1970s Ryoji Matsuoka M40

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