Ryoji Matsuoka M65 Classical Acoustic Natural 2008
Ryoji Matsuoka M65, made in Japan 2008, natural gloss. Ryoji Matsuoka founded his instrument making company in 1959, producing quality classical guitars for Aria and Ibanez through the 1960s and 1970s. He was building and selling under his own name by the mid-1970s, offering excellent classical models that started at student level and went right up to full professional concert grade options. This guitar was made late in the company's history, under the guidance of Ryoji's son Toshiaki, who was especially fond of cedar. The piece used for the top is bookmatched and incredibly tightly grained, with growth rings at intervals well under 1mm... classy stuff. The back and sides are made from some very pretty streaked rosewood, which looks fantastic too. The sound is warm and balanced, with plenty of natural volume and sustain and a clear, articulate voice. You could pay a lot more than this for an inferior guitar, it's got a lot going for it.
Model: Ryoji Matsuoka M65
Made: Japan, 2008
Serial: 0802003
Finish: natural, thin gloss poly
Body: solid cedar top, laminate Indian rosewood back and sides, classical concert shape
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fretboard, 52mm nut, 640mm scale, D shape
Weight: 1.460kg
Mods: none
Pickup: none
Accessories: basic hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has scuffs on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor scuffs and dimples on the back only. The back has minor dimples on the top shoulder, neck join area and back edge. The sides have minor dimples on the shoulders. The front has a small dent on the top on the treble side of the bridge, dimples in the elbow area and back edge, minor scuffs along the bottom edge and some play wear on the shoulders.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is moderately low, neck is straight, intonation is good. Wearing fresh Rotosound normal tension nylon strings.
Fret life: 9/10, minor wear only