Greco Guitars: The Unsung Heroes of the Japanese "Lawsuit Era"
Introduction: When Japan turned the guitar world upside down
In the dazzling world of electric guitars, there are names everyone knows: 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), has evolved from a mere copyist to a legend. For many, vintage Greco guitars are not just a tribute to the great American classics but in some cases even a quality-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 the more expensive originals?
In this comprehensive blog post, we dive deep into the fascinating history of the Greco Lawsuit Era. We 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. Get ready for an exciting journey that will open your eyes to the unsung heroes of Japanese guitar making – the MIJ Greco guitars. And the best part: At Pat's Guitars, we regularly have a handpicked selection of these sought-after Greco guitars available for you!
The birth of a legend: Japan's rise and the "Lawsuit Era"
To fully understand the significance of Greco guitars in the "Lawsuit Era," we need to take a look at the guitar landscape of that time. In the 1970s, the established American guitar manufacturers, especially Gibson and Fender, went through a difficult period. The quality of their instruments suffered due to changing ownership structures, cost-cutting, and the drive for mass production. At the same time, a new generation of guitar makers in Japan emerged, working with meticulous attention to detail and an uncompromising commitment to quality.
Japanese brands like Ibanez, Tokai, Fernandes, and of course Greco began producing high-quality copies of the coveted American models. These instruments were not only significantly cheaper but often 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 unknowingly helped highlight the quality and authenticity of the Japanese instruments and gave them a legendary reputation.
Greco was a pioneer in this movement. The company, originally founded in 1967 by Kanda Shokai, worked with renowned factories like FujiGen Gakki, known for their outstanding craftsmanship. This partnership was the key to the success and legendary quality of Vintage Greco guitars.
The golden era of replicas: What made Greco guitars so special?
The core of the "Lawsuit Era" Greco guitars lay in their meticulous attention to detail and often superior build quality. It was not just copying shapes but understanding and perfecting the concepts that made the original Gibsons and Fenders so desirable.
1. Unmatched craftsmanship and precision: Japanese guitar makers are known worldwide for their precision, and Greco was no exception. The instruments of the "Lawsuit Era" were characterized by the following features:
- Impeccable fretting: A hallmark of Japanese guitar craftsmanship. The frets were perfectly placed, polished, and leveled, allowing excellent playability across the entire fingerboard.
- Flawless finishing: The finishes were often thinner and cleaner than on many contemporary US models, which was not only more aesthetically pleasing but also less affected the wood’s resonance.
- Meticulous attention to detail: From the headstock shapes (often known as "Open Book" or "Bell" before lawsuits led to changes) to the 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 the body and neck, maple for the tops, and rosewood or ebony for the fingerboards were carefully chosen. The wood selection significantly contributed to the sustain, resonance, and overall tone of these instruments.
3. Authentic and powerful pickups: An often underestimated factor for the legendary sound of Greco guitars is the installed pickups. Many of the early models were equipped with pickups from Maxon, a Japanese manufacturer later known for its excellent overdrive pedals (such as the Ibanez Tube Screamer).
- "Dry Z" Pickups: Some of the most sought-after Greco Les Paul models of the "Super Real" era were equipped with the legendary "Dry Z" humbuckers. These pickups were designed to perfectly capture the sound of Gibson's original PAF pickups – open, dynamic, and with excellent definition.
- "U" Stamps (U-Stamps): Other models used "U"-stamped pickups, which also delivered an excellent, often warm and articulate sound.
- Single Coils: For the 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 led to Greco guitars often surpassing the sound and playability of the American originals of the time – and at a fraction of the price.
Iconic models of the Greco Lawsuit Era: A journey through the series
The "Lawsuit Era" at Greco is marked by a variety of models and series that are highly sought after by collectors and players alike today. Here are some of the most prominent:
1. The EG Series: Greco's Tribute 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 models are considered the crème de la crème of Greco Les Paul copies. They were characterized by 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 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 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 Strat models were modeled after the original Fenders of the late 1950s and early 1960s. 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 sounds.
- SE-500/600: Widely available yet still high-quality Strat copies that gave many musicians access to the classic Strat sound.
3. The GO Series: Greco's Bold Originals While the "Lawsuit Era" is mainly known for copies, Greco also ventured into original designs. The Greco GO Series (Greco Original) was an example of this.
- Greco GO 1000/1200: These futuristic-looking models often featured neck-through construction, active electronics, and innovative circuits. They demonstrated Greco's ability to develop their own high-quality instruments that went beyond mere copying. Although not as famous as the copies, they are now sought after by collectors of rare Japanese originals.
4. The Mirage Series: The Killer Shape The Greco Mirage (sometimes also known as the Ibanez Iceman, since 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 were also spoiled by Greco's quality. The Greco J Series (Jazz Bass copies) and JB Series (Precision Bass copies) offered an excellent alternative to the often expensive and inconsistent originals.
- Greco Jazz Bass / Precision Bass: These basses were known for their robust construction, excellent sustain, and authentic bass sounds that laid the foundation for many rock and funk grooves.
This variety of models and their consistently high quality are the reason 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.
The impact on the market and the lasting fascination
The Greco Lawsuit Era had a profound impact on the global guitar market. It forced American manufacturers to rethink and improve their own quality 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 utilize Japanese quality and manufacturing for Fender itself.
The fascination with Greco guitars remains strong to this day and has several reasons:
- Value for money: Even today, vintage Greco guitars offer incredible value 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 models from the "Super Real" and "Mint Collection" series, 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 sturdy, reliable, and offer the authentic vintage sound that many seek.
- The "underdog" story: It’s the story of David versus Goliath – the small Japanese manufacturers who challenged the established giants and forced them to improve. This gives these guitars a special aura.
- Availability: Although they are becoming rarer, MIJ Greco guitars can still be found on the used market and offer an exciting alternative to the often overpriced US vintage models.
These factors make Greco guitars more than just "copies" – they are a unique 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
Purchasing 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 everything: Familiarize yourself with the different series and model years. The 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 treasure trove of information.
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Check Condition: For used instruments, condition is crucial. Pay attention to:
- Neck and Frets: Check for excessive fret wear, neck bowing, or twisting. Good fretwork is a hallmark of Greco.
- Electronics: Test all pickups, switches, and pots. Watch for noise or dropouts.
- Hardware: Are all original parts present? Do the tuners, bridge, and tremolo work perfectly?
- Body and Finish: Minor dings and dents are normal for a vintage instrument, but watch out for major damage, cracks, or improper repairs.
- Authenticity: Make sure it is a genuine Vintage Greco Guitar and not a fake or a later, lower-quality model. The "Made in Japan" stamp and the correct serial number are important indicators. Trust reputable dealers like Pat's Guitars, who provide careful inspection and authenticity guarantees. We know the value and history of every Greco we include in our collection.
- Playing In: If possible, play the guitar. Every guitar has its own character. Pay attention to the feel, resonance, and tone.
Caring for Your Greco:
- Regular Cleaning: Keep your guitar clean. Wipe down the strings and body after each playing session. Clean the fretboard regularly with special 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 setups by an experienced luthier are essential for optimal playability and intonation. This also extends the lifespan of the frets and neck.
- Storage: If you won’t be playing the guitar for a long time, slightly loosen the strings to reduce pressure on the neck.
With the right care, your Vintage Greco Guitar will accompany you for many decades and bring you joy.
Looking into the Future: The Lasting Legacy of Greco Guitars
Although the "Lawsuit Era" is long over and Greco now focuses elsewhere, the legacy of vintage Greco guitars remains undeniable. They are still highly sought after on the used market. Models like the "Super Real" and "Mint Collection" are often called "Sleeping Giants" – instruments whose true value and quality were long underestimated by many. Their reputation as "better copies" or even serious competition to the originals is well deserved. At Pat's Guitars, we are proud to offer these "Sleeping Giants" again and again and to keep their stories alive.
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 valued quality over mere brand politics.
The legacy of the Greco Lawsuit Era lives on – in the hands of musicians who appreciate its distinctive sound and in the collections of enthusiasts who honor its history.
Conclusion: More than just a copy – an icon of Japanese craftsmanship
The story of Greco guitars from the "Lawsuit Era" is a triumphant tale of dedication, precision, and the relentless pursuit of musical excellence. What began as a response to the market situation at the time evolved into a standalone chapter in guitar making, redefining the 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 era is a testament to the mastery of its makers. The vintage Greco quality is a tangible reality felt in every chord, riff, and sustain.
At Pat's Guitars, we are passionate advocates of these unsung heroes. We understand the fascination these instruments hold and are proud to offer a carefully curated collection of vintage Greco guitars. Each of our MIJ Greco instruments is checked for authenticity, condition, and playability so you can buy with confidence. Currently, we 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!
- Discover our current selection of vintage Greco guitars:
- Find your dream Les Paul copy:
- Browse our Stratocaster-style guitars:
- Would you like to learn more or get personal advice? Contact Pat's Guitars today!