Here is a beautifully made traditional Chinese pipa that stands well above typical entry-level imports. This instrument features individually installed raised frets, solid carved construction, and classic traditional styling throughout.

The body appears to be solid wood with a carved back and clean internal construction. The raised frets are individually set and shaped, and the instrument retains traditional wooden tuning pegs rather than modern geared tuners. The craftsmanship suggests a hand-built workshop instrument rather than a mass-produced student model.

Structurally, the instrument is in good playing condition:

• Neck is straight

• Tuning pegs hold well

• Frets are secure

• Bridge and tailpiece are solid

• No structural cracks

Cosmetically, there is visible lacquer checking and finish wear along the neck and body edges (see photos). This is purely cosmetic and consistent with age and traditional lacquer finishes.

Tonally, this pipa has a warm, woody character with strong projection and the articulate attack expected from raised fret construction. It would make a great instrument for a world music enthusiast, studio player, collector, or display piece.

Includes hard case.

If you’ve been looking for a traditionally built pipa with authentic construction details — without stepping into multi-thousand dollar conservatory pricing — this is a strong example.

Case: Hard

Nut width: 1.69”

Weight: 5lbs 3oz

Condition: 8.5/10

Cool Factor: over 9,000

This is a beautifully crafted handmade Chinese zhongruan (中阮), the larger mid-range member of the ruan family. Based on its construction details and materials, it appears to be made by the same individual artisan as the smaller ruan we recently acquired.

Features include:

• Solid carved round body

• Larger zhongruan body size (more projection and deeper voice than xiaoruan)

• 4 strings

• Hand-carved wooden friction tuners

• Bone nut and bone frets throughout

• Traditional carved headstock medallion

• Two round sound ports

• Handmade carved wooden bridge

• Gloss hand-applied finish

• Includes hard case

Condition:
The neck is straight, the tuners hold securely, and the instrument is structurally sound. No visible cracks or separations. Clean overall with light cosmetic wear consistent with a handmade instrument.

This instrument has a very organic, hand-built feel — not factory mass-produced. The use of bone frets and traditional friction pegs suggests a more traditional build approach.

These are becoming harder to find in the U.S., especially handmade examples in solid playing condition.

This is a beautifully crafted handmade Chinese ruan (moon lute) featuring a round solid wood body, raised bone-style frets, and hand-turned wooden friction pegs. The craftsmanship details throughout suggest artisan construction rather than mass production.

The instrument features:

• 5-string configuration
• Raised bone-style frets
• Solid wood round body with dual sound ports
• Hand-carved decorative headstock cap with ornamental insert
• Traditional wooden friction tuners (hold tuning well)
• Straight neck
• Structurally sound throughout
• Includes fitted hard case

The frets appear to be carved bone (or bone-style material), individually installed in traditional ruan fashion. The wooden tuning pegs function properly and hold pitch as they should.

The body shows beautiful natural wood grain and traditional construction. Neck is straight, and the instrument presents very cleanly overall.

This would make an excellent addition for:

• World instrument collectors
• Multi-instrumentalists
• Studio musicians
• Folk / traditional Chinese music players
• Display piece with real playable value

Overall condition is very good, especially considering the handmade nature of the instrument.

Case: Hard

Scale Length: 16“

Nut Width: 1.41“

Fret Wear: 10/10

Action at 12F (6th): 7/64“

Action at 12F (1st): 6/64“

Weight: 3lbs 7oz

Overall Condition: 9/10

Sound Factor: 11 out of 10

USA Seller, check my feedback to see how I value my customers and see my other listings for more rare Japanese Guitars and other unique gear! I use recycled packaging for reduced environmental impact and ship all items 100% insured against loss or damage.

Internal Use (Bin) - storage

Very cool vintage Mavis 5-String Electric Mandolin, likely produced in the late 1980s.

While often confused with Morris/Moridaira instruments, this is actually a Mavis-branded model — a house brand of Ishibashi Music (Japan). Many Mavis instruments from this era were manufactured in South Korea, and this example appears to be one of those Korean-built models.

Finished in a beautiful flame sunburst with semi-hollow f-hole styling, this mandolin delivers classic late-80s Asian electric character in a compact and unique format.

The 5-string configuration offers extended range compared to a traditional 4-string mandolin, making it an interesting and versatile player for electric mandolinists or guitarists exploring mandolin textures.

Features:

• Mavis (Ishibashi house brand)

• Likely late 1980s production

• Made in Korea

• 5-string configuration

• Dual single-coil pickups

• Volume & tone controls

• Toggle selector switch

• Semi-hollow body with f-hole

• Includes vintage hard case

Condition:

Very good vintage condition.
Light cosmetic wear consistent with age.
Hardware shows normal patina.
Case shows wear but remains fully functional.

Electronics function as they should, and the instrument plays well.

A unique and somewhat uncommon electric mandolin — especially in 5-string format — perfect for players looking for something a little different from the standard 4-string setup.

The case is definitely home made but it works alright!

Case: Hard

Scale Length: 13.5“

Nut Width: 1.43“

Fret Wear: 10/10

Action at 12F (6th): 5/64“

Action at 12F (1st): 4/64“

Weight: 3lbs 8oz

Overall Condition: 9/10

Cool Factor: 11 out of 10

USA Seller, check my feedback to see how I value my customers and see my other listings for more rare Japanese Guitars and other unique gear! I use recycled packaging for reduced environmental impact and ship all items 100% insured against loss or damage.

Internal Use (Bin) - PA-1

Up for sale is a Suzuki “Ran” electric Taishogoto (Japanese harp / keyboard zither) in very clean vintage condition.

Made in Japan, this example features:

• Dual strings (melody + bass)

• Numbered key system for easy playability

• Two control knobs (tone & volume)

• 1/4" output jack for amplification

• Original green Suzuki case

Cosmetically, it presents very well. The finish still has great gloss with only light surface wear and minor scratches consistent with age. The control panel is clean, knobs turn smoothly, and the hardware is intact.

The original green case is included and in solid vintage condition with functional zipper and handle. (This is the original soft/zip style case, not a hard case.)

A great option for:

• Traditional Japanese music

• Experimental / ambient players

• Slide & drone textures

• Studio layering

These Suzuki electric models are well-built and very playable, and they’re becoming harder to find in this condition with the original case.

Please review all photos carefully for condition details.

Bin - PA-2

Here’s a clean and very cool 1970s Yamaki Deluxe Folk No. 15, made in Japan during the golden era of Japanese acoustic production.

This is a classic dreadnought with a tight-grained spruce top and beautifully striped rosewood back and sides. The back shows strong grain definition and a center strip, giving it that unmistakable vintage MIJ look. Headstock logo and label are both intact and legible.

Tone & Feel:
These Yamaki-built guitars are known for being lively, balanced, and responsive. This one has that dry, open vintage character with clear articulation and solid projection — great for flatpicking, strumming, or folk-style playing.

Condition:

• Finish checking and cosmetic wear on the back and sides

• Various small dings and handling marks throughout

• Bridge is secure and properly seated

• Top shows typical play wear but no visible structural concerns in the photos

• Original-style bridge with mixed black/white pins

• Chrome tuners functioning as they should

Overall, it presents well and has that seasoned vintage vibe players look for.

Includes:
Chipboard case (not a hard shell case). The case shows cosmetic wear consistent with age but will provide basic protection for storage and transport.

If you're building out your Japanese acoustic lineup or looking for a vibey 70s MIJ dreadnought with character, this is a solid example.

Case: Chipboard

Scale Length: 25“

Nut Width: 1.75“

Fret Wear: 9.5/10

Action at 12F (6th): 5/64“

Action at 12F (1st): 4/64“

Weight: 3lbs 12oz

Overall Condition: 7.4/10

Sound Factor: 11 out of 10

USA Seller, check my feedback to see how I value my customers and see my other listings for more rare Japanese Guitars and other unique gear! I use recycled packaging for reduced environmental impact and ship all items 100% insured against loss or damage.

Internal Use (Bin) - PA-13

Here’s a vintage Yamaha G-90A classical made in Japan by Nippon Gakki during Yamaha’s golden era of classical production.

These 1970s Yamaha nylon-strings are known for their consistency, strong projection, and dependable build quality. The G-90A sits above the entry-level models and delivers a warm, articulate tone with great balance across the strings.

Features:

• Made in Japan (Nippon Gakki)

• Solid spruce top

• Mahogany back & sides

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Traditional slotted headstock with gold tuners

• Original hard shell case included

Condition:

Overall very clean for its age. The top shows light cosmetic wear and small dings consistent with normal use. The back and sides show surface marks but no structural concerns.

There is a very small visible gap line at the back edge of the bridge, but the bridge is solid and secure with no lifting or movement. It is stable and ready to play.

Neck is straight, frets are in good shape, and it plays comfortably up the board. A great option for a student wanting a quality vintage instrument, or a player looking for that classic 1970s Yamaha tone.

Case: Hard

Scale Length: 660mm

Nut Width: 52mm

Fret Wear: 10/10

Action at 12F (6th): 3.5mm

Action at 12F (1st): 3mm

Weight: 1465grams

Overall Condition: 9/10

Cool Factor: 11 out of 10

USA Seller, check my feedback to see how I value my customers and see my other listings for more rare Japanese Guitars and other unique gear! I use recycled packaging for reduced environmental impact and ship all items 100% insured against loss or damage.

Internal Use (Bin) - PA-6

Up for sale is a vintage Yamaha C-300 classical guitar, made in Japan by Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd.

This is a well-regarded 1970s Yamaha classical featuring a traditional full-size body, warm amber top, and beautifully grained rosewood back and sides. The craftsmanship from this era is consistently strong, and this example delivers the balanced, articulate tone these are known for.

Specs & Features:

• Model: C-300

• Made in Japan (Nippon Gakki era)

• Spruce top

• Rosewood back and sides

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Traditional slotted headstock

• Original Yamaha label intact

• Includes original hard shell case

Condition:
The guitar shows typical cosmetic wear for its age — light scratches, small dings, and finish marks as shown in the photos. Nothing out of the ordinary for a 40+ year old instrument.

There is a very small gap visible between the bridge and the top. The bridge is solid and stable, but this should be noted for full transparency. It does not currently show signs of lifting under tension.

Overall, this is a clean vintage Japanese classical with strong visual appeal and great tonal character. These early MIJ Yamahas continue to gain appreciation for their build quality and reliability.

Ships in the original hard shell case shown.

Case: Hard

Scale Length: 660mm

Nut Width: 52.2mm

Fret Wear: 9.5/10

Action at 12F (6th): 3mm

Action at 12F (1st): 2.5mm

Weight: 1569grams

Overall Condition: 7.8/10

Cool Factor: 11 out of 10

USA Seller, check my feedback to see how I value my customers and see my other listings for more rare Japanese Guitars and other unique gear! I use recycled packaging for reduced environmental impact and ship all items 100% insured against loss or damage.

Internal Use (Bin) - PA-11