Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Nagoya Suzuki label















Their guitars have printed on the label 'est. 1887' but that date has to do with the the original Masakichi-led company and it's production of violins. The production of guitars by the original SuzukI factory seems to have started,in the early 1900's.

One reference says...
"Masakichi Suzuki was Japan's first violin producer. His father was a samurai moonlighter and made shamisens in Nagoya. Masakichi succeeded his father's craft business that soon failed. In the push for westernization in Meiji, he naturally became interested in shamisen's western counterpart: the violin. In the 1880s, he started to manually produce and sell violins. He founded the Suzuki Violin Factory in 1900. By 1910, his factory was producing 65,800 violins per year. Nagoya became the manufacturing center of string musical instruments...

Masakichi's original company was eventually split into two: Kiso Suzuki and Nagoya Suzuki. They were one company before the 2nd World War. But after the war they were split up into the Suzuki Violin Company (now Kiso Suzuki Violin Company) and Suzuki Violin Manufacturing Company (now Nagoya Suzuki Violin Company). And there the relationship ended. The two companies were headed by sons of Masakichi Suzuki.

Both companies made guitars that commonly have a laminated back or sides, many times the top also is laminated, but the sound, playability, and volume are what makes them so popular. Both Suzukis used a very high grade of laminate and the construction usually shows a high degree of craftmanship. To some players, the neck shape of their guitars is one reason they seem so playable.
Nagoya Suzuki made violins and mandolins, and is still in business making violins, but no guitars. They stopped making them around 1989.

Nagoya Suzuki had a 'Three S' brand of guitar that seems to be consistently very highly valued by everyone that owns one. They also produced an Insignia series of guitars in the 80's that had solid woods used in the manufacture and had more of an electric guitar-type of neck - thinner than a typical acoustic guitar.

There are thousands of players worldwide who would like to know more about their Suzuki guitar. It's a common story that when someone has G.A.S (Guitar Acquisition Syndrome) and needs to let a guitar or two go, the Suzuki is the one that stays behind and can't be replaced. Probably the skill acquired from violin-making and the other instruments played a large role in the good craftsmanship, according to one web source cited previously. It makes sense. Good wood, or good laminate, and good craftsmen, make a good guitar.

If you own a Nagoya Suzuki guitar- congratulations on what you probably already know - that you own a well-crafted and good sounding instrument. One that is still undervalued in the opinion of many players (in other words - a good buy). Maybe you'll hang on to it and see that there is something special about many of their instruments. In any case, as Tetsu said..."Have a nice life with Suzuki guitar."

Also, if you would like to contribute to the establishment of a knowledgebase about Suzuki Guitars: Please:
:send in your pictures;
:please buy a T-shirt;
:please buy an original piece of artwork based on the Suzuki legacy...:).
Here.... really!........we want to keep the whole principle of an unrecognized humble manufacturer of quality guitars alive for future generations of: players and luthiers!!!!!

148 comments:

Mark Myers said...

suzuki nagoya was responsible for the training of legendary master guitar luthier Sada Yairi.
He went on to make some of the best guitars ever made, in the tradition of CF Martin.
Some say they play and sound better than a martin.
He left the suzuki Company in 1929 to go it alone.
He may have been involved in the production of the earlier Suzuki guitars. Sada Yairi guitars were also made in Nagoya Japan, until about 1975, when he went bankrupt and was sold out to cheaper more commercial brands such as samick and the current korean S. Yairi brand, and the still japanese Yairi Gakki company. It was unfortunate to see the commercialisation of such a meticulous craftsman as Sada Yairi.

tomas said...

I bought a suzuki classical guitar in 1981, and it's probably one the finest guitars I've ever owned, not just in appearance which was great, but in playability. In those days, I bought it for $180.00, which probably equates to $300 - $400 now, considering $180 was about the average wage in new Zealand in 1981.

When I got together with other guitarists and played with them, my guitar always seemed much louder, it had a great full tone, I could always hear my guitar above everyone else's guitars, so could others. Others certainly enjoyed playing it.

It was a lovely looking guitar, with gold machine heads, well shaped headstock, and it seemed to be made out of darker wood than the average guitar of the time. It also had a thin black line running down the back of the waist, which usually indicated, I believe a well made guitar.

I bought an Ovation classical some years later, and despite the price difference, I would say the Ovation apart from its distinctive looks was no better than the suzuki.

Best

Richard Foreman

Unknown said...

I purchased my Suzuki Violin Company Acoustis Guitar no.700 for $50.00 a few years back from the Ballina Tip shop Australia. The dirt dust and grime was free.
With much care I re did the bridge which was off, fixed two broken internal struts, cleaned and oiled the machine heads carefully, new strings and wow! what a surprise.....a beautiful full clean tone which you just don't want to put down.
There is definately something very special about this instrument.......its extremely light weight but packs a big clean sound in all areas.
It's gorgeous to hear being played by good musicians and they love it...... many muso's often scratch their heads with wonderment at the guitars performance.

Montana Mama said...

My son rec'd a guitar can anyone tell me to find out the history-date on it:
Established 1887
Suzuki Guitar
No. 9
Suzuki Violin Co., LTD
Nagoya Japan

Thanks!
Montana Mama

billeboy said...

After reading the comments on this page I came across a Nagoya Suzuki on Ebay that no one else seemed interested in so got it for £50. I was told it hadn't been played for 35 years and certainly looked it.But even with old, tired strings and a covering of grime it sounded great. I am in the process of of de-gunging the fingerboard and filing 2mm off the saddle to improve the action. With a modicum of TLC it has come back to life and looks superb. Over the years I have played numerous makes of guitar - some ludicrously expensive but none better than this. A remarkable find and a definite keeper.

JJ said...

I have a Suzuki guitar which has the following inside...

Established 1887
Registered (X) Trademark (X=3 S's making a circle)
Suzuki
Guitar
No. 9
Suzuki Violin Co., LTD
Nagoya Japan

Inside at the neck is the serial number. It is 650125. This is almost in mint condition and has been kept in a hard case which is dirty but in great condition as well.

Anyone know the value?

kashianinks said...

Hi
I have a Suzuki Violin Company no.9. Was this guitar meant to be strung on steel or nylon? Anyone could help? Many thanks.

Unknown said...

I just purchased a 2nd hand Nagoya Suzuki W-5025.
As far as dating is concerned:
I think the number on the neck block is the production date.
Mine sais: 770827, which IMHO sais it was produced on august 27, 1977. Same method as my old Hashimoto W350.
I am still working on the guitar ( cleanig, setting up) but on first impression it has quite a good balance, not too heavy bass, good wood working skills ( top is laminated, but very nicely done). I hope to post some more details and pictures soon.

James Cloke said...

kashianinks,
Please use nylon strings.

Alexander B. Krause said...

I own a Suzuki jazz guitar. It was purchased by my father approximately in the mid-sixties. It is labeled Suzuki Violin Co., Ltd. Nagoya and has the number P-15 stamped on the label. Its got a steel reinforced neck and open tuners, guess at least the top is solid. I learned my first chords on it the early seventies and after I started to play more seriously again after a break of twenty and more years I remembered it and picked it up yesterday from my parents attic. It has a lot of dings and dongs, however it was nearly in tune after all the years and with some cleaning of the fretboard and some new strings it should do its job again.

billeboy said...

You lucky boy! I have heard that the really good Suzukis are the jumbo flat tops and that their other products are unremarkable. Hmm...? I have a '72 classical model which I picked up for £50 in almost mint condition and while not the most responsive or sonorous instrument in the world it is one I play almost every day. I also have a '72Japanese Epiphone which is a superb guitar.I would very much like to play a Suzuki jazz guitar though.

n/a said...

Sorry everyone, I think I might have topped you all.
I have just purchased a very nice early '70's (my guess) Nagoya Suzuki (Model No. 700) classical guitar for the princely sum of $17.00 from The Salvation Army.
Some TLC and furniture polish has given new life to a beautiful instrument looking for love and willing to please (Hang on! I'm getting a little bit excited!!!)
Beautiful sound but the action will need some work. Can anyone wise me up as to what the wood on the back is? It's kind of a dirty brown/grey color with rivers and/or ripples through it and it smells like oak. Is it oak?
The top is of course spruce and is as mellow as my Grandmothers demeanor! Well, she's been dead for 30 years!!
I'm very pleased to join the Suziki club as my membership fee has been manna from heaven!
Yeeehaaaaaah!!

mickey said...

I have a Nagoya Suzuki model 7..the numbers stamped on the end of the heel reads 44.11.7 so does that mean it was made on the 7th November 1944 ? anybody know ? thanks , Mickey

mickey said...

On reflection re my previous comment about dating my Suzuki model 7 . If Suzuki didn't start manufacturing guitars 'til the 1950s then mine couldn't have been made in 1944 . So perhaps the number stamped on the block at the end of the heel inside means something else ?? the number on mine is 44.11.7

carl said...

I have a chance to purchase a late 80's? F-180 12 string, but have no idea on the value, anyone? I already own a #7.

Mike Paul said...

I bought a Suzuki F-120 12 string 5-6 years ago from a pawn shop. I love it. It is almost always guaranteed to surprise friends who play it because of its good tone, volume and playability. I paid $150 for it. I keep looking for some more information about it, but rarely run into anyone with a Suzuki 12 string. Anyone know more about Suzuki 12 string guitars?

Unknown said...

l have a p15 in near mint shape . l bought it and a lap top at a flea market for 125 cnd. took it home did some tlc and it sounds wonderfull . first l have had. l play and collect and at one time had over 200 at home , l have had lots to compare with . its like ice raceing more bang for the buck . highly underated

Paul Junior said...

I was working in the D.C. area in the early 70's (Northern Virginia and Ocean City Maryland). I owned and played a 1957 D-28, D12-35, Ovations, etc. I wanted a classical guitar in order to get that authentic PP&M sound. At Washington Music Center in Wheaton, I played Goyas, Gianninis, Martins, and finally a very inexpensive Suzuki C-18. I had $1,000 cash and was prepared to spend it all on a really great guitar. The Martin was $900, but the Suzuki was stronger and more responsive with an impressive sound. For many years it was neglected without strings until recently. Its forty years old, with new strings, and I'm lovin' it:) More volumn, sustain, and resonance than any classical I have ever played...or heard!!!

Unknown said...

I have recently inherited a 1964 No. 7. After poking around on various forums I'm pretty excited to hear that these old Suzuki guitars sound and play better than their market value would indicate.

It also appears that there are a few others out there that have the same guitar.

I'm just getting my feet wet and my callouses formed and really don't have much experience to compare this guitar to others so I'd like to hear what people have to say about the Suzuki No.7

earl said...

hi,i found a suzuki guitar no.6 says,suzuki violin co.ltd,nagoya japan,it has circle of 3 s'es and has a number stamped inside#430601,i would like to know if this is a good guitar or not,i found it in a old house,it has no strings and no bridge or whatever that is called,the part at the bottom where the stings hook onto by the hole,otherwise good shape some scratches,would it be worth restoring?

mantagna3 said...

i have the cream of the crop, suzuki mahagany sides and back ,rosewood fretboard no3054 hardtop and a suzuki soft top no3067 nagoya its much lighter an narrower .lighter wood as i play classical music you have to give it a good twang to waken it. not sure when it was produced <hard top. maybe very early 70s 71 or 72 .get long notes because its on the heavy side .its well matured.soft top will not mature as much. cheaper wood not all guitars made are any good only the demonstration ones count .youtube steelback2 ps see the guitar.

huge said...

Hi... I have just purchased a suzuki classcal guitar No. S-31 made in Nagoya Japan. Anyone have any information about this model?. it sounds beautiful. So loud for such a light guitar.

Mark Harton Myers said...

Its great to hear about all the great suzuki guitars being enjoyed all over the world... unfortunately their is very little info on these babes. I doubt the dollar value of them will ever reflect the musical value of them, because the japanese guitar market is still grossly underated, and as you all can see, we can still pick them up for $50 bucks at the sunday markets. It onlt leaves one course of action... play and enjoy.

billeboy said...

Yep! Been playing mine this morning and thinking about the so called 'Golden Age Of Japanese Guitars' - the seventies. As well as my Suzuki classical I have a '72 Epiphone FT147 and a Grant Les Paul - both superb instruments that cost nowhere near their real worth. It seems I am becoming a collector of Japanese guitars.

Ali Bee said...

just bought a suzuki classical at a jumble sale for £1.00.It has the nagoya label and a number 15105. I'd be grateful if anyone has any info. It needs a good clean and set up and possibly new machine heads, though I will try to salvage them. Looks like the bargain of the year from what people have been saying. I cant wait to get it playable and find out what it sounds like.

raymond said...

hi my name is raymond I bought a suzuki guitar my question is what did i buy has suzuki voilin co ltd no.ad213 number inside neck 780825 nagoya japan also has suzuki three.s and the neck is kind of bowed

Unknown said...

Hey there everyone! Well, I just thought about looking at this guitar, since my father bought it for me a while back. It's a Suzuki No. 12. From what I hear, all these guitars are great, and I just so happen to be looking for a new acoustic. If anyone can help me out finding out any information on this it would be helpful. Jordonsandner@gmail.com Thanks!

KoriDee said...

i also have recently acquired a nagoya suzuki AD213S...serial #820714....which, from what i gather was made on july 14 1982...as with some of the others posted this one needs some tweaking to be in top shape, but the first thing i noticed after a set of Martin strings was how LOUD this thing is...oh ya, it was listed on kijiji for $20 CDN!!!!

Peterd said...

I just acquired a Suzuki classical in almost mint condition. The model is AD536S, Sounds great, but i cant find much info on that model...Anyone have any insight they can share?

grace said...

I have a Suzuki acoustic guitar no. 701. I've seen mention of the 700 model but never the 701. Can someone tell me about it's value? Thank you!

mallory said...

Hi, I have one too its a classical. No-32 700423. the bridge is coming off. It plays and sounds awsome, so i removed strings. Is it worth fixing and worth anything.

bcrbeast16 said...

Hey everyone...I'm just wondering...I have a Suzuki violin company classical guitar no. 6. It sounds beautiful when it's played. I'm just wondering if anyone knows what this guitar is worth.

mg81 said...

I have a suzuki guitar no.9 that my dad bought for $1 and spent $80 fixing. It may be beat up but sounds great. My guitar teacher even loves it sound.

the masked strangest seen said...

I purchased a Nayoga No. 32 for 20.00$ at a thrift shop about a year ago. Firstly because I needed a classical guitar for my collection { bass player by trade} secondly I noticed it was made in Japan and since I own a MIJ Fender jazz bass it just logically followed that the classical would be crafted just as well. I was right!! The body has a lot of dings and scratches but the sound and tone were and are unbelievable. Glad to see I am not alone regardless of price this is staying with me, eventually the truth will come out and the market will set it's own price list for these beauts of workmanship. If you own one , hold onto it, you never know>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

joachim said...

just bought a suzuki no 305..it sais it has steel reinforced neck but are set up with nylon..sound and plays great! it has no saddle bone at the bridge but is intonated perfectly?? even loooks like its supposed to be a bonething there because of a round deepening there?... love all vintage guitars..and I am from norway and has two veeery old hagsrtøms.. djisses...my martins cant compare,,,the gibson cant...only my (im shure of????) morena arctop from m,aybe from the 20- 30..it has a fretboard that looks like grey marmor,,the whole board! and some crazy cool abalone bindings across it..does anyone have or even seen such a guitar????? would be all ears:) best regards joachim

joachim said...

im nearly shure of being the only one having such a guitar????? been asking for years at sites...the morena no 50?? anyone heard of them?

M said...

Joacchim---- No need to feel too lonely--I have a Morena New Style no. 11.......

Cole said...

I've had this Suzuki guitar for years now since I got it from my Gramps. After talking to a friend of mine he got me interesting in finding out more about it, looked inside and the serial number is 490220. Sadly since my gramps has passed on, I can't ask him about how he got it. Over the years its seen some trouble, a missing knob and two missing strings. Though if it was fixed up, dusted, and given a clean up. I'm sure it would sound wonderful.

brent said...

This is going to sound really random but I jumped on this site to check out some info on a suzuki guitar that has come to me for repair, and i have noticed a blogger by the name of Thomas who signed off as Richard foreman. i went to school in the late 60's early 70's with a person of the same name. If some one or if this person can get in contact with me I would appreciate it as i would like to catch up with him.

mick said...

i just bought a suzuki classical guitar no 1663 suzuki violin co ltd nagoya japan another number at bottom of label rm 8308 and on the neck block inside 44. 12. 1 and then a 7 i .think
can anyone help with age? thanks mick

UnionNOne said...

i just found a dusty suzuki no730.. anyone recommend for trade in or a rapair on it? cause the only thing is in good condition is the body.

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I have a Suzuki guitar from the late 60s or early 70s. Says Suzuki Violin Co, Nagoya. No 35. Can anyone tell me anything about it? Is it just a cheap guitar suitable to learn on or better then that. It's in good condition, just a few scratches on the bottom and back.
Thanks

Unknown said...

hello, i have a suzuki madolin model no. m-210 can anyone help me find out how much its worth?


number1godmom@gmail.com


jessica mayers

Get Yours said...

I bought a W-5025 in 1981, from a guy, sitting on the sidewalk and playing it for $100. Serial# 750804. (August 4th, 1975). He needed the money to get back to Canada.
I bought it because my all time favorite guitar, 1967 Martin D-35 was stolen and I wanted a guitar that I didn't care what happened to it and didn't need to be 'attached' to.
Well... 30+ years later, it is the only guitar that I play! I've had MANY great guitars since, including Martin, Gurian, Santa Cruz and others... Some have sounded much better than this Suzuki, but none have felt more comfortable.... I've owned three other Suzuki guitars, but I must have struck gold on the first one... Maybe as a payback for my D-35 loss.... I still think about 'the one that got away', but love my W-5025 as a dear friend with incredible memories....

Get Yours said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
MartinWhite1983 said...

Hi Micheal (and everyone). Just thought i would do some research on my Suzuki acoustic and when you mentioned you have number 700 i thought i would say that i have number 701! Probably a completely irrelevant peice of infomation but just seems funny how two guitars that may have been next to each other on the production line have ended up on opposite sides of the world! i live on the Isle of Wight which is on the south coast of the UK and my guitar was given to me by my grandad who purchased from new back in the 1960s (approx). anyway just thought i would add that useless peice of information. happy playing!

tomas said...

i have an f100 i bought in 1985 for £60 12string Suzuki tunes to C because of the tail piece more of the string is exposed across the guitar. To me it is the grand piano of all 12 strings and a nightmare to tune! However once in tune WOW! Large sound hole so it fills the room with sound. I also have a diamon pick up which fits the sound hole it came with the guitar. I don't use it at all i prefer to mike it up with a samsung compressor mike. The problem then is being consistent with your strikes when recording. I love it although i have bought a synergy ovation style 12 string lighter and brighter. Anyway D,Addario j38 light strings .010-.047 sound the best and they are long enough. I have many times tried other strings some expensive ones only to find out half way through that the bloody D + G string is too. Short! So i stick to D,Addario. Remember dont use a pick up on these acoustics use a mike . Play it safe...... Use a plectrum!!!! Keep it live (fingersfrench4u@hotmail.co.uk) laing french SOUPSON bandcamp.com/

scottishrogue said...

Hey everyone, I just purchased a Suzuki #32 (Nagoya) classical guitar at an eBay auction. I was the only bidder, and I'm looking forward to hearing the sound. The seller told me he knew nothing about guitars, when I inquired about possible cracks, and any evidence of the bridge lifting. When they try and sell a guitar without strings, I automatically wonder what are they trying to hide. I told him to send along a set of D'Addario ECG25 XL Chromes (flat wound) which is my preference for classical guitars. Judging from comments here, I might have struck gold (again) with this purchase. I certainly hope so! If this guitar sounds as good as my Martin 000C Nylon classical hybrid, I'll be VERY happy!

DC said...

I have had a Kiso Suzuki F-120 since 1986. My mother bought it around 1981 but moved to classical soon after. The intonation is not great on the higher frets, but it sounds great in the open position. It's my favourite guitar. OK, I only own two (the other is a G&L Climax - an underrated model if ever there was one), but the Suzuki is the favourite.
I still have the original hard case, and the guitar is in amazing condition for the age. I play it nearly every day :)

James L. Gibbs said...

I have a Suzuki Nagoya W-300 very decorated guitar looks like a Martin D series. It was tucked away in he closet for about 18 years and I finally had it repaired by Bert guitar a Luthier in Georgia that my friend Sterling Edwards has been friends with for years. After $750.00 of repairs neck binding, fret job and Elixir stings it sounds great. I k now it is from the 70's just not sure what year anyone know how to tell serial N0 is 780518 does that mean 1978? jameslowellgibbs@yahoo.com.

Unknown said...

I own a Nagoya Suzuki No.32...anyone knows when these guitars were built ? I got it some time between 67-1970 when in college...

Victor F Artigas

Thanks !!

Unknown said...

I own a Nagoya Suzuki guitar N.32..anyone knows when these guitars (year) were made ? I bought it sometime between late 60's or early 1970... Thanks

Victor Artigas

Unknown said...

Are the back/sides of a Suzuki 3s gr-20 solid Brazilian rosewood or laminate?

Unknown said...

Can't be totally sure but looking at the sound hole the top part of the guitar appear to be a single piece of wood...as to the back the outside looks different from the inside might be laminated...but again I am not good at this sort of things....Thanks so much for getting back !

Victor

Sarah said...

Hi! I have a Nagoya Suzuki SD330 acoustic guitar. but I know nothing about this model. on the internet I have found nothing about this guitar.
Does anyone of you with this model? I'm from Germany, sorry for my english;)

Anonymous said...

Hello guitar lovers! I am not sure if here is suitable place for me to write following things(if not, please delete my post)...

I own a vintage Nagoya Suzuki classical guitar no.34(40 years old) in good condition. If someone is interested in buying it, please contact me; docwindie at aol.com

Price 120 euros + shipping cost.

bcrbeast16 said...

Hey everyone I just wanted to ask for some help finding some information. I have a Suzuki Violin Company No. 6 classical guitar that I know NOTHING about. Can anyone help me out here? I have tried the internet for 7 years and I can't seem to find anything about it. It also says Nagoya, Japan...anyone know where I can find the production date?

bcrbeast16 said...

Inside on the neck there's a six digit number 430731...what does this mean...

disturbed_fan_kristy said...

Someone we had staying with us left his guitar and now I've claimed it. It is a Suzuki Nagoya with three S's creating like a flower look. The model is SF335MB and the label says established 1887. I would like any information you can give me about the guitar, it is in near mint condition, I am currently looking for a new bag for it. Thanks for your help :)

bcrbeast16 said...

Look inside the guitar towards the neck. Apparently the stamp in there is the production date.

bcrbeast16 said...

Finally someone that found a guitar like mine! After seven years of research bud I'm still dumbfounded. I still don't know what I have. And I find Suzuki didn't keep very good records of this guitar online apparently. That's about all I can help you with for now. Keep in touch. Maybe we can both help each other out!

bcrbeast16 said...

Look at the headstock. If there is three rollers for strings in one hole type thing its a classical. If the tuning pegs just pop out of the wood its for steel strings.

Unknown said...

Hi all I just picked up a Suzuki steel string guitar that has a model number av-25 I've looked everywhere on the internet to find out how old it is but no luck . Can anyone help me out. Thanks Richard

Unknown said...

I Picked up a Suzuki #12, serial # 650220, Nagoya Japan. With original soft vinyl case. Pretty much a 10-, I think they are the original strings. The head has "Suzuki" in gold decal, cursive font, not bold type, sloping up hill. The neck seems thinner. Sound box is all light brown wood, with a very nice bead of white, and a nice mother of pearl and ebony inlays around the sound hole I think the serial # probably would be the 220th guitar made in 1965, and not on the date of Feb, 20, 1965, otherwise, they would only be making 1 guitar per day, which does not seem very profitable for a guitar manufacturing company, any thoughts on that from anyone? .

Unknown said...

I have a '77 w-300 I got for $200 for my 21st birthday. I'm 55 years old now and the biggest compliment I get is when fellow musicians at open mics come up and ask what Brand it is. Sound, tonal quality and just overall quality make this guitar my 'keeper'

Nethaniel Hunter said...

I was browsing through a tip-shop in Dunedin and noticed a guitar case. I asked the shop-manager how much she'd sell it to me for. She sold it to me for $10. When I got home and went to have a decent look at it, low and behold I discovered my incredibly lightweight classical Suzuki guitar! It's rather old and had some slight damage to it. But I cleaned it up, restrung her, and oh! It's incredible! the number within the circular sticker reads 700 and the serial number is 721105. What these numbers represent, I do not know. However this guitars tone is like no other, and I always get the eyebrows from musicians in-the-know. A few weeks ago I was even offered $200 for it! The thought crossed my mind, but I couldn't part with er' haha.

Unknown said...

Nethaniel, I believe from what I have read here is that the serial number is the year, month and day on manufacture. Mine reads 77xxxx (don't recall offhand what the rest is but I got it in 78 practically new, so I'd be inclined to accept that as true.

David Maynard said...

Reading up on a Nogoya Suzuki model no 700, serial no 711018 (1971 ?)I bought a couple of weeks ago from a pawn shop for AU$29. It has had a hard life and is pretty banged up. The other thing I noticed was it had been played a lot, which made me think it was likely a good playing guitar.

I was looking for an old nylon string guitar as a project to install a piezo pickup with preamp. The criteria was MIJ and a straight neck. YES and YES.

Project is finished, together with some running repairs to the body, and working well. The sound is good and definately loud. I was thinking about giving it away but every time I pick it up I finish thinking - man that was fun. I don't think I can part with this thing. Two more jobs to finish it off - polish the frets and restore the finish - and it's a keeper.

Unknown said...

You want to talk about a rare bird? My Nagoya Suzuki is a solid cedar topped single cutaway classical, SC 300C. I could have sworn I bought it new in 1974-75, but from what I'm reading here it was built in 1980. There are very few classical cutaways from this time, because classical players believed cutaways produced inferior sound that would not project as well as a 'normal shaped' guitar. Classical guitar teachers frowned on these 'cheater' cutaways because you could reach higher frets without the contortions a regular shaped guitar required. A lot of it was just their egos; they were trying to separate themselves from the riff-Raff pop guitar players.
Would love to hear from another SC300C player.

Nemisis said...

SUZUKI W-300
I have just bought a W-300, I am absolutely surprised with the quality and woods. To my surprise the back and sides are solid Rosewood and the top is a very thin 3.5mm solid Sitka Spruce. It was built in 1982 and has a serial number 82 03 05. The tone, volume and sustain from this guitar is to die for.

This dispels the impression from previous posters who generally class Suzuki Nagoya made guitars as composite, they may be in the cheaper types but the W-300 is solid throughout. In 1982 this guitar would have cost £200 based on the 30,000yen price (W-300) which describes the price.

Unknown said...

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Unknown said...

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Prao said...

Hi, I have a Suzuki Nagoya guitar, bought in 1989 (more or less) .
The inside label says:
ESTABLISHED 1887
NAGOYA
SUZUKI
SF335CEVS
HANDCRAFTED
It's a Sunburst Electro-Acoustic Cutaway Dreadnought .
For many years it slept in the case, but now I has started over to play and I'd like to set up for a better sound.
At first I wanted to sell it, but probably its market price is not proportional to the actual value.
And.. finally it sounds not bad!

All the best,
Prao (from Italy)

Unknown said...

today I bought Guitar Suzuki No. 31 for 25 eur in Lithuania. I have no info abaut it, but guitar looks old and condition is not too bad :)
p.s. all strings are in place :)

Unknown said...

Prao, how much did you payed for it (the guitare sf335cevs?

Unknown said...

I purchased a guitar for $60 at a flea market.
720710
Established 1887
Registered trademark 3 S' s forming a circle
Suzuki Guitar
NO. F-30S
Suzuki Violin Co. Ltd
Nagoya Japan

I cannot find any info on this guitar!

b said...

We have a Suzuki guitar which has been in a corner for years thought it was a throw away children s guitar,still don t know what it may be. Inside says Model 80, SUZUKI GUITAR, Kiso Suzuki Violin Company Japan on a rectangular off white with brown trim paper. No serial number. Outside open head steel strings and a little tag saying made in Japan. Is this a much later lower end mass produced model? Haven t cleaned it up, missing one tuning peg wood looks to be solid possibly rosewood sides and back with possible cedar top? Any ideas? tks. b

billeboy said...

Hi

Might be able to help if you could send a photo.

Unknown said...

Hi - I bought one Suzuki guitar - nylon string -- for 30$ and cleaned it etc... it´s no. 1663 ( seen one here before ) RM3369 and on heal 43428 ! Beautiful binding around sound hole, and binding splits head in 2.Nice binding on top sides at least 7 - thin black and white etc lines ! Do you have info : oskargold@hotmail.com

chris said...

I have a suzuki no. 9, serial no710614 hasnt been played in a while and am moving so its one of the items I'm leaving behind. Is it worth anything or better as a giveaway to church band or charity?

lennie said...

there is a suzuki classical style in the the second hand shop near where i live, the model no is 703, does anyone know anything about this?

Unknown said...

No. 7, serial number 44.4.26. This was my first guitar as a teenager. It was bought from a second hand shop as a gift to me in the mid 60s and it had steel strings on it. I played it for years that way and one hot summer day the bridge popped off. Took it to a music shop to have it repaired and the fella there said it was suppose to have nylon stings so I said OK and I played it that way for years as well. It needs a new nut before I put steel strings back on it. I haven't played it for decades and would like to hear it again. All the Suzuki guitars on this blog are something to behold. I will hold onto mine.

Robert

Unknown said...

I got a Suzuki No.5. I got some informations about it from the dude that has this side: http://meandmyguitarmakeovers.blogspot.de/2016/05/suzuki-no6-nagoya-suzuki-sss-japan.html It looks like he has some good connections to japan. Unfortunatly the blog was resettet (so it seems at least) but hopefully the old content will be back. You may contact him is you need special infos.

Unknown said...

thanks for the article. also thank you Jeper for https://vintage-guitar-pricing-information.blogspot.de/2016/05/suzuki-no6-nagoya-suzuki-sss-japan.html helped me a lot. cool information. also some deeper insights on history and prices.

mike said...

In the 1960's I worked at Ivor Mairants Musicentre in Soho,London.Yairis used to fly out the door.I was the guy who checked them over and tuned them.Great consistency.

Chrissy said...

I have a suzuki no 6 with serial number 44518 stamped inside near start of neck...does this mean it is from 1944? Also, does this need steel or synthetic strings please? Thanks Chrissy :)

Chrissy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Chrissy said...

OOPS - its a no 9 for serial number 44518 :)

Who the hell do I think I am? said...

I just bought a Suzuki SC-300C. I have several guitars but this is my first classical. The idea as I understand it is the first two digits in the serial number are the year it was made. That means mine was made in 1981. It is a beautiful guitar. I absolutely love the sharp curve of the cutaway. This one was clearly played a lot and loved and it shows but the solid cedar top sounds amazing. I just bought it today on the road so when I get home I will shave a mm or less off of the saddle to correct the action and intonation on the higher frets that probably developed over the years. If I take to it I may consider adding a simple pick-up. My go-to guitar is a Larrivee LSV-11 finger style which has a wide short-scale fret so the adjustment to the Suzuki classical neck is not massive but I think the short scale of my Larrivee may have made me a bit lazy with those pinky stretches. I'm looking forward to the learning curve. Now, stuck in a hotel room, I will play my new guitar and have a beer or two.

Who the hell do I think I am? said...

So I got the Suzuki SC-300C home and started to fiddle with it. First off I put on carbon high tension strings. I like the tone and resistance they offer (my ear and fingers are still tuned to a steel string guitar). I replaced the plastic nut and saddle with TUSQ parts. I was going to go with bone but was sold on the TUSQ by on line luthiers harping on about them; plus I didn't have to get a luthier to carve them for me. Because this guitar has a cutaway and I play up the neck a lot I shaved the saddle and dropped the action to about 3.5mm from the fret to the bottom of the string at the 12th fret on the low E. This has revealed my first (hopefully only) dilemma. There is no buzzing or string slap, it plays and sound great, but the height of the saddle is barely a millimeter on the high E over the bridge and about 1.5 on the low E side (the string height from the soundboard at the bridge is 10mm. I took it to a shop today and they pointed out the bridge is ever so slightly separated and the back end from the soundboard ––you could slide a piece of paper under the back edge. This is probably in part why the saddle needs to be so low. So I will be getting them to remove the bridge, clean up the surfaces and sand the bridge a bit and re-glue it. This should give me more visible saddle with a better string angle at the low action that I want. I sure am learning a lot with this rather inexpensive purchase and I absolutely love playing this guitar and it sounds amazing (albeit to an ear not used to judging classical guitars). It has wonderful sustain especially on those base strings. So I love my Suzuki.

Unknown said...

Just brought a Triple S, Nagoya Suzuki Violin, guitar, model VV-200, dated May 4, 1977 back from Japan with me. It is in excellent, new condition in the original high quality hardshell case. What amazing deep tone it has... I'm very impressed, so impressed I flew it home with me. (riding trains, buses... and a 12 hour flight, two connections, ughhh) I bought it at a small guitar shop way up in the mountains, headed towards the Japanese Alps in the beautiful town of Takayama several years ago. The binding has turned yellow, spruce top, beautiful inlays... wish I could figure out how to post photos,,,

Unknown said...

I just bought this model today and I absolutely love it! I will now and forever be a fan of Suzuki guitars. Your fee was definitely manna from heaven. I paid 95 but it was absolutely worth it.

Jim A said...

I just purchased a 1976 Suzuki Three-S guitar with original hard case that has the model number 3180 on the label. Its a Martin D28 copy, with one owner for the last 40 years who has kept it in immaculate condition. I fitted new extra light Martin strings and it plays and sounds like a dream - not quite as good as a genuine Martin, but close enough that most people wouldn't even notice unless they have a well trained ear. That's a lot of guitar for £100 Sterling ($150) and I couldn't be happier.

cam said...

To Miss Gertrude (from Feb 2014). I also have a Suzuki no 5 (says JASON on the headstock) and agree with you on the tone. The thing sounds magical. It is lightly built, and I guess it was originally a cheapie. The nut on mine is made of wood.

Paid $15 from an op shop in Melbourne a couple of years ago (missing only a one of the screws for a tuning-peg).

I have seen the odd one for sale on ebay - a few years ago there was one listed by a "prospector" for $400.

Amma said...

Can anyone say the difference between "standard" Nagoya Suzuki guitars and the Nagoya Suzuki Three S? A lot of the "standard" ones seem to be described as 3s when they're being auctioned nowadays.

Is there any evidence the former was a higher-end line? Or could it be just a difference in the labeling? What info do we have?

Also, do we know much about original retail price of Suzuki guitars?

Unknown said...

Hi
I have one nagoya suzuki no.38. It s lable is japanes righting. It is very special and all solid back and side and top. Back is two sheet. And the woods are dark. The action is good. The sounds in base are warm and have vibration. Powerfull bases. Classical trible.
It buid is nice and beautifull.

Unknown said...

I wants to take some photo for you but cuold n't . If any one want ,it is my email : erfan.zamanii@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Hello, i have a Suzuki Ukelele no.7 nagayo japan. Where can i find information about the ukelele's?

Thanks.

Ruben Verburg

Greg M said...

Hey all, just bought a 1980 suzuki w-500.. does anyone have any info on this model and possibly a rough estimate what it might be worth? It's a gorgeous guitar that looks to be a copy of a martin d45.
Thanks

Yo_werapat said...

I just have suzuki nakoya no.632 but dont know any info. Do you Have info.spec. etc.

Unknown said...

How can you tell how old they are I got one it say it's a number 9 and that it please help

bcrbeast16 said...

It is in the inside near the neck. Thats where I found mine on my model six.

Unknown said...

Hello everyone ; someone knows how to give me directions about my Suzuki G 15 classical guitar?
Thank you

Unknown said...

Hello everyone ; someone knows how to give me directions about my Suzuki G 15 classical guitar? I would like to sell it, how much is it worth?
Thank you

Unknown said...

Have a FT100 Takeharu guitar..model ..11104..green label saying made by kiso Suzuki Violin Company..just whats it worth

Unknown said...

I have a Nagoya Suzuki guitar in beautiful condition ... the label says AD213. Does anyone have info on this model including value? Am looking to sell.

Gray said...

Looking for information on my Suzuki made 1962 Nagoya ( mandolin ) the serial number is 601 which is stamped on the Registration triple S ,SUZUKI VIOLIN CO.,LTD trade mark true it is not a full sized guitar but I haven't found any information on a Nagoya.

KJG said...

I ran into this webpage after picking up a Model 700 classical at our local Goodwill. A few plucks on this untuned instrument and it just rang like a bell! I could see it needed work, but for $40 it was worth a shot. Unexpectedly, I ran into another at my community thrift shop for $25, with case! It also had issues, but at least it had a case. At least I could combine a case with the best of the two. I read up on rehabing old guitars and decided it was out of my league to fix. I heard about a luthier in the Seattle area and contacted him (Drew Jones Guitar Shop) and he pointed me this this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWlBCOoK-Ug

I brought in both and it was determined that one was economically worth a full rehab which included bone nut and saddle, while the other's neck would have to reset, then fretwork bone nut and saddle. I can tell you that Drew did an amazing job on my 700 and it sings with punchy lows and chirping highs, from a slightly undersized body and (thankfully) a 48mm nut, for my small hands. What a revelation!

Greg said...

I got a No 701 in the early 80's that has a serial number 70011. I am always asked about the guitar and what makes it sound so good. I filed down the edges of the frets since they were sharp, but that's about all I have done with it. Very playable and has this great sound. It's the cheapest guitar that I own by a long shot.

tonyt said...

i learned to play guitar on a suzuki No.5 in 1961 or 1962. i learned three chords, took it to church the next day and sang a song with it. it was that easy. today, almost 60 years later, i visited a high-school friend from that time and found he has the same model. it was pretty knocked about and missing the D string and the other strings were really old. just for old times' sake i picked it up, expecting to hear the crappy sound of old guitars we used to play. i was astonished. this was no crappy sound. what!? is that sound coming out of this humble little guitar? i see now from this forum that i once had a not-so-rough diamond and didn't know it.

Viši fizioterapeut Stevan Mačužić said...

Greetings to you all...the value of these guitars is underestimated..today this good guitars would be 1000$, the problem is in lack of knowledge, and the second thing is that people do not hear the sounds, because brainwashed by brand names...Martin in those days was nothing special...today we have a 11000 $ guitar from Martin Eric Clepton edition...
What? It is good, ok, but not that good...So people today buy what they think is good, and brands pay millions for brainwashing...You can find Suzuki from Japan and after setup it can and it will sound like Martin from that Era...100% true!!!

Unknown said...

Hi! Can anyone explain the meaning of the label on my guitar: Nagoya Suzuki SD 335 BK, handcrafted 89070569?

This guitar is black with 6 metal strings and has an adjustable neck.

Any knowledge must appreciated... Thank you very much!

blairsongs said...

I am about to purchase a nagoya suzuki with the # 7 stamped on the label. What does it mean? blairsongs@gmail.com

Micheal Alexander said...

Thanks for this. I really like what you've posted here and wish you the best of luck with this blog and thanks for sharing. Best Classical Guitar Brands

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Unknown said...

Dear all
I own my guitar branch Suzuki Nagoya.
I think it made 196x, older than me :)
There its Label: trade mark/ Suzuki Guitar / Nagoya/ D.Suzuki musical instruments mfg. Co.,ltd. (What mean T40 I dont know)

Eddie said...

Hello guys tell me more about model g20? Cheers

motorplex said...

Hi All,
I have owned a Suzuki Three-3 model AD380S from Nagoya since new. She is now 40 years old now and is played everyday. I have never adjusted the neck and it is still dead straight.
I'v played and owned many other guitars including Martin's over the past 50 years but this is the best sounding and playing guitar I'v ever had my hands on.
I just had to share.

Zillakilla said...

I have a W-30A that I purchased in 1977 and I still own it. I've bought and sold a lot of guitars and this one has remained by my side. From my understanding it was their version of a Martin D-35. This guitar has incredible tone and sustain. It projects the sound very well. Everyone that has played it has wanted to buy it from me. I recently purchased a $2100 Taylor guitar and I returned it. Did not sound as good as my vintage Suzuki Three W-30A!!!

Unknown said...

looking for info on recently acquired Suzuki Violin Co. Ltd. No. 13 model. do not see any serial numbers on the neck. would like to know year of manufacture. needs TLC, so any advice on polishing the body, buffing out scratches and scuffmarks is is appreciated. i have a good feeling about this lil' guitar.

Merrilie said...

I have my late Husband's guitar (Suzuki Guitar No. 5) I think he acquired it in Singapore in 1962-63. My granddaughter always plays it when she comes to stay. She says it has a lovely feel and tone. I would love to know roughly when the 5s were made, and how much it would be worth now. It was originally a gift to my husband. I still sounds lovely and has a beautiful mellow tone and is in quite good condition considering it has been round the world in a very thin plastic case!
I would be very grateful for any information for my Granddaughter who will probably inherit it
Thank you very much.

Unknown said...

1965 125 production #

Unknown said...

Hello ,thank you for all the information listed very interesting,i have just purchased a Suzuki F 180 12 string acoustic ,can anyone tell me more info on this guitar ,i have yet to recieve it but very excited to know more details /info

Marco said...

ciao, io possiedo da anni una SF335 serial number 12853277, qualcuno sa dirmi le caratteristiche costruttive e l'anno di produzione?

Marco said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
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Unknown said...

I'm trying to purchase new a ring bones for my friends Suzuri classical guitar, number 3065 and having purchased a set of 2 for top and bottom was excited to have it all ready for him m but the bones did not fit and now he's m hoping someone can help by giving me information about where I can purchase the correct bones for the guitar, please email me tonyackrill5@gmail.com if you can help, thank you all very much and good luck with all your goals, God bless all

Unknown said...

hello. I have a suzuki nagoye guitar. Number 20918. what year can it be?

Merrilie said...

I am still trying to find out when my Suzuki Guitar No. 5 was made. It was given to my husband in Singapore and we left there in 1963 and I don't think it was brand new even then, so it must have been made before '63. It has a label with the usual info but only (Suzuki Guitar No. 5) and no other number anywhere on/inside the instrument
Any information would be good.
Thank you.

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Unknown said...

Lorraine here, I have a no 5. I cannot find any info at all. Bought at a garage sale about 15 years ago. Finally going to clean it u

Unknown said...

Lorraine here, I have a no 5. I cannot find any info at all. Bought at a garage sale about 15 years ago. Finally going to clean it up. $5 I paid for it.Its my treasure.

Salvador Quintana said...

Tengo una guitarra Suzuki no se que modelo pero si es Nagoya, tiene en el interior el No. 740214 que no se que significa, la tengo de hace más de 50 años y su sonido es impecable no la cambiaría por otra. Si alguien sabe sobre eso números sería maravilloso conocerlo.

Unknown said...

The Suzuki no 5, you couldn't tell me, how much they're worth today, thankyou.

GT Canada said...

I purchased a Suzuki #6 from Simpson Sears I think back in the early 70's.
It has a square white and yellow label with the 3 s's. The number inside is 42 4 22.
It has black binding around the body. Curious to know any more information on it.
I am not a avid guitar player but I do enjoy this guitar.

Unknown said...

I have a mint SD 300 sounds great and stays in tune. Does anyone know the date it was made or anything else about it ???

Adhish said...

I just purchased a Nagoya Suzuki no.6 SSS for $10 from a Salvation Army store in Sydney today - it's so beautiful! The numbers inside are 63.7.1 :)

Unknown said...

I just purchased a Nagoya Suzuki no. 17 for 20USD at a flea market in Poland.
Welcome to the club!

Sivdas said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
maniacotextual said...

Hello, I bought a Suzuki Thress S W-300, by the serial number 8761014) I know that it is from 1976. Unfortunately, the fingerboard frets a bit. I want to ask if anyone knows what woods they have on the body and sides, since as I understand the top is sitka spruce spruce, although I don't know if it is laminated or solid wood, anyway, at that time the original Martin D35 guitar from the that was copied, had a Brazilian rosewood case. I would appreciate if someone gives me information about the woods that my guitar comes with. Thanks. Guitarist from Mexico.

Moh said...

I have one

tc said...

Nagoya Suzuki used 2 systems of serial numbers , the most common is the 1970-1980 6 digit serial number with the first 2 digits being the build year , and the last 4 being the build number ie 771234 would be 1977 #1234.

The second serial system uses the Showa calendar (emperor's reign, these may have been for the Japanese domestic market).

The Showa serials can look like this 43.1.6 or 47.12.11 etc. The first 2 digits are the Showa year - easily found on Google (ie if you enter (showa 43) it will give you the year Showa 43 is 1968).

After 1980 Nagoya Suzuki changed from the normal label to white and updated the serial numbers to 7 digits mid 1980s to the end of guitar production in 1991 .

TheoLxWest said...

Good day everyone. I recently acquired a Suzuki vintage classical guitar nr32. I also own a ibanez 365 and a Aria a585. Though the other 2 vintage guitar have amazing tone and sustain, there is something about the Suzuki that stands out from the other 2. Warm mellow tone. I fell inlove with it the 1st time I played it and cannot stop picking it up. Thank you for this amazing sight and the amazing comments and information

Ducati900ss said...

Greetings all! I have been collecting Vintage Japanese Guitars for years now and have just purchased my first Suzuki. It is an FE200B 12 FRET Dreadnought. It is an incredible guutar with great sustain. I was so impressed I then purchased a Three S w300. The "Golden Age" of the Mid70s to Mid80s saw some great guitars coming out of Japan.
God Bless All!
Rick

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ABlack said...

I own Suzuki ThreeS W-300 made in February 23rd 1978. Very good condition!
Well crafted guitar. It has solid spruce top and solid sides but three-piece laminated back.
Very unusual and interesting combination. It gives great tone with Elixir 12-53 strings. Just perfect bright and well balanced bass sound.
Highly recommend to play or own one if you get the chance to do that.
Nice content, dude! Thanks for sharing. Really appreciate it. Greetings from Russia.