Kurosawa and Terada

[Sigmania]

I keep coming across really high spec guitars that seem to have been made by Terada for Kurosawa in the 1990s?

So far examples that I believe fit this combination of Kurosawa commissioning Terada to build guitars are:

Stafford
SIGMA acoustics
Shenadoah acoustics

Gathering examples below.

 

[Sigmania]

Stafford 355 335 Kurosawa Terada Tobacco Burst like Gibson ES-355 semi-hollow | Reverb

Veery nice and rare example of Stafford 355 style. Quality of those is second to none!

Made in Terada factory in circa 2000.

Mahogany block, flame maple top, back and sides. Mahogany quartersawn neck, fretboard is probably ebony but could be very dark brazilian rosewood (Stafford has used braz even on some lower models than this) with fret edge binding.

Nitro finish.
Rather big neck.
3.7 kg.

Excellent condition overall, all stock except pickguard - there is a second hole for mounting screw.
At the moment 2 pots are off and you regulate vol/tone with just 2.
Superb Doblen hardcase included.

 

[Sigmania]

Stafford/Tokai LS-450/Gibson R0 Les Paul Japan | Reverb

 

[Sigmania]

Sigma by Martin OOO-28V OM Acoustic Guitar Non-Export Japan Paper Gold Label Terada Factory w/ OHSC​

Sigma by Martin OOO-28V OM Acoustic Guitar Non-Export Japan Paper Gold Label Terada Factory w/ OHSC | Reverb


Here we have a Rare and Beautiful Sigma by Martin OOO-28v acoustic guitar ca. late 1980s/early 1990s. This non-export model is a fine specimen and outstanding example of Japanese craftsmanship as authorized by Martin and likely produced by the Terada Factory. Gorgeous tone for finger-style and strumming alike, this versatile guitar is optimal for delicate and dynamic playing modes.

 

[Sigmania]

Shenandoah MH00028 Natural [SN M024063] [06/13] | Reverb Brazil

Shenandoah MH00028 is now in stock!

It is believed to be a model made by Terada Gakki after 1994, when a certain music store obtained a license from Martin. Veneer spruce top, rosewood SIDE/BACK body. Mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard, and a black honey bridge are the wood materials used. Scalloped X bracing (there is a shaving on the large brace under the bridge rather than the whole body), long saddle, approximately 42mm nut width, V-shape neck, and medium scale.


The body is generally dotted with scratches and dings. There is also a slight chip on the tip of the head, but it is not visible from the front, where it tends to be seen. The frets have a few string marks in the low position, but there are currently no playing problems, and about 80% of the frets remain. The remaining bridge saddle is about 2mm on the 6th string side and about 2.5mm on the 1st string side, as seen from the bridge stand.


Neck condition: No major problems as of now.
There is enough room in the truss rod.
About 80% of frets left (a few string marks)
Country of origin Japan
String height on 12F 6th string: approx. 2.5mm, 1st string: approx. 2.0mm
CaseNon-genuine hard case (size differs from the body)
Attachment
Item rank: B
Serial number:M024063

 

[Sigmania]

Looks like member Homeras may have some thoughts about the Staffords....

FS: Stafford 355 335 Kurosawa Terada Tobacco Burst like Gibson ES-355 (or better ;)?

 

[Sigmania]

Stafford Rare Bird Sunburst Flame Top Electric Guitar w/HSC | Reverb

Stafford Rare Bird In Sunburst
This Guitar Is Located At Imperial Vintage Guitars San Diego
In Good Condition Overall (Please See All Photos)
Original Finish Shows Nicks, Scratches, And Dings From Playwear
Original Pickups And Electronics
Appears Different Tuning Machines May Have Been Installed At Some Point - Extra Holes Are Present
Frets Are In Very Good Condition
24.75" Scale - 12" Fingerboard Radius
Weighs In At 8 Pounds 5 Ounces
Nut Width: 1.69"
Neck Depth: .83" At The 1st Fret - .92 At The 12th Fret
Comes With The Hardshell Case Shown In The Photos

 

[Sigmania]

Possibly Terada built?

Stafford SMC-1350 "Made in Japan" | eBay

Stafford SMC-1350 "Made in Japan"​

About
Adopted a 2434 inch scale with a body size of about 1614 inches.
The body top is spruce and the back and sides are maple.
Flame maple is used for the body side back, and rosewood is used for the pickguard, bridge, and tailpiece.
It has a simple configuration with a floating PU on the front only, but it is an easy-to-use and cost-effective one.
The sound output from the amplifier is also crisp, warm and clear.

Although there are small scratch marks due to the performance of the age, there is no major damage, and there are no cracks or cracks on the body.
About 90% of the frets remain, and the neck has no warping or twisting.
I have confirmed that the truss rod can also move in both directions.
It is in good condition with no electric connection or knob gully.
The case comes with a gig bag.
All parts appear to be original. Missing label in F hole.
Year of manufacture 1990s
Optional items Hollow Semi-hollow
pickup passive
Pickup configuration 1H
Body weight 2.70kg
No tremolo
fingerboard ebony
neck joint set neck
neck material mahogany
Includings soft case

 

[Sigmania]

Listed by Homeras.

Stafford FGC-2000 similar to ES-175 nitro braz RARE! | Reverb

 

[Sigmania]

Stafford Selected Series 1995

A unique structure in which the center block and spruce top are machined integrally. The thick traditional tone is compatible with jazz and fusion.

Stafford Selected Series,
FGC 2000:¥200,000 with Hard Case

FGC's basic sound makeup is mainly compatible with jazz and fusion. Solid spruce top, maple sides and back body construction. The body structure differs from normal semi-acoustics in that the center block is carved out as part of the spruce top, and is not glued to the bodypack, making the body completely hollow. Unlike regular semi-acoustics, the inside of the body is not divided into left and right sides by a block. Think of the center block as a thick, large pressing that runs vertically across the top of the body (T-Top structure). Since it is machined in one piece, it requires an extremely thick top material, which is technically very difficult. The newly constructed body is mounted with Stafford New Yorker Original PU, and the natural and thick traditional tone will captivate guitar players. However, it has excellent chord cutting ability, and is highly regarded as a professional guitar. In addition, the fingerboard uses Jacaranda, which is difficult to obtain due to the enforcement of the Washington Convention, and is inlaid with pearl block position marks. A perfect match with a mahogany one-piece neck! The headstock has an elegant pearl type mount, further increasing the value of this guitar. The body and fingerboard are made with iporoid type binding, and the entire guitar is finished with lacquer!! It is coated at least 25 times, and the number of coats is taken into consideration depending on the material characteristics of each guitar and how well the lacquer penetrates. Masu.

Stafford FGC-2000 similar to ES-175 nitro braz RARE! | Reverb

 

[Sigmania]

Terada Guitars

 

[Sigmania]

Two more Staffords owned by Homeras.

Homer's Boutique | Reverb

 

[Sigmania]

Another of Homers' beautiful Staffords.

FES 2000

Stafford FES-2000 similar to ES-355 ES-339 nitro braz RARE! | Reverb

 

[Sigmania]

From Homeras' Reverb listing linked above.

StaffordSelectedSeries1995


Unique V-top structure with a hollow space between the bodypack and center block. FES 2000 brought yet another innovation to semi-acoustic. This sound makeup is compatible with rock & blues.​

Stafford Selected Series
FES 2000 Sunburst
¥200,000 with Hard Case


The Stafford FES 2000 is basically designed for rock and blues. Its main feature is the V-top structure, which is made of machined tiger maple veneer, which is now a rare material, on top, and mahogany wood glued together like a violin pack. The matching of maple wood, which is rich in attack and sustain, and mahogany wood, which has rich mid-low tones, covers a wide range of sounds from orthodox to avant-garde, and is only possible with handcrafted construction because the arched top and strength wood arches are aligned and achieve precision. In addition, there is a hollow space between the strength wood and the body back, an innovative structure that gives the FES 2000 an outstanding sound and the body of a rhinoceros.

The FES 2000 is also a little smaller than a regular double cutaway semi-acoustic, giving you even more freedom of action on the live stage! Lightweight, compact size, and the playability of the double cutaway, along with its structure and sound, is unique to the FES 2000. These combine with the power of the original humbucker to create the FES sound, made with the fantastic material Jacaranda fingerboard, mahogany one-piece neck. Stock inlays and custom parts further enhance the value of the FES 2000. The whole body is made of over 20 coats of lacquer. It is a masterpiece of finish craftsmanship.

For Rock & Blues Stafford FES-2000 NEW

 

[Sigmania]

Stafford FES-1200 semi-aco PLEKed with hard case used