Rare 1978 Yamaha Custom L-52 Jumbo Acoustic Guitar made in Japan - Bob Dylan Budokan

$11,999.00 USD
By Yamaha

Maker: Yamaha

Model: Custom L-52

Condition: Very good 

Description: 

Collector opportunity; an ultra rare 1978 Yamaha Custom L-52 acoustic guitar in original condition - aka the Bob Dylan Budokan guitar. Bob purchased his L-52 specifically for his 1978 tour which kicked off with Eight shows at the Budokan which were recorded, with tracks appearing on the Bob Dylan at Budokan album. L-52's were the top of the line hand made model available only as part of their special order program and Yamaha's "Four Heavenly Kings" L (Luxury) series overseen by Terry Nakamoto, a legend in the acoustic guitar world. When it comes to Japan vintage guitars this is considered one of the Holy Grails!

This one is in overall very good condition especially considering its age. The body shows some general playwear, some very minor surface scratches and scuffs, and in some spots there is some kind of reaction to the finish that is almost un-noticable unless in the right lighting. The binding on the body has faded to an almost red color in some spots and shows a fair amount of cracking throughout, see our photos for details. Besides that the body is overall in very good shape and has no major damage of any sort. Neck shows some very minor surface wear and a few very minor dings that dont affect playability in any way but otherwise neck is in great condition and very comfortable with a soft V profile. Headstock shows some light surface marks and some very light wear along the edges but is otherwise in good condition. Beautiful ebony fretboard that shows some very light wear on the first 3 frets but is otherwise very clean. Frets shows some light wear and some minor divots mostly on the first 3 frets but otherwise have no issues and in good overall condition. Features an ebony bridge that is fully adjustable with individual saddles for each string ensuring proper intonation. Has a new set of bridge pins installed and the old bridge pins are included but the original set has one damaged pin. A stunning, rarely seen and highly collectible custom Yamaha that plays and sounds like a dream, Just ask Bob Dylan (or Paul Simon, or Jimmy Page - other fans of the L-52 model). Has been fully inspected and set up and ready for a new home. Includes original hard shell case.  

  • Body: It features a jumbo body with a distinctive white double pickguard.
  • Top: The guitar has a solid spruce top, which contributes to a crisp, articulate, and vibrant tone.
  • Back & Sides: The back and sides are made of solid maple, a wood choice that gives the guitar its characteristic bright, clear sound.
  • Neck: The neck is typically made of maple and is described as smooth and comfortable for easy playability.
  • Fingerboard & Bridge: Both the fingerboard and bridge are crafted from ebony.
  • Hardware: It often includes an adjustable bridge, which aids in precise tuning and detailed string balance.
  • Aesthetics: The L-52 is known for its distinctive and luxurious appearance, featuring a black body finish on some models, and a design that makes it a "legendary rarity" among vintage Japanese acoustics.

Weight:  6lbs 6oz

Neck Shape: Soft V

Neck Thickness: 1st fret .874", 12th fret - neck joint

Fretboard Radius: 12"

Nut width: 1 3/4"

***Listed shipping price is for USA only. For anywhere outside of USA please contact us for a qoute.*** 

From the web:

In the history of Japanese acoustic guitars, there remains a legend that is still talked about today. The four guitars born in 1975: the L-51, L-52, L-53, and L-54.

The Four Heavenly Kings of YAMAHA L

The term "Four Heavenly Kings" carries a certain charm that tugs at the heartstrings of the young. These four overwhelmingly distinctive entities possess an aura reminiscent of legendary artifacts or treasured relics passed down through tales. Within this group, the appeal of the "L Four Heavenly Kings" lies in each embodying a distinct concept and sound, radiating a truly unique presence.This article focuses on the "L Four Heavenly Kings," delving into the background of their creation and the enduring charm that continues to captivate people to this day.

The L-52 Custom, featuring a jumbo body inspired by the Gibson J-200.
A jet-black body with a white double pickguard... reminiscent of Gibson's Everly Brothers. This black color is designed to appear dark brown depending on the light, and upon closer inspection of the head, the wood grain subtly shows through, allowing you to appreciate its lacquerware-like beauty. White double pickguard. Upon closer inspection, its asymmetrical size creates a unique design. Why this design was chosen remains a mystery unless you ask the maker, but considering the L-51's design mentioned earlier, it's intriguing to speculate: "Perhaps the placement area of the pickguard and body controls the resonance on the bass and treble sides, just like the L-51." According to Terry Nakamoto, the sound design was consciously tailored to Japanese tastes, aiming for a subdued feel rather than flashiness.
Featuring a Tune-O-Matic bridge, it delivers a crisp, clean sound while still allowing the jumbo body's rich resonance to shine through.

The L Custom Series, starting with the L-52, is sometimes described as having "a distinctly Japanese sound," but the L-52 is also known for being highly regarded by top artists overseas.

Paul Simon fell in love with its sound, placed an order for a smaller body size, and has been using it to his satisfaction. John Lennon took a liking to this model after playing his guitar and ordered his own custom model.


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