With a career that spans 4 decades now under his belt, grammy-award winning guitarist, Tak Matsumoto is celebrating with the release of two books detailing more than 200 of his favourite guitars and his progression in the music industry.

The two books summarize Matsumoto’s 4 decade career in the music industry, highlighting some of his best moments and his favourite guitars that he has performed with.

Takahiro Matsumoto (more widely known by his stage name Tak Matsumoto) is a grammy-award winning guitarist, producer, composer, singer and songwriter who made his way into the music industry back in the 1980’s. In addition to playing as guitarist and lead composer in rock duo B’z, Matsumoto has also supported other artists in both recording and live performances, as well as had his own successful solo career.
Inspired by The Beatles in his teens, Matsumoto fell in love with music and bought his very first guitar at the age of 15. Inspired by Rock, Jazz and classical music, Matsumoto was able to create his own unique sound that led to his successful music career.
In 1999, Matsumoto became the fifth person in the world and the first person in Japan to have their very own signature model Gibson guitar.
In 2010, Matsumoto co-wrote the instrumental jazz fusion album ‘TAKE YOUR PICK’ with fellow guitarist Larry Carlton. The album went on to win the Grammy Award for ‘Best Pop Instrumental’ at the 53rd Grammy Awards.
Matsumoto’s latest album, Bluesman was released in 2020.

In the ‘TAK MATSUMOTO PLAYER’S BOOK’, a long interview with Matsumoto and special guests Yoshiki, Larry Carlton, Akira Takasaki, Takuro Kubo (TAKURO), details Matsomoto’s career. Featuring successive stage shots, the book gives readers a glimpse into the progression of the life of a guitarist making their way through life in the music industry.
The book also includes additional behind the scenes photographs, an archive interview held with Rittor Music’s Guitar Magazine and a guitar score overseen by Matsumoto himself of his hit song ‘GO FURTHER’.

The second book, ‘TAK MATSUMOTO GUITAR BOOK’, completely covers Matsumoto’s collection of over 200 guitars.
Amongst many others, the book features Matsumoto’s 1954 Stratocaster with the serial number "# 1090" (his song ‘Thousand Dreams’ was originally named after his Stratocaster guitar, and was named as the 51st best guitar instrumental by Young Guitar Magazine in 2019), a number of rare vintage guitars with record-breaking price tags, and a mixture of Matsumoto’s signature guitar models.
Additionally the book details some of the equipment used by Matsumoto over the years, including; acoustic guitars, guitar amps, effectors and straps.

The celebratory books will be available to purchase individually from 10 May 2021. For hardcore fans of Tak Matsumoto, the two books will also be available to purchase as a special edition set, which comes in a luxurious box and includes a personalised guitar plectrum set and a signed memorial certificate. For guitar fans, this is a must-have collector’s item.

TAK MATSUMOTO PLAYER'S BOOK

Price: 3,740 yen (including tax)
Release: May 10, 2021

Contents:

  • Latest Interview & Photograph
  • TAK MATSUMOTO × YOSHIKI Special Dialogue
  • Photo Gallery
  • Special Message: Larry Carlton, Akira Takasaki, TAKURO
  • MESSAGE for TAK (messages from domestic and foreign co-stars)
  • "Guitar Magazine" Archive, Interview
  • "GO FURTHER" Guitar Score

Product information and purchase page available here

TAK MATSUMOTO GUITAR BOOK

Price: 3,850 yen (including tax)
Release: May 10, 2021

Contents:

  • Complete Guitar Files: Gibson Vintage Les Paul, Signature Model, Double Cutaway, Firebird, 1959 Les Paul, Epiphone, Fender, Bill Lawrence, Yamaha, Arnie Ball / Musicman, Ivanies, Killer, ESP, Acoustic Guitar, Amplifier & Speaker, Effect Pedal, Electric Drill & Reagan, Strap, Tour Pick Gallery, etc.
  • Latest Stage Equipment

Product information and purchase page available here

TAK MATSUMOTO PLAYER'S & GUITAR BOOK SPECIAL EDITION SET

Price: 9,680 yen (including tax)
Release: May 10, 2021

Contents:

  • TAK MATSUMOTO PLAYER’S BOOK
  • TAK MATSUMOTO GUITAR BOOK

Special set extras:

  • Guitar plectrum set
  • Signed memorial certificate

Product information and purchase page available here


By - Connie Sceaphierde.