Ryoji Matsuoka M60, made in Japan around 1976, natural gloss finish. 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 the mid 70s, and being an M60, was a few notches above the more common M30 models in price and quality. First up, the top: it's a stellar piece of solid cedar with a gorgeous super tight grain. The detail in the bookmatched grain displays hundreds of growth rings... this is quality stuff from a very old specimen. The back and sides are laminate rosewood, usually a two-ply style in this era. Again, the grain is gorgeous, the back is quite something to behold. A good classical guitar always has plenty of brightness, and this definitely fits the bill: it's snappy and responsive with a superb clear treble. Notes and chords come to life in vibrant detail, it's very rewarding. This one has a bit of honest wear to show for several decades of play, but I humbly submit that to be a good sign: it's been played and enjoyed because it sounds good. Top marks Ryoji, you did great.

Model: Ryoji Matsuoka M60
Made: Japan, 1976 approx (no serial on this one)
Finish: natural gloss
Body: solid cedar top, laminate rosewood back and sides
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fingerboard, D-shape
Weight: 1.620kg
Pickup: none
Mods: none
Case: basic non-original vintage hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some light scuffs on the end and the front in addition to a small chip on the front at the top right. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples only. The back has some dimples on the bottom horn, bottom corner and elbow area as well as widespread light scuffs around the whole body. The sides have minor dimples around the whole body and some light scuffs on the bottom horn. The front has a patch of play wear near the soundhole, dimples along the back and bottom edge, scuffs in the elbow area and some dimples on the shoulders. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: action is moderately, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Frets look great, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh Rotosound normal tension strings.