1974 Toshihiko Nakade Model 1500S Vintage Classical Guitar, Spruce + Brazilian Rosewood w/ Case
$6,999.99
$6,999.99
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Up for sale, a 1974 Toshihiko Nakade Model 1500S in near-mint condition, complete with the original hardshell case. Toshihiko Nakade is part of Japan’s Nakade dynasty of master classical guitar luthiers, begun by brothers Sakazo and Rokutaro Nakade. The brothers Nakade are credited with introducing many classical guitar construction techniques to their native land, and Sakazo in particular is widely considered to be the “father of modern Japanese luthiery.” Sakazo’s son, Toshihoko, cut his teeth in the workshop of his father before studying in Spain under the tutelage of master luthiers Manuel Hernández and Victoriano Aguado. Toshihiko’s instruments, alongside his brothers Teruaki and Yukio and cousin Osamu, are considered to be some of the finest Japanese-built classical guitars of their era, boasting top-notch construction and stunning tonewoods.
Reflecting the Spanish style of guitar both in terms of construction and tonal response, this premium Model 1500S was an upper-tiered offering at the time of its production. The spruce top features Hernández-style asymmetrical six-fan bracing; Hernández developed his bracing pattern from the much-lauded asymmetrical fan design of legendary master luthier José Ramírez III, with a lower transverse bar and asymmetrical six or seven-fan design. As one would expect from the student of such a master, Toshihiko Nakade’s bracing design here is much the same, and just like the exceptional instruments crafted by those masters, this Model 1500S is fantastically resonant, with a breadth and airy warmth only afforded by a piece of well-aged spruce with a bracing design that allows the soundboard its maximum vibrational potential.
Along with the spruce top, other solid tonewoods include Brazilian rosewood back/sides, a mahogany neck, and ebony fingerboard. Tonally, this 1500S is dark and pensive, with a melodious richness and notably punchy, full-bodied low end response. The trebles are smooth and sweet, plenty potent enough to stand up to the breadth of the bass register, and this is a very well-defined, articulate instrument thanks to the even-tempered response. Weighing 3lbs 7oz, this Model 1500S has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with normal tension strings and optimal action.
Neck Specs:
-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: D , measuring .835” 1st fret, .950” 9th fret
-Fretboard: Ebony
-Frets: Slender, leveled/crowned, no wear
-Scale Length: 655mm
-Nut: 52mm, bone
-Headstock: Multi-ply carved Brazilian rosewood veneer
-Tuners: Ornate engraved strip
Body Specs:
-Wood: Spruce, Brazilian Rosewood (bookmatched)
-Bracing: Asymmetrical Six-Fan
-Bridge: Brazilian rosewood, bone saddle
-String Spacing: 56mm (bridge)
-Marquetry: Ornate rosette, checkerboard purfling, rosewood binding
-Label: Dated 1974, signed by Nakade
The French polish varnish finish is another technique Nakade acquired at the Hernández y Aguado workshop, presenting as a semi-gloss with minor discoloration on the edges of the back. This is a crack-free and extremely well-kept example, with cosmetic wear limited to a few minor dings on the top, and virtually no wear on the back or rims. The smooth gloss on the neck profile is flawless.
The original hardshell case is included.
Reflecting the Spanish style of guitar both in terms of construction and tonal response, this premium Model 1500S was an upper-tiered offering at the time of its production. The spruce top features Hernández-style asymmetrical six-fan bracing; Hernández developed his bracing pattern from the much-lauded asymmetrical fan design of legendary master luthier José Ramírez III, with a lower transverse bar and asymmetrical six or seven-fan design. As one would expect from the student of such a master, Toshihiko Nakade’s bracing design here is much the same, and just like the exceptional instruments crafted by those masters, this Model 1500S is fantastically resonant, with a breadth and airy warmth only afforded by a piece of well-aged spruce with a bracing design that allows the soundboard its maximum vibrational potential.
Along with the spruce top, other solid tonewoods include Brazilian rosewood back/sides, a mahogany neck, and ebony fingerboard. Tonally, this 1500S is dark and pensive, with a melodious richness and notably punchy, full-bodied low end response. The trebles are smooth and sweet, plenty potent enough to stand up to the breadth of the bass register, and this is a very well-defined, articulate instrument thanks to the even-tempered response. Weighing 3lbs 7oz, this Model 1500S has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with normal tension strings and optimal action.
Neck Specs:
-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: D , measuring .835” 1st fret, .950” 9th fret
-Fretboard: Ebony
-Frets: Slender, leveled/crowned, no wear
-Scale Length: 655mm
-Nut: 52mm, bone
-Headstock: Multi-ply carved Brazilian rosewood veneer
-Tuners: Ornate engraved strip
Body Specs:
-Wood: Spruce, Brazilian Rosewood (bookmatched)
-Bracing: Asymmetrical Six-Fan
-Bridge: Brazilian rosewood, bone saddle
-String Spacing: 56mm (bridge)
-Marquetry: Ornate rosette, checkerboard purfling, rosewood binding
-Label: Dated 1974, signed by Nakade
The French polish varnish finish is another technique Nakade acquired at the Hernández y Aguado workshop, presenting as a semi-gloss with minor discoloration on the edges of the back. This is a crack-free and extremely well-kept example, with cosmetic wear limited to a few minor dings on the top, and virtually no wear on the back or rims. The smooth gloss on the neck profile is flawless.
The original hardshell case is included.
