Morris
Since 1967
Founded in 1967 in Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan by Toshio Moridaira (Moridaira Musical Instrument Co.), Morris Guitars is one of Japan's most historic and versatile acoustic guitar makers. Beginning in the 1970s Golden Lawsuit Era with the iconic W-Series (reproducing pre-war Martin D-28 and D-45 dreadnoughts with Japanese jacaranda veneers and solid spruce tops), Morris later revolutionized contemporary acoustic music by pioneering the modern solo fingerstyle acoustic guitar in the 2000s with the Hand Made S-Series—developed alongside fingerstyle icons Masaaki Kishibe and Isato Nakagawa. From sub-$200 vintage pawnshop dreadnoughts to $2,000+ hand-carved cedar fingerstyle masterpieces, Morris spans the full spectrum of acoustic value.
59
Years in Business
1.2M+
Guitars Sold
$10M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Morris Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Morris guitars.
Morris Price Overview
Morris covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$620
+4.2% vs last year
eBay Listings
340
Active listings
Sold This Month
75
+3.1% vs last month
Price Range
$150-$2,400
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Morris Timeline
Toshio Moridaira Establishes Morris
Following visits to Gibson's Kalamazoo plant, Toshio Moridaira establishes Morris in Nagano, Japan, initiating high-precision acoustic lutherie.
Golden Era W-Series Lawsuit Dreadnoughts
Launched the W-Series (W-15 to W-100), where model numbers matched retail Yen prices (e.g. W-30 = 30,000 Yen), capturing the Japanese folk boom.
TF-Series & Abalone Flagships
Introduced the TF-50 and TF-100 featuring intricate pre-war style abalone hexagon inlays and 3-piece Brazilian rosewood backs.
Birth of the Solo Fingerstyle S-Series
Collaborated with acoustic master Masaaki Kishibe to pioneer the S-Series, featuring wide nut widths, thin cedar tops, and round backs.
Hand Made Premium Series
Consolidated high-end custom guitar building into the Matsumoto master lutherie workshop.
Historic MIJ Acoustic Legacy
Morris stands as an acoustic institution, offering legendary vintage value and modern fingerstyle prestige.
Complete Morris Product Lineup
In the 1970s, Morris taught Japan how to build pre-war dreadnoughts; in the 2000s, Morris taught the world how to craft dedicated solo fingerstyle guitars.
Hand Made S-Series (Fingerstyle)
Custom voiced for solo acoustic fingerstyle with thin soundboards, round backs, 44mm nut widths, and pinless bridges.
Solid cedar top paired with solid mahogany back and sides for explosive touch sensitivity and warm overtone bloom.
Solid Sitka spruce top with solid rosewood back and sides delivering piano-like bass and crystalline trebles.
Flagship cutaway fingerstyle model with Gotoh gold tuners, wood binding, and premium African mahogany.
Vintage W-Series (1970s Lawsuit)
Pre-war Martin-inspired dreadnoughts crafted during the 1970s Japanese acoustic golden age.
Solid spruce soundboard with 3-piece Jacaranda back, vertical Morris logo, and Martin D-41 styling.
Deluxe dreadnought featuring full abalone body purfling, hexagon fretboard inlays, and rosewood back.
Everyday workhorse laminate dreadnought, widely traded in pawnshops for sturdy camp strumming.
F-Series & Modern Performance
000-style compact acoustics and stage-ready cutaway performers.
Compact OM/000 body acoustic offering balanced mid frequencies and comfortable lap ergonomics.
Acoustic-electric with built-in preamp and cutaway body designed for modern stage performance.
"In the 1970s, Morris taught Japan how to build pre-war dreadnoughts; in the 2000s, Morris taught the world how to craft dedicated solo fingerstyle guitars."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
The Benchmark Solo Fingerstyle Instrument ($1,100 – $1,650 Used)
44mm Nut & Pinless Bridge
Spacious string spacing accommodates intricate fingerstyle voicings; string-through bridge reduces top torque.
Thin Cedar Soundboard
Produces immediate acoustic response and blooming harmonics under the lightest fingernail touch.
Masaaki Kishibe Fingerstyle Pedigree
Directly associated with modern Asian and global solo acoustic fingerstyle repertoire.
Top Vintage Lawsuit Dreadnought Bargain ($450 – $750 Used)
Martin D-41/D-45 Aesthetics
Vertical pearl headstock script, abalone hexagon markers, and bound fretboard for a fraction of Martin prices.
3-Piece Jacaranda Back
Striking Brazilian rosewood (Jacaranda) back laminates offering vintage eye appeal and balanced dreadnought bass.
Verify Neck Angle First
Ensure at least 2.5mm of saddle height remains above the wooden bridge to avoid an expensive neck reset.