Mitsuo Fujii ...ARIGATO! ありがと

[john widgren]

I was working in Japan last week at the Fuji Rock festival and in Tokyo. The production company arranged for the rental of a steel guitar for me.

I assumed I'd be provided a very nice guitar which has been the case in the past.

Very much to my surprise and delight I had the incredible privilege of the use of Mistuo Fujii's personal 1966 bolt on Emmons. WOW! Mitsuo san went above and beyond!

The pleasure of playing such a wonderful and remarkable instrument was only exceeded by the kindness of Mitsuo San's generosity.

We were not able to visit as much as I would have liked, but we talked briefly at the tokyo show. I cannot thank him enough. This manner of excellence is a testament to the man, and I shall not forget his kindness and support. Thanks Mitsuo San!

ありがと




Thanks to Steve Alcott for the photo.

[J R Rose]

You Lucky Guy John. What more could you ask for in a borrowed guitar? None I guess!! Hope your trip was good and all went well. J.R.

[john widgren]

Thanks JR

Still a little sideways from jet-lag but the trip was fun..and oh that guitar!

Also: It was set up to perfection. Weather was hot, humid, and we had wind and rain bands from the typhoon last week too. Stayed in tune like a tank, no problems.

[Scott Truax]

John,

The kindness Mitsuo extended to you does not surprise me.
Neither does his taste in guitars. You DID luck out with
his '66 Emmons bolt-on ! Glad you had a great trip.


As you know, he builds a wonderful guitar as well.

Here's mine..May '18

[Douglas Schuch]

Hey Scott, how did you go about ordering your Excel? I contacted him a while back via email and never got a reply back.

[Scott Truax]

Doug,
I sent you a pm.

I didn't mean to step on John's post.

Scott

[Bill Lowe]

John, you look good sitting behind that guitar... 66 was a good year

[Bill Cunningham]

Fujii san is a gracious host and fine gentleman. I am usually in Japan once or twice a year as my day job is for a Japanese company. Back in 2013 I was able to visit him but could only get to his shop on Sunday morning. He graciously opened up for a 3 hour visit.

[Steve Mueller]

Bill, describe that guitar you're playing, doesn't look like the Superb model, smaller body, keyless head even smaller. Also looks like a laquer body.

[Ian Rae]

Another satisfied customer here (January this year)




The one in Bill's picture look likes some sort of prototype - it's headless, never mind keyless! I don't think he's offered any like that for sale. On the current model there is tuning adjustment at both ends, so maybe he was experimenting with doing everything at the bridge. It's telling that he doesn't appear to have pursued it.

Although I've only communicated with Mitsuo by e-mail he is clearly a gentleman and his work speaks for itself.

[Ian Rae]

[double post]

[Bill Cunningham]

As I remember, it was a prototype or "one of" of some type. I played several unique experiments he had. There was one that had an aluminum top instead of wood. I think the guitar in the picture was that one.