Journal & guides
Guitars and their history.
Brands, workshops and construction. Our knowledge base on vintage guitars, with a special focus on Japanese craftsmanship.
Guide
Japanese vintage guitars: the history of their brands and factories
A guide to the brands and factories behind Japanese vintage guitars.
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From the SVG archive
Yamaha guitars: FG, L and the history of Japanese acoustics
From FG acoustics to electric designs: exploring Yamaha’s varied guitar history.
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From the SVG archive
Blue Bell: Japanese acoustic guitars, history and models
Models, markings and construction from a less familiar Japanese brand.
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From the SVG archive
K. Yairi: guitar history and Japanese craftsmanship
History, identification and an approach to Japanese acoustic guitar making.
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From the SVG archive
Thumb and Jagard: acoustic guitars and the Terada story
Acoustics and the story of brands associated with Terada.
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From the SVG archive
K.Country and Kasuga: the history of Japanese acoustic guitars
Japanese acoustic guitars, models and their identification.
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From the SVG archive
Yamaki and Daion: guitar history, models and construction
Brand history and the details that help you choose an individual instrument.
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Guide
Fender Japan: history and serial numbers
The start of Japanese production and dating MIJ, CIJ and JD markings using manufacturer documentation.
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Guide
Morris: history and F-18 / W-28 specifications
Manufacturer archive specifications and their limits when identifying older guitars.
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Guide
Tokai: ST, LS, Cat’s Eyes and TALBO
Key dates and instrument families documented by Tokai Gakki.
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Guide
Fresher: Japanese electric guitars and basses worth discovering
Straighter, Personal Bass and less familiar designs: a practical introduction illustrated with instruments from our shop.
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Guide
Fernandes: guitars, basses and the story of the Sustainer
From familiar designs to distinctive stage instruments: Fernandes connects Japanese vintage guitars with ideas of its own.
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Guide
Takamine: acoustic roots, electro-acoustics and an Elite TW-40G
From Sakashita to the stage: Takamine’s history and a closer look at the Elite TW-40G in our collection.
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Guide
Edwards: electric guitars and basses from the ESP family
Familiar designs, modern models and clearly specified hardware: discover Edwards and our E-PB-95R/LT bass.
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