Description

Gorgeous 80s MIJ Mansfield Custom MCW-480 with a price top, mahogany back and sides and a brass nut. $599 with HSC!

The Mansfield MCW-480 is an acoustic guitar that was likely manufactured during the 1970s or 1980s, during an era when Japanese guitar makers were producing quality instruments at affordable prices. Mansfield was known for crafting guitars that replicated popular American models, offering solid craftsmanship and excellent tone at a lower price point. The MCW-480 is a dreadnought-style acoustic guitar, designed to produce a rich, full-bodied sound that is suitable for a wide range of playing styles, from strumming to fingerpicking.

Key Features

  • Dreadnought body shape for a full, resonant tone and great projection
  • Spruce top for bright, articulate sound with good resonance
  • Mahogany back and sides for added warmth and depth in tone
  • Rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays, providing a smooth playing surface
  • 20 frets with a 25.5″ scale length, offering familiar playability for acoustic players
  • Traditional X-bracing for enhanced soundboard flexibility and resonance
  • Chrome die-cast tuners for stable tuning and smooth adjustments
  • Natural finish that highlights the wood grain and gives the guitar a classic appearance

Sound Profile
The Mansfield MCW-480 is known for delivering a balanced tone with clear highs and a robust low end, thanks to its spruce top and mahogany back and sides. This combination of tonewoods provides a well-rounded sound, making the guitar suitable for a variety of musical styles, from folk and country to blues and rock. The dreadnought body shape ensures plenty of volume and projection, making it ideal for both solo performances and ensemble playing. Whether strummed or fingerpicked, the MCW-480 offers a warm, resonant tone with clear articulation.

Applications
The Mansfield MCW-480 is an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate players looking for an affordable acoustic guitar with a rich sound and solid build quality. Its versatile tone makes it suitable for a wide range of musical genres, and its dreadnought body provides enough projection for both live performances and recording sessions. The guitar is well-suited for both strumming and fingerpicking, making it a versatile option for singer-songwriters and acoustic guitarists alike.

Build Quality and Aesthetic
The MCW-480 is built with the same attention to detail that many Japanese manufacturers were known for during the 1970s and 1980s. Its spruce top and mahogany back and sides provide durability and resonance, while the rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability. The guitar features traditional X-bracing, which helps to enhance the overall resonance and tonal balance of the instrument. The natural finish highlights the wood grain and gives the guitar a classic, timeless look, while the chrome die-cast tuners add a modern touch to its otherwise traditional design.

Country of Manufacture
Japan

Collectibility and Market Value
Mansfield guitars, including the MCW-480, are not typically considered highly collectible, but they are appreciated for their solid craftsmanship and affordability. These guitars hold value for players seeking vintage Japanese-made instruments that offer good tone and playability at a reasonable price. The Mansfield MCW-480, with its solid wood construction and quality build, is a reliable option in the used market for those looking for a vintage-style acoustic guitar that delivers great sound and durability without the high price tag of American-made counterparts from the same era.

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