The Nittaku S-7 is part of the S-Series, ia product of German Craftsmanship and European Spruce wood. Spruce is well known as an exquisite wood that is used in the highest quality musical instruments. Nittaku's S-Series brings you this high quality wood for a reasonable price. The S-7 is a fast blade with 7 plies of Spruce and Ayous wood. The American Walnut handle is laser mark sealed to keep the beauty of the natural wood. Made in Germany.