New Ance - - Chitarra classica - Giappone - 1950

Incredible New Ance guitar with a unique design and finish! Made in Japan in the mid-to-late '50s. This is most likely a survivor from the times, a unique piece, as I wasn't able to find another guitar exactly like this one searching online. Also, the exact model number has faded away from the soundhole label, making this guitar even more of a mystery.

New Ance was one of the earliest guitar manufacturers in Japan and started producing guitars in 1953. In 1958, they changed the brand name to Yasuma (from the luthier who founded the company, Kimihiko Yasuma). Therefore, since this guitar's brand is New Ance, I estimate it was produced between 1953 and 1958, before the company changed its name to Yasuma.

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

The guitar is comfortably playable with a warm old-school sound and it looks amazing with its mother-of-pearl inlays. These were mostly used in high-end guitars at the time in Japan, so I assume this wasn't a cheap guitar. There is some buzzing especially in the first few frets when playing the lower strings, I tried to highlight this as much as possible in the video above, playing a lot in the first frets. Please have a listen and judge for yourself. Personally I find it acceptable and in line with the old-school sound and look of the guitar, it sounds authentic.

I am including a vintage case as an extra layer for shipping the guitar safely. The case is old and worn, please consider it a gift to further protect the guitar while shipping. Please check the photos and the video carefully, they are the best way to understand the guitar's condition.

This guitar is probably more than 60 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 it hasn't been professionally setup, so there are things that can be done to improve its playability. 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.