1970s-1980s Morris G-300 "Custom" 5-String Banjo - Made in Japan by Moridaira
A vintage Japanese 5-string resonator banjo from the golden age of MIJ
banjo building. Manufactured by Moridaira (the same Matsumoto factory
that built the legendary Fender Japan banjos of the era), the Morris
G-300 is a mid-to-upper tier Mastertone-style banjo that captures the
clear, punchy bluegrass tone Japanese builders were famous for during
the 1970s and 80s.
This particular example wears the "Custom" designation on the truss rod
cover and features ornate inlay work throughout - bird/wreath pattern
position markers, diamond cluster on the headstock, and the iconic
Morris script logo in pearl. The mahogany resonator displays a
two-ring binding pattern with concentric purfling, giving the banjo
a distinctive, classy look.
Moridaira-made banjos are no longer in production - the factory ceased
banjo manufacturing in the 1990s as Japanese banjo production wound
down industry-wide. As a result, surviving examples in clean condition
like this one are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
== SPECIFICATIONS ==
- Brand: Morris (by Moridaira)
- Model: G-300 Custom
- Era: 1970s-1980s
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Configuration: 5-string resonator banjo
- Style: Gibson Mastertone-inspired
- Head: Remo Weatherking (made in USA)
- Bridge: Grover
- Resonator: Bound mahogany with concentric ring binding
- Neck: Mahogany with rosewood fingerboard
- Inlay: Bird/wreath pattern position markers
- Headstock: Morris pearl script logo, diamond cluster inlay, "Custom"
truss rod cover
- Hardware: Nickel-plated, two-piece flange, armrest, geared 5th-string tuner
== CONDITION ==
Overall: Very Good
- Body/Resonator: Light playing wear and scratches consistent with age
- Neck: Straight
- Frets: Approximately 70-80% remaining
- Hardware: Some tarnish on metal parts (vintage patina)
The banjo plays well and is fully functional. Please review all photos
carefully for the exact cosmetic condition.
== INCLUDED ==
- Hardshell case (blue interior, age-appropriate condition)
== WHY THIS BANJO ==
Vintage Moridaira-built Japanese banjos are an under-appreciated corner
of the MIJ vintage market. Built in the same Matsumoto factory that
produced the well-regarded Fender Japan banjos, they share the same
parts and build philosophy at a more accessible price point. The
G-300 sits in the upper-mid tier of the Morris banjo line, offering
classy ornamentation, a proper tone ring, and the punchy projection
that made Japanese bluegrass banjos popular with players worldwide.
Please feel free to message with any questions before purchasing.