Ryoji Matsuoka M50 Classical Acoustic Natural 1980
Ryoji Matsuoka M50, made in Japan around 1999, 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 features a lovely bookmatched solid cedar top paired with some vibrantly grained rosewood for the back and sides; it's quite the visual delight. The neck is an agreeable D style shape with a very dark rosewood board, it's a classy thing. It rings like a bell in the hands: there's heaps of natural volume and resonance. The tone is clear, rich and expansive, with plenty of dynamic range and a piano-like low end. This is a very classy classical, there's a lot to like.
Model: Ryoji Matsuoka M50
Made: Japan, 1980
Serial: 09000200
Finish: natural, gloss lacquer
Body: solid cedar top, laminate rosewood back and sides
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fingerboard, D-shape
Weight: 1.570kg
Mods: none
Pickup: none
Accessories: basic vintage hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor scuffs on the end and some dimples on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear on the back only. The back has minor scuffs around the whole body but nothing nasty. The sides have dimples in the elbow area and some minor scuffs on the bottom shoulder. The front has dimples around the bridge and some play wear around the sound hole.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)
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