Moon
Since 1978
Established in Japan in 1978, Moon Guitars stands as one of the pioneer artisan custom workshops in Japanese luthiery history. Built in close partnership with master craftsman Kazuo Nyuui and PGM (Professional Guitar Manufacture), Moon achieved global immortality through funk pioneer Larry Graham and his iconic all-white, gold-hardware Moon JJ-4 'White Zebra' bass. Known for ultra-thin nitrocellulose lacquer finishes, meticulously aged tonewoods, custom-wound Oxalis and Bartolini electronics, and the cult-favorite Reggae Master electric guitar, Moon instruments epitomize uncompromising Japanese boutique benchcraft, vintage warmth, and peerless stage reliability.
48
Years in Business
75K+
Guitars Sold
$15M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Moon Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Moon guitars.
Moon Price Overview
Moon 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
$1,650
+4.8% vs last year
eBay Listings
135
Active listings
Sold This Month
32
+3.5% vs last month
Price Range
$850-$3,800
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Moon Timeline
Foundation & PGM Alliance
Moon Guitars founded in Tokyo, establishing an exclusive production partnership with master builder Kazuo Nyuui and PGM workshop.
Launch of the Reggae Master
Released the revolutionary RM-DX Reggae Master guitar, combining a slab mahogany single-cut body with twin soapbar P-90s for cutting rhythm work.
Larry Graham Adopts the JJ-4
Funk icon Larry Graham falls in love with the Moon JJ-4, making the Snow White bass with gold hardware his primary worldwide signature weapon.
Proprietary Oxalis Pickups
Developed hand-wound Oxalis pickups and specialized active circuits, providing extreme acoustic dynamics and authentic 60s/70s J-bass voice.
Thin-Skin Nitro Revival
Refined thin-skin 100% nitrocellulose lacquer finishing techniques, allowing tonewoods to breathe and age with vintage harmonic warmth.
Boutique Luthiery Heritage
Moon remains one of Japan's most revered artisan builders, celebrated worldwide for low-production bespoke craftsmanship and funk prestige.
Complete Moon Product Lineup
When Larry Graham stepped onto stage with his Moon JJ-4, the world realized that Japanese boutique craftsmanship had reached the pinnacle of funk expression.
Moon JJ Series (Larry Graham Signature)
The quintessential modern funk bass template featuring 2-piece selected white ash, brass nuts, and Bartolini or Oxalis electronics.
Snow White finish, gold hardware, solid brass nut, Bartolini 9S pickups, and NTBT 2-band preamp.
Extended-range powerhouse with tight 34-inch scale low-B string anchoring and hand-shaped heelless neck joint.
Pure vintage soul loaded with hand-wound Oxalis pickups and CTS paper-in-oil tone circuitry.
Moon Reggae Master (RM Series)
Cult-legend rhythm guitar crafted from solid Honduran or African mahogany with twin soapbar P-90 pickups for unstoppable rhythm clarity.
Flagship 2-pickup mahogany singlecut with P-90 pickups, lacquer finish, and vintage Tele-style bridge plate.
Bound body version with deluxe tortoiseshell pickguard, vintage-tinted maple neck, and Madagascar rosewood fingerboard.
Lightweight chambered variations offering warm acoustic air and snappy midrange bite.
Traditional JB & PB Custom Series
Meticulous bench-crafted vintage reproductions replicating the finest pre-CBS golden era tone and ergonomic feel.
Selected alder body, Madagascar rosewood slab board, clay dot markers, and vintage nitro finish.
Deep resonant low-end thump powered by custom Oxalis PB split-coil and ultra-comfortable 42mm bone nut.
Bespoke Strat and Tele formats custom crafted in Tokyo with master-grade tonewoods.
"When Larry Graham stepped onto stage with his Moon JJ-4, the world realized that Japanese boutique craftsmanship had reached the pinnacle of funk expression."
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 Funk Holy Grail ($1,650 – $2,350 Used)
Solid Brass Nut & Tone Density
Original JJ-4 models feature a precision-cut solid brass nut, contributing immense sustain and snappy metallic percussion to open strings.
Bartolini NTBT Preamp Configuration
Features dual concentric or 2-band Bartolini NTBT active EQ with internal trimpot boost for dialling in Larry Graham's signature mid-range growl.
PGM Hand-Fitted Neck Pocket
Master luthier Kazuo Nyuui's tight friction-fit neck pocket eliminates tone leakage and preserves vibration across the entire chassis.
The Ultimate Rhythm Guitar ($1,150 – $1,650 Used)
Solid Mahogany Slab Resonance
Provides warm, woody midrange with incredible percussive attack, specifically engineered to cut through dense band mixes.
Dual Soapbar P-90 Dynamics
Raw, uncompressed dynamic sensitivity that transitions smoothly from glassy clean rhythm chanks to gritty overdrive.
Ultra-Thin Lacquer Checking
Moon's thin nitrocellulose finish allows genuine wood breathability; inspect for natural hairline checking versus accidental structural impact.