The guitar was handmade and signed by Master Luthier Ryoji Matsuoka in 1977.
It was part of Matsuoka's Concert series. Amazing condition for its age.
In early/mid 1970s all Matsuoka guitar models were labelled as No. xx without letter M at the beginning. This system changed in mid/late 1970s when Matsuoka changed his label design and started making regular M xx models along with more luxurious and higher priced No. xx models. No.30 from that era (mid1970s) was of much higher grade than regular line M30 made in late 1970s, M50 made in 1980 or M65 made in 1990s.
This Matsuoka No30 offers impressive volume and beautiful tonality, far better than many guitars currently sold for $2000. Its basses are deep, somewhat metallic, with a great deal of overtones. Its trebles are ultra-clear and ultra-sweet. All notes are magnified by great sustain.
This guitar was priced 30 000 yen in 1976, when Starting Yearly salary of Japanese College Graduate was around 80 000 yen.
Specs.
Top Solid Cedar
Bracing simplified lattice
Back / Sides Indian Rosewood "double-plate"
Finish Polyurethane
Neck Mahogany, Natural Bone Nut
Fingerboard Rosewood
Bridge Rosewood, Natural Bone Saddle
String Length 650 mm
Nut width 52 mm
Action at 12 fret (1st): 3.25 mm
Action at 12 fret (6th): 3.5 mm
Comes with original hard case
