Yasuma guitars

Subject: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Fasteddy
Date: 17 Jan 02 - 04:13 PM

Can anyone tell me what happened to the Yasuma musical company? I knew a fella who had a very nice 6 string. I own a Yasuma tiple,beautifully made, which I've had for 26 years.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Jan 02 - 05:36 PM

eddy...if it seems slow, do NOT hit the send button several times...it just makes extra entries

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: 53
Date: 17 Jan 02 - 07:32 PM

i've never heard of yasuma guitars, but i would like to know about them also, i like learning about new brands, or in this case old brands of guitars. BOB

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: Scabby Douglas
Date: 18 Jan 02 - 07:34 AM

I have a notion that Yasuma was a division of Suzuki. Many years ago I had a Yasuma Newance mandolin. played nicely.

Cheers

Steven

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Jan 02 - 08:03 AM

Interestingly, the only picture I can find is of a tiple!

Take a look on this page (scroll down) and see if it looks like yours. I seem to recall the name but I have no idea whether they were a part of another company or out on their own.

Considering the age/time period and the LOOK of that headstock--note the Martin appearance and Martin-like script--My guess is they got caught up in the Martin lawsuit issues with other Japanese companies, notably Takemine. Tak was strong enough to survive the period and others were not. Just a guess on my part, but I'd be willing to bet on my theory.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: Fasteddy
Date: 18 Jan 02 - 05:06 PM

Thanks catspaw 39, yes your tipple looks just like mine, only mine is blonde, great wee instument. Found your info about Martin very interesting,I didn't know about a lawsuit. You are probably dead right. Thanks - Eddy

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Mar 02 - 04:24 PM

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,cam
Date: 04 Mar 02 - 04:30 PM

I own a Yasuma Custom 6 String Guitar - Bought circa 1973 - secondhand for 20 quid, hand made in japan, sunnburst front and back cream bindings model no F1600b - any information would be nice

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Graeme
Date: 28 Aug 06 - 03:35 PM

I own a 6 string acoutic K Yasuma- Newance. My Grandad gave it to me. It has mother of pearl on the kneck and a white body. Just cant find alot on the guitars, any info would be nice.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 01:06 AM

Sounds like a line from one of my songs

I married a girl with big Yasumas

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Graham
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 03:35 AM

I have an early 70's Yasuma guitar that I got for my 21st (cost £120 then!!!). The craftsmanship is brill but can't find any info about what it's value is now. Any ideas

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,rory motion
Date: 11 Mar 07 - 03:46 PM

found a Yasuma model F1500 in a charity shop.. parlour size guitar and Martin copy.. maybe 70's by the luvverly patina.. had the neck straightened out and its very perky... It reminded me of a seventies Yamaha F110 that I used to have.... so maybe the Ya and the ma and use of F as a serial number points to Yamaha...

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: Peace
Date: 11 Mar 07 - 03:57 PM

From a website:

"I've never neded to contact the manufacturer but anyway I knew that Yasuma stopped making guitars in the 70s. I've never seen another Yasuma or even heard of anyone else owning one until I stumbled across this web site. Reading the other postings I think they enjoy their Yasumas as much as I enjoy mine."

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: Peace
Date: 11 Mar 07 - 04:03 PM

Something I read hinted that Yasuma was somehow involved as part of the Yamaha company. If I were looking for more info, I'd get in touch with Yamaha and ask them.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 22 May 07 - 04:53 PM

I nought one today in a charity shop in Edinburgh for £39!! Its very nice Martin D28 copy Model 130. Im going to get it set up and revived - The build quality is very good with a rich deep tone. No bum notes no intonation problems.

I am absolutely delighted to gain ownership of this beautiful guitar.

Seek and ye shall find

John The Cartoon Dogs see myspace

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,themomiorrr
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 11:11 AM

I am a proud owner of a Yasuma model 350 6 string acustic guitar that i snapped up on ebay for £420.It's a copy of a Martin D35 and the workmanship is spot on.It's made of beautiful bookmatched solid woods and sounds great too.I would'nt be surprised if Yasuma gave Martin a good run for their money back then. It's a shame we don't have any info about this company as i'm certain that there are a few of these gems still knocking about.I love mine and will not sell it everrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...........!!

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 08:40 AM

I thought Yasuma was a rude word.

As in, she had a nice Yasuma....

Perhaps once again, I am old and confused.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,eebeecity
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 01:22 AM

I bought my Yasuma 350 back in 1986 from a second hand guitar store in Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia and have played it on and off since. Over the years I have thought of trading it in but when ever I've played with anyone else they always comment on the sound. After having found this info I'm glad i've still got it. It's a nice guitar to play but i also find the neck a bit thin for my chubby fingers.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Aug 07 - 07:32 AM

Yes you're right the neck on the 350 is a bit thin,i find i have to keep my nails really short to play cleanly.But well worth it as the sound of the 350 is nice.To buy a guitar of this quality today would cost more or less £1000

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Ronny J
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 06:53 AM

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Oct 07 - 06:46 PM

At last I have found people who are aquainted with Yasuma instruments !!

I hope that someone can shed some light on my Yasuma Mandolin.

I bought this instrument secondhand in 1976 and I estimate that it was no more than 5 years old at that time.
It is marked K Yasuma ( in fancy script) and Newance on the headstock. Inside it shows Nagoya, Japan.

This is a lovely instrumet and it plays very well ( especially with a set of Martin Strings).

Any information would be very much appreciated.

Thanks.

Gaetano

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Cal
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 01:01 AM

At last I also have found something out about my mystery Yasuma Guitar. I found my at my Grandma's place in Gipsland (victoria, Australia) when i was younger (about 10-11 i think). Lots of people would play it when they vistited, and when i was sixteen finally i convinced her to give it to me! Im not sure what model or make it is, the writing on the head is old and worn. I have never heard anything about them, all i know is that when i got it serviced, I also got a pick up putin it. The bloke who serviced it said they are very rare guitars and worth alot of money now-but had no idea how much. I never plan on selling it...its one of the only acoustics i have found with such a thin neck which i love. Its got a large body and many people comment on its sound and how load it is. Its crisp and very unique. Im glad there are others out there with similar models! Im tipping it was made in the 70's, it old....very old, in pretty good condition. Got that clasic, kind of 'country' style body shape.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Yago - Spain
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 06:51 AM

I live in Spain. I've got a Yasuma 130 from the early 70's. It was my sister's guitar, and I picked up from the attic where it was left in 1988, when I decided to start playing guitar.
It sounds beautiful, and frets, neck, bridge and machine heads are perfect after all these years. I wouldn't sell it at any price, and I'm considering to try to buy another one from one person that I know that owns another one in the same condition, because I think I could amplificate it to use it on stage. I own five guitars (fender, gretsch, yamaha...), and this one is the only one "intouchable". It's impossible to find a new guitar with this quality, unless you can spend 2.000$.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Catfish 38583
Date: 17 Jan 08 - 05:34 PM

I also have a Yasuma Guitar Model F1600H Bought at an Auction 1998. It's in excellent condition. I plan on selling it soon and real interested in its value. Following is my email address [e-mail] I can forward pictures as needed if contacted.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Camano
Date: 14 Mar 08 - 02:16 PM

I bought a Yasuma 200 at a thrift store.It was cheap, in spite of amateur glue repairs and a hole in the back. It souns as good as my forty-year-old (name brand)!

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 14 Mar 08 - 03:50 PM

Weelittledrummer: You aren't THAT old. In fact, you were partially correct. Actually, she had TWO yasumas!

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,YasumaMan
Date: 05 May 08 - 07:14 PM

Yasuma is actually an hillbilly word which is used in such instances as:

"Hey Bubba! I'll give yasuma my moonshine if you give me somethin' to scoop it out of my bathtub with."

I hope that clears things up.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,G
Date: 10 May 08 - 03:14 AM

I just bought one for $100 and I am very impressed. It sounds and looks beautiful and is in excellent condition. I am interested to know more about the Yasuma Co but would also like to know how to tell what model the guitar is - there is the K Yasuma & Co Newance logo in gold lettering on the head and that's all. Can anyone help? G

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Yasuma Seller
Date: 18 May 08 - 05:29 PM

Hi I am selling my Yasuma 300c. You can check it out at the following link:

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/msg/685121230.html

If you need me to ship, I can do that if you pay for it.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,BadAce
Date: 29 May 08 - 02:17 PM

Check Out my Yasuma!!!http://norfolk.craigslist.org/msg/699826069.html
Anyone able to tell me the model Number???

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,DJ
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 11:22 AM

I have a Yasuma newance model 200.only cost £15 in a local charity shop.never new anything about the comany until I found this site,I still dont know much but i now know i'm not alone in the world.
from a confused musician

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,GUEST, UK
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 02:12 PM

Have owned a K Yasuma & co - Custom modek 130 H since around 1970? It's a beautiful acustic guitar to play. I am unable to play any more and would be interested in any ideas of how much its worth?

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Ozono
Date: 11 Oct 08 - 10:57 AM

Hi, here another owner of a Yasuma Newance 350, I am spanish.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Guitardaddy
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 04:11 PM

Just picked up a Yasuma B&M Jumbo 155 from eBay for £30.00
Got it home, needs a little TLC, but sounds much richer and plays much better than many of the expensive Martin and boutique guitars that I was trying out recently and looking to buy.
How strange to get something so spot on sound-wise on a whim of looking for guitars under £50.00 on eBay !

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: scarrabri
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 02:02 PM

i just picked a yamaha f 310 up compliments of argos for £80,best sounding guitar i ever had ,what a super sound,just shows you cant go by price and how good they look ,because the looks are nothing to shout about with this guitar,best wishes

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Jeremy Rogers
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 10:03 AM

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Feb 09 - 04:32 PM

I have a Yasuma Custom Model 130 which I bought new in august 1973

it is now a hard worked, battered but beautiful instrument with a low action and narrow neck, needed for my little hands

I bought it for £35.00 as yamaha vost £55.00 at the time

never regretted it

does yasuma still exist?

pete

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Toby
Date: 23 Feb 09 - 07:13 AM

I am the lucky owner of two Yasuma dreadnought guitars. One is a custom 500 and the other is a W130. I've nicknamed them the captain and the cowboy respectively and for good reason. The 500 is handmade, ebony finger board, unusual binding with a mix of brown/green woods. Solid spruce top with mahogany back/sides. Action is good. Sound is deep and rich. Wasnt cheap to buy too. Almost too good for me! The 130 has been through the wars and has lots marks and dings. The front has abalone edging with an abalone soundhole ring. Abalone fret markers too. Again, stunning sound.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Toby
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 10:43 AM

Here are a few pics of two yasuma dreadnoughts I own. I mention them in a previous reply on yasuma guitars.
Copy and paste the link below.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35414628@N08/sets/72157614728365067/

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 12:50 AM

I have a Yasuma W130 and I'm looking for someone who would appreciate such a fine guitar. It is in close to perfect condition. If anyone is interested i can send you some pictures of it. I'm open to prices but as it is one of the more prime makes of the Yasuma collection I'm not going to give it off cheaply. Send me a message on [e-mail] if your intersted!

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Mark C
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 04:53 PM

Just found this site while browsing for guitar histories. I have owned a Yasuma model 230, (copy of a Martin D35 I think) since I bought it new in the early 70's for about 30 pounds in Glasgow. It has been with me ever since and has turned into a family jewel. I have several other guitars but would not part with the Yasuma. Only disapointment is that they were viewed as a knock-off of Martin,(which is true), but this does not do justice to the quality of the instrument. I have played many guitars and haven't played many that compare to the Yasuma. Looked on e-bay just for laughs and there were none for sale. A pretty rare item indeed.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Guest, Jeff W
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 11:26 AM

I have owned a Yasuma Mandolin for 30 years and never found anyone who heard if the company. The inside label reads "Est 1950, Hand made by Yausma Musical Inst. Co., Model YM130" Still plays great. I bought it off a fellow guitarist when I decided to try the mandolin.
I'd be interested in the value now, but who could know for sure?

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Guest Doug lake
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 11:11 AM

I can't believe I have found some fellow owners. I have a Newance
s/n FG 1600A. I have had it from new 1982. I have tried to find out more about it. The Yasuma Music Company (Tokyo) packed up in the late 1970s.
I am interested in the martin connection. Now I think about it I can see where this comes from.
I must try Martin strings.It plays and sounds great. The colour after all these years also looks lovely.

How can I tell which model it is? Anyone know?
Cheers

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,guest Doug lake
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 11:21 AM

Ok I know. I just read the label properly. The model number is FG1600A. I'll get my coat.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,lugg-nutts
Date: 10 Nov 09 - 06:28 PM

Wow, others do exist. I got given my 130B in the early 90's by a friend of mine, at the time guitar was of little intrest to me, more into the woodwinds and percussion. It has always been with me, which is a bit wierd considering I never really played it, well untill aprox 8 years ago. I can honestly say this guitar has been a damn good friend to me and my family. I now play it far more than any other instrument I have. I never thought to much about the history untill coming across this forum, I now feel far more thankful and I may have keep my boys from destroying it.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 03 Jan 10 - 11:24 AM

I've had a W250 since the late 70s, bought used for £20. It's white in colour, actually several shades of white now! Nice to know there are others out there.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: Tally Ho Man
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 07:50 AM

Have just acquired a Yasuma Guitar and I'm really chuffed with it. Lovely sound, low action. Will try Martin strings. I had no idea they were so rare! £40 well spent I think!

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,secondmate
Date: 13 Apr 10 - 05:50 PM

I have just acquired a yasuma custom model 1000. traded an autoharp for it. I gave it a wash and a polish, changed the strings and wow! what a huge sound! The narrow neck takes a bit of finesse.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Mark 1305
Date: 08 Jun 10 - 10:59 AM

I think that people have got to stop fishing for this "Martin Lawsuit" connection to every Japaneseguitar made in the 70s. The D28 was SOLID wood and just about every "Martin Lawsuit" guitar whether it be Takamine, Yamaki or Mr Miyagi is made of laminate (fancy word for laminste). I own a Sigma and a Goya which are made by Martin in Lorea. Great guitars . . .but plywood with solid cedar/spruce soundboards. The MArtin D28/18/35 are different. Takamine simply stole their bracing patern. These guitars are more copies of the Martin "X" series which retails around $499 US.


I plan to offer $100 for a Yasuma. That is what the Sigma, the Goya and a nice melllow little Seagull all cost me. My Takamine which is new last year and actually IS solid mahogony, is nothing like a Martin.

Subject: RE: Yasuma guitars
From: GUEST,Remoteseer
Date: 09 Oct 10 - 06:25 PM

Thank god someone else sees sense The lawsuits were over the shape of the Logo and not the way they made the guitar and correct me if I'm wrong but nobody actually went to court. The threat was enough.