Kawai - E40 - - Acoustic guitar - Japan - 1955

Extra rare Kawai E40 Acoustic Guitar - made in Japan in the mid-'50s (1955 is an estimate).

This guitar was one of the earliest guitars produced by Kawai, probably in the 1st year of their guitar production, with a serial number of 000796. In fact, the label design is the earliest I have seen on a Kawai guitar. Kawai from the '60s have different labels. I have contacted Kawai for info about a guitar with the same label as this one, and they replied that these guitars were produced during the earlier period of their guitar manufacturing history, therefore mid-to-late '50s.

Check the video I recorded playing the guitar: https://youtu.be/pbOevAl8xic

The guitar has an old-school sound and is comfortably playable. It has 0.09 steel strings but it could also be used with nylon strings as these guitars were probably somewhere in-between an acoustic and a classical guitar.

Please check the photos and the videos carefully, they are the best way to understand the guitar's condition & sound.

This guitar is probably around 70 years old, so adjust your expectations accordingly. It has scratches, blemishes and imperfections. It will feel different compared to a new instrument. It is playable but surely there are things that can be done to improve its playability depending on the player's preferences. I'd suggest it to people who have some experience with vintage guitars and are willing to make adjustments down the line, or who can embrace the imperfections in exchange for a special sound and vibe.