1970s Ryoji Matsuoka M40
Handcrafted in Japan| Solid Top | Low Action | Hard Case | Vintage Classical Tone
£699.00£590.00
The Ryoji Matsuoka M40 is a beautifully handcrafted vintage classical guitar from Japan’s golden era of luthiery, most likely built in the late 1970s to early 1980s, when traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail were at their peak.
Ryoji Matsuoka is a highly respected Japanese luthier known for producing refined classical guitars inspired by traditional Spanish building techniques. His instruments are appreciated for their excellent balance, warm tonal character, and consistent build quality — making them a favourite among classical players and collectors of vintage MIJ guitars.
This M40 features a solid spruce top paired with rosewood back and sides, delivering a warm, rounded, and expressive tone with a sweet midrange, clear trebles, and mature bass response. After decades of natural ageing, the guitar has developed an open, resonant voice and rich vintage character that modern instruments rarely achieve.
The guitar has been fully cleaned and set up. Action is set very comfortably at approximately 2.5mm (Low E) and 2.5mm (High E) at the 12th fret — making it easy to play while still retaining good dynamic response.
Cosmetically, the guitar shows honest signs of age and use, including light lacquer wear and surface marks consistent with a vintage instrument. There are no structural cracks or repairs, and the guitar remains clean, stable, and comfortable to play.
A hard case is included for safe storage and transport.
🪵 Features
Era: Late 1970s to early 1980s (based on serial number) – Handcrafted in Japan
Model: Ryoji Matsuoka M40
Top: Solid spruce
Back & Sides: Rosewood
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Bridge: Rosewood
Body Style: Classical
Finish / Colour: Natural vintage amber
Action: 2.5mm (Low E) / 2.5mm (High E) @ 12th fret
Case: Hard case included
✅ Condition
Honest vintage condition
Light lacquer wear and surface marks consistent with age
No structural cracks or repairs
Neck is straight and stable
Comfortable low action and easy playability
Fully functional and ready to play
🎼 Why buy this guitar?
A rare and well-kept example of a Ryoji Matsuoka M40, offering authentic handcrafted Japanese build quality, solid-top responsiveness, and a mature, expressive classical tone. With its comfortable low action and vintage character, this is a great choice for both players and collectors looking for a unique MIJ classical guitar.
🔑 Hashtags / Search Keywords
#RyojiMatsuoka #MatsuokaM40 #MIJClassical #MadeInJapan
#VintageClassicalGuitar #SolidTop #JapaneseLuthier #RooftopMusicUK
Dispatch promise: Orders ship within 5 business days (Mon–Fri, excluding UK public holidays).
Default service (UK): Royal Mail Tracked 48 (standard 2–3 business days in transit; not a guaranteed timeframe).
For details, see our Shipping & Returns policy.
Used/Vintage items — final sale for change-of-mind
No change-of-mind returns on used/vintage items.
If an item arrives damaged or significantly not as described, email us within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the outer box, inner packing and item. Keep all packaging until resolved. We’ll arrange an appropriate remedy (repair/replacement/refund) after assessment.
This does not affect your statutory rights.
New items — 14-day returns (buyer pays return postage)
Change-of-mind returns accepted within 14 calendar days of delivery for new items.
Buyer pays return shipping and is responsible for the parcel until received; use a tracked, insured service.
Items must be unused, in “as-new” condition, with all original packaging, tags, accessories, manuals and freebies.
Returns showing signs of use/installation, marks, missing accessories/packaging, or damage may be rejected or deducted to reflect diminished value.
How to return: contact us within 14 days for Return Authorisation and instructions. Unauthorised returns may be refused.
Refunds go to the original payment method after inspection. Original outbound shipping is non-refundable (unless the item is faulty/not as described).
Non-returnable (unless faulty): opened strings, consumables, personalised/custom orders, and any setup/labour services once performed.
Faulty/not-as-described (all categories)
If your item is faulty or not as described, contact us within 48 hours with photos. We’ll cover reasonable return costs or offer another suitable remedy in line with your statutory rights.
See our Shipping & Returns for full details.