The Guitar Gallery Forums - The Guitar Legacy of Matsumoku

Thanks again.

I have to say I am now champing at the bit to get this axe sorted out. The traditional instrument-maker route came to nought (he works with superglue); I just tried one of Cambodia's leading artists, a sculptor in bamboo and a guitarist to boot. It turns out he's actually built guitars in the past, but is too nervous to attempt a de-gluing job.

So I'm now looking for a fine furniture-maker. Could be interesting.

Otherwise I just go down the adjusting saddle/nut/truss-rod route, and leave the bridge as is. I wouldn't mind upgrading the nut and saddle; any suggestions?

You wouldn't think I'd just bought a new Taylor 214, would you?! Ostensibly to replace the difficult-to-play Aria to boot. I'm not very good at moving guitars on, so I just thought: if I am going to keep the Aria I had better fix it up. I was pretty sure it was worthy of the effort - thanks to everyone for confirming that.

Finally, a bum note: I went to take photos of my favourite Alladin's cave the other day. But the shop - and all its stock - had gone! I haven't found out where the owner - or the guitars - have gone, but I will...

I agree with SloHand; mahogany neck. Very good quality, too.
This is a high quality guitar...but it isn't so high end that you'll find really exotic or rare woods in it or it would cost a small fortune!

But it's the back that turns my crank though! Gorgeous!
As for "damage" to the headstock...negligible really. Typical sort of scape, hardly noticeable, and easily repaired.
Stop fretting, get on with the repairs, and start playing it!!

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The Mexican something or other is probably Palo escrito, or Mexican Rosewood: http://www.ellisguitars.com/PaloEscritoRosewood.html Used a lot by Mexican builders

I think your top is laminated. Solid top guitars have the edges of the soundhole beveled and the vertical grain shows, yours is cut at 90 degrees.

Almost all Japanese acoustics built in that period were ALL laminate.....top and sides. The solid wood guitars they built then warped and split. They had not yet figured out how to dry and season the wood and build/store them in a climate controlled environment. In fact it was Mr Arai of Aria guitars who figured it out after he brought the first Khono classicals to the States to promote them in the 60's.

Even then, solid top Japanese steel string acoustics were overbuilt so they would stay structurally sound. My solid top Yamaha FG-365S is heavier than my all laminate Yamaha FG-335II and does not sound a whole lot better.

Many of the old Japanese guitars have neck problems and it sounds like yours may have too which causes poor playability.

Cool guitar.

Dan

Oh, I do play it! It's on a stand, so always ready to grab. The Taylor's in a case. There's something to be said for not being precious about one's guitars.

Laminate or not laminate? I may never know for sure. But it looks good, sounds good, so happy days!

Exactly.

CORRECTION:

I was most likely wrong about the top. Going by catalog specs, a few finished guitars in a nearby shop, & 2 unfinished top sets (which looked very much like light cedar) I saw over the weekend, your guitar's top is most likely sitka spruce.

SORRY!

Interesting - and certainly no need to say sorry after all the info you have kindly provided. So... after what you have seen - solid or laminate do you think?

I'm sorry, ChickenTonight. I can't tell from the pictures whether it's solid or laminated. Nexialist knows more about that than I do. If you aren't able to tell definitively, a good woodworker or knowledgeable music dealer should be able to distinguish between the two.