JAS
2005-03-10 16:04:16 UTC
I just got a 1981 M.Kohno No.30 guitar and thought someone might be
interested in my experience with it.
Summary: I have a great guitar built by a Master Builder.
To get the details, read on.
First glance: Beautifully built, spruce top Brazilian back and sides. A
really solid guitar, heavy woods everywhere.
First sound: Strong, powerful and very resonant. This is a fine stage
instrument.
First reaction to feel: The action was a little high for me, although lower
than usual for classics. I haven't played a classical for a long time, but I
used to play a few gigs years back.
Comparison:
I owned a Fleta as well as a couple of other guitars, and I'm familiar with
the H. Houser.
The Kohno sound is in the realm of the Houser, rather than the Fleta.
Calling upon my memory, the Fleta had a beautiful warm medium voice.
By contrast, the Kohno has a very pure sound, that is, a little less flavor
but more balance between bass and trebles. Still, a beautiful, strong sound.
I installed a lower bridge saddle, and the guitar is much easier to play for
me. Although I expected the power to disappear somewhat, I haven't noticed
that happen.
The neck/scale:
The neck itself is slightly thicker than the Fleta, and has two thick pieces
of ebony reinforcement. I really appreciate the idea that the neck probably
will not warp.
The scale is about 660 mm. I think that the longer string length helps give
the guitar such a powerful sound, but makes left hand playing a bit harder
for the stretches.
I have to add: The Kohno sound reminds me of many Andres Segovia recordings
that I listened to over and over (fact, or fiction, you be the judge).
I consider this guitar a real find.
BTW
I purchased the Kohno from the friendly folks at Gruhn guitars.
Cheers,
JAS
interested in my experience with it.
Summary: I have a great guitar built by a Master Builder.
To get the details, read on.
First glance: Beautifully built, spruce top Brazilian back and sides. A
really solid guitar, heavy woods everywhere.
First sound: Strong, powerful and very resonant. This is a fine stage
instrument.
First reaction to feel: The action was a little high for me, although lower
than usual for classics. I haven't played a classical for a long time, but I
used to play a few gigs years back.
Comparison:
I owned a Fleta as well as a couple of other guitars, and I'm familiar with
the H. Houser.
The Kohno sound is in the realm of the Houser, rather than the Fleta.
Calling upon my memory, the Fleta had a beautiful warm medium voice.
By contrast, the Kohno has a very pure sound, that is, a little less flavor
but more balance between bass and trebles. Still, a beautiful, strong sound.
I installed a lower bridge saddle, and the guitar is much easier to play for
me. Although I expected the power to disappear somewhat, I haven't noticed
that happen.
The neck/scale:
The neck itself is slightly thicker than the Fleta, and has two thick pieces
of ebony reinforcement. I really appreciate the idea that the neck probably
will not warp.
The scale is about 660 mm. I think that the longer string length helps give
the guitar such a powerful sound, but makes left hand playing a bit harder
for the stretches.
I have to add: The Kohno sound reminds me of many Andres Segovia recordings
that I listened to over and over (fact, or fiction, you be the judge).
I consider this guitar a real find.
BTW
I purchased the Kohno from the friendly folks at Gruhn guitars.
Cheers,
JAS