シンコーミュージック・エンタテイメント / Acoustic Guitar Book 57

Japanese Acoustic Guitars: Bringing out the pride of "Made in Japan"

There is no doubt that the sound of musical instruments is greatly influenced by the cultural background of the person who makes them. In particular, as the acoustic guitar involves many parts that require human hands, the degree of influence is probably much higher than with other instruments.
If this is the case, then there must be some common characteristics that are unique to Japanese-made acoustic guitars. Now that the history of Japanese-made guitars has exceeded half a century, they have grown to the point where they are admired all over the world. What is the reason why Japanese-made acoustic guitars are trusted all over the world? What is the unique characteristic of Japanese-made guitars?
In this issue, we delve deep into the world of Japanese-made guitars to find out more about them. We have visited factories, interviewed people involved in the industry, and spoken to staff at specialist shops, and have tried to find out more about the appeal of Japanese guitars from a variety of different angles.

【CONTENTS】
Feature
Japanese Acoustic Guitars
Uncovering the pride of ‘Made in Japan’

[History] A look back at the history of the Japanese acoustic guitar
[Survey] A look at the seven main Japanese acoustic guitar factories on a map!
[Test Play Analysis] Hisako Tabuchi plays seven Japanese acoustic guitars
[Survey] Luthiers' thoughts on the “Made in Japan” sound Messe in Osaka 2023
[Interview & Analysis of a Test Play] Yamaha Factory Report
[Questionnaire] Luthiers' Ideas of “Made in Japan” - TOKYO Hand Craft Guitar Fest 2023 Edition
[Interview] The Ideal of Maurice, which has the advantages of both a factory and a workshop - Maurice
[Interview] The original intention of Takamine, which has led the Japanese electric-acoustic guitar market? Takamine
[Interview] The potential of Japanese wood, which has blossomed with Sakura Guitars? Headway
[Questionnaire] The appeal of ‘Japanese-made acoustic guitars’ as felt by specialist store staff
[Questionnaire] The strengths of ‘made in Japan’ as thought by professional guitarists

[Interview]
Tadahide Yoshikawa
On the occasion of the remastering of his five solo works, he talks about the history of the equipment that has supported his ‘craftsmanship’

Marushin
The highly skilled solo guitarist talks about his background and his favourite guitars

Kantaro Uchida
Interview with the maestro, who is celebrating 25 years of solo work, plus an analysis of his album ‘Tohgen Kyo’

Special Feature
The basics of fingerpicking that you can't ask about now!
Let's learn about the 4-finger style! Lecturer: Takayuki Nishiyama

Instrument Articles
[Equipment Analysis] Keiichi Sogabe gives a thorough test play of the latest Martin D-28 & D-18!
[Equipment Analysis] Getting to know Fonzo Guitars Reviewer: Yuki Matsui
[New Product Review] NEW PRODUCTS CHECK UP Reviewer: Kazutaka Horio
[Event Report] Maurice Fingerpicking Day 2023
[Shop Introduction] Miki Gakki Smalls guitar shop

Guitar Scores
Coldplay ‘Guns’ (complete copy score)
Eagles ‘Desperado’ (solo guitar arrangement score)
B.J. Thomas ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head’ (solo guitar arrangement)

Other
K's More! I want to get better at making acoustic guitar [No.17]
New news & event information etc.