Why Did Matsumoku Close? The Rise and Fall of a Guitar Giant

This is the story of Matsumoku, the Japanese factory that built guitars for more than thirty brands without ever selling a single one under its own name. Aria Pro II, Greco, Epiphone, Westone, Electra, Vantage, Alvarez Yairi. All of them came out of the same building in Matsumoto, Nagano. From its beginnings as a furniture maker producing sewing machine cabinets for Singer, to the chance meeting in a bar that put it into the guitar business, to the PE-1500, an original design that answered the weaknesses of both Gibson and Fender. Then the strong yen, a failed move into Buddhist altars, and the closure in 1987 that ended it for good. We trace the full arc of the factory that quietly shaped a generation of Japanese-made guitars. ▼ Browse Matsumoku-built guitars on Reverb https://tidd.ly/4wIhyEb *As an affiliate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. ▼ Timestamps 00:00 Intro: What Was Matsumoku 02:31 The History of Matsumoku 09:03 The Guitars: Which Brands Came From Matsumoku 12:58 Who Should Buy One --- 🇯🇵 About this channel MIJ Guitar Guide is dedicated to the history of Japanese guitars and guitar brands. On this channel you will find: • Japanese guitar history • Classic and modern MIJ models • Brand deep dives (Ibanez, Yamaha, ESP, Tokai, etc.) • Rare and unusual Japanese guitars From vintage classics to modern instruments, we explore the craftsmanship and innovation behind guitars made in Japan. --- *This video uses an automated voice to improve production efficiency. The content is based on my own research and information I have gathered over time. *Since I mainly use Japanese sources, some details may vary depending on your country or region. *Some manufacturer and production names may be pronounced with a Japanese accent. #matsumoku #madeinjapan #guitarhistory