(SOLD) Morris W-100 Dreadnought Acoustic 1979
Morris W-100 dreadnought, natural finish, made in Japan 1979. Morris launched in 1967 under the watchful eye of master luthier Toshio "Mori" Moridaira, and they became quite a substantial player in the local Japanese market over the 70s and 80s. This beautiful example borrows design elements from the Martin D-45, so it's got the vertical logo headstock, hex inlays, ebony board and bridge and some beautiful abalone binding and rosette all adorning a vintage square-shoulder dreadnought shape. It's also got a gorgeous three piece back, with some flamed maple splitting a pair of gorgeous rosewood panels. The '100' in the model name pertains to the original price in JPY, so at ¥100,000, this one was 2-4 times more expensive than the more common W-25 and W-50 models we've had through in the past. The solid spruce top has some very tight, consistent grain: it's a high grade piece, and with all that delightful abalone trim around the outsides, it looks amazing, The back and sides are a 'laminate', but these models used a two-ply construction that is closer to a solid build in many ways. The build quality is absolutely top-notch: amazing wood selection, beautiful binding and finish work... all done by hand by Japan's finest. The tone on offer is lush, full and expansive. The low end is big and tuneful, paired with a wide and rich midrange and a sweet, shimmering treble; it really does sound outstanding. This is a gorgeous vintage dreadnought, it will surely make a friendly addition to your household.
Model: Morris W-100
Made: Japan, 1979 approx (serial 331326)
Finish: natural, gloss poly
Body: dreadnought style shape; solid spruce top, 2-ply rosewood sides, 2-ply rosewood/maple back
Neck: mahogany, figured ebony fingerboard, dovetail joint, 25.5" scale, 15" radius
Weight: 2.255kg
Pickup: none
Mods: some bridge pins replaced
Case: basic non-original hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and back near the volute. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs around the whole body but no major marks. The sides have some dimples in the elbow area and some scuffs along the bottom edge from the corner to the shoulder. The front has some dimples around the bridge and pickguard, in the bottom corner and along the back edge, as well as some scuffs on both shoulders. Overall: very good condition (8/10).
Playing condition notes: action is moderately low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. The frets have some minor wear but look pretty good, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 12/54 Moonshiners strings.