Ryoji Matsuoka Number 30, made in Japan 1981, natural gloss finish. Ryoji Matsuoka started making guitars by hand after the second world war, founding his company officially in 1959. It was always a small operation, doing things by hand to a very high standard. This is a lively, full sounding classical with a lot of personality. The neck is comfy and sturdy and features a beautifully dark piece of rosewood on the fingerboard. The back and sides are also rosewood; they appear to be a two-ply laminate, which is closer to a solid construction than today's multi-ply offerings in terms of tone. The gloss lacquer finish is so thin you can see the slight ridges in the cedar top and the 'dog hair' style grain in the rosewood back, it's a really classy job. The tone is bright, snappy and thick, with an assured low-end and a generous complexity. This is a really lovely vintage classical and certainly comes with a lot more personality than the same cash buys in a brand new instrument. Thanks Ryoji, you did great.

Model: Ryoji Matsuoka No. 30
Made: Japan, 1981 (serial 56275)
Finish: natural gloss
Body: cedar top, rosewood back and sides
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fingerboard, D-shape
Weight: 1.655kg
Pickup: none
Mods: none
Case: basic non-original vintage hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear and dimples on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs and surface scratches but no major marks. The sides have some minor dimples in the elbow area and along the whole bottom edge, no major marks. The front has some dimples and scuffs behind the bridge, along the back edge, in the elbow area and on both horns, nothing nasty though. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

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 Augustine high tension strings.