Morris: Guitar Serial Numbers

This is the most desirable era. These guitars were designed to directly compete with Martin D-28s, D-18s, and Gibson J-45s. They feature solid tops, Brazilian rosewood (early 70s) or Indian rosewood (mid 70s), and dovetail neck joints.

Knowing your model series is the first step toward accurate dating. Morris produced an extensive range of guitars across different eras, broadly categorized as follows:

Smaller, folk-style bodies comparable to 000 or orchestra models. morris guitar serial numbers

By the late 1970s, Morris standardized a 6-digit serial number format printed directly on the inner label or stamped on the neck block. YYMMDD or YXXXXX

The most reliable way to obtain definitive dating information for your Morris guitar is to . The official Morris Guitars website (morris-guitar.com) may offer support options for serial number inquiries. This is the most desirable era

If you find a 6-digit number, test the YYMMDD formula first. It is the most common dating method used by Moridaira.

: The model number (e.g., W-15, W-40, W-100) often reveals the original price in Japanese Yen. A originally cost around 60,000 Yen in the late 1970s. Factory Clues : If the label mentions Terada Musical Inst Co. Sadao Yairi Knowing your model series is the first step

Always shine a flashlight inside the guitar body. Morris factory inspectors frequently stamped a standalone production date code directly onto the center wood strip or the underside of the soundboard. These stamps often follow the Japanese Showa calendar or a standard Y.M.D format. 4. Morris Model Number Architecture

Morris Guitars, founded by Mr. Toshio "Mori" Moridaira in the late 1960s, holds a distinct place in the history of Japanese guitar manufacturing. Unlike many "lawsuit era" brands that existed solely as distributors for US retailers, Morris operated with a high degree of autonomy, often producing instruments under the Moridaira umbrella.