Such a lovely voice! This 2017 Sakurai PC (Paris Competion) model is already amazing and it’s practically brand new. CSA Rosewood and Spruce with Sakurai’s cashew finish make for a resonant package that responds beautifully to a range of attacks and styles. Everything about this guitar speaks of smooth, efficient operation, from the tuners and the neck feel to the excellent string-to-string and note-to-note balance.

The bass is characterized by a clean, transparent response and is mated to an equally clear upper register. With enough sustain to make you look around for the hidden speaker that’s playing on repeat, and a glass-smooth setup, this 2017 Sakurai PC is a delight to play each time you pick it up. This model is based on Sakurai’s winning entry to the 1988 Paris International Guitar Luthiers Competition, and hasn’t changed much since then–evidence that Sakurai has perfected his craft in spectacular fashion.

Masaki Sakurai has been at the forefront of Japanese lutherie for many decades, claiming many accolades not the least of which was winning first prize at the 4th International Guitar Making Contest in Paris. So powerful was the guitar he built for that contest, he decided to add it to his lineup of models: the PC was born. South American Rosewood for the back and sides is paired with a Spruce top and finished with Cashew Oil–the woods shine, remain quite resonant, and are solidly protected. The 650mm scale and 52mm nut make for glassy playability, and the overall lightweight build (3lb 12oz) guarantees that you can play this 2015 Sakurai PC for hours without tiring. The voice is just as smooth, with trebles that are big and focused but don’t dominate (so those sweet, warm lower and middle registers can flesh out the tone). This guitar plays and sings like a much older instrument, but is really only a few years old! If you’re at all familiar with Sakurai’s work, you know just how lovely is the experience of playing this fine instrument.