Hiroshi Tamura Signed Venus 1967 All-Solid Japanese Handmade Classical Guitar W Case. This guitar is used with minor surface marks and signs of use. There is a crack in the top of the body from the bottom of the bridge to the bottom of the lower bout. It's very subtle and not easy to see without looking closely, but one will likely want to repair this. There is a tiny bit of the cracking that extends above the bridge in the same spot that would indicate the crack travels just under and a little past the bridge. That said, it's not bad at all, goes with the grain, and it seems it'd be a simple repair. Because of this, we're selling it as-is for repair. Aside from this there are some very minor surface marks and imperfections that we'll try to show in the photos, but otherwise, it's overall in amazing condition for it's age! The neck is straight, it looks great, it plays wonderfully and sounds amazing! This is a rare, vintage Spanish style guitar. Made and signed by Hiroshi Tamura who was considered one of Japan's most talented and prominent luthiers during 1960s-1970s, alongside such masters as Masaru Kohno, Sakazo Nakade, and Yuichi Imai. During 1960s, Hiroshi Tamura used planet names for his best guitars. This guitar is named "Venus" ("Kinsei" written in Kanji characters). The instrument is very light and responsive. It yields a beautiful, vibrant tone that is well balanced across the entire range - deep, complex basses and bold, clear trebles, with an amazing sustain and very good projection. It comes with the original basic hard case shown. These are normally sell for around $1500-1700. This is your chance to save big-time so don't miss out!

"Venus" by Hiroshi Tamura, 1967, Japan

Materials: top - solid Cedar

back/sides - solid Indian Rosewood

neck - Mahogany

headstock plate and bridge - Rosewood

Scale approx: 648mm.

Nut width approx: 52mm

Accessories: original 1960s case (old)

ABOUT HIROSHI TAMURA (from Internet sources):

"Just like many other famous Japanese luthiers of that era, the Tamura brothers

(Hiroshi and Mitsuru) learned their craft during their stay in Spain in late 1950s

/ early 1960s. After their return from Spain, the Tamura brothers were making

superb quality flamenco guitars that easily challenged guitars made by the most

famous Spanish luthiers. Their flamenco guitars have earned them international

recognition and were played by many professional players. Although these are very

hard to find, their oldest flamenco guitars were made in 1962. Strangely enough,

their oldest classical guitars available on Japanese second hand market were made

in 1966. Just like in case of their superb flamenco guitars, their classical

guitars are equally regarded in Japan.

It is quite possible that, during the 1960s, both brothers shared the same workshop

located in Kochi, a small state on the island of Shikoku which is a well known

surfing destination. Although both brothers were equally skilled, it was Hiroshi

who has gathered more international and domestic rewards. Because his guitars often

sounded better that those made by Jose Ramirez, Hiroshi has earned a nickname

“Tamirez.” As the matter of fact, Hiroshi’s rewards outnumbered those collected by

Masaru Kohno. Hiroshi Tamura passed away in 1985."