Encore - L5 Style Archtop, Showcase/Prototype, 1975 - Matsumoko - Master built, Excellent + Condition, HS Case, Free Worldwide Shipping !

An exceptionally rare example of high-end 1970s Japanese guitar luthiery, this ‘Encore’-badged, L-5 style full-depth jazz archtop originates from the most refined and experimentally ambitious period of production at the Matsumoku Industrial facility in Japan.

This master-crafted instrument belongs to a small and elusive group of high-specification builds widely regarded as “prototype,” “gift,” or “dealer special” pieces. Such instruments were produced in extremely limited numbers, utilising superior tonewoods and elevated construction standards to showcase the factory’s design innovation and luthiery capability, rather than for formal catalogue release.

Archival knowledge within the Japanese vintage guitar community suggests that only a very small number of full-depth, Encore-badged jazz archtops were produced alongside early ES-175 style variants during this period, likely in runs as small as 5–10 instruments per style. As a result, surviving examples are exceptionally scarce and seldom appear on the open market, typically remaining within established private collections.

The instrument follows the classic L-5 inspired full-depth archtop format, featuring a 16” lower bout and full 3.5” body depth, true “jazz box” proportions. Construction includes a laminated maple top, pressed and sculpted back, traditional set-neck architecture, multi-ply binding, and finely executed abalone and pearl inlay work throughout. The overall build quality is entirely consistent with upper-tier Matsumoku production, where a combination of advanced construction techniques and extensive hand-finishing produced instruments of remarkable precision and character .

Factory-fitted Maxon humbuckers deliver a refined, articulate and harmonically rich tonal response, with excellent note separation and a warm, vocal midrange . The full-depth body construction provides notable acoustic resonance and bloom, offering a depth and openness more commonly associated with high-end American archtops.

Currently strung with round wound strings and professionally set to a low action (approx. 2.0mm bass / 1.5mm treble), the neck is fast, stable, and highly responsive.

Condition is near unplayed and entirely original. The instrument has been very lightly played and lovingly cherished, with no lacquer checking, structural repairs, or material degradation. Frets, binding, hardware, and all appointments remain remarkably clean, reflecting the careful ownership throughout its life.

Supplied with a hard shell case for safe transit.

Instruments of this calibre occupy an increasingly recognised niche within the vintage market: non-catalogue, high-specification Japanese builds from the so-called “Golden Era” of Matsumoku production. These rare showcase instruments represent the point at which Japanese manufacturers moved beyond replication and began producing guitars capable of rivaling their Western counterparts in both build quality and tonal sophistication.

With strong appeal to collectors, investors, and discerning players alike, opportunities to acquire examples of this level are exceedingly infrequent. Documented comparables remain scarce, and the combination of rarity, specification, originality, and condition places this instrument firmly within the upper echelon of Japanese vintage craftsmanship.

More than simply a beautiful vintage guitar, this is a tangible piece of guitar-making history, a master crafted instrument from a period defined by innovation, precision, and ambition.

Not merely a superb instrument, but a very sound investment.

Delivery Conditions: This guitar will be carefully packed before being despatched using the best couriers and shall be fully insured by a separate dedicated transit insurance policy for the purchase amount. Please contact us for specific courier / insurance rates to your destination. No returns.

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