June 2009 \ Features \ Builder Profile \ The Shokunin School: Blending Art, Nature and Innovation

The Shokunin School: Blending Art, Nature and Innovation

Adam Hunt

A look into the work of 5 Japanese-American builders: Toru Nittono, Tsuneyki “Tony” Yamamoto, Michihiro Matsuda and Hiro Miura, but we begin with Hideo Kamimoto
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Michihiro “Michi” Matsuda
Michi Matsuda splits his time between his own workshop in Oakland and Frank Ford’s fabled Gryphon Stringed Instruments repair shop in Palo Alto. He builds about a dozen custom guitars a year based on his own signature shapes: modified OM and OO shapes for steel string guitars and two “crossover” shapes for nylon guitars, all carefully designed for their characteristic sonic properties as well as their graceful lines. Matsuda also makes electric/acoustic hybrids and harp guitars.


The Matsuda M-1 (pictured with optional cutaway) is based on an OM shape.


Matsuda base models begin with an Indian rosewood back and sides and a Sitka spruce top.

matsudaguitars.com

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Comments

 (7 comments) display by
UsernameComment
bobby d
on 09/12/2010 		i really dig the Hiro Miura build aesthetic for the Xotic Guitars, would really like to get one of those XS models!
Atsu
on 06/12/2009 		Matsuda M-1. Gorgeous!!!!!!
Brother John
on 05/30/2009 		props to these builders
Sho Kosugi
on 05/23/2009 		How does that Yamamoto multiscale work?
T6
on 05/22/2009 		A hollowbody with no hole-meaning it's not necessarily chambered but actually hollow, but with no hole. Not sure if that's uber-cool or goofy. I'd like to play it. I bet it's crazy light.
Henry
on 05/21/2009 		Yes, Miura's is worthy of exploration. Great article. These guys are worthy of some attention.
kev
on 05/20/2009 		GORGEOUS STUFF



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