When we talk about vintage Japanese guitars, names like Yamaha, Ibanez, and Takamine often dominate the conversation. But nestled quietly among them, the Suzuki Violin Company was also producing some exceptional guitars during the 1970s and 1980s. The Suzuki guitar factory in Nagoya, Japan, was a hidden gem of this golden era, creating instruments that today enjoy cult status among collectors and tone chasers.
The Suzuki Legacy
Founded in 1887 by Masakichi Suzuki, the company began as a violin maker. By the mid-20th century, under the leadership of Masakichi’s descendants, Suzuki expanded into other fretted instruments, including mandolins, ukuleles, and eventually guitars. By the 1970s, as the demand for affordable yet high-quality acoustic guitars surged—especially from overseas markets—Suzuki ramped up production. Their factory was small by modern standards but employed skilled luthiers who were trained with both traditional Japanese woodworking techniques and Western guitar-making methods.
The Guitars: More Than Just Student Models
Although some Suzuki guitars were marketed as student or beginner instruments, particularly for export to the U.S. and Europe, many models from the 70s and 80s featured solid woods, hand-scalloped bracing, and meticulous detailing that rivaled much more expensive guitars. Certain models—especially those labeled Three S (SSS)—are now highly sought after on the vintage market.
They used some unique materials and styles such as:
- Spruce tops with rosewood or mahogany backs and sides
- Slot-head tuners on parlor-style models
- Folk and classical models that mirrored Martin and Gibson styles, but with Japanese styles
- Excellent intonation and neck stability, even after decades
These guitars were not just replicas—they had their own character. They offered a warm, articulate tone and were known for their easy playability and reliability.
Exporting to the West
During the 1970s and 80s, the West was experiencing a boom in affordable imports from Japan. Suzuki was among the many Japanese brands supplying guitars to U.S. catalog retailers like Sears and Montgomery Ward. Often sold under different labels (sometimes even rebranded), Suzuki-built guitars became a quiet staple in homes across North America and Europe.
While they didn’t enjoy the same name recognition as Takamine or Yamaha in the guitar world, Suzuki’s instruments were well-respected by players in the know. For many aspiring musicians, a Suzuki guitar was their first instrument—solid, affordable, and surprisingly rich in tone.
What Happened to the Factory?
By the late 1980s, market pressures and shifts in global manufacturing (especially the rise of Korean and later Chinese factories) caused many Japanese brands to scale back or relocate production. The Suzuki factory, focused once again on its core business of orchestral string instruments and music education, quietly stopped producing guitars.
Today, the Suzuki Violin Company still exists, but its focus has returned to violins and educational materials—especially under the famous Suzuki Method. The guitar factory may be a thing of the past, but its legacy lives on through the vintage instruments still in circulation.
A Hidden Treasure for Collectors
For collectors and players seeking something off the beaten path, vintage Suzuki guitars from the 70s and 80s offer excellent value. If you come across one at a pawn shop, estate sale, or online marketplace, give it a try. You might be surprised at how a modest-looking Suzuki from the 1970s can hold its own against much pricier contemporaries.
At Moku we’ve had the honor to receive a Grand Suzuki Super Sounds Japan Neck Through 1970’s in the shop! See the quality for yourself.