Flamenco with spruce top and Cypress back and sides. I am the original owner purchasing it in 1968 in Okinawa while in the Navy. It has wooden tuning pegs, now changed to a modern type with a better mechanical advantage and it has had a professionally repaired midline crack. 2) a 1970 C-40 Flamenco with cypress back and sides and machine heads. 3) a 1978 P-80 classic in Brazilian rosewood back and sides and I think with an unusual lining of cypress in the interior sides. This was a feature on some of the Ramirez III guitars. None are for sale, as they are in unusually good, nearly mint condition and they have a sound that is at least approaches the sound of some of the best Spanish made guitars. The quality of construction is amazing. I think that if your guitar is without major repair that it is going to be worth over $ 2000 USD. I will eventually post detailed pictures on my site of my three Tamuras as I can see that some will be interested! Take care of that guitar!
Guitarsite .comThe Tamura Bros. are some of the first and finest guitar japan. I have a tamura P30 made in 1968 and signed by H. Tamura, my dad paid about 600.00 back in 1971 and now i have found that the guitar is worth about 3,000.00. it is a beautiful instrument and is made of rosewood. These 2 brothers were possibly the first to build and took much pride in the craftsmanship of the guitars they build. They are no longer with us, but their instruments will be with us a very long time.Justanunswer.comCustomerHiroshi Tamura Classical Guitar
1973 Model P45
Solid Cedar top & solid Rosewood back and sides
Sound v loud and good distinction of notes
Condition v good
All original - including original hard case and hand-made wooden string winder.Kindly appraise.
ThanksExpert: