A rare and beautifully preserved 1972 Ryoji Matsuoka No.20 classical guitar, serial number 06583, handcrafted in Nagoya, Japan during the golden era of Japanese luthiery. This guitar features all solid tonewoods, and its tone, playability, and craftsmanship speak for themselves.
Built just before the introduction of stricter export regulations on exotic woods, this instrument showcases solid rosewood back and sides (likely Indian rosewood), paired with a solid spruce top that has matured wonderfully over the decades. The guitar projects with warmth, depth, and balance—ideal for both concert performers and discerning collectors.
Specifications:
Model: No.20
Year: 1972 (confirmed via label)
Serial Number: 06583
Top: Solid spruce
Back & Sides: Solid rosewood (bookmatched back, likely Indian)
Case: Original 1970s Japanese hard case with gold plush interior
Condition:
This guitar is in excellent condition for its age, showing only light cosmetic wear such as minor dings and lacquer checking typical for a well-preserved 50+ year-old instrument. Frets show minimal wear, the neck is true, and the action is comfortable. All components appear original and untouched. The hard case is also in very good condition with all latches working and no structural issues.
Notes:
This is a true vintage instrument, built before mass-production dominated the Japanese guitar industry.
The solid construction and tonewood aging make this guitar exceptional in tonal response, with a clear, warm voice and excellent sustain.
The label confirms the build year and model, and the quality of this example exceeds many comparable models from later years.
The neck reinforcement with dual dark stripes is rarely seen on later No.20s another mark of its early, higher-spec build.
