SKU: 66564072374

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

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Description

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

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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SKU: 66564072374

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Amazon Customer
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
But really it is a great, easy and fun read
Most people who pick this up are probably looking for history and possibly race issues. Which since it deals with slavery are there slightly. But really it is a great, easy and fun read. Many people act like they think they know what slavery was like. They act like slaves got whipped daily. This historical account actually verifies some things I thought might be actually going on. Really, just like today, the slave masters wanted to keep the slaves ignorant. Fred talks about how they tried to get the slaves to party and get drunk during holidays and has a solid working theory about the masters motivations for this. However, many times you could tell that slavery was really a system doomed to fail. Without incentivising the workers/slaves the output was minimal. Also, each slave master was different with some being bullies and some trying to be nice to get more work done. I added this book to get the free shipping with another order and as I white guy I thought reading this would be uncomfortable. But Whatever race you are I recommend this as a quick easy and fun read. Fred was an awesome dude who taught himself to read, had a wife became free and wrote a book, and even got in a comical fight with one of his slave masters. I wish more people today were like that guy. I think if he were alive today this guy would be a member of the Libertarian party. He had the type of soul that yearned for freedom.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2018
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William
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Tour De Force
Format: Paperback, Format: Paperback
The book ranks for me as one of the most significant, erudite, thorough and powerfully voiced books ever written on race in America. This a riveting, compelling and excruciating presentation, indictment, and prosecution of "White America" from its inception as a psychopathic and sociopathic construction, which persists into the present. "White" America exists juxtaposed to its violently parasitic extortion of Blackness. While the book makes the case for pathology and sociopathy, no such “racism” diagnosis currently exists in the DSM or WHO-ICD, but such a diagnosis is a logical extension of King’s argument. I bought this book, the workbook and I listened to the audio version - which is an especially rich experience for anyone who is remotely empathic! 350 references alone should intrigue anyone looking for a mother lode of information on the topic! We cannot jump straight to renewal in a United States of America without truth and reconciliation. For us to realize our best days ahead as a nation, the truth presented in The 400 Year Holocaust . . . is foundational reading.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2023
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DavidJ
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
A must read
Format: Kindle
Mr. King shakes up the thinking and challenges your mindset on American exceptionalism. The only thing exceptional about USA, is it's foundation is rooted in Whiteness. All the laws, policies, institutions, and wealth are designed to support and protect Whiteness. This book is a must read if you want to learn how the history of USA is shaped around Whiteness and white privilege. Mr. King does not hold back and he brings many receipts to support is position that Whiteness and white privilege psychopathic and sociopathic Black genocide. After reading this book, you will better understand why a certain political group wants to ban books. They are so afraid of confronting their truth and their history of anti-Blackness.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2024
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Desiree
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
A must read for all.
Format: Hardcover
A must have in your personal collection.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2025
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Sarita
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Brilliant. A Must Read!
Format: Paperback
Knowledge is power. This book should be in every family’s library.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2022

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