1970s Ryoji Matsuoka no.15

The Ryoji Matsuoka No.15 is a rare early 1970s handcrafted Japanese classical guitar, built during the formative period of Ryoji Matsuoka’s own guitar production.

Ryoji Matsuoka established his workshop in Nagoya and became highly regarded for producing well-crafted Japanese classical guitars influenced by traditional Spanish construction. This early No.15 features an attractive handwritten Japanese label marked “Handcrafted”, giving it considerably more character than the later factory-style printed labels.

The guitar features a spruce top paired with rosewood back and sides, producing a warm, mature classical voice with clear trebles, rounded bass, and a balanced response across the strings. Decades of natural ageing have given the instrument an open and resonant tonal character that is difficult to replicate with a modern guitar.

Its traditional classical body, wide nut, dark rosewood fingerboard, decorative rosette, and understated Japanese craftsmanship give the instrument an elegant vintage appearance. This is an uncommon early Matsuoka model and an interesting piece for both players and collectors of Japanese classical guitars.

The guitar has been fully cleaned, polished, and professionally set up, with an action of approximately 3.0mm (Low E) / 2.5mm (High E) at the 12th fret, offering comfortable and responsive classical playability.

Condition is good for a 50+ year old vintage instrument. There are cosmetic marks, scratches, finish wear, and signs of age throughout, particularly on the back, but these are consistent with normal use and do not detract from its vintage character. The neck is stable, the frets remain in playable condition, and the guitar performs well.

An original-style vintage hard case is included. The case shows considerable external wear from age but remains suitable for storage and protection.

🎸 Features

• Era: Circa Early 1970s

• Model: Ryoji Matsuoka No.15

• Origin: Handcrafted in Japan

• Rare early handwritten-label model

• Body shape: Traditional classical

• Top: Spruce

• Back & Sides: Rosewood

• Neck: Mahogany

• Fingerboard: Rosewood

• Bridge: Rosewood

• Decorative mosaic rosette

• String type: Nylon

• Finish: Vintage natural gloss

• Action: 3.0mm (Low E) / 2.5mm (High E) @ 12th fret

• Case: Vintage hard case included

✅ Condition Notes

• Good vintage condition

• Cosmetic marks and scratches consistent with age

• Noticeable surface wear and scratches on the back

• Natural finish ageing throughout

• Neck stable

• Frets in playable condition

• Professionally cleaned and set up

• Vintage hard case included

• Hard case shows considerable cosmetic wear

🎼 Why buy this guitar?

Ryoji Matsuoka is an important name in the history of Japanese classical-guitar making, known for combining traditional Spanish-inspired construction with careful Japanese craftsmanship.

This rare early No.15 is particularly interesting because of its handwritten Japanese “Handcrafted” label, placing it among the earlier instruments produced under Matsuoka’s own name.

With its early Japanese construction, mature vintage tone, distinctive handwritten label, comfortable setup, and included hard case, this No.15 is an appealing choice for players and collectors looking for an authentic piece of Japan’s classical-guitar history.

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