Seizo Shinano was a very skilled Master Luthier and founded Shinano Guitar Factory in the mid-1960s. He has earned my deepest respect for his guitars. The (GS) Grand Shinano and SC series were very high-grade guitars. Models made by this factory in the 1960s were introductory (models 13 to 43) intermediate (53 to 63) and high end (73 through 93). Models like Shinano 73 (all solid woods Spruce. Indian Rosewood), Shinano 83 (solid Spruce top, solid Brazilian Rosewood Back) and Shinano 93 (all solid woods with Spruce/BR) are greatly respected by Japanese players and considered as concert guitars. By the late1960s/the early 1970s the labelling system of Shinano guitars changed to SC and GS models.
The original price of this guitar was 20,000 yen back in the mid-1970s when the average income was 118,000 per year (about 9 weeks wage). This gives you an idea of the value of the guitar.
It's a wonderful guitar, worthy of the "Concert" title. It gives a warm and brilliant sound so rich compared to many guitars in my collection.
I have enhanced this guitar by fine-tuning the braces and making it more resonant and responsive.
The guitar is in amazing condition despite its age.
The clear coat is also showing signs of aging. There's a yellow patch along the yellow join line at the back. Please see the photos.
Specs:
Top: Spruce
Sides and back: Rosewood
Neck: Mahogany with rosewood reinforcement
Fretboard: Ebonised Rosewood
Scale:650mm
Nut width: 52mm
Action: 3.0mm on E1 and 3.5mm on E6 at 12th fret.
You may also be interested in the Shinano SC-25 and Shinano SC-30. Please see the listings.