Instruments
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Add to Compare2003 Matsuda M1, Mahogany/Cedar
What a delightful example of Michi Matsuda’s early work! Cedar and Mahogany are the ingredients for this 2003 M1. You can see a sneak peak into the development of Michihiro’s craft. The fingerboard extension has a bevel and the bridge has been carefully carved exhibiting the DNA of what Matsudas are known for. It’s clear that at guitar number 19,Michi, had it figured out. This instrument has recently had the French polished top refreshed by G.V. Rubio himself, so it is ready for years and years of more play time.
Other keywords/misspellings: Luthier, Lutherie, fingerstyle, bespoke
Add to Compare2020 Matsuda M1, Madagascar Rosewood/Swiss Moonspruce
Michi Matsuda steals our heart yet again with this guitar. Madagascar Rosewood figured like a landscape; Swiss Moonspruce on top with interrupted purflings and Abalone, Wenge blocks; delicately carved heel and bridge–these are the marks of a master’s work. Each M1 is a unique offering to the world, and this example from 2020 is a particularly inviting piece. Michi voices this instrument for each register to fit together perfectly like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle, painting a complete portrait that is complex, yet in harmony with itself at the same time. The voice on this M1 is inviting, peaceful, oh so smooth.
Other keywords/misspellings: somogyi, fingerstyle, 124, orchestra model, maddie, moon spruce, waverly, mainstage
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Moonspruce, Rosewood - Madagascar 
Add to Compare2016 Matsuda Parlor, African Blackwood/Italian Spruce
Michi Matsuda’s eye is unparalleled in the field; ditto for his ear. This 2016 Parlor proves that on both counts. Each detail is executed cleanly and with an original aesthetic that nods to both Japanese stylings and Viennese Stauffer designs. African Blackwood back and sides plus Italian Spruce on top, elevated fingerboard and doubly carved heel–then at the headstock we find custom Wenge tuner buttons married to miniature Gotoh geared tuners that are hidden beneath an engraved metal backplate.
Other keywords: lutherie, matsuda guitar, abw, 109, parlour, 0
SOLD Read moreScale Length 24.75 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Italian, Blackwood - African 
Add to Compare2011 Matsuda M1 “Skunk,” African Blackwood/European Spruce
Michi Matsuda excels on all fronts. Each instrument is unique and do it self, with a fine artists’ eye for curve and line, and commitment to the finest materials. Here we’ve got dark African Blackwood back and sides with gorgeous sapwood that matches the skunk stripe paintjob on the European Spruce top. This 2011 build has opened up so much! The Birdseye Maple fingerboard and headstock inlay maintain the skunk stripe motif all along the body.
Other keywords: lutherie, fingerstyle, petteway, abw, 79
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - European, Blackwood - African 
Add to Compare2020 Matsuda M1, Brazilian Rosewood/Italian Spruce
Now here’s something to lose track of time with. Michi manages to make every one of his guitars a unique experience, acoustically as well as visually and ergonomically. Fine art meets function in the guitar form. This 2021 Matsuda M1 is a force of nature. Brazilian Rosewood body with Italian Spruce top, an expansive voice that mixes up smoothly across the registers and has a capacious midrange that fills out big chords. Played hard, soft, fingers or picks, this Matsuda is equally at home in each scenario. The trebles also have a liquid, glassy quality that transforms into sweet overtones when you let notes linger. Aesthetically, the fretboard and headstock are dressed up with a custom Larry Robinson koi fish inlay scheme to set off the spalted rosette and top appointments. Florentine cutaway, plus a carved heel that allows the left hand to synch up more closely to the fingerboard, and a smoothly contoured C profile neck, make for an effortless playing experience. Scale length is 25.25”, a sweet spot between short and long scales that works well in a range of tunings. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime guitar, look no further.
Other keywords: lutherie, ervin somogyi, somogyi, fingerstyle, flattop, brazilain, gotoh, scalloped nut, om, cedar creek, 129
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Italian, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare2019 Matsuda M1, Cocobolo/Italian Spruce
Michi Matsuda makes another dream come true with this 2019 M1. Cocobolo back and sides with rich ruddy reds, paired with Italian Spruce on top in a tasteful sunburst—then a splash of pearl inlaid at treble upper bout, add a voluptuously carved heel, and cap it all off with Larry Robinson maple leaf inlays along the fretboard. This M1 is dressed to the nines, and on the tone front it goes all the way to 11. The body is roughly an OM in proportion (15 5/8” across the lower bout), here with a 25 1/4” scale and 1 3/4” nut on a darkly toned Mahogany neck. Setup is effortless, and with a build weight of five pounds this Matsuda M1 feels solid and very real in hand.
A work of art from 2019 that is already fantastically wide awake: Matsuda M1 #119.Other keywords: lutherie, ervin somogyi, somogyi, fingerstyle, flattop, brazilain, gotoh, scalloped nut, om, cedar creek
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Italian, Rosewood - Cocobolo 
Add to CompareBrand New Matsuda Double Neck Deconstruction
We commissioned this build on behalf of one of our clients (give us a shout if you’d like a bespoke Matsuda of your own), who loved Michi’s Deconstruction aesthetics but wanted to take it in a new direction. Enter: the Double Neck Deconstruction. Two necks designed with two playing styles in mind, the bottom set up for plucking and strumming, the top for tapping. Additionally, the bottom neck features a custom cittern-style bridge, whereas the top neck is outfitted with a hinged string damper at the nut. The assembled body of the instrument is decoupled from the acoustic top to allow it to vibrate freely, and an array of pickups across the arrangement allow for a wide range of setups heading out to the amp.
Other keywords: lutherie, guitarbuilding, custom guitar, luthier, somogyi, modern guitar, fingerstyle, wenge, gotoh, percussive guitar, maple, 128A
Add to Compare2005 Matsuda M1, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce
Gone before we could even list it! Another powerhouse M1 from Michi Matsuda, here for your viewing and listening pleasure. The trebles on this guitar are like an instrument unto themselves, and they pair up sweetly with a popping bass and well-defined midrange. Playability is silky to boot, and Michi’s one-of-a-kind aesthetics make this M1 stand out in all the right ways. Premium Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, Adirondack Spruce top (we don’t see that everyday with Michi’s work), slotted headstock, and a unique carved heel and partial cutaway—the list goes on. Alas, this incredible feat of lutherie from 2005 sold before we were able to even wrap the listing! But we often know where to find other Matsudas, so if you’re in the market don’t hesitate to reach out.
Other keywords: lutherie, ervin somogyi, somogyi, fingerstyle, flattop, brazilain, gotoh, scalloped nut, om, slot head, cedar creek
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare2018 Matsuda M1, Moena/Italian Spruce
Here’s a Matsuda which stands out even among Matsudas! A fabulous M1 model from 2018 with Moena back and sides, Italian Spruce top, and a distinctive sunburst paired with a squared off pickguard. Deeply cut Florentine Cutaway gives you easy access to the uppermost frets, and the slinky setup makes for an easy picking experience every time.
The voice is characterized by a crisp, clean note definition; overtones don’t get in the way. Quick and responsive, focused. An excellent fingerstyle instrument, especially if you want a guitar to keep up with agile playing, or an aggressive attack.Other keywords: lutherie, ervin somogyi, somogyi, fingerstyle, flattop, brazilain, gotoh, scalloped nut
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Italian, Moena 
Add to Compare2013 Matsuda M1, Brazilian Rosewood/Italian Spruce
Handsome as only Michi Matsuda can make it, with a voice like velvet on the ears. This 2013 M1 is a well-oiled fingerstyle machine, the very image of the modern flattop with top notch tonewoods and Michi’s unique aesthetic to tie it all together. (Gorgeous) Brazilian Rosewood back and sides pair up with an Italian Spruce top and an appointment package of arcing purflings and an interrupted, segmented rosette. A thing of beauty.
The trebles are characterized by weightiness and depth, and really ring out. Overtones are lush and replete across the registers. It responds especially well to a fingerstylist’s touch; DADGAD and even C9 are both exquisite on the 25.25” scale.Includes brand new Hoffee carbon fiber flight case
Other keywords: lutherie, ervin somogyi, somogyi, fingerstyle, flattop, brazilain, gotoh, scalloped nut
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.313 in Woods Spruce - Italian, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare2007 Matsuda M1, Brazilian Rosewood/Italian Spruce
Matsuda, Matsuda, Matsuda. You slay us every time. Our latest preowned M1 is a work of art from every angle. Built in 2007 with a Brazilian Rosewood and Italian Spruce body, this M1 features etched feather MOP inlays and Michi’s distinctive two-tone bridge (Rosewood sandwiched over Ebony), along with an interrupted Wenge rosette with black purflings tracing across the horn of the cutaway. A stunning Rosewood fingerboard pairs perfectly with Rosewood bindings and a segmented headstock veneer. Additionally, this Matsuda boasts custom Rodgers tuners plus Fossilized Ivory nut and saddle. Curvaceous and effortlessly playable.
The voice is designed to fill a room, and it does so without even trying. We love the sonority and presence of the bass register, which pairs so smoothly with clear and even trebles. It is, hands down, a fingerstylist’s dream come true.Other keywords: lutherie, ervin somogyi, somogyi, fingerstyle, flattop, brazilain, gotoh, scalloped nut
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Italian, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare2018 Matsuda Deconstruction Hybrid, Flame Maple/Sitka Spruce
We’re lucky to be able to follow along with Michi Matsuda during the wild rides that make up his custom guitars. We recently commissioned this hybrid of Michi’s Deconstruction guitars for one of our longtime clients, and it’s been a blast watching this piece of art come together for the past several months on our blog (see here: https://www.dreamguitars.com/michihiro-matsudas-mad-scientist-experiment/). Michi had the reins right from the start, and we’d like to include his artist’s statement here to explain just what’s going on here:
“It is going to be a one-of-a-kind acoustic/electric, something in between my archtop guitar I made in 2017 and my deconstruction guitars. It will also be a sculptural piece of art. The top is hand-carved Sitka Spruce. The body is partial sides, and partial hand-carved back. I will use figured Maple for that. The basic tonal idea is the same as my deconstruction, so there is no sound box. I will use figured, tempered Maple for neck, and Mahogany with some Rosewood for main structure of the body. I will use two humbuckers. Controls will be simple: one volume, one tone, and one pickup switch. I am also going to design a new style of bridge.
It will not be an archtop guitar, not a solid-body, not a hollow-body electric.”
The result is 100% Matsuda. With some components lightly sunburst, others exposed, from Sitka Spruce to Maple and Wenge, and with a tailpiece, bridge, and pickup design that doesn’t dampen the top plate, Michi’s latest project, which we’re calling his Deconstruction Hybrid, is in a category all of its own.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.25 in Nut Width 1.68 in String Spacing 2.125 in Woods Spruce - Sitka, Maple - Figured 
Add to Compare2005 Matsuda M1, Brazilian Rosewood/Italian Spruce
Michi Matsuda—a category all of his own. This man blends the disciplines of sculpture and lutherie with a contemporary artist’s eye for contour and color in ways that the rest of us are only just now catching on to. This M1 was originally built for one of our clients in 2005, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to revisit with an old friend. Suspicions have now been confirmed: even 13 years later, Michi’s guitars are gorgeous, timeless, and incredibly resonant.
Rich, red Brazilian Rosewood make up the back and sides, and there’s a tight-grained Italian Spruce on top with a little bit of aged toner in the finish which pairs nicely with the Spalted Maple rosette, waist, and florentine cutaway inlays. Twin koi fish are inlaid in Abalone from frets five to nine, and just after the scalloped nut there’s a final touch of Spalted Maple veneered to the headstock with gold Gotoh 510 tuners and Ebony knobs. The bridge is Rosewood, as are the bindings, and the heelblock features Matsuda’s swoop relief carved into the treble side to coax your left hand a bit closer to the fretboard when playing the uppermost frets.
There’s absolute magic in the naked strings. The treble response is haunting, replete with overtones and palpable sustain. Notes from this M1 hang in the air like a cloud. It’s rare to find a guitar which really feels as comfortable with picks as it does with fingers, but this Matsuda is one such guitar. How Michi manages to coax so much color and dynamism out of his guitars, we’ll probably never know—but we’re glad he does.
Other keywords: somogyi, ervin somogyi, gryphon strings, frank ford, sculptor, functional art, luthier
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.81 in String Spacing 2.313 in Woods Spruce - Italian, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare2010 Matsuda M1, Koa/Italian Spruce
A guitar from Michi Matsuda is the best of both worlds: contemporary aesthetics dovetailed with impeccable tone. We’re proud to offer this 2010 M1 with a set of Koa unlike anything we’ve ever quite seen before, and a tight-grained Italian Spruce top with Wenge-and-Abalone rosette. This one is gorgeous, lightweight (4lb 7oz), and the setup is slinky and smooth to boot. Michi’s heel has a thumb slot carved into it that helps the left hand get up and over to those dusty top shelf frets. The voice has a sweet, opened-up tone that’s you only find after a guitar’s had some time to stretch its wings.
This Matsuda M1 has definitely found its voice, and it’s one that’s smooth, easy, and well balanced. The bass and mids have a drier, crisper fundamental than the Brazilian M1s we’ve seen, and we think that’s a pretty exciting way to stand out. It doesn’t take much effort to get a lot of volume and sustain out of this Matsuda. Michi’s works of acoustic art are in a class all their own—and this one’s making straight A’s.
Other keywords: michihiro mastura, somogyi, ervin somogyi, finger style, fingerpicking, finger picking, gotoh
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Italian, Koa 
Add to Compare2007 Matsuda M1, Brazilian Rosewood/Italian Spruce
But rarely do we find such consistent harmony between a builder’s visual and auditory aesthetics. But then, Michi Matsuda is that rare luthier. This M1 comes to us from 2007, in Brazilian Rosewood and Italian Spruce, with free arcing purflings and Spalted Maple accents on top. The Brazilian back and sides are rich and dark, with enough wildness to the grain to be eye-catching, but straight enough to be stable and true. Back on top, see how Michi sandwiched Ebony and Rosewood together for a two-layer bridge. We’re not sure of the last time a bridge design struck us as so contemporary, and so approachable at the same time.
Michi carves a swooping thumb rest out of the neck heel to get your left hand a bit closer to the fretboard extension, and the deep florentine cutaway helps even more. Such visual elegance is paired with lush, liquid trebles and surgical clarity in the bass and mids. Even a gentle touch yields up delicious, sweetly sustaining notes, and the setup is butter-smooth and equally tasty.
This Matsuda M1 is simply phenomenal.Other keywords: lutherie, ervin somogyi, somogyi, fingerstyle, flattop, brazilain, gotoh, scalloped nut
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Italian, Rosewood - Brazilian