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  #1  
Old 05-10-2022, 05:31 AM
max030 max030 is offline
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Default Build Thread - New Hiramitsu SJ

Japanese luthiers are famous for their quality and craftmanship. Luthiers like Matsuda and Uchida are relatively famous in North America area.

Today, I am introducing one luthier that is under the radar - Yasunori Hiramitsu. His guitar is very popular in Japan and used by a famous guitarist - Gin. He started his career 1998 as an independent luthier after his studies from a classic guitar luthier - Kazuo.His design is elegant, unique, with special tone.

I have ordered the New Hiramitsu SJ, which he has re-designed his guitars few years ago. The newly designed model has special head stock, shape, and bridge.

My ordered spec is German Spruce Top and African Blackwood B&S. I'll update more photos and videos along the way. The guitar is expected to be delivered in Aug-Sep this year. Can't wait!
Below are some photos for the New Hiramitsu SJ, this one is German Spruce/Honduran Rosewood:






Last edited by max030; 05-10-2022 at 05:41 AM.
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Old 05-10-2022, 05:41 AM
bobster7 bobster7 is offline
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Looks like beautiful work!
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Old 05-10-2022, 05:54 AM
Brucebubs Brucebubs is offline
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Beautiful and welcome to the AGF.
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Old 05-10-2022, 06:21 AM
koko61 koko61 is offline
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Beautiful guitar!
Out of curiosity I would like to know why the bridge pins are aligned following the line of the saddle minus the one that corresponds to the second string.
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Old 05-10-2022, 06:53 AM
TheGITM TheGITM is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by koko61 View Post
Beautiful guitar!
Out of curiosity I would like to know why the bridge pins are aligned following the line of the saddle minus the one that corresponds to the second string.
I suspect that the reason is to slightly lengthen the b string to improve the intonation. The b string is the string most affected by equal temperament, which is the basis of most guitars. Most production guitars just use 'string break approximations' on a compensated saddle, or simply run a straight saddle at an angle from low to high. They are not hand cut to precision. This works okay, but it's not accurate. Ever have the issue where the b string sounds sharp depending on where you are fretting it? That's the result of equal temperament and not having each string properly addressed.

I'd really like to hear/play one of these guitars. If this guy studied under Kazuo Yairi (I assumed that is the Kazuo referenced), I expect his guitars will be world class.
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Last edited by TheGITM; 05-10-2022 at 06:58 AM.
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Old 05-10-2022, 07:23 AM
max030 max030 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheGITM View Post
I suspect that the reason is to slightly lengthen the b string to improve the intonation. The b string is the string most affected by equal temperament, which is the basis of most guitars. Most production guitars just use 'string break approximations' on a compensated saddle, or simply run a straight saddle at an angle from low to high. They are not hand cut to precision. This works okay, but it's not accurate. Ever have the issue where the b string sounds sharp depending on where you are fretting it? That's the result of equal temperament and not having each string properly addressed.

I'd really like to hear/play one of these guitars. If this guy studied under Kazuo Yairi (I assumed that is the Kazuo referenced), I expect his guitars will be world class.

Mr. Hiramitsu's teacher is actually Kazuo/Kunihiko Ichiyanagi. I would say with his current starting price, tone, and quality. It is really a world-class bargain.
Here are some videos of Hiramitsu guitar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfT8jYlWe04
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHxqkHRSAlY
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Old 05-10-2022, 07:29 AM
max030 max030 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by koko61 View Post
Beautiful guitar!
Out of curiosity I would like to know why the bridge pins are aligned following the line of the saddle minus the one that corresponds to the second string.
I think The GITM has given you an A+ answer haha
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Old 05-10-2022, 07:34 AM
Deliberate1 Deliberate1 is offline
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Understated elegance from the careful selection and configuration of woods and design. I would have expected nothing less from a Japanese master. I have no doubt that the construction will be flawless as well.
Excellent and interesting choice.
Enjoy!
David
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Old 05-10-2022, 07:37 AM
TheGITM TheGITM is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by max030 View Post
Mr. Hiramitsu's teacher is actually Kazuo/Kunihiko Ichiyanagi. I would say with his current starting price, tone, and quality. It is really a world-class bargain.
Here are some videos of Hiramitsu guitar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfT8jYlWe04
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHxqkHRSAlY
Beautiful sounds from both players! And the guitars look fantastic!
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Old 05-10-2022, 10:42 AM
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Very nice looking guitar. The craftsmanship is apparent. I can't wait to see yours come together. I really like the round body shape, the heel (or lack thereof), bridge, headstock, etc., etc.
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Old 05-10-2022, 11:02 AM
Dustinfurlow Dustinfurlow is offline
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I look forward to hearing this.
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Old 05-14-2022, 04:48 AM
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Looking forward to following along. First thread I've seen on this guy. Congrats!
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  #13  
Old 09-24-2022, 08:32 PM
max030 max030 is offline
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Using this wonderful blackwood and ready to start the build!


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fPN...ew?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eNH...ew?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18lx...ew?usp=sharing
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Old 09-26-2022, 02:17 AM
colins colins is offline
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I'm seeing links to google drive rather than images in your post Max, so I've downloaded the main one and put it on imgur (which provides links to allow posting on forums). Hope you don't mind.



The ABW looks great! A lot darker than my ABW guitar. And I do like the sapwood as a contrast.

Looking forward to more posts from you.
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Old 09-26-2022, 10:20 PM
gitarro gitarro is offline
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Given the high emphasis on craftsmanship in Japan, I am sure the fit and finish of this build is likely to be exemplary. Will look forward to this build unfolding.
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