A rare classical guitar of unparalleled build quality - a 1969 Yamaha GC-3.
 
This guitar warranted a little research, which revealed some interesting facts and shed some light on Yamaha's intense and quality-driven early years of classical guitar production, using the finest woods and materials available at the time. This model was built by Hiroshi Harada, who was responsible for all GC-3 models during this period and bears his maker's mark on the sound hole label. They had trained under esteemed Spanish luthier Eduardo Ferrer, who Yamaha quite literally imported for 3 years to Japan circa 1964-67 to teach the team the art of classical guitar building. Comparing this to contemporary examples, it features a solid spruce top, an Indian rosewood back and sides - and I'm also fairly certain that the fingerboard is ebony, too.
 
Used, but in excellent condition, bordering on near mint and includes its original red felt-lined hard case, free of any modifications or repairs. 
 
Specs:
 
Country of origin: Japan
Builder: Hiroshi Harada
Scale length: 662mm
Solid spruce top
2 piece Indian rosewood back
Indian rosewood sides
Ebony fingerboard
Ornate sound hole rosette inlay
Original hard case
 
Condition:
 
Excellent used condition. Very well looked after, free of breaks, cracks or any form of repairs. Some minor finish checking and the odd gentle sign of playing wear, which I have pictured in the photos. Neck angle is fantastic, frets in great condition and all hardware appears original. 
 
Modifications/repairs:
 
None.
 
Accessories:
 
Original hard case.
 
A fantastic classical guitar for the money, built to the highest standard during a period in which Yamaha prioritised quality and craftsmanship over all else.