Yamaha - Dynamic Guitar No. 40 - - Chitarra acustica - Giappone - 1960

Wonderful Yamaha Dynamic Guitar No. 40 Nippon Gakki acoustic guitar, Made in Japan in the early '60s (approximately 1960).

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

Dynamic Guitars were created in the '50s by Yamaha and were designed to be used both with steel strings and nylon strings. Here is some info from a '60s Yamaha catalogue:

"DYNAMIC GUITAR
Features of the Yamaha Dynamic Guitar:
1. Excellent volume and sustain, making it ideal for solo performances.
2. Even tone; powerful bass and consistently good tone throughout.
3. Mellow, beautiful, and clear tone, allowing each part to be clearly heard, making it wonderfully appealing for ensemble playing.
4. Chords blend well, producing a beautiful effect in accompaniment.
5. Directional sound projection ensures the sound carries well even on stage.
6. Produces harmonic and other special tones.
7. Made with carefully selected materials and boasting an elegant finish that brings joy to the owner.
8. Can be used with steel, nylon, or gut strings."

Here's a look at Yamaha's Dynamic Guitar line in the mid-'60s:
No. 10 / 10A / 10B
No. 20
No. 40 (this model!)
No. 80

Therefore, the No. 40 was a upper-mid model at the time. Considering how well these instruments were made in Japan and the quality of the wood used, this guitar easily compares to a high-level instrument today.

It has a mellow, warm, nostalgic, balanced sound. It currently has 0.10 silk&steel strings. There is a little room to lower the saddle, even though I wouldn't suggest it as the guitar sounds nice with the current string height. But this will be up to each player's preference.

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

This guitar is more than 60 years old, so adjust your expectations accordingly:
- it may have scratches, blemishes, cracks and imperfections
- the internal structure may have issues like detachments
- there may be rust on the tuning machines
- it will feel different compared to a new instrument
- it has not been professionally setup, so adjustments may be needed 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.