Yukinobu Chai 15.5" Archtop
1993 Yukinobu Chai 15.5" Archtop
A very nice 15.5” hand-carved archtop from Japanese luthier Yukinobu Chai. Quite a rarity, as Chai is mostly known for making classical guitars after starting as a violin maker. Also of note is its shorter 24.5” scale length.
Specs / Measurements
1993
Spruce / Figured Maple, carved top and back
Five-piece figured maple neck
Brazilian rosewood pickguard
Ebony tailpiece / bridge
~1.70” nut
~24.5” string length
~2.07” string spacing at saddle
15.5” lower bout
Multi ply purflings throughout
Pearl block inlays on fretboard and bridge wings
Floating pickup with volume and tone control
Grover tuners
Arched top hard case.
Condition / Setup Notes
Excellent(+); Especially considering its many years, it’s in immaculate shape. Minimal discernible wear. Currently set up with string height about 4/64”-3.5/64” with just a touch of relief.
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In addition to being an excellent carved acoustic archtop guitar, it brings together a number of specs that make it fairly unique. It’s lower bout width, at 15.5”, already makes it a bit special, then add to it the 24.5” scale length. It’s also luxuriously outfitted, with a solid Brazilian rosewood pickguard (it’s 0.1” thick), and multi ply bindings all over. Also luxurious are the top and back carves, which are deep and display Chai’s background in violin-making. Just everything you want an acoustic archtop to be.
$6000
Thanks for looking, get in touch to place an order or with any questions.
This instrument ships for free via UPS Ground.