1965 Masaru Kono

This guitar was built in 1965 by Japan’s preeminent luthier, Masaru Kono. 
According to the additional label, it was made for a friend of his, making this the original Japanese non-export model.

Hauser style head.

Here’s an interesting inlay that I’ve never seen before.

The back and sides of this instrument are in excellent condition, given its age.

Someone’s buffing compounds have highlighted these slight imperfections in the finish. 
I will end up cleaning these spots, making them virtually invisible.

The nut of this guitar has been tampered with during its lifetime. 
The A and B string will rattle against the first fret when played loudly.

The nut has also been shimmed with rosewood to maintain the original ivory nut. 
I will get out the reserved stock of (pre-CITES) elephant ivory for a replacement.

Here’s the other issue regarding clarity of this instrument: the saddle is too flat on the top,
which allows the string to roll around from side to side when played with a medium to heavy attack. 
This allows the note to sound with a slight amount of distortion, almost as if there’s an internal brace slightly loose.

This is obviously not the original saddle.   Kono always had material that fit his own instruments perfectly.

After a difficult removal of the saddle, my calipers indicate a slightly crooked slot. 
No problem- I’ll just make a saddle to these specs to insure maximum contact with the bridge.