At FGC, you will be introduced to excellence, wherever we find it, in the world of fine hand made guitars.

In a small village outside of Tokyo, Japan, a family goes about its business. Unlike other husbands in other families in this rural community, our friend and honored instrument maker Shimo works close to home.
Shimo has the 'calling' that a small group of fine instrument makers share--that of Luthier. Shimo has made stringed instruments for more than thirty years.
He is a Master Luthier, having made all types of guitars and ukuleles of very high quality. Shimo has been honored for his work many times. Click here to see an honor he received at the end of 2001.

The instrument featured here is completely from 'Another Realm'--though it is certainly based on traditional guitar construction techniques and the construction has roots grounded in known methods of steel string and classical guitar making. The creative concept that has evolved from Shimo's inner voice and passion for guitar making has resulted in an instrument that transcends many current harp guitar designs. Harp guitar has been recently re-discovered and there is now growing interest in exploring this exciting branch of guitar playing. We believe its allure is a natural, because the central core of the instrument is familiar territory for a guitar player. The chords and notes are all the same on the 6-string section of the instrument. The extra fun comes with incorporating occasional bass notes, plucked together or in couterpoint with the guitar tune to broaden the tonal experience.

This 'MOS' Harp Guitar is designed to envelop the player in vibrating and chiming string and wood frequencies that create live surround sound for the benefit of player and audience alike. Encourage a group of friends to circle in close around you--the player--to feel the magnetic lure of all that sympathetic vibration. The instrumental range of this instrument is huge. In addition to the thrill of the deeply satisfying, plucked bass notes are up to two extra octaves of higher trebles that give a shimmering high rainbow of tones that can be plucked or played fingerstyle. That second higher octave can be achieved by adding a bone bridge/saddle that Shimo carved for you as an option. You can use it or not, as well as do alternate tunings to suit your music.

Click here to read some notes directly from Shimo on the subject of creating the concept for the 'MOS' Harp Guitar. You will also see developmental sketches as the concept evolved in his mind. Aesthetic vision must always be balanced with musicality and function, the latter two items being the key to designing a successful instrument.

Let's look at some of the specifications now, although, as we begin, don't think in terms of dimensions that apply to a guitar that you typically want to hold in close to you. This harp guitar is meant to surround you ! It is important to think of this as a different type of instrument. Also, plan on selecting a stool or chair that will work well for playing this large-but physically well-balanced instrument. The lower bout measures 20 7/8". The upper bout is 18". The depth of the main guitar portion is 4" at the top and 4 15/16" at the bottom of the instrument. The nut width is 1 13/16". The frets are slanted, slightly varying the scale lengths of the strings. This will assist you in keeping tension on the lower guitar strings as you experiment with alternate tunings. Staying at standard pitch works fine, of course. It is good to begin your adventure in familiar territory! A note on the slanted frets: When holding the harp guitar and looking down, you will see what appears to be straight frets. This optical illusion is a nice touch that keeps things non-intimidating.

The experience of playing the regular 6-string guitar part of the instrument is wonderful all by itself. You will immediately feel like you are inside an acoustically perfect reverb chamber. The sympathetic resonance of the other strings in the other sections create a musical synergy that is magical.

The massive soundboard of the instrument is almost a one-piece Sitka spruce top. There is only a small wing addition that was added from the same piece of wood on the left side. As you read Shimo's notes (linked here again in a new window for your convenience)
you will get a clearer picture of what he had in mind.
The back and sides are very old Brazilian rosewood. The back is made from five pieces, but the visual effect is of a one-piece back! Great job, Shimo...The bridge is all one piece of Brazilian rosewood.

"Richard here. The instrument is medium-weight for its size and is interesting to hold. My first experience of this harp guitar was awe-inspiring. After a few moments, its unusual shape and size was no longer an issue. I surrendered to the idea of the instrument becoming musical extensions of my body. What a joy to be surrounded by vibrations and the deep and rich character of full range tone. I felt like I was inside of a fretted piano! The 'MOS' Harp Guitar is well balanced physically and sonically. Shimo's hand carved guitar neck is a medium C-shape. The ebony tuning buttons are smooth and the tuners precise. Getting to know the locations of the strings is part of the initial orientation and I found tuning easy and smooth.

This guitar is a musical treasure. We look forward to the right individual at the right time making a connection with this special guitar. In the meantime, it remains here, getting better every day. The soundboard is starting to relax and richly majestic, reverberant tones just roll out across the room. Call Richard for an appointment to experience this guitar if you think you are the person being called to explore what it has to offer. For now, we also have a wonderfully rich and complex-sounding Shimo flat top 6-string guitar. Come experience what Shimo has to offer. He is a very happy and warm man whose personality comes through his instruments. Shimo Art Guitars of Japan are guitars from another realm. We can take you there.

Call Richard at (619) 265-5900 or email
email: rglick@fineguitarconsultants.com

Click Here for another of the 'Guitars From Another Realm'