Caparison
Since 1995
Founded in 1995 in Japan by master designer Itaru Kanno (former senior director at Jackson/Charvel Japan / Chushin Gakki), Caparison Guitars is one of the world's premier high-end boutique metal and high-gain guitar builders. Renowned for its iconic 'Devil's Tail' reverse headstock, signature 'Clock' fingerboard inlays (progressing from 1 to 27 o'clock), 27-fret asymmetrical Horus designs, and multi-piece M3 composite body construction (central maple tone block flanked by mahogany wings), Caparison delivers surgical clarity, immense low-end punch, and bespoke Japanese handcraftsmanship revered by artists from Freak Kitchen, Killswitch Engage, Soilwork, and Symphony X.
31
Years in Business
25K+
Guitars Sold
$5M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Caparison Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Caparison guitars.
Caparison Price Overview
Caparison covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$2,380
+4.8% vs last year
eBay Listings
120
Active listings
Sold This Month
24
+3.6% vs last month
Price Range
$1,450-$4,200
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Caparison Timeline
Itaru Kanno Founds Caparison
Following decades shaping Jackson and Charvel in Japan, Itaru Kanno launches Caparison to craft uncompromising boutique metal instruments.
Horus 27-Fret Revolution
Debuted the Horus model featuring an asymmetrical deep lower cutaway, 27 jumbo frets, and slanted neck pickup with 24.75" scale.
Dellinger Superstrat Series
Launched the 24-fret, 25.5" scale Dellinger series, quickly adopted by modern metalcore and melodic death metal heavyweights.
TAT Special Archtop Introduced
Introduced the Through-And-Through (TAT) series featuring an archtop neck-through-body design for limitless upper-register access.
M3 Composite Construction Perfection
Standardized the M3 tripartite body architecture—a solid maple center tone block flanked by two resonant mahogany wings.
Elite Boutique Shred Hegemony
Caparison maintains its legendary status as one of Japan's most revered independent high-performance guitar brands.
Complete Caparison Product Lineup
Caparison guitars are built around a central maple core that transfers string vibration instantaneously into mahogany wings—giving you infinite sustain with razor-sharp transient bite.
Horus Series (27 Frets)
The ultimate extended-range lead guitar: 27 frets, 24.75" Gibson scale, asymmetrical lower bout, and slanted mini-humbucker.
M3 composite body, ebony fingerboard, Schaller S-FRT II double-locking tremolo, and clock inlays.
Maple fingerboard edition with rapid attack, hand-sponge finish, and Caparison PH-R bridge humbucker.
Fixed bridge iteration with light ash top and maple neck for razor-sharp down-tuned rhythm response.
Dellinger Series (24 Frets / 25.5")
Full 25.5" scale superstrat engineered for tight drop tunings, lightning riffing, and punishing modern rhythms.
Tripartite M3 body structure offering thick mahogany resonance and biting maple punch.
Seven-string metal powerhouse with tight low B tension, Devil's Tail headstock, and Gotoh hardware.
Carved top hybrid with fixed bridge and aggressive multi-wood body construction.
TAT & Artist Signature
Mastercrafted neck-through instruments and iconic signature models.
Carved archtop neck-through construction with transparent burst finishes and fluid ergonomic heel.
True-temperament or 27-fret signature weapon loaded with custom humbuckers and laser-engraved apple artwork.
"Caparison guitars are built around a central maple core that transfers string vibration instantaneously into mahogany wings—giving you infinite sustain with razor-sharp transient bite."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
The Definitive 27-Fret Soloist ($2,000 – $2,700 Used)
27 Jumbo Frets & 24.75" Scale
Shorter scale reduces string tension for effortless vibrato and wide interval stretches up to the high F#.
Slanted SH-27F Neck Pickup
Angled single-coil size pickup leaves ample clearance for frets 25–27 without sacrificing singing neck leads.
Hand-Sponge Finish Rarity
No two hand-sponge marbling finishes are identical; clean original finishes command $200–$400 collector premiums.
High-Gain Precision Workhorse ($1,750 – $2,350 Used)
25.5" Scale Drop-Tune Stability
Standard Fender-scale tension provides tight low string tracking down to Drop C and Drop B without flub.
M3 Maple/Mahogany Composite
Central maple block under the pickups and bridge ensures surgical note definition, flanked by warm mahogany.
Schaller Double-Locking Tremolo
German-made Schaller S-FRT II tremolo delivers rock-solid tuning stability through heavy dive bombs.