This is a mid-range sanshin from Miyako Mokugei, one of the top brands in the sanshin industry. It's a Makabe-style sanshin with a solid, dense core wood neck weighing over 500g, made of either striped ebony or ironwood (Tagayasan). Tagayasan may be an unfamiliar name, but it's a high-value hardwood used for materials like high-end tables. In any case, it's a tightly packed core wood without any sapwood, so you can consider it to be of equivalent value. Due to the rising cost of materials during the COVID-19 pandemic and the passing of the previous owner, Eiko Yogi, this sanshin has become a premium item, so please consider purchasing it soon! This one was crafted by the late Eiko Yogi. This sanshin offers an overwhelming sound thanks to the top-grade, evenly matched, thick genuine skin and well-dried, high-quality wood. The powerful volume and depth of the natural sound will captivate you the more you play it. The thick karakui (tuning pegs) and the comfortable neck, which showcases the craftsman's skill, are typical of Miyako Mokugei. You can feel their exceptional technique and uncompromising craftsmanship in the beautiful setup of the karakui, which are prone to imperfections, and the ito-gura (string storage). Of course, the chindami (tuning) is also of the highest level of precision and ease of use. Miyako Mokugei's original matte urethane finish and the thicker ten (chira - head) compared to other brands give it a sense of power and impact, and at the same time, it's a distinctive feature that immediately identifies it as a Miyako Mokugei sanshin. The toui (fingerboard) is straight, with no dead spots, providing a very comfortable playing experience. The neck is slightly thicker than standard, but only experienced players would notice. Condition: The skin on the surface has shrunk slightly, and a putty-like material is adhered to the back of the skin, but there are no issues with the sound or use. There are no dents or signs of use, so it's also recommended for those looking for a new neck. Please check the photos carefully as there may be oversight of scratches, etc., and consider your purchase. Please refrain from purchasing if you are looking for shop-level quality or are overly concerned about minor details. Specifications: Head - Type: Makabe Neck: Striped Ebony / Kamagon Neck Weight: 574g (including karakui) Body: Genuine skin, single layer - 7-part tension Brand/Maker: Miyako Mokugei / Eiko Yogi Year of Manufacture: 2014 Finish: Satin - Matte Urethane Finish Accessories: Brand Certificate Case: Hard Case Original Price: 220,000 yen