Ryoji Matsuoka M100 Classical Acoustic 1990
Ryoji Matsuoka M100, made in Japan circa 1990, natural gloss. Ryoji Matsuoka founded a company in his own name in 1959 after many years of experience as a master luthier. It was never a large operation: a small team of highly trained luthiers made their beautiful classical acoustics completely by hand. This one dates to around 1990, and was a pretty high end example in it's day. The '100' in the model number denotes the original selling price of ¥100,000, more than triple the price of the M30 base model that we've seen a few times. That mostly translates to premium wood selection: solid book matched cedar top with the millimeter-tight grain lines to prove it's age and majesty, gorgeous (possibly solid) Indian rosewood back and sides, an ebony-reinforced mahogany neck... from every angle, this guitar radiates class and understated luxury. The careful build and top notch ingredients add up to a delicious tone: singing, expressive highs, piano-like tuneful boldness on the lows and a harmonically complex, dynamically responsive midrange. It springs to life at the lightest touch and embellishes even the most basic lines with a melodic flourish. This is such an enjoyable guitar to play and hear, it will surely draw the best out of your hands and reward your ears. Thanks Ryoji, what a gift!
Model: Ryoji Matsuoka M100
Made: Japan, 1990 approx
Serial: 08010095
Finish: natural gloss
Body: solid cedar top, Indian rosewood back and sides (appears to be a two ply laminate, may be all solid)
Neck: mahogany, ebony reinforcement strip, rosewood fretboard
Weight: 1.470kg
Mods: none
Pickup: none
Accessories: basic vintage hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a dent on the end and some minor scuffs on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has minor dimples on both shoulders and around the back edge and some surface scratches in the middle of the body, as well as some minor clouding in the finish around the middle, nothing nasty. The sides have dimples in the elbow area and some light scuffs along the bottom edge. The front has dimples in the elbow area and some play wear around the soundhole and on the shoulders.
Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)
Playing Condition Notes: Action is moderately low, neck is straight, intonation is good. Wearing fresh Rotosound normal tension nylon strings.
Fret Life: 7/10