Hokawa Toshihiko (Zennon) 1969 Solid Top Jacaranda Vintage

This guitar, handcrafted by Toshihiko Hokawa at the Zen-On Suwa factory in April 1969, is a rare vintage instrument that is now 57 years old.

The Zen-On Artisan Series was supervised by Mr. Yasuo Abe, and the renowned luthiers who contributed to its production include Toshihiko Hokawa, Goichi Gyoda, Akira Hokawa, Hiroshi Tamura (who joined after the dissolution of Tamura Guitars in Kochi), Tsuyoshi Ryozumi, Kazuo Yazaki, Akinori Uematsu, Noboru Nakajima, Shoichi Yanagisawa, and Haruyuki Fujiwara. These guitars are highly regarded for their craftsmanship and quality.

Early models from the first half of the 1960s (Showa 40s) were designated with smaller numbers like No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4. These guitars were made using thin, high-quality wood, resulting in lightweight and easy-to-handle instruments. Toshihiko Hokawa, Akira Hokawa, Mr. Nakajima, and Mr. Gyoda were primarily active during this period.

In contrast, later models from the latter half of the 1970s (Showa 50s), during a period of rising prices, saw guitars also increase in price. The model numbers became larger, such as No. 5, No. 7, and No. 10, and thicker, more robust guitars were produced. Mr. Yanagisawa, Mr. Tamura, Mr. Ryozumi, Mr. Yazaki, Mr. Uematsu, and Mr. Fujiwara participated in their production.

The guitar being offered is an early, valuable piece from the initial production period. Contrary to the characteristics of early models, this guitar is built with a solid and substantial feel. It features a laminate plywood construction for the back and sides, utilizing Jacaranda, making it an early high-end model.

The top material appears to be solid cedar with tight grain. The back and sides are beautiful quarter-sawn Jacaranda. The neck is sturdy mahogany, the fingerboard is jet-black ebony, and the bridge appears to be quarter-sawn rosewood. The masterful craftsmanship, utilizing materials that are difficult to obtain today, truly shines. Furthermore, the acoustic synergy between the cedar top and Jacaranda back and sides produces a warm tone with excellent resonance, particularly a deep and profound sound in the bass register.

Although this guitar is over 57 years old, it has been well-maintained with minimal scratches and dings, remaining in good overall condition. It is strung with trial strings, allowing you to play it immediately.

To all guitar enthusiasts, we present this rare and valuable work by the master craftsman Toshihiko Hokawa (1969), a Jacaranda guitar from Zen-On.

Overall Length: 101.5 cm
Scale Length: 65.2 cm
String Height: Approx. 3.8 mm at the 12th fret, 1st string
Approx. 4.5 mm at the 12th fret, 6th string
Nut Width: Approx. 5.2 cm
Body Thickness: Approx. 10.2 cm
Includes used hard case.

The guitar will be packed with bubble wrap around the hard case for secure delivery.