Seizo Shinano was a very skilled Master Luthier and founded Shinano Guitar Factory in the mid1960s. He has earned my deepest respect for his guitars. The (GS) Grand Shinano and SC series were very high-grade guitars. Models made by this factory in the 1960s were introductory (models 13 to 43) intermediate (53 to 63) and high end (73 through 93). Models like Shinano 73 (all solid woods Spruce. Indian Rosewood), Shinano 83 (solid Spruce top, solid Brazilian Rosewood Back) and Shinano 93 (all solid woods with Spruce/BR) are greatly respected by Japanese players and considered as concert guitars. By the late1960s/the early 1970s the labelling system of Shinano guitars changed to SC and GS models.

This guitar was made in 1976 before he opened his factory.  The original warranty sticker from Rokkomann Music Store confirms the date.

The original price of this guitar was 25,000 yen back in 1976 when the average income was 118,000 per year (about 12 weeks wage).  This gives you an idea of the value of the guitar.

It's a wonderful guitar, worthy of the "Concert" title. It gives a warm and brilliant sound so rich compared to many guitars in my collection.

Unfortunately, time has had its effect on this guitar.  The top dried and matured beautifully, however it has a small crack which I have fixed pretty well.  I have attached a bamboo cleat on the inside along the whole length of the crack to make sure it has been fixed for good.  Bamboo is also very flexible and is used to make reeds for woodwind instruments such as the clarinet and the oboe, so it will re-enforce the top without taking away its flexibility.

The clear coat is also showing signs of aging.  It has yellow patches throughout the body especially the back.

Normally I would strip the clear coat off and refinish the whole guitar, but given the fact that it was made in 1976 (45 years old), I wanted to guitar to show its age.

Given the fact that this guitar is the oldest Shinano I've ever seen and it's a concert grade guitar, I would price it at $3500-$4000 if it wasn't for the repaired crack on the top.

If you are willing to ignore the esthetics you can't get a value for this guitar.

Specs:

Top: Solid spruce

Sides and back: Rosewood

Neck: Mahogany with rosewood reinforcement

Fretboard: Ebonised Rosewood

Scale:650mm

Nut width: 52mm

Action: 3.0mm on E1 and 3.5mm on E6 at 12th fret.