Keystone / 2016 Jujube
The instrument we’re introducing today is a truly special one that will dramatically transform your playing experience.
Keystone Stringed Instruments is a brand founded by Keisuke Nishi, one of Japan’s world-renowned master luthiers.
After gaining extensive experience at luthier schools and instrument manufacturers both in Japan and abroad—including studying under Mario Bolgar, considered the foremost disciple of Irvin Somogyi—he has been crafting guitars under the Keystone Stringed Instruments brand since 2007.
His signature model, the Jujube, features a compact size—equivalent to a Martin Double-O or Single-O—yet boasts an innovative design that amazes players around the world.
The biggest secret lies in the combination of a 648mm long scale with this compact 14-fret-joint body.
Typically, smaller guitars are easy to hold but tend to lose their tonal tension.
However, Mr. Nishi resolved this contradiction through perfect woodworking precision and carefully calculated bracing.
The 14-fret joint delivers clear, responsive, deep, and rich bass tones.
Combined with the superb tension provided by the long scale, this creates an astonishingly brilliant and crystal-clear high-frequency range.
When you place this instrument on your lap, you’ll first be amazed by how effortlessly it fits in your arms.
Particularly noteworthy is its overwhelming stability when played in down-tuned or open tunings. Even when the tension eases, the sound never becomes muddled, and the contour of each individual string stands out with incredible clarity.
Thanks to its elegant cutaway—combined with the 14th-fret design’s exceptional playability—playing in the higher positions is surprisingly stress-free.
Whether you’re playing with a delicate fingerstyle touch, gently strumming chords, or plucking to accompany a song, it transforms every nuance of your fingertips into a superb tone without losing a single detail.
With fans all over the world, it’s almost a miracle to even have the chance to acquire one of Mr. Nishi’s creations.
Every part of this instrument is in perfect harmony; it’s not only beautiful but already possesses an overwhelming resonance that will only deepen as you play it.
The artisanal beauty of the original rosette, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, is sure to bring you joy every day you own it.
As a companion that will be with you for decades to come, there is simply no better choice.
[Specifications/Included Case]
Top: Vintage Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides: Processed Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Ebony
Neck: Honduran Mahogany
Nut Width: 44.0 mm
Scale: 648 mm
Case: Hardshell Case
[Repair/Modification History / Replaced Parts / Cosmetic Condition, etc.]
*As this is a used/vintage item, the information provided is based on our inspection.
Please be aware of this in advance.
[Playing Condition]
- String action at the 12th fret: 2.5 mm on the 6th string side, 1.6 mm on the 1st string side
- Saddle projection: approx. 4.5 mm
- There are no playing issues such as buzzing or muffled sound.
[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 Months]
[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
Since we cannot offer customers the opportunity to try out the instrument when purchasing online, we provide a 6-day trial period after the product arrives.
Please take your time to try out the product at home, and if you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price.
*The customer is responsible for round-trip shipping costs.