Morris MA-B jazz box / Gibson ES-175 clone, made in Japan around 1970 +/- violin burst
Price$975
+ $55 Shipping
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Listed:2 years ago
Views:2095
Watchers:52
Offers:7
West Hills, CA, United States
I believe this guitar was made in the early 70s. You probably know the story behind these but, if not, I'll tell you what I know (or, more accurately, what I've read online and believe to be true).
Morris guitars was founded by Mr. Toshio Moridaira. In 1964, Mr. Moridaira was in negotiations with Gibson to produce cheaper Gibson guitars (Japan in the 60s was like China is today for cheap manufacturing). Mr. Moridaira visited the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan where he was nicknamed "Mori," and it was this nickname that led him to calling his guitar company "Morris" guitars.
Anyway, the deal fell through, but not before Mr. Moridaira had the exact specs for certain Gibson guitars including Gibson's iconic ES-175 jazz box. After the deal fell through, Mr. Moridaira began manufacturing guitars in Japan, some of which were near identical to certain Gibson modesl. The Morris MA-B was basically a clone of the Gibson ES-175. I believe Morris also made clones of some other Gibson guitars.
When I wanted a true jazz box / archtop to add to my collection, I researched what seemed to be the best/truest Gibson ES-175 clone made in Japan during what I consider to be the "golden age" of Japane guitar making (when it was not yet appreciated how good the quality was over there, so the guitars were cheaper than they should have been given the quality). That research led me to the Morris MA-B, and perhaps it has led you now to this listing.
Anyway, I hardly ever play guitar anymore, and don't need a collection of different guitar types, so I'm listing most of my guitars for sale, including this one. It plays fine and all electronics work as they should The original tuners were replaced (upgraded?) with Grover tuners (see pics). The nut was replaced with a new bone nut some years back, but the original nut is also included and will be shipped to you. Also, the pick guard has been removed, and I think misplaced, so I don't think I have it to send with the guitar. I don't care for pick guards, but if it's important to you, you'll need to buy one separate (I think they are readily available and cheap).
Other than that, I believe it's all original. I did add a Dunlop pick holder to the upper side of the body (see pics) where it is very easy to get a a pick quickly with your right hand yet it is very unobtrusive and does not mar the looks of the guitar. If you don't like it, it's only attached with 3M tape or something similar and should come off without any permanent blemish.
The guitar has been played, and has typical dings / scratches, and I've tried to take pics from all angles so you can see for yourself how clean it is for a guitar this old. It will be shipped in the hard case pictured with it, which is an Ibanez hard case in very good condition (see photos).
Anyway, if you want a real jazz box / archtop guitar similar to the Gibson ES-175, but for much less, this guitar is a very good choice.
Morris guitars was founded by Mr. Toshio Moridaira. In 1964, Mr. Moridaira was in negotiations with Gibson to produce cheaper Gibson guitars (Japan in the 60s was like China is today for cheap manufacturing). Mr. Moridaira visited the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan where he was nicknamed "Mori," and it was this nickname that led him to calling his guitar company "Morris" guitars.
Anyway, the deal fell through, but not before Mr. Moridaira had the exact specs for certain Gibson guitars including Gibson's iconic ES-175 jazz box. After the deal fell through, Mr. Moridaira began manufacturing guitars in Japan, some of which were near identical to certain Gibson modesl. The Morris MA-B was basically a clone of the Gibson ES-175. I believe Morris also made clones of some other Gibson guitars.
When I wanted a true jazz box / archtop to add to my collection, I researched what seemed to be the best/truest Gibson ES-175 clone made in Japan during what I consider to be the "golden age" of Japane guitar making (when it was not yet appreciated how good the quality was over there, so the guitars were cheaper than they should have been given the quality). That research led me to the Morris MA-B, and perhaps it has led you now to this listing.
Anyway, I hardly ever play guitar anymore, and don't need a collection of different guitar types, so I'm listing most of my guitars for sale, including this one. It plays fine and all electronics work as they should The original tuners were replaced (upgraded?) with Grover tuners (see pics). The nut was replaced with a new bone nut some years back, but the original nut is also included and will be shipped to you. Also, the pick guard has been removed, and I think misplaced, so I don't think I have it to send with the guitar. I don't care for pick guards, but if it's important to you, you'll need to buy one separate (I think they are readily available and cheap).
Other than that, I believe it's all original. I did add a Dunlop pick holder to the upper side of the body (see pics) where it is very easy to get a a pick quickly with your right hand yet it is very unobtrusive and does not mar the looks of the guitar. If you don't like it, it's only attached with 3M tape or something similar and should come off without any permanent blemish.
The guitar has been played, and has typical dings / scratches, and I've tried to take pics from all angles so you can see for yourself how clean it is for a guitar this old. It will be shipped in the hard case pictured with it, which is an Ibanez hard case in very good condition (see photos).
Anyway, if you want a real jazz box / archtop guitar similar to the Gibson ES-175, but for much less, this guitar is a very good choice.
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| Listed | 2 years ago |
| Condition | Very Good (Used) Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more |
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