I've played a number of late-1960s Nakade guitars, and the ones carrying letter designations sit differently in the hand than his custom-order pieces.
The custom-order guitars often seem to have a flatter neck profile—closer to what I associate with Rokutaro Nakade's guitars, which is somewhat unusual for a classical guitar. This one has noticeably more thickness to the neck.
The tone has a beauty that stays consistent across the instrument, with a slightly moist quality underneath it. It plays easily and rings well.
The midrange through the treble is where this guitar feels especially strong to me.
Scale length is 650mm. Nut width is 51mm, slightly narrower than the 52mm commonly seen on classical guitars from this period.
Action at the 12th fret is approximately:
2.25mm on the treble side
3.00mm on the bass side
The remaining saddle height is approximately 1–2mm.
A demo video is included in the photos section of this listing. Please listen to it—the sound will tell you more than any description can.
Sakazo Nakade was one of the important figures in the development of Japanese classical guitar making.
He originally trained as a violin maker and later turned to classical guitar construction, studying European instruments and adapting what he learned into his own work.
By the late 1960s, Nakade's Tokyo workshop was producing a wide range of classical guitars, including numbered models and custom-order instruments. Many later Japanese guitar makers also passed through or were influenced by the Nakade workshop.
One note on reading the label:
The printed “N.º 41” refers to the workshop address in Nakano, Tokyo. It is not the model number.
This guitar's actual model designation is:
No.350SB
Maker: Sakazo Nakade (中出阪蔵)
Made in: Tokyo, Japan
Model: No.350SB
Year: 1969
Top: solid spruce
Back & sides: solid Indian rosewood
Neck: thick profile
Scale length: 650mm
Nut width: 51mm
Action at 12th fret: approximately 2.25mm treble / 3.00mm bass
Remaining saddle height: approximately 1–2mm
Tuners: replaced individual tuners, not original
Made in Japan
SAKAZO NAKADE / LUTHIER
Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo Japan / N.º 41
Anno 1969 / N.º 350SB
This guitar is in good playing condition for a 1969 instrument.
The neck appears straight under normal string tension, with no visible twist. The bridge is secure with no lifting that I can see.
One point to note:
Low saddle — approximately 1–2mm remaining
The guitar is currently set up well and plays comfortably at approximately 2.25mm treble / 3.00mm bass at the 12th fret.
However, there is very little saddle height remaining, so lowering the action further would not be a simple adjustment. If you require substantially lower action, I recommend consulting a luthier before purchase.
The tuners have been replaced with individual tuners. They are not original to the guitar, but they function properly.
Surface wear, finish marks, small dings, and fret wear consistent with approximately 55 years of use are visible in the photos. Please review all photographs carefully.
As a playing instrument, it is fully functional and comfortable to play in its current setup.
I am describing this guitar as a player, not as a professional luthier. I can tell you how it plays and how it sounds, but if structural condition is a deciding factor for you, I recommend having a qualified luthier evaluate the instrument.
We don't hide wear. We document it.
Due to eBay listing limits, only part of our current inventory may be visible at any one time.
We handle a range of Japanese vintage classical and flamenco guitars. If you are looking for something specific, please feel free to contact us through eBay's messaging system.
Availability and future listings cannot be guaranteed.
Free worldwide tracked shipping via FedEx / DHL / EMS.
Import duties, taxes, and customs charges are not included in the item price and are the buyer's responsibility. These charges vary depending on the destination and are normally collected by the carrier or customs authority.
Please note that eBay may automatically display a message stating that “Import fees are included.” This is an eBay-generated message and may not reflect the import terms stated in this listing.
Please check the import regulations and possible charges in your country before purchasing.
We declare the full and accurate value of every shipment. We cannot mark items as gifts or declare a value lower than the actual purchase price.
We are Tokyo-based professional nagashi musicians—strolling performers who visit restaurants and bars and play songs requested by customers across many genres.
We personally play every guitar before listing it.
We choose instruments based not only on appearance, but also on tone, response, condition, and real-world playability.
Pari Nakayama / TOKYO NAGASHI GARAGE
Licensed Antique Dealer in Japan
東京都公安委員会 第303252616659号
For inquiries, please use eBay's messaging system.
お問い合わせはeBayのメッセージ機能をご利用ください。