Greco
Since 1960
Greco is a legendary Japanese guitar brand established in 1960 by Kanda Shokai in Tokyo. Renowned for producing some of the finest Gibson and Fender replicas during the 'lawsuit era' of the 1970s and 1980s, Greco guitars—particularly the Super Real and Mint Collection series—are celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship and tonal quality. Manufactured primarily by FujiGen and Matsumoku, these instruments have become highly sought-after collectibles. In 1982, Kanda Shokai partnered to form Fender Japan, and today Greco continues producing quality instruments alongside their Zemaitis partnership.
66
Years in Business
500K+
Guitars Sold
$20M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Greco Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Greco guitars.
Greco Price Overview
Greco 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
$850
+12% vs last year
eBay Listings
420
Active listings
Sold This Month
180
+8% vs last month
Price Range
$200-$3,500
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Greco Timeline
Kanda Shokai Founded
Kanda Shokai was established as a musical instrument wholesaler in Tokyo, Japan.
Greco Brand Launched
Kanda Shokai introduced the Greco brand name for solid-body electric guitars in Tokyo.
Telecaster-Style Production
Greco began producing models inspired by the Fender Telecaster design.
Shrike Model Launch
Introduced the innovative 'Shrike' model with distinctive boomerang-shaped pickups.
EG Series Introduction
Greco launched the EG series, producing high-quality Gibson-inspired models.
SE Series Launch
Introduced the SE series featuring Fender Stratocaster-style designs.
Mirage & EX Series
Expanded lineup with Mirage (Iceman-style) and EX (Explorer-style) series.
Super Real Series
Launched the legendary Super Real series with premium materials, nitrocellulose finishes, and Maxon Dry Z pickups.
Fender Japan Partnership
Kanda Shokai partnered with Fender USA and Yamano Gakki to establish Fender Japan, ending Greco's Fender-style production.
Mint Collection Series
Introduced the Mint Collection series, continuing high-quality Gibson replica production.
Mint Collection Ends
The Mint Collection series concluded, marking the end of the classic Greco replica era.
U.S. Return
Greco guitars officially returned to the U.S. market through Carlino Guitars as exclusive dealer, first time in 45 years.
Complete Greco Product Lineup
Greco represents the golden age of Japanese guitar craftsmanship, delivering Gibson-quality instruments that have stood the test of time
Vintage Les Paul Style (EG Series)
Gibson Les Paul-inspired models from 1970s-1990s
Early bolt-on and later set-neck Les Paul copies (1970-1978)
Premium replicas with nitro finish and Dry Z pickups (1979-1982)
High-end Gibson replicas with year-specific details (1982-1990)
Les Paul Custom style with multi-ply binding
Premium flame maple top Les Paul Standards
Vintage Fender Style
Fender-inspired models (discontinued 1982)
Stratocaster-style guitars (1973-1982)
Telecaster-style guitars (1967-1982)
Jazz Bass and Precision Bass copies
Unique Fender-inspired models with special electronics
Original Designs
Unique Greco original models
Iceman-inspired angular body design
Explorer-style aggressive body shape
Original offset designs with neck-through construction
Semi-hollow with distinctive boomerang pickups
Current Production
Modern Greco and Zemaitis partnership models
Modern single-cutaway with premium appointments
Iceman-style with Australian Blackwood tops
Metal-top and engraved designs
"Greco represents the golden age of Japanese guitar craftsmanship, delivering Gibson-quality instruments that have stood the test of time"
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.
Super Real Series Buying Guide
Pickup Identification
Look for Maxon 'Dry Z' pickups on premium models (EGF-1200+); lower models had 'U-1000' or 'U-2000' pickups—all are excellent
Finish Verification
Genuine Super Real guitars have nitrocellulose lacquer finishes; check for checking patterns that indicate authentic nitro aging
Neck Joint Evolution
Pre-1981: Medium tenon with dowel reinforcement; Post-1981: Standard Gibson-style long/medium tenon—both are excellent
Mint Collection Buying Guide
Model Number Decoding
Format: EG[year]-[price in ¥10,000]; e.g., EG58-120 = 1958 Les Paul replica at ¥120,000 original price
Pickup Types
Higher-end models feature 'Dry 82' or 'Screamin' PAF-style pickups made by FujiGen; verify originals weren't swapped
Year-Specific Details
Check that details match the year being replicated: neck profile, pickup covers, tuner style, binding color
Greco Authentication Guide
Serial Numbers
Greco serials follow various formats; research by model era. Some have no serial—focus on construction quality indicators
Manufacturing Tells
FujiGen-made models show superior fretwork and binding; Matsumoku guitars have different neck pocket styling
Documentation Value
Original case, hang tags, and warranty cards can add 20-30% to value; Japanese market paperwork is common