Japan Forest
Crafted from Japanese Tone Woods
The water, soil, and air of Japan's forests weave together a beautiful tapestry of the four seasons.
The trees nurtured by Japan's forests.
Gratitude for the land, living in harmony with nature, and cherishing time spent enjoying music.
These are the things we at Morris Guitars hold dear.
Our concept is to have Japanese artisans use Japanese wood to create instruments with the essence of Japan as their theme.
We strive to craft instruments that allow you to feel the beauty of Japan’s landscapes. By experiencing that beauty, we hope to enrich the sound, music, and life of those who play them.
Our heartfelt passion is embedded in every piece.
With these beautiful instruments, we hope you may enjoy moments as vibrant as Japan’s four seasons.
Japan Forest Project Team
Crafted from Japanese Tone Woods
飫肥杉 Obi-sugi Cedar
Origin: Kyushu Region, Miyazaki Prefecture
About Obi-sugi
Obi-sugi (飫肥 Obi = Historic area in Miyazaki known for its samurai castles. 杉 Sugi = cedar) is a rare type of wood that can only be harvested from the forests around Nichinan City in Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu. It is highly resistant to humidity and has minimal warping, making it an ideal material for crafting musical instruments. Recognizing its potential, we took on the challenge of utilizing this remarkable wood for our guitars.
When we first encountered this wood, we carefully examined its unique grain and processed it with the utmost precision. As the finishing coats were applied and the natural patterns emerged, we were deeply moved by its beauty. The single piece of Obi-sugi was transformed into an instrument with a pure and serene tone, reminiscent of the wind echoing through a deep forest.
Obi Cedar Model:
M-162.OC/M-164.OC Luthier Made Premium
M-102.OC Handmade Premium (Discontinued)
地杉 Ji-sugi Cedar
Origin: Kyushu Region, Miyazaki Prefecture
About Ji-sugi
Ji-sugi (地 or ji = regional , 杉 sugi = cedar) is a cedar, only found in Japan, that has long been used as a building material. Known for its high durability and minimal warping, it has been widely utilized in construction.
As we worked with this wood, its refined yet powerful grain —characteristic of cedars that have aged for centuries in deep forests— gradually emerged. We sought to capture and express the raw strength and simplicity of Ji-sugi in our guitars.
Ji-sugi Models:
SJS-162T Tenma Toshihide Signature
SC-741LCKE / M-164.LC Luthier Made Premium
M-102.LC II / M-92.LC II Handmade Premium
Reflecting the beauty of Japan in craftsmanship
山桜 Yama-sakura (Mountain Cherry Blossom)
Origin: Kyushu Region, Miyazaki Prefecture
About Yama-sakura
Yama-sakura, (山 Yama = mountain, 桜 Sakura = cherry blossom), is a tree beloved by the Japanese people, found primarily in the warm-temperate regions of western Japan.
Every spring it blooms with breathtakingly beautiful flowers.
We were fortunate to acquire this rare and precious wood, inspiring us to create a truly special guitar. As we carefully applied the finish, the wood's delicate yet captivating grain emerged, revealing a gentle and elegant character. The result is an instrument that embodies both the refined atmosphere of traditional Japanese aesthetics and the graceful beauty of Yama-sakura.
Yama-sakura Models:
M-164.OC/M-164.LC Luthier Made Premium
神護木 Kagonoki
Origin: Kyushu Region, Miyazaki Prefecture
About Kagonoki
Kagonoki (神護 Kago = Divine protection, 木 Ki = tree) is a tree native to western Japan, known for its mystical and intricate wood grain, as its name suggests. During our visit to Miyazaki Prefecture, we had the privilege of discovering this remarkable wood through the local community.
By using this enchanting material for the sides and back of our instruments, we created guitars with mesmerizing grain patterns that resemble the gentle sway of trees in the forest.
Kagonoki Models:
M-162.OC/M-161.AD Luthier Made Premium
欅 keyaki
Origin: Kyushu Region, Miyazaki Prefecture
About Keyaki
Keyaki (欅 Keyaki = Japanese Zelkova) is one of Japan’s most distinguished hardwoods. In autumn, its stunning foliage captivates the people and its remarkable strength has supported Japan’s traditional culture for centuries, being widely used in temple and shrine architecture, including beams and flooring.
By utilizing this prestigious Japanese wood, we have crafted an instrument that showcases both the exquisite beauty of its grain and its outstanding acoustic properties.
Keyaki Model:
SC-741LCKE Luthier Made Premium
Morris Guitars' Commitment
At Morris Guitars, we strive to create instruments with minimal environmental impact.
As part of our efforts, a portion of the proceeds from the Japan Forest Project is donated to reforestation organizations, ensuring a sustainable and ethical future for guitar making.
