The original RS series produced by the Matsumoku factory was high quality and the RS Elite occupied  a premium niche in the era before the Knight Warrior was introduced. Designed by "H.Noble" (Nobuaki Hayashi) and manufactured under contract at the Matsumoku plant. Is a rarer model only made for 1 year. Built in 1983 it featues an Alder body, Rosewood fretboad (350R, 650mm Scale), maple neck, ACT 1 Tremolo system, 3 single coil Aria/ Maxon pickups that are powerful and expressive and a retro blueburst finish. Weighs 3.6kg. Has a bit of damage on the back (see photos) and stickers, finish crack at the neck pocket, and some light fretware frets1-7. Is missing the back tremolo cover and arm, locking nuts. Still presents/ plays nicely. The guitar plays and sounds very well, and is in good condition considering its age. The sustain and intonation are everything you would expect from an early 80's, hand-finished, Japanese instrument. Action is mid/low and it has been well set up with 9-42 strings.