Description
70s MIJ Morris W-30 with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Small crack at Soundhole. Priced accordingly at $399!
The Morris W-30 is a vintage Japanese acoustic guitar, produced by Morris Guitars during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for its high-quality construction and excellent tone, the W-30 was part of Morris’s line of folk-style guitars inspired by classic American dreadnoughts. This model is highly regarded among players and collectors who appreciate the craftsmanship and sound quality of vintage Japanese acoustics. The W-30 is particularly valued for its warm, resonant tone and solid construction, making it a great choice for folk, blues, and rock genres.
Key Features
Dreadnought body style, providing powerful projection and balanced tone
Spruce top, offering brightness and clarity
Mahogany back and sides, adding warmth and depth to the sound
Mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard, ensuring smooth playability and durability
20 frets, offering an extended range for both rhythm and lead playing
Classic design with understated aesthetics, featuring simple dot inlays and traditional binding
Durable, reliable construction typical of Japanese guitars from this era
Sound Profile
The Morris W-30 is known for its warm, balanced tone with a strong low end and clear highs. The combination of a spruce top with mahogany back and sides produces a rich sound that’s well-suited to both fingerpicking and strumming. The dreadnought body style provides strong projection, making the W-30 a great option for solo performances and ensemble settings alike. The tone is resonant and full-bodied, with a vintage character that has only improved with age.
Applications
The Morris W-30 is ideal for guitarists who appreciate the sound and feel of a vintage dreadnought. Its warm, resonant tone makes it well-suited for folk, blues, rock, and country styles, whether played fingerstyle or with a pick. Its balanced sound and comfortable playability make it a solid choice for both live performance and recording sessions, offering versatility across various playing styles.
Build Quality and Aesthetic
Built in Japan, the Morris W-30 showcases the excellent craftsmanship associated with vintage Japanese guitars. The spruce and mahogany combination provides durability and tonal warmth, while the classic dreadnought design gives it a timeless look. The neck is smooth and comfortable, and the quality of the materials and construction ensures it can withstand years of use. The W-30’s understated aesthetic, with simple inlays and binding, appeals to players who value a traditional, no-frills look.
Country of Manufacture
Japan
Collectibility and Market Value
The Morris W-30 is highly regarded among collectors and players of vintage Japanese guitars. Its solid build quality and classic tone make it a desirable model in the used market. While it may not be as collectible as some other high-end models, the W-30 holds good value due to its craftsmanship, sound, and vintage appeal. It’s particularly sought after by players who appreciate the quality of vintage Japanese acoustics as affordable alternatives to American-made guitars from the same era.
