Asturias Guitars
ActiveOverview
Asturias Guitars produces handcrafted classical, acoustic guitars, classical mandolins, and ukuleles in small quantities. The brand operates as a small factory emphasizing 100% Made in Japan production with high craftsmanship standards.27 It targets niche markets through specialized retailers and online platforms like Reverb.3
History
Asturias Guitar Manufacturing Ltd. was established in 1962 in Kurume, Japan, as a small factory producing limited numbers of handcrafted guitars.2 It has maintained low-volume production with 15 skilled craftsmen building instruments to high quality standards.27 The factory operates as a subsidiary of Rokkomann Inc., which handles worldwide distribution from Kobe.24
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Spruce (64cm classical) | High-end handcrafted classical | $3,300 - $3,500 |
| Custom Spruce (63cm classical) | High-end handcrafted classical | $3,300 - $3,500 |
| Standard Spruce (classical) | Mid-range handbuilt classical | $1,500 - $2,000 |
| AST-100S (classical) | Entry-level made-in-Japan classical | $1,000 - $1,200 |
| Custom C (Hauser-style classical) | Intermediate Hauser-style classical | $2,500 - $3,500 |
Manufacturing
All products are 100% made in Japan at the small factory in Kurume city, Kyushu island.23 15 highly skilled craftsmen handbuild each instrument in limited small numbers.27 Production remains low-volume as since founding in 1962.2
Notable Products
- Custom Spruce 64cm - High-end classical guitar with spruce top, priced around £2,600.
- Custom Spruce 63cm - High-end classical guitar with spruce top, priced around £2,600.
- Standard Spruce - Classical guitar with European spruce top, laminate rosewood back and sides, fan bracing.
- AST-100S - Made-in-Japan classical guitar, pre-owned models around $1,200.
- E.C. Custom - Custom classical guitar model featured in retail listings.
- Custom C CD/IN - Hauser-style classical guitar at intermediate price point.
Reputation
Asturias guitars are recognized by enthusiasts for exceptional handcraft quality and projection from skilled Japanese luthiers.258 Professionals value models like Custom series for high standards comparable to European makers at competitive pricing.18 The brand's small-scale production limits wider recognition but earns strong loyalty among classical players.5
Sources (9)
- https://www.classicalguitar.co.uk/category/brands/asturias-guitars/
- https://asturias.jp/en/about/
- https://asturias.jp/en/
- https://asturias.jp/en/contact/
- https://folkwaymusic.com/product/?prod_id=16095%2F
- https://www.alamomusic.com/products/pre-owned-asturias-made-in-japan-ast-100s-classical-guitar-used
- https://reverb.com/shop/asturias-guitar
- https://www.guitarsalon.com/store/asturias
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3SGf5dyR1s