Asturias A5 by Masaru Matano Concert Classical Guitar Japan 1978

Description

Asturias A5 Grand Concert by Masaru Matano classical guitar,Japan 1978. This is a rare piece that is in in outstanding condition. Built in the Asturias workshop under the supervision Masaru Mantano and it bears his name on the label as can be seen. It is hard to say Masaru himself built this instrument since luthiers didn't always sign their guitar labels after construction.
The face of this guitar is single plate spruce while the back and sides are laminated rosewood for strength and stability. This is a very light and resilient piece with outstanding sustain while maintaining beautiful separation and tonality. The basses are deep and resonate with delicate and well pronounced trebles with a set of D'Addario EJ46FF's.
There is very little  fret wear and the guitar has clearly been lightly played. It does have a light rub compression mark on the face to right of the sound whole and one tiny compression ding. I tried to give you decent photos of these marks. The back and sides have no scratches. There is a light cloud on the side near the neck heel that is fairly un-noticeable and difficult to photograph.
The instrument has a neck that is straight with no warp. 3.2 mm at the 12th on the 1st string and 3.6 on the 6th. The soundboard has no bulges and the back and sides are flat and smooth. The guitar presets and nearly new and looking at it you would not know it was nearly 50 years old. It really looks as if it were built in the 2000s
. It comes with a hard shell case that is in decent shape and appears to be original with the guitar though with dingy hinges and latches . Place no value on the case itself though the guitar will be shipped to you in this case to protect it as it always has.
If you are not familiar with Japanese classicals from the 70's then you'll want to read up on them. These are among the finest guitars ever built anywhere in the world. Masaru Matano was a master craftsmen that is well known to all vintage Japanese guitar collectors. A Google search will pull up a wealth of information about him and the Asturias factory that is still in business today. You can also find a lot of good information here on Ebay.
Masaru built instruments in his own shop as well as under the Cervantes brand and in the Asturias work shop. He his also responsible for the brand known as La Esperanza. Most of the Matano and Cervantes guitars carry his signature headstock while the Asturias bears its own headstock design. These features become easily distinguishable with a bit of familiarity of the vintage makers.
If you're looking for a concert grade instrument that frets easily and projects to your listeners then this instrument will not disappoint and the beauty will wow all who see it. The craftsmanship and material selection are outstanding and can be seen in the photos. The three piece neck is thin and comfortable and the fretboard is smooth showing no wear.
I can't imagine that anyone would be in any way disappointed with this instrument but I do allow for subjectivity knowing that we may not all hear it and share the same opinion.
I will accept returns provided that the instrument is returned, return postage paid by buyer, in the same condition in which it left here and shipped within three days of delivery.
If you're really
interested, make an offer, I may entertain it if it is reasonable.
Zero and low feedback bidders should email and consult with me before bidding. Payment will be expected immediately after the sale unless other arrangements have been made with me prior to the close of bidding. International shipping is possible but unlikely so email prior to bidding for a possible agreement , no promises being made here.