How much is this guitar worth?

[The Man]

I was up in the attic getting out some old furniture for a yard sale, when I found this guitar that my dad said he didn't own... So I took it :D It's a Masaki Sakurai or whatever.. Never heard of it... How much can I sell it for? :D

Also on the sticker inside it, it says "1981, No. 20"

How much is it worth?

P.S. It's also in IMMACULATE Condition

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/9136/dsc01097k.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/3848/dsc01098oe.jpg
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/8004/dsc01099kb.jpg
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/4507/dsc01100n.jpg

[Tablo]

Based on a half-assed google search I think you could sell it for 1k-3k USD.

[The Man]

I searched google, and nothing came up but..


1-3K?!?!

[#FF0000]

These guitars are discontinued as of 1998 so, yeah, you might get a good buck off of it. Keep it in it's case. Maybe get it appraised somewhere.

[Political_Chucky]

pshh just keep it. Or let me touch it and it'll be worth more.

Nice Camera btw.

[KC]

You'd be a fool to let go of it now. In 50 years it'll be worth thousands more. Keep it, store it properly, and you'll be much better off.

[#FF0000]

You'd be a fool to let go of it now. In 50 years it'll be worth thousands more. Keep it, store it properly, and you'll be much better off.

This. Keep it in a clean, room temperature place that isn't too humid.

[Martin Blank]

You should take it to someone to check out the condition of the guitar, to make sure it didn't get warped or anything because of being in that attic for so long. Otherwise, you should keep it in the case, somewhere that it won't be subject to temperature or humidity extremes. Put a little post-it note on the outside of the case that says "401(k)" and leave it alone until you're ready to retire. It may not be worth millions, but if it's truly in immaculate condition, it can be worth thousands.

[Martin Blank]

P.S.: I saved the photos and will show them to someone I know who is familiar with the Sakurai brand of guitars.

[Political_Chucky]

mmmm I like your avatar Uncle Sam

[¿Que?]

It's really hard to say without actually being able to play it, but I'd say from the pictures, quite a bit. At the very least a few hundred dollars, but maybe more. Also, I don't know anything about that brand, so it's worth finding out more about that company. Did they mass produce a million like that, or was it a one of a kind hand made thing. Obviously, I don't have to tell you that one would fetch in more cash than the other. Take it in somewhere and have someone look at it IRL before you decide to do anything (that is if you're planning on selling it).

[Political_Chucky]

Heres some interesting information. This seems to be the main website for the passed away Sakurai.

http://www.kohno-guitar.org/profile/index_e.html
http://www.kohno-guitar.org/faq/index_e.html

&

http://www.dreamguitars.com/builders/Sakurai-Guitars.php
Masaki Sakurai Biography

Masaru Kohno (1926-1998) is not only the most important luthier to emerge from Japan, but also one of the best worldwide. He was born in Mito City, Japan, and in 1948 he graduated from the Tokyo College of Arts and Crafts with a degree in woodcraft. It was during this time that he became interested in guitar construction, and in 1960 he traveled to Spain to learn the craft.

Kohno apprenticed for six months at the workshop of Arcángel Fernández, and although neither could speak a word of the other's language, they managed to communicate. Kohno's apprenticeship consisted mostly of sitting in the back of the shop and quietly--but attentively--observing the master Fernández at work.

Kohno's quiet learning paid off. Upon his return to Tokyo he established his own workshop and quickly gained recognition among Japanese guitarists. His international debut came in 1967, when he was awarded the Gold Medal at the Elizabeth's Concourse International Guitar Building Competition in Belgium. On the judge’s panel were, among others, Ignacio Fleta, Robert Bouchet, Joaquín Rodrigo, and Alirio Díaz.

Since then, many players of world renown have used Kohno guitars; among them are Julian Bream, Oscar Gighlia, and Sharon Isbin, to name a few.

Mr. Kohno passed away in 1998, and the workshop was taken over by his nephew, Masaki Sakurai. Among many other accomplishments, in 1988 Mr. Sakurai won awarded a First Prize at the IVth International Guitar-Making Competition in Paris, France. The guitars built since he took over have maintained the high levels of quality, precision craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail and beauty of tone that have made Kohno guitars world renowned.

Looks like a guitar thats pretty high in demand with guitar enthusiasts

[Luisrah]

Heres some interesting information. This seems to be the main website for the passed away Sakurai.

http://www.kohno-guitar.org/profile/index_e.html
http://www.kohno-guitar.org/faq/index_e.html

&

http://www.dreamguitars.com/builders/Sakurai-Guitars.php

Looks like a guitar thats pretty high in demand with guitar enthusiasts

The names in that article are widely known. Alirio Diaz for example. Julian Bream is one of the best classical guitar players in the world.

[The Man]

P.S.: I saved the photos and will show them to someone I know who is familiar with the Sakurai brand of guitars.

Thank you very much, sir!

[Fawkes]

Keep it and play it

[Fulanito de Tal]

That looks like your standard Russian steel string guitar made from royal palm tree wood.

[Luisrah]

Have you checked if the arm is crooked?

That would seriously impact the value of the guitar.