Introduction: When Japan Turned the Guitar World Upside Down
In the glittering world of electric guitars, some names are universally known: Gibson, Fender, Rickenbacker. But for connoisseurs and lovers of vintage instruments, another name shines brightly: Greco. This Japanese brand, especially its models from the so-called "Lawsuit Era" (late 1970s to early 1980s), evolved from mere copyists into a legend. For many, vintage Greco guitars are not just a homage to the great American classics, but in some cases, a technically superior alternative.
Why did these "copies" gain such a legendary reputation? What secrets lie behind their outstanding craftsmanship? And how did Greco Les Paul copies or Greco Strat copies manage to captivate musicians and collectors worldwide, often overshadowing more expensive originals?
In this comprehensive blog post, we'll dive deep into the fascinating history of the Greco Lawsuit Era. We'll explore why these instruments were so good, introduce specific, iconic models like the Greco Super Real and Mint Collection, and analyze their lasting impact on the guitar market. Prepare for an exciting journey that will open your eyes to the unsung heroes of Japanese guitar building – the MIJ Greco guitars. And the best part: At Pat's Guitars, we regularly have a hand-picked selection of these coveted Greco guitars available for you!
The Birth of a Legend: Japan's Rise and the "Lawsuit Era"
To fully grasp the significance of Greco guitars during the "Lawsuit Era," we need to look at the guitar landscape of that time. In the 1970s, traditional American guitar manufacturers, particularly Gibson and Fender, faced challenging times. The quality of their instruments suffered due to changing ownership structures, cost-cutting measures, and the pursuit of mass production. Simultaneously, a new generation of guitar builders emerged in Japan, approaching their craft with meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Japanese brands like Ibanez, Tokai, Fernandes, and Greco began producing high-quality copies of the desirable American models. These instruments were not only significantly more affordable but often also better crafted than the more expensive originals of their time. This led to a series of lawsuits (hence the name "Lawsuit Era") filed by American manufacturers to protect their patents and designs. Ironically, these lawsuits unwittingly helped highlight the quality and authenticity of the Japanese instruments, earning them a legendary reputation.
Greco was a pioneer in this movement. The company, originally founded in 1967 by Kanda Shokai, collaborated with renowned factories like FujiGen Gakki, known for their outstanding craftsmanship. This partnership was key to the success and legendary quality of vintage Greco guitars.
The Golden Age of Replicas: What Made Greco Guitars So Special?
The essence of "Lawsuit Era" Greco guitars lay in their meticulous faithfulness to detail and their often superior build quality. It wasn't just about copying shapes; it was about understanding and perfecting the concepts that made the original Gibsons and Fenders so desirable.
1. Unparalleled Craftsmanship and Precision: Japanese guitar builders are renowned worldwide for their precision, and Greco was no exception. Instruments from the "Lawsuit Era" featured:
- Flawless Fretting: A hallmark of Japanese guitar craftsmanship. Frets were perfectly seated, polished, and leveled, allowing for excellent playability across the entire fretboard.
- Immaculate Finishes: Finishes were often thinner and more cleanly applied than many contemporary US models, which was not only aesthetically pleasing but also less detrimental to the wood's resonance.
- Meticulous Attention to Detail: From headstock shapes (often known as "Open Book" or "Bell" before lawsuits led to changes) to exact body dimensions, inlays, and hardware – every detail was carefully studied and reproduced.
2. Selection of High-Quality Woods: Many Greco guitars from this period were built with woods typically found only in much more expensive instruments. Mahogany for bodies and necks, maple for tops, and rosewood or ebony for fretboards were selected with great care. The wood choice significantly contributed to the sustain, resonance, and overall tone of these instruments.
3. Authentic and Powerful Pickups: An often-underestimated factor in the legendary tone of Greco guitars is their pickups. Many early models were equipped with pickups from Maxon, a Japanese manufacturer later known for its excellent overdrive pedals (like the Ibanez Tube Screamer).
- "Dry Z" Pickups: Some of the most coveted Greco Les Paul models from the "Super Real" era featured the legendary "Dry Z" humbuckers. These pickups were designed to perfectly capture the sound of original Gibson PAF pickups – open, dynamic, and with superb definition.
- "U"-Stamps: Other models used "U"-stamped pickups, which also delivered an excellent, often warm and articulate tone.
- Single Coils: For Greco Strat copies, single coils were developed that perfectly replicated the glassy, twangy sound of early Fenders, while offering impressive clarity and dynamics.
This combination of high-quality woods, precise craftsmanship, and excellent pickups meant that Greco guitars often surpassed the sonic and playability standards of contemporary American originals – all at a fraction of the cost.
Iconic Models of the Greco Lawsuit Era: A Journey Through the Series
The "Lawsuit Era" at Greco is characterized by a variety of models and series that are highly sought after by collectors and players today. Here are some of the most prominent:
1. The EG Series: Greco's Homage to the Les Paul The Greco EG Series is undoubtedly the heart of the "Lawsuit Era." These models are meticulous replicas of Gibson Les Pauls, ranging from standard replicas to Custom and Goldtop variants.
- EG-1000/EG-1200 ("Super Real" & "Mint Collection"): These are considered the cream of the crop among Greco Les Paul copies. They boasted high-quality woods (often one-piece mahogany bodies and necks), detailed finishes, and the famous "Dry Z" pickups. They were so authentic that even experts found it difficult to distinguish them from genuine vintage Gibsons. The "Super Real" period (approx. 1979-1982) and the subsequent "Mint Collection" (approx. 1982-1985) represent the peak of Greco's quality.
- EG-500/600/700: These models also offered excellent quality at an even more accessible price. They often featured laminated or two-piece bodies but still had very good pickups.
2. The SE Series: Greco's Perfect Strat Copies The Greco SE Series was Greco's answer to the Fender Stratocaster. Here, too, the attention to detail was astonishing.
- SE-800/1000 ("Super Real"): These Strats were modeled after original Fenders from the late 50s and early 60s. They impressed with accurate body shapes, authentic neck profiles, and specially wound single-coil pickups that perfectly reproduced the iconic Fender twang and bell-like tones.
- SE-500/600: Widely available yet high-quality Strat copies that provided many musicians access to the classic Strat sound.
3. The GO Series: Greco's Bold Originals While the "Lawsuit Era" is primarily known for copies, Greco also ventured into original designs. The Greco GO Series (Greco Original) was one such example.
- Greco GO 1000/1200: These futuristic-looking models often featured neck-through designs, active electronics, and innovative circuitry. They showcased Greco's ability to develop its own high-quality instruments beyond mere copying. Though not as famous as the replicas, they are now sought after by collectors of rarer Japanese originals.
4. The Mirage Series: The Killer Shape The Greco Mirage (sometimes known as the Ibanez Iceman, as Ibanez held the export rights) was another unique design from this era. With its sharp, asymmetrical body shape, it was an eye-catcher and often delivered a powerful sound, ideal for rock and metal.
5. The J and JB Series: Bass Quality from Japan Bassists also benefited from Greco's quality. The Greco J Series(Jazz Bass copies) and JB Series (Precision Bass copies) offered an excellent alternative to often expensive and quality-inconsistent originals.
- Greco Jazz Bass / Precision Bass: These basses were known for their robust construction, excellent sustain, and authentic bass tones that laid the foundation for many rock and funk grooves.
This variety of models and their consistently high quality are why vintage Greco guitars are so highly valued today. At Pat's Guitars, we are constantly searching for these special instruments to offer you a unique selection.
Impact on the Market and Enduring Fascination
The Greco Lawsuit Era had a profound impact on the global guitar market. It forced American manufacturers to re-evaluate and improve their own quality control processes. Ironically, the "Lawsuit Guitars" paved the way for the later founding of Fender Japan, a joint venture that also emerged in the early 1980s to leverage Japanese quality and manufacturing for Fender itself.
The fascination with Greco guitars remains unbroken to this day for several reasons:
- Value for Money: Even today, vintage Greco guitars offer incredible value for money compared to equivalent vintage originals. You often get comparable build quality and a similar sound for a fraction of the price.
- Collector's Value: Especially the "Super Real" and "Mint Collection" models, as well as some of the rarer original Grecos, have developed strong collector's value and can be a solid investment.
- Playability and Sound: Many musicians swear by the playability and tone of these instruments. They are robust, reliable, and deliver the authentic vintage sound many seek.
- The "Underdog" Story: It's a David vs. Goliath narrative – the smaller Japanese manufacturers challenging established giants and forcing them to improve. This gives these guitars a special aura.
- Availability: Although becoming rarer, MIJ Greco guitars can still be found on the used market and offer an exciting alternative to often overpriced US vintage models.
These factors make Greco guitars more than just "copies" – they are a distinct chapter in guitar history that deserves to be celebrated. Browse our selection and find your own Greco legend at Pat's Guitars!
Buying and Caring for Your Vintage Greco Guitar
Acquiring a vintage Greco guitar is a rewarding investment. Here are some tips to ensure you get a high-quality instrument and care for it optimally:
When Buying:
- Research is Key: Familiarize yourself with the different series and model years. Greco serial numbers and headstock logos can provide clues about the exact production year and factory (e.g., FujiGen Gakki). Specialized forums and websites are a goldmine of information here.
- Check Condition: For used instruments, condition is crucial. Look for:
- Neck and Frets: Check for excessive fret wear, neck warp, or twisting. Good fretting is a hallmark of Greco.
- Electronics: Test all pickups, switches, and pots. Listen for noise or dropouts.
- Hardware: Are all original parts present? Do tuners, bridge, and tremolo function properly?
- Body and Finish: Minor dings and dents are normal for a vintage instrument, but look for major damage, breaks, or improper repairs.
- Authenticity: Ensure it's a genuine vintage Greco guitar and not a fake or a later, inferior model. The "Made in Japan" stamp and correct serial number are important indicators. Trust reputable dealers like Pat's Guitars, who offer thorough inspection and authenticity guarantees. We know the value and history of every Greco we add to our collection.
- Play It: If possible, play the guitar. Every guitar has its own character. Pay attention to the feel, resonance, and sound.
Caring for Your Greco:
- Regular Cleaning: Keep your guitar clean. Wipe down strings and body after each playing session. Clean the fretboard regularly with specialized cleaners and oil it as needed.
- Climate Control: Store your guitar in a stable climate. Extreme temperature fluctuations and humidity can damage the wood. A good case is invaluable here.
- Professional Setup: Regular setup by an experienced luthier is crucial for optimal playability and intonation. This also extends the life of the frets and neck.
- Storage: If you won't be playing the guitar for an extended period, loosen the strings slightly to reduce tension on the neck.
With proper care, your vintage Greco guitar will accompany you for many decades and bring you joy.
Looking Ahead: The Enduring Legacy of Greco Guitars
Although the "Lawsuit Era" is long past and Greco today focuses on other areas, the legacy of vintage Greco guitars is undeniable. On the used market, they remain highly sought after. Models like the "Super Real" and "Mint Collection" are often referred to as "Sleeping Giants" – instruments whose true value and quality were long underestimated by many. Their reputation as "better copies" or even serious rivals to the originals is well-founded. At Pat's Guitars, we are proud to consistently offer you these "Sleeping Giants" and continue to tell their stories.
For musicians and collectors seeking an instrument with character, history, and outstanding quality, a vintage Greco guitar is an excellent choice. They offer a unique blend of vintage vibe, Japanese precision, and inspiring sound. They are a testament to a time when passion and craftsmanship prioritized quality over mere brand politics.
The legacy of the Greco Lawsuit Era lives on – in the hands of musicians who appreciate their distinctive sound and in the collections of enthusiasts who honor their history.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Copy – An Icon of Japanese Craftsmanship
The history of Greco guitars from the "Lawsuit Era" is a triumphant narrative of dedication, precision, and the tireless pursuit of musical excellence. What began as a response to the market situation of the time evolved into a distinct chapter in guitar manufacturing, redefining standards for high-quality replicas.
From the legendary Greco Les Paul copies of the EG Series to the authentic Greco Strat copies of the SE Series – every instrument bearing the MIJ Greco seal from this period is proof of its builders' mastery. The vintage Greco quality is a tangible reality, palpable in every chord, every riff, and every sustained note.
At Pat's Guitars, we are passionate advocates for these unsung heroes. We understand the fascination these instruments evoke and are proud to offer a carefully selected collection of vintage Greco guitars. Each of our MIJ Grecoinstruments is inspected for authenticity, condition, and playability, so you can buy with confidence. We currently have some special models in stock, waiting to be discovered by you.
Dive into the world of vintage Greco guitars and find your next dream instrument at Pat's Guitars. The unparalleled quality and legendary sound of the "Lawsuit Era" await you!
- Explore our current selection of Vintage Greco Guitars:
- Find your dream Les Paul copy:
- Browse our Stratocaster-style guitars:
- Want to learn more or get personalized advice? Contact Pat's Guitars today!