MC2-MV/R

Introduction

This model incorporates upgraded specifications for production starting in 2026 and beyond, following the renewal of Momose products.
For details on the new specifications, please refer to the –New Specifications Following the Renewal– section below. To distinguish between the renewed model and previous models, please see the –How to Distinguish from Past Models– section at the bottom of the page.

Momose’s “Modern Virtuoso series” pays homage to the history of traditional electric guitars and basses while incorporating modern specifications demanded by today’s artists.

The term “Virtuoso” in the series name refers to a master or expert in the arts, particularly music. While such words may conjure an image of grandiosity, in today’s world, where anyone can freely express and share themselves across diverse platforms like social media and video-sharing sites, everyone has the potential to become a performer worthy of being called a “master.”

Crafted by the skilled artisans of Aska Workshop, who have steadily honed their techniques and experience while witnessing the passage of time, we present instruments that seamlessly integrate into the modern music scene.

Straight-grained neck

The neck is crafted from exceptionally rare, carefully selected straight-grained hard maple, a highly prized material for bass necks. It offers superior resistance to warping and provides long-lasting stability, ensuring years of reliable playability.

Mojotone® Classic Strat x2 + Classic Humbucker Hot

Featuring hand-wired pickups from Mojotone in North Carolina, USA. The neck and middle positions feature the “Classic Strat,” crafted to deliver a clean sound with the clear contour reminiscent of vintage 50s models. The bridge position features the “Classic Hot”, a Clone ’59 model designed to replicate the PAF sound, adding a modern twist with slightly emphasized lows and extended sustain.

GOTOH® 510T Bridge

The bridge features a trusted GOTOH two-point tremolo unit.

The “510T” series pursued functionality as a tremolo device without adhering to conventional vintage styles. It features a unique arm system with minimal clearance. To ensure strength and wear resistance at the movable pivot edge, the plate employs high-hardness chrome-molybdenum steel. It is finished with precision machining and high-level heat treatment. The pivot point utilizes a two-point support anchor nut type with a Studlock (PAT.). Furthermore, by equipping a block with the uniquely shaped FST mechanism (PAT.), designed to prevent string interference with the plate between the saddle and ball end, it dramatically improves tuning stability after arming.

Quoted from the GOTOH website：https://g-gotoh.com/productList/tremolo-510-series-ja/page/2/

Hipshot® Grip-Lock Machine Heads

This model features Hipshot locking tuners, established in California in 1983. The combination of precisely cut 18:1 gears and nylon bearings ensures smooth operation and accurate tuning over the long term. Each machine head features a different post height for each string, providing optimal tension relative to the nut. This mechanism eliminates the need for string guides.

For example, when using extreme arming techniques, strings wound multiple times around the string guide or peg post beyond the nut become a major factor, causing tuning instability when returning from an arm-down position. Using Hipshot locking tuners virtually eliminates string winding (to about half a turn on the tuner post) and prevents snagging on the string guide. This dramatically improves tuning stability, even when using arming techniques.

Oil-Preserved High-Density Water Buffalo Bone Nut

Generally, materials for nuts and saddles include not only cow bone but also tortoiseshell, ivory, brass, plastic, carbon fiber, and various others, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. However, Momose products have consistently used cow bone material. This time, we have adopted a nut made from “water buffalo bone”, which offers even higher density and ensures a more stable quality than before.

Even with cow bones, density varies depending on the specific part and individual animal. If the bone comes from a low-density area, it will have visible voids and a hollow texture that can be detected just by looking at it. For the water buffalo bone used in this model, we established a density standard at the procurement stage, selecting only bone with a specific gravity of 1.7 or higher. We believe this standard, denser and more compact than conventional cow bone, offers advantages not only in appearance and texture but also in sound quality. The specific gravity of ivory is said to range from 1.7 to 1.9, and one characteristic of this bone is that its material properties are close to those of ivory.

Spacious horn design that enhances playability in the higher positions

The “MC” models feature a significantly deeper horn cutaway on the treble side compared to traditional ST types. This enhances playability in the upper frets and allows players with larger hands to comfortably reach those frets without strain.

Recessed Neck Joint

While employing an orthodox plate joint to preserve traditional sound characteristics, the plate section has been recessed slightly to enhance playability.

Wood Binding to Prevent Fingerboard Issues

The fingerboard sides feature wood binding made from the same material as the fingerboard. This not only makes the fingerboard sides exceptionally smooth but also prevents issues like fret sprouts.

Generously widened rod adjuster

The uniquely shaped headstock features a wide adjustment hole for smooth neck adjustment. Its shape is also deliberately made wider for easier adjustment.

Kazuki Isogai’s Comments

The first thing I noticed when picking up this guitar was how light the string tension felt, making it incredibly easy to play. At first, I even mistook it for having thinner gauge strings. The tone has a pleasant lightness to it, with just the right amount of compression. That said, when switching to the bridge pickup, it delivers solid low end without sounding thin, which is great. I have a feeling it will resonate even more as I play it more. The body doesn’t feel particularly heavy, and it has a slightly stylish feel. Plus, Momose necks are strong and stable, so warping is extremely rare. I used it for recording too, and it got great feedback from sound engineers and arrangers. I think it’s a guitar you can confidently use in all kinds of situations.”

-New Specifications Following the Renewal-

Centralab® Oil Capacitor

With the development of the new pickups, we also reevaluated the capacitor. From numerous candidates, we selected Centralab’s oil-filled capacitor based on its compatibility with the sound profile of the pickups. It offers excellent responsiveness to the player’s nuances and a bright, forward-projecting sound, creating the new Momose tone.

Luminlay phosphorescent material side dots

All models feature Luminlay photoluminescent material for side position markers, which stores light and emits it in darkness. This specification is highly valued in darker or more dimly lit live houses and concert halls, and enjoys strong support from professional musicians. It reduces the risk of losing sight of your position in the dark.

Puretone® Audio jack

All models feature Puretone® jacks, renowned for their secure hold and low noise. Unlike conventional audio jacks with separate hot and cold terminals, these incorporate two hot and two cold terminals each, firmly gripping the plug from both sides. Resistant to loosening even with long-term use, they deliver stable performance to support your playing.

Fingerboard designed for diverse playing styles

Featuring a 310R radius fingerboard, which is flatter than the vintage style. This allows for lower string action than ever before, making it easier to tackle technical playing that demands fast fretting.

How to distinguish from past models

Previous Momose models featured only the “MADE IN JAPAN” label, but the renewed models from 2026 onward adopted a new design incorporating the “Aska Quality” logo on top of it.