Ryoji Matsuoka 20 1981 - Made in Japan

Brand: Ryoji Matsuoka

Model: No. 20

Year: 1981

Made In: Japan

Body Type: Classical

Top: Solid Spruce

Back & Sides: Rosewood

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Ebony

Bridge: Rosewood

Nut Width: ~52mm

Scale Length: 650mm

Bracing: Traditional fan bracing

Tuners: Original engraved open-gear tuners with pearloid buttons

Finish: Gloss natural

Strings: Nylon

Electronics: None

Case: Not included

(Please understand that the specs are derived from online sources. If you have questions please don’t hesitate to ask, or ask more pictures for clarification)

Condition

Very Good

This guitar is in very well-preserved vintage condition for its age.

• Light cosmetic wear throughout consistent with normal use
• Small surface dings and light scratches on the top
• Minor finish marks on back and sides
• No cracks or structural issues
• Neck is straight
• Frets show light wear only
• Tuners function smoothly
• Bridge and saddle are solid
• No repairs or breaks observed

Overall, this guitar presents beautifully and plays comfortably with a warm, mature tone.

Description

This is a 1981 Ryoji Matsuoka Model No. 20, handcrafted in Japan during the golden era of Japanese classical guitar building. Matsuoka guitars are highly respected for their build quality, tonal balance, and incredible value compared to European instruments of the same period.

It features a solid spruce top paired with rosewood back and sides, producing a tone that is clear, articulate, and resonant with excellent projection. The neck profile is comfortable and traditional, ideal for classical and finger-style players alike.

This instrument has aged gracefully, developing a rich, open voice with great sustain and warmth. It responds beautifully to both light touch and dynamic playing, making it suitable for students, performers, and collectors.

Cosmetically, it shows honest vintage wear but remains structurally sound and visually striking, with attractive grain and classic rosette detailing.

A fantastic example of a high-quality Japanese classical guitar from the early 1980s — ready to be played and enjoyed. I have owned and sold Ryoji Matsuoka guitars and they are really special. If you want an inexpensive vintage guitar that looks stunning this one is for you.

Important note: 

This guitar has been in storage for a long time before I got it, and I have not had it checked with a luthier. I have many vintage guitars and I play all of them, but I strongly suggest that you have a professional check it first, because although these made in Japan guitars are built like tanks, I just want to set your expectations so your experience is great. This is a roughly 55 year old guitar after all. The specs, I got are from online sources so you may want to cross check it to be sure. The ones I sell are usually very rare and information about it are sometimes hard to find.

I can vouch that this guitar sounds great, and I can show you a video of how it sounds and plays, if you are really interested to buy it. I intend to post videos on youtube in the near future, but since I have a busy schedule I provide videos for decided buyers in the meantime. 

I want to make sure you, the buyer will have no surprises, when you get the guitar.  I definitely would prefer not to sell a guitar than have a bad review, integrity for me is paramount. That being said, please ask all the questions you need before buying, and check the pictures carefully, I used a professional grade camera to take pictures of the guitar so I can show everything that there is to see about the guitar. Please don’t hesitate to ask for more pictures of certain angles if you need them. I will respond ASAP.

I am open to negotiations if reasonable. Don’t hesitate to ask.

Shipping:

I use EMS JAPAN POST, for shipping as I find them the most reliable.

Currently it has been challenging to ship in the US, but fortunately the buyers I had work with were happy with the transactions. If you are a buyer from the US, please don’t hesitate to message me if you have questions.

I do my best to ship the guitars very securely, with a sturdy specialized cardboard for guitar shipping, that is why it might be a little expensive.

FULL REFUND, is guaranteed in accordance with Reverb shipping policies, if you do not receive your guitar or if it got broken when delivered. Please review Reverb’s shipping policies for details.

Ships in 3-7 business days. If you make a payment on a weekend the guitar will be shipped on a Monday.