1968 Mitsuru Tamura Class 400 Flamenco Guitar 660mm Japan Vintage | Demo Video
🟥 About the Maker / Model
Mitsuru Tamura was a guitar maker based in Kochi, Japan, and the brother of Hiroshi Tamura. He became particularly known for his flamenco guitars and maintained an individual approach to handcrafting instruments.
This guitar bears the Mitsuru Tamura label, the Class 400 designation, a handwritten signature, and the year 1968. It is a well-used example of his 1960s flamenco work, with considerable cosmetic wear and the condition issues described below.
🟥 Sound & Feel
This 660 mm flamenco guitar has a surprisingly comfortable string feel in its current setup. To my hands, the longer scale does not feel excessively stiff.
Its voice is full and beautiful, with a spacious quality. The bass has satisfying substance, and the treble carries the distinctive Mitsuru Tamura character that I appreciate. There is also plenty of volume.
The current action feels comfortable to me. With approximately 2.5–4.5 mm of saddle exposed above the bridge, there appears to be some room for further lowering, subject to checking string clearance and the resulting setup.
Despite its worn appearance, I find it rewarding to play. The lifted fret ends described below have not caused a problem during my playing checks, although having them attended to is an option for the next owner.
These are my personal impressions as a player. Please listen to the demonstration video to judge this particular guitar’s sound and response.
🟥 Specs
• Maker: Mitsuru Tamura
• Year: 1968
• Model: Class 400 Flamenco
• Country: Japan
• Scale length: approximately 660 mm
• Nut width: approximately 51 mm
• String action at the 12th fret: approximately 2.0 mm treble / 3.0 mm bass
• Saddle height above the bridge: approximately 2.5–4.5 mm
• Neck: straight on inspection
• Tonewoods and solid/laminated construction: not independently confirmed
Measurements are approximate and reflect the current setup.
🟥 Condition
Used vintage instrument with extensive signs of use.
There are numerous scratches, dents, finish chips, and areas of wear across the instrument. Please examine the photographs closely; this guitar has a visibly worn appearance.
Two cracks are present in the side/back areas shown in the close-up photographs. During my inspection, they did not appear to extend through the full thickness of the wood. They are disclosed as cracks, and their locations and appearance should be reviewed carefully before purchase.
Some fret ends are lifting from the fingerboard at the edges, as shown in the photographs. I have not encountered a playing problem from this during my checks, but the issue remains present. A repair technician can assess whether reseating or other fret work is appropriate.
The neck appears straight, and the current action is approximately 2.0–3.0 mm at the 12th fret.
Please consider this guitar on the basis of its present condition, measurements, photographs, and demonstration video.
🟥 Before Purchasing / Returns
Please review the complete description, measurements, photographs, and demonstration video before purchasing. If you have particular concerns or would like additional checks or photographs, please contact me through eBay Messages.
I do not accept returns for a change of mind or personal preferences regarding tone, feel, appearance, or the disclosed condition and setup.
If the guitar arrives damaged or materially differs from the description, please contact me through eBay. Such issues will be handled in accordance with applicable eBay policies and applicable law. This statement does not limit protection available under the eBay Money Back Guarantee.
🟥 A Note from the Shop
The appeal of this guitar is its musical character.
It has clearly seen considerable use, but the full bass, distinctive treble, volume, and comfortable playing feel make it an engaging instrument to play. Please weigh those qualities alongside the disclosed cracks, fret-end lifting, and cosmetic wear.
The demonstration video is an important part of this listing.
🟥 Shipping & Import Fees
International shipping is included in the listing price for eligible destinations. The guitar will be carefully packed and shipped from Japan via FedEx with tracking.
Please check the listing’s shipping section for destination availability. Delivery times may vary because of customs clearance and local conditions.
Import duties, taxes, and customs clearance charges are the buyer’s responsibility. They are not included in the guitar price unless expressly shown as included in the listing or at checkout. If charges are collected in advance, please refer to the checkout breakdown.
The full, accurate transaction value will be declared. I cannot declare a lower value or mark the shipment as a gift.
If the package arrives damaged, please retain all packaging, photograph the package and guitar, and contact me through eBay promptly.
🟥 About TOKYO NAGASHI GARAGE
I’m Pari Nakayama, a Tokyo-based singer and guitarist working as a nagashi performer.
My aim is to share the musical qualities of overlooked vintage Japanese classical and flamenco guitars with players around the world.
I personally play, check, and carry out basic maintenance on each guitar before listing it, arranging professional repairs when needed. Known issues and repairs are disclosed.
I am a player, not a repair technician, and TNG is not a specialist guitar shop. My main work is accompanying songs. My comments reflect that perspective, and I cannot guarantee suitability for every classical or flamenco player’s specific needs.
Please ask if there are particular checks you would like me to make. I will help as much as I can.
Licensed Secondhand Dealer
Tokyo Metropolitan Public Safety Commission
Permit No. 303252616659
Seller: Pari Nakayama
TOKYO NAGASHI GARAGE — Tokyo, Japan
Please contact me through eBay Messages.