Ryoji Matsuoka M100 Classical Guitar, w/Hardshell Case - Used
Ryoji Matsuoka founded his guitar-making operation in Nagoya, Japan in 1959, and spent decades building a reputation as one of the finest classical guitar makers in the country. The M100 — named for its original price of ¥100,000 — sat near the top of his production lineup and represented a significant step up in wood selection, bracing, and overall craftsmanship from the more accessible models below it. These are handmade instruments built with all solid woods, fan-braced in the Torres tradition, and they age beautifully. Finding one in this condition is genuinely worth paying attention to.
This example dates to the 1980s and features a solid spruce top with solid Indian rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, Ramirez-style slotted headstock, and a 650mm scale length. It has recently been set up and restrung in the shop with a set of D'Addario Hard Tension Classical strings (EJ46s). Action measures 2.5mm at the high E and 2.75mm at the low E at the 12th fret — about as low as this instrument will comfortably go, and it plays beautifully for it.
One of the most special classical guitars we've seen come through the shop in a good while. Incredibly resonant tone that rattles your ribs and has more sustain than you know what to do with. This instrument sounds significantly more expensive than what we're asking — it's a serious guitar for a serious player, priced well below what comparable classicals typically fetch.
Cosmetically this one is in great shape, showing only the most minor signs of careful play — it's clearly been extremely well cared for throughout its life. There is one small blob of clear finish on the top — cosmetic only. Comes in a hardshell case.
Condition is Very Good.
- Make: Ryoji Matsuoka
- Model: M100
- Era: Circa 1980s
- Country of origin: Japan (Nagoya)
- Type: Classical guitar
- Top: Solid spruce
- Back and sides: Solid Indian rosewood
- Neck: Mahogany with ebony reinforcement strip
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Bracing: Torres-style 7-fan
- Scale length: 650mm
- Nut width: 51-52mm
- Headstock: Ramirez-style slotted
- Action: 2.5mm high E / 2.75mm low E at 12th fret
- Strings: D'Addario EJ46 Hard Tension Classical (new)
- Condition: Very Good
- Known issues: Small blob of clear finish on top — cosmetic only
- Modifications: None
- Includes: Hardshell case
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
