M. Suzuki guitars?

Subject: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,cmt49
Date: 29 Sep 05 - 09:05 PM

I have owned an M. Suzuki FW-516 since 1981, and the sound just gets better and better. Does anyone have any info on this or other models? I can find nothing on the net.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: Peace
Date: 29 Sep 05 - 09:27 PM

Try FW-518.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Takamine Yamaha
Date: 29 Sep 05 - 09:39 PM

Martin Gibson you are obviously out of touch with people who enjoy the cultural cuisine of Japan. Suzuki guitars are rather bulky and large to comfortably and effectively serve sushi. If you observe people riding around the streets on motorcycles you will notice that Harley Davidson riders are most fashionable about what they wear on their heads. Riders of Japanese motorcycles tend to wear sensible, protective head gear.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: Peace
Date: 29 Sep 05 - 09:54 PM

www.suzukimusic.co.uk

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 30 Sep 05 - 10:14 AM

I had a Suzuxi GT380 which I crashed into a concrete bus shelter in Withernsea.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Takamine Yamaha
Date: 30 Sep 05 - 11:42 PM

I'll bet you are still alive today because you are one of those Suzuki motorcycle enthusiasts that were sensible protective headgear.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Obie
Date: 01 Oct 05 - 07:30 AM

Of course Yamaha also builds both, but Harley guitars ain't worth a shit!. Come to think of it, neither are their bikes!

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,meto
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 12:22 AM

Riding a suzuki is like screwing your sister. It feels good until someone sees you

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: Kenny B (inactive)
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 12:16 PM

Seiously
I have a loud Suzuki GUITAR about 4 years old and two of my campadres have one each - both second hand and both are over 20 years old and play very sweetly, they alll hold their ownn at noisy sessions

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 05:24 PM

Aah've had a Suzuki 3S since 1976

Aah sold it once when aah decided te give up music

Aah bought it back off the blike three months later and wadn't part with it again.

When aah die one of me daughters will have it OR it'll gan in the oven with uz!

It's been a friend, a companion and, if the hole wasn't as big it'd've been me second missus!

Can aah say mair?

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: vectis
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 06:41 PM

I bought my Susuki classical guitar in about 1972 and reluctantly parted with it a few years ago because I wasn't playing it anymore. It still sounded totally beautiful and fetched a damn sight more than the £25 I paid for it.
Made of good, matured timber, it makes all the difference.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 01:52 PM

I've played a number of O size Suzukis with slotted heads. These were great guitars for the money. I've seen Joe Hall playing one at festivals. I can't remember if they had 12 or 14 fret necks, but otherwise, they're a lot like the pre-war Martin O-18s. I also have a friend who owns a Suzuki dreadnought and I sometimes forget I'm not playing my '62 D-21 when I borrow it.

For the money, 2-3 hundred dollars, these are great guitars.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: Commander Crabbe
Date: 12 Oct 07 - 05:35 PM

Like Geordie-Porgie I have a Suzuki 3S which i've had since 1978 when I bought it in Doha.

It sounds better today than when it was acquired and I wouldn't part with it.

CC

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Oct 07 - 01:11 PM

I have a suzuki fw-516....it's the most beautiful guitar and has a fantastic sound!... But I haven't founded nothing aout this on-line...:(

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 24 Oct 07 - 03:59 PM

I had a Suzuki dreadnought for many years----Bought in Gosport in 1972/3 ,and traded in about 5 years ago. Built like the proverbial outdoor convenience, it was a real " workhorse", although I didn"t like the adjustable bridge much.I used to polish it with furniture polish----it probably still smells of lavender (amongst other things) to this day. Cost £ 34-00 brand new, I seem to remember.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Ken
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 06:43 PM

Hi I just acquired a suzuki w120 12 string, it sounds great for its age.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Billy
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 11:58 AM

Bought a Suzuki J200 (a copy of the blonde Gibson J200 that Elvis used to have) in Paisley, Scotland in 1977. New about 80 quid. I have had it set up a couple of times and a new bridge put on and it plays better than most of the Gibson guitars of that era.
It even survived a fall down a flight of stairs (not in its case - I was holding it at the time - it suffered a small ding on the face and so did I).
It is still playing (very loudly).

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,JPC
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 03:39 AM

i have an old M. suzuki. FW522 . info is hard to find on these . i cut my fingers on M. Suzuki learning the craft as a wee one. wouldnt have it any other way.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,NaN
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 05:42 AM

I've had this guitar for over 8 years.
Was a gift from my uncle.
Can't find anything on the net either.
I used to sit on it, eat on it.
Play drum beats on it.(extreme bass, sounds like a snare)
haha
I practically love it.
Wonder how much it's worth.
Could be a rare guitar ya know.
I haven't seen anyone have this.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Rabbitlegs
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 04:12 AM

I have a Kiso Suzuki model 9507,Hummingbird type guitar. Had it for 30 odd years and I think it gets better. Just put a Fishman Neo D pickup on it and sounds fine. Does anyone know much about these guitars as I've never seen another. I know Kiso Suzuki is a violin teaching method, or was and assume it's the same company.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 08:30 AM

I remember the name as Kiso Suzuki, I used to have a Suzuki mandolin, the label said ' Kiso Suzuki Violin Co.

eric

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,eddy the kirk
Date: 18 Mar 08 - 02:47 AM

My suzuki w300 leaves me no desire to by a Martin or Taylor. It's unbelievable for a 60's lam'.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,mcstrange
Date: 11 Apr 08 - 09:59 AM

I just bought a FW 514 MSuzuki from a second hand shop for 60 dollars. Solid spruce top, mahogany sides and bottom are solid too (I think), abalone inlay, this thing plays like an angel, incredible sound. I got the bargain of the year!It is ancient, I am sure, the wood looks aged. it plays way better than any of the 20 odd acoustics I have had before.   
If anyone has any info on these gems I would appreciate it, nothing on the net...

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Phil N
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 04:16 AM

Hi. I've had a w120 for about 10 years given to me as a gift. Do you know any more about the w120. Thanks

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,htcstech(at)gmail.com
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 02:14 AM

Yep. I have one somewhere. It's a real workhorse, fine, close action. Bought it in 1981 and still have it. Put dual contact soundboard pickups (one on the bass and one on the treble side under the bridge) and gigged with it. Very reliable.
I heard about that time that M. Suzuki and brother (K?) made guitars. The K. Suzuki guitars was sold off and now owned by ESP (electric guitar manufacturers). I know nothing of what happened to M. Suzuki, so now I'm on a quest to find out!.

If you have one then hang onto it because they sound superb. Mine has a laminated spruce top and sounds 110%

Here's a link I just found:
http://suzukiguitars.blogspot.com/

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: Declan
Date: 28 Mar 09 - 09:54 PM

My first two guitars were Suzukis - both of which were stolen, or I think I'd still be playing them. I think the second one sounds like the same model one mentioned by Rabbitlegs above (I hasten to add I'm not implying anything by the last two statements).

I don't recall the model numbers for either of these guitars.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: Commander Crabbe
Date: 29 Mar 09 - 08:53 PM

With regards to Suzuki Three S guitars made in the 70's by Kiso Suzuki there is this post I found on guitarsite.

http://www.guitarsite.com/database/Tuition/rec/4149/wwwboard/messages/288.shtml

Or this one for Suzuki guitars which is presumably the sold off section of the original violin company.

http://www.suzukimusic.co.uk/GUITAR/acoustic-guitars.htm

Regards

CC

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Tucker
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 09:29 PM

I've got a Suzuki guitar, Model No. SF-332.

I'm not particularly interested in its value, because i'm sure it wouldn't be "worth" enough for me to even begin to think of parting with it. However, I do wonder how old the instrument actually is. I received it as a christmas gift in 2001 and it had obviously been played very much already then. I would say just good and broke in. I have played it countless hundreds of hours since and i wouldn't trade my old roomate my Suzuki for his Martin DM that he payed $700 for. The Suzuki is an awesome guitar considering my mom bought it for under $100. I wouldn't be surprised if it was made in the 70's, 80's or 90's.

Does anyone know of a website that i could type in the serial number and find out some manufacturing information?

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,kiwi simon
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 06:10 PM

I have an absolutely sunning m suzuki "dove"fw512n,sound is amazing the crafmanship is a work of art,dont know age or value,I would never sell it ,action and neck is perfect,bright cherry sides,spruce top ,very dark fingerboard with mop inlays,stunning pickguard with beautifully detailed mop dove,but its the sound that really tops it off.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,rank
Date: 26 Sep 09 - 09:06 AM

hey suzuki lovers , i have a dove copy , the serial numbers allign with year they were made and the 1st letter relates to the style eg;F =Folk W= Western , i have a W65H .its a very sweet guitar.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,stormdog
Date: 27 Nov 09 - 09:14 PM

i got a m.suzuki fw507 in1975. cost me 4 weeks wages and i was worried about value for money?
its been used and abused ,never cased, played daily,probably know it better than my wife, got her 2 years later and shes never sounded as sweet as the suzuki . they are real nice guitars and worth hanging onto

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Chio
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 05:33 PM

Also have a "dove" fw512n. It was my 1st guitar in 1980. I had to pay 360DM for it. I would never disassociate from her.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Paul Johansen. Auckland, NZ.
Date: 04 Apr 10 - 07:48 AM

Yeah, I think I own the only M.Suzuki, FW-518M in New Zealnd. I am fairly sure about this, as it was a sales reps sample that did not sell, so I bought it at his imported cost and have owned it since 1976. I can't find any info on it at all.
Like your's it seems to be getting better with age and Ive heard that accoustics don't generally do this, as they tend to soak up moisture.
It has a heavilly inlaid vine pattern on the kneck and is very well made with no age related delamination whatsover even though I do not keep it cased and its taken some severe knocking around at times.
I have never seen or heard of another one anywhere but would love to hear from anyone who knows anything about it. It has the usual Martin Drednought appearance and big fat sound.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 20 May 10 - 06:45 PM

I've got a suzuki three-s F 120 dredd that I got in 78 when I was about 13. This is the guitar I first learned to play on, and I recall it cost a pretty penny at the time. Had it until I went away to college and gave it to my younger brother. It got pretty weathered... both literally and figuratively. By the time I borrowed it back it had chemical, sun and heat damage and a bulge in the fretboard and a lost bridge nut. (It spent time in AZ.) I made a new bridge nut for it, and that took care of a chunk but not all of the buzz. It is still a serviceable guitar and with some work arounds due to the buzz issue can do quite a bit. Much sentimental value. Has the nice boom of a dread...

Curtis

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,lascaux
Date: 30 May 10 - 11:08 AM

I found my F-120 at a thrift shop, not a blemish. 20 years later it has never needed any kind of maintenance; fine action, fine sound, keeps in tune, no complaints. Pains me to hear how people have abused these just because they didn't pay a lot for a fancy label. Too bad. Suspect instruments made in the 70s were made to last, not fobbed off to a 3rd world sweatshop. Give it respect and you'll get it back.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,A.Andrew
Date: 04 Jul 10 - 03:57 PM

M in Suzuki models refers to the grand Auditorium size of the Martin Guitar they were copied from. The Guitars were made by Hamumatsu. The woods are exceptional with Rosewood backs and sides. Numerous inlays and Mother of Perl in the Rosewood on Mahogany neck make this guitar exceptional. The tuners are second to none. A very high quality guitar that originally cost very little, that is now worth thousands. Hold on to it. They will never make them like this again.
The FW-516 is the cream of the crop in these guitars. I have played hundreds of different guitars, none as good as this.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: Scorpio
Date: 04 Jul 10 - 04:10 PM

So great to hear that that others love their M Suzuki as much as I do. Thanks for the info Guest A Andrew. My FW 516 has a 3-piece back, mop around the body and sound hole, and hexagonal markers on the fretboard. Copy of a Martin D41/42?

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: Scorpio
Date: 04 Jul 10 - 08:20 PM

Anyone tried a compensated saddle with an FW516?

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Condor
Date: 02 Aug 10 - 05:53 PM

I've recently inherited a Three-S W300 that my father purchased sometime in the late seventies in Vermont. This guitar has made it halfway across the country and through the hands of a few of our friends and now is in our home in Texas, where ive been playing it for the past few years. It really is a beautiful guitar and I have never played another acoustic with as resonant of a tone.
That being said, I'm moving off to college in a month, and theres no way in hell I'm risking bringing this guitar with me. I have no idea how much its worth, my father said he purchased it for about $300 way back when, and even if I had the money to purchase another I doubt I would be able to find one in as good of condition as mine or with the memories I have with this guitar. Can anyone recommend a good substitute for under $600 with a similar style?

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,jccc
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 10:15 PM

I have a M. Suzuki guitar SG 101 it is in mint condition, can anyone tell me anything about it, I want to sell it, so I need to find out some thing about it. I have had it for over 30+ years

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: Commander Crabbe
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 05:30 AM

Guest jccc

Try this site:

http://nagoyasuzukiacoustic.blogspot.com/

CC

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 08:57 PM

Hi I did a bit of research on M Suzuki S G 101 here is one answer

Hello Jean:

Sorry I can't help. M Suzuki is a different company, and I really don't know anything about them. I did however receive this post from someone....
"... 'M. Suzuki' branded guitars ...were produced by the Suzuki Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
The one I have was purchased in 1981 and I have a reference (label picture) of another.
Suzuki Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co. Ltd. began in 1953 are still in business in Hamamatsu but they are currently not producing guitars.
M. Suzuki guitars seem to be named after the owner Manji Suzuki.
The 'Manji' guitars were of good quality and tone, bound headstock, neck, body with quality tuners, compensated bone saddle and nut.
Please email me for further info. (he didn't leave an email address)

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Oct 10 - 04:33 PM

Am looking at a Dove. Very good condition but am not sure what I should be paying for it. Any ideas?

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Chio
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 06:12 PM

Looking for original Dove, or M.Suzuki Dove?
And the conditions ???

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: akenaton
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 04:33 PM

I've got a Kiso Suzuki classical guitar, which has a superb tone, especially on the bass strings.
The finish is exceptional and the guitar itself is featherlight.
Must be at least 50yrs old and there is not a mark on the body or any distortion....I love playing it.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 09 Feb 11 - 09:10 PM

I just found a Suzuki F-100S in a pawn shop yesterday. Pics at www.goldseeker.org.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,vicho
Date: 09 Apr 11 - 11:24 AM

I´ve got an FW-517, I tried to search some information about it and found nothing. It has about 30 or more years, that's the only thing a know, it´s sound is amazing, and the finshes are very nice too, i love it, but i want to know more about my guitar.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Paul Johansen. Auckland, NZ.
Date: 21 May 11 - 08:50 AM

Interesting to see the posts regarding FW 516 and 517 Suzuki's but still nothing about anyone else owning a 518 the same as mine. I'm beginning to wonder if Ive got the only one in captivity!
Ive since learn't (excuse my ignorance)that the fancy inlay is called the Tree of Life and looks much the same as Steve Via's Ibanez Jem.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,hans
Date: 02 Aug 11 - 10:49 PM

I have a M Suzuki with dove made in Japan also says something about EKO inside says FW512N Distributed exclusiva for Dalla. Bought by a Navy friend who sold it to me when he retired in 1988 and he bought it in Japan on a cruise. Has M Suzuki on Neck made in Japan sticker on back of neck and EKO and distribution. Inside M Suzuki FW512N. Anyone know anything?

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 12:53 PM

anybody have an acoustic neck for sale cheap for an E 1

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Breil
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 05:27 AM

Is there a Model F-180 6 string acoustic suzuki guitar? Any idea, because i research there is 12 string F-180. My friend is saying he has a F-180 model suzuki acoustic guitar for sale.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: Commander Crabbe
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 03:47 PM

Breil

According to my Suzuki Guitar spreadsheet they manufactured an F-180-12 from 1969-1973 and an F180 (presumably 6 string as it does not specify 12 like the other entry) from 1973 to 1980.

Regards

Chris

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 08 Jan 12 - 11:39 PM

hello there i have a ''Suzuki Nagoya'' model ''SD310C''.which sounds pretty sweet,does anyone know if it's any rare?

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Michael
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 10:48 AM

Hi,
I have an M.Suzuki W-544 12 string which I purchased in Darwin, Australia in the early 80's.

Looking inside the sound hole to the base of the neck, I see the letter "N" and underneath that the serial # "807161".
It's possible that the first 3 numbers are the year and month of manufacture, ie, July 1980.   That's only speculation of course.

It's still in very good condition, sounds nice, has never been back to a guitar shop for adjustment, and the strings are probably 25 years old, well only 6 of them, you know what I mean.

http://s1081.photobucket.com/albums/j358/v8sruleok/Guitar%20album/

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,GRM
Date: 14 Dec 12 - 07:26 AM

A work mate of mine has an M. Suzuki W450 - very ornate MOP and solid Indian RW B&S. Top is, of course, solid...maybe spruce.
Ruben, the GuitarRepairMan in Melbourne brought it back to life for him and is it very good. So good that I wonder if Sada Yairi, who learnt his initial chops at the Suzuki Violin Co. may have had some influence. I did read recently (the unsubstantiated web stuff) that Sad continued so sort of association with the SVC over the years. Probably just hearsay.
But my main point is that there is stuff all out there in the WWW on M.Suzuki steel strings.
Can you shed some light on these guitars?

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Michael
Date: 30 Dec 12 - 09:50 AM

GRM,
Sure is hard to find anything about M.Suzuki guitars, why don't u post some pics of yr work mates one? My pics on Photobucket, link on my previous post, above.
Took my guitar to a local reputable guitar shop for a quick valuation.   Took one look at the headstock logo, said it's just a Suzuki, worth couple of hundred.   Now the valuation is fine by me, but I disagree about the identity assessment.   I've got a couple of Kiso Suzukis and they are nothing like the quality of the M.Suzuki.   It's a tank, soundboard is as flat as the day it left the factory and it's had string tension all that time. Came out of Suzuki Musical Inst Mfg Co, Hamamatsu.    The Kiso Suzi's both have partially collapsed sound boards.   They came out of Kiso Suzuki Violin Co Ltd. It's hard work trying to sort thru all of this stuff, plenty have already tried.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 10:27 PM

any info out there???

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Jarrod A
Date: 09 Mar 15 - 09:41 PM

M Suzuki guitars ... righto here goes..... as we know ... est approx. 1953 by Manji Suzuki ( 1887 Nagoya Suzuki 1951 kiso Suzuki = no relation )they are the Suzuki of today, M Suzuki guitars ( the good ones )were made from approx. 1974-1984 in Hamamatsu japan , this info was obtained by speaking directly to Suzuki musical inst MFG japan , I have many Suzuki guitars inc the M Suzuki FW516 - yes a nice guitar... great? not for me , my kiso hummingbird has a much nicer tone ...(comparable to my daions) this is not the case for all Suzuki hummingbirds but certainly mine .... worth thousands for an fw516 .... no . I bought mine for $250 and sold it years later for $350 a fair price . I have two very rare suzukis a 60s classical with diamond cut bracing and a kiso 12 string with tree of life inlays , the fw516 was very pretty with the 3 piece back ... but they are easily found also .... for more info on Suzuki guitars head to the facebook page .

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: GUEST,Pete Harper
Date: 28 Sep 21 - 12:42 AM

I have a beautiful Dreadnought model FW522TB, stamped 307163.
Very handsome guitar in sunburst. I would dearly like to know what year this fine guitar was made, it has had very little use but puts out a very big clear sound.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Subject: RE: M. Suzuki guitars?
From: vectis
Date: 28 Sep 21 - 10:55 PM

I bought a Suzuki classical guitar in the early 1970s and it cost me 25GBP. It had a lovely sound and was a pleasure to play. Sold it 30 odd years later for a very decent sum.