Kz Guitar Works: Japanese Handcraft

Kz Guitar Works is a boutique guitar workshop based in Zushi, Kanagawa, Japan, founded around 2001 by Kazutaka “Kaz” Ijuin (a graduate of the ESP Craft Academy). What began as a one-man shop has grown a reputation for highly detailed, custom guitars, with a strong identity rooted in both artisan craftsmanship and homage to guitar lore.  

One of Kz’s signature achievements is their work as the official builder of the Brian May Red Special replica, a distinction that sets them apart among boutique builders. This wasn’t just a tribute model—they produced versions used as backup by Brian May himself around 2007–2010.  

Kz guitar models are organized under several series:

• Kz One series — flagship models featuring carved tops, RS-Joint construction, and refined custom options.  

• Trad (Traditional) series — models like ST Trad 22 and TL Trad 22 that revisit more classic designs with Kz’s build quality.  

• RS series — including RS Replica, RS Hybrid, and aged-style RS models, blending the traditional with modern touches.  

Kz is extremely selective with production: they build very few guitars per year (some sources say around ten RS series - the top-of-the line model) and tend to use meticulously chosen tonewoods, aging techniques, and complete in-house crafting from shaping to finishing. In effect, each guitar is something of a bespoke instrument, tailored to the preferences of its owner.

In addition to their craftsmanship, Kz has expanded into artist collaborations. For example, they built a signature guitar for Adam Slack of The Struts (the “KzOne Adam Slack”) and created a bass model for The Struts’ Jed Elliott.  

Guitarists and collectors regard Kz instruments as among the finest examples of Japan’s boutique guitar craftsmanship. If you don't know Kz -> YOU SHOULD! 

More info from the Web:

Kz Guitar Works website