Many people probably have the image of Ryoji Matsuoka guitars as mass-produced instruments for beginners. I myself had the impression that "if it's a guitar that can break for practice, then Matsuoka is the one." However, after getting my hands on this guitar, I was surprised, thinking, "Matsuoka can do it! Why is this only from the 60s?" In fact, they produced a very small number of authentic handmade guitars in the 60s. The labels themselves that read "handmade" are rare, but even those are mostly plywood. However, this guitar for sale is a genuine high-spec handmade instrument. I have owned Matsuoka guitars such as the MH150, the top-of-the-line model of the late 70s, and the M300 from the 90s, which were both Jacaranda models, but I think the authentic handmade guitars from the 60s are the highest level. The biggest difference is the finish. It's probably shellac, as the finish is so thin. The fine grain of the spruce is visible. Below is a sound source of this Matsuoka guitar. https://youtu.be/9AGaeY7LWkc?si=1vGazTwSiQpJbZZN Below is a 1964 Kohno (also a 650mm scale). https://youtu.be/olp5EL6d64s?si=QIdXXL3MwbAxLrct If you listen to the E major chord, you can hear that the Matsuoka has a sustain that doesn't stop ringing. Thanks to the excellent finish, the Matsuoka has a clearer transparency than the Kohno, and the bass is also deeper. The 650mm scale has a string height of 3.2mm for the 6th string and 2.5mm for the 1st string, making it very easy to play. The neck is straight as shown in the photo. Matsuoka's true handmade guitars were produced in limited quantities, so I believe that only truly carefully selected materials were used. The sides and back also have a slightly wavy grain, and it might be South American rosewood. Because of the black color, even if it's Indian rosewood, it seems that they used the center of a very thick log, indicating very careful selection. There are no cleats, but it is a solid wood with matching grain. Due to the delicate finish, the finish on the sides is slightly rough, but there is no problem. It will be shipped in a vintage hard case.