The Guitar Gallery Forums - The Guitar Legacy of Matsumoku

Here is a rather strange beast. I hope the experts who frequent this forum will be able to shed some light on it.





When I acquired this some years ago, both the seller and I were under the impression that all Washburns made in Japan in the early 80's were Mats. I later acquired an Eagle R which was clearly not Matsumoku but rather Yamaki (and a good guitar in its own right). I got rid of the Eagle but have two A20s, which I am quite sure are both Yamakis. This one is very high quality and plays well. I can't compare the sound because it is the only acoustic electric I have ever played.

The question is: who made this? I am fairly sure it is not a Mat. One source on the web (Jim Smith, who has over 500 Washburns!) says it was Yairi. His collection includes a guitar that looks identical, which he describes as an SBF - Spirit, circa 1983, MSRP $599 (page 5 of his website: http://www.vintagewashburn.com/Acoustic ... Intro.html). The label on mine is hard to read but it definitely says SBF-26N. I don't know anything about Yairi but I know that it doesn't seem much like Yamaki. So, I am wondering whether anybody here has any ideas? Also, can anybody tell me which Washburns have been confirmed to be Mats?

It is quite a mystery to me so I very much appreciate any thoughts other members may have.