Horabe Guitar Asturias shop Vintage Steel String RARE Ultra Model ONE-OF-A-KIND?

Description: For your consideration is a piece from my personal collection: An M. Harabe "Ultra" steel string acoustic guitar. Harabe guitars where an import brand coming from Japan (specifically the famous Asutias workshop) from the late-1970's all the way until the 1990's. While this does have the internal label still, it does not indicate any year of production, though internet sluething suggests this was an early-mid 1980's guitar. As you can see in the pictures, there are significant cracks on the top of this guitar. Most do not penetrate through the entire top, however the one running from under the bridge to the bottom of the guitar likely does go through. Given the geometry of the top of this guitar, I have not attempted to remedy these cracks. I've had the guitar for years and they have not progressed at all. I confidently call them "stable". There are no buzzes coming from them, or the bracing. Structurally the guitar is quite strong. There are superficial surface cracks in the finish at the neck, made more apparent by some sort of wax that's dried at the crack. Could be removed but I wanted to keep it for now as it makes photographing the cracks easier. As far as I can tell, this is either a prototype or an EXTREMELY low production model. That would explain the lack of a serial number on it. I can not find another steel string Harabe out there, period. The closest was a prototype that had the same distinctive top as this one, but had a classical neck, headstock, and tuners. I acquired it from an older businessman who had a studio years ago in Memphis and recalls he took it in for a trade for studio time, but does not recall from whom or any other backstory behind this unique gem. Horabe made very reputable guitars, from their lower-end "25" all the way up to the "50" models that are very well respected (and bargains). This has the fit and finish of a handmade professional guitar. Toshihiko Hogawa had personally built more than a few of the Horabe guitars, and given the low-production (maybe the only one?) in addition to the exceptional finesse on this build it would not be surprising if he had his hands on it. If he didn't, whoever did was a truly fantastic lutheir. Sound is not surprisingly similar to that of Ovation Elites, or at least, that's the closest I could come to describing it. Definitely a fuller tone that an Ovation due to this being a full-bellied guitar, but with the dispersed soundhole it not only gets a unique sound from that but also allows for lighter bracing (liklely ending up in the form of the top surface cracks here). Surprisingly manages to obtain clear/resonant highs as well as crisp but heavy low-end. The neck honestly feels more like an electric than an acoustic. Good low action as shown in the measurement photo at the 12th fret, and the neck is straight (well, proper amount of TINY relief as it should have). Frets have some wear in the first position but still plenty of life left. Intonation is excellent, frets were clearly dressed by a pro when it was made, etc. Just a really, REALLY high quality piece that has a distinctive tone and plays nicer than guitars multiple times its current price. Given that the high-end Horabe's went for around $1,000 USD ~30 years ago, this likely would have been more if it were ever offered to the public. Includes a chipboard case that may or may not be original to the guitar. It's period-correct and fits it decently for such an odd guitar. It's not pretty but it does the job. I'm offering this as well as a few other guitars up for sale as life unfortunately has other priorities. This is the rarest one I own and I know I will not be able to rebuy this in the future, but such is life. Despite its cracks on the top, likely caused by the unconvetional bracing that produces its distinctive tones, it should be in a museum somewhere. But also out being gigged, I suppose. Please see photos for condition and feel free to ask for any more. The finish is very thick and hard, and produces a lot of reflection that makes it difficult to show how beautiful the grain on this really is. FREE shipping to the USA. PLEASE INQUIRE about international shipping. I've shipped guitars interationally before and am happy to do it, but it will require tracking, insurance, and signature confirmation.

Price: 1400 USD

Location: Chester, Massachusetts

End Time: 2024-02-01T20:30:30.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD