The Complete Greco Guitar Price Guide 2025: Japan's Lawsuit Era Legends

Last updated: January 2025

When Ace Frehley of KISS toured Japan in 1977, he didn't bring a Gibson—he played a Greco. That's not because Gibson wasn't available, but because the Japanese replica was so good that even rock stars recognized its quality. Today, those same "lawsuit era" Greco guitars have become sought-after collectibles, with the best examples rivaling vintage Gibsons at a fraction of the price.

This guide explores Greco's fascinating history, breaks down their most valuable models, and helps you navigate the increasingly competitive vintage Japanese guitar market.

Greco Guitar Market Overview 2025

The vintage Greco market has experienced significant growth, driven by collectors discovering these high-quality Japanese instruments as alternatives to increasingly expensive American vintage guitars.

Key Market Statistics:

• Average Used Greco Price: $850 (up 12% from 2024)
• Active Listings: Approximately 420 guitars currently for sale globally
• Monthly Sales Volume: Around 180 guitars sold per month
• Price Range: $200 (entry-level vintage) to $3,500+ (premium Super Real/Mint Collection)

The Greco market is unique because virtually all desirable models are vintage. Unlike brands with current production lines, buying a Greco means entering the collector market, where condition, originality, and documentation significantly impact value.

Understanding Greco's History and Eras

The Kanda Shokai Story

Greco was established in 1960 by Kanda Shokai, a Tokyo-based musical instrument wholesaler founded in 1948. The brand name was used for solid-body electric guitars, while "Canda" was reserved for acoustics.

Greco guitars were primarily manufactured by two legendary Japanese facilities:

• FujiGen Gakki: Known for exceptional quality control and fretwork
• Matsumoku: Produced many early models and budget lines

The "Lawsuit Era" Explained

The term "lawsuit era" refers to a 1977 legal action by Gibson's parent company Norlin against Ibanez over headstock designs. While Greco wasn't directly involved, the era (roughly 1975-1982) represents the peak of Japanese Gibson/Fender replica production.

During this period, Greco produced instruments so faithful to American originals that they're now celebrated as superior alternatives—often featuring better quality control than the Norlin-era Gibsons they copied.

Greco Model Hierarchy and Pricing

EG Series Evolution (Les Paul Style)

The EG series represents Greco's Les Paul-inspired lineup and spans multiple eras:

Early EG Models (1970-1978): $400-$800

Characteristics:

• Early models: Bolt-on necks (like Ibanez of the era)
• Mid-70s transition: Set-neck construction introduced
• Open-book headstock designs closely resembling Gibson

Pricing by Sub-model:

• EG-360/450 (bolt-on): $400-$550 (used)
• EG-500/600 (set-neck): $500-$700 (used)
• EG-700/800 (upgraded features): $600-$800 (used)

Super Real Series (1979-1982): $1,000-$2,500

The pinnacle of Greco's replica craftsmanship. These guitars featured:

Premium Features:

• Nitrocellulose lacquer finishes
• Two-piece flame maple tops
• Maxon "Dry Z" pickups (on higher-end models)
• Fret-edge binding (frets installed before binding)
• Long-tenon neck joints (post-1981)

Pricing by Model:

• EGF-500 Super Real: $1,000-$1,300 (used)
• EGF-850 Super Real: $1,200-$1,600 (used)
• EGF-1000 Super Real: $1,400-$1,800 (used)
• EGF-1200 Super Real: $1,600-$2,000 (used)
• EGF-1800 Super Real: $2,000-$2,500 (used)

Note: Model numbers roughly corresponded to original Japanese yen prices (EGF-1800 = ¥180,000). Higher numbers indicate more premium appointments.

Mint Collection Series (1982-1990): $800-$2,200

Following the Super Real era, the Mint Collection continued Greco's high-quality Gibson replica tradition:

Naming Convention:

• Format: EG[Year]-[Price in ¥10,000]
• Example: EG58-120 = 1958 Les Paul Standard replica, ¥120,000 original price

Popular Mint Collection Models:

• EG57-50 (Gold Top with P90s): $800-$1,100 (used)
• EG58-80 (1958 Standard): $1,000-$1,400 (used)
• EG58-120 (Premium 1958 Standard): $1,400-$1,800 (used)
• EG59-150 (1959 Burst replica): $1,600-$2,200 (used)
• EGC-68 (1968 Custom "Black Beauty"): $1,200-$1,600 (used)

Mint Collection Features:

• "Dry 82" or "Screamin" PAF-style pickups (FujiGen-made)
• Year-accurate details (neck profiles, hardware, binding)
• Long-tenon neck joints on most models

Les Paul Custom Style (EGC Series): $800-$1,800

Greco's Les Paul Custom replicas featured multi-ply binding and ebony fingerboards:

Popular Models:

• EGC-500: $800-$1,000 (used)
• EGC-600 (triple pickup): $1,000-$1,400 (used)
• EGC-800: $1,200-$1,500 (used)
• EGC-1000: $1,400-$1,800 (used)

Fender-Style Models (SE/TE Series): $400-$1,200

Greco produced Fender replicas until 1982, when Kanda Shokai partnered to form Fender Japan:

Stratocaster Style (SE Series):

• SE-500: $400-$600 (used)
• SE-700: $500-$750 (used)
• SE-900: $650-$900 (used)
• SE-1200 Super Real: $900-$1,200 (used)

Telecaster Style (TE Series):

• TE-500: $400-$600 (used)
• TE-700 Spacey Sound: $600-$900 (used)
• TE-900: $700-$950 (used)

Important: Post-1982 Greco guitars do not include Fender-style models. Any "Greco Stratocaster" dated after 1982 requires verification.

Original Designs: $500-$1,500

Greco created several original body shapes:

Mirage Series (Iceman-Style):

• MR-500: $500-$700 (used)
• MR-800: $700-$950 (used)
• MR-1000: $900-$1,200 (used)

EX Series (Explorer-Style):

• EX-500: $500-$700 (used)
• EX-800: $700-$950 (used)

GO Series (Original Offset):

• GO-1000: $800-$1,100 (used)
• GO-1200 (neck-through): $1,200-$1,500 (used)

Current Production Greco Guitars

In 2024, Carlino Guitars became the exclusive U.S. dealer for Greco and Zemaitis instruments, marking Greco's first official U.S. presence in 45 years.

Current Models:

• GM-CST: Modern single-cutaway, ~$1,500-$2,000 (new)
• GMT-CST: Iceman-style with Australian Blackwood, ~$1,800-$2,200 (new)
• Zemaitis Collaboration Models: Metal-top designs, ~$2,000-$4,000 (new)

These modern Grecos feature premium materials (mahogany bodies, ebony fingerboards) but represent a different market than vintage instruments.

Where to Buy Greco Guitars: Platform Comparison

Global Marketplace Analysis

Reverb (Average Price: $950)

• Best selection of authenticated vintage Grecos
• Strong buyer protection
• 14.2% average price increase year-over-year
• Best for: Premium Super Real and Mint Collection models

eBay (Average Price: $820)

• Largest overall selection (320+ listings)
• International shipping options
• 10.5% price trend
• Best for: Budget vintage finds, comparison shopping

Yahoo Japan Auctions (Average Price: $680)

• Largest selection of Japanese-domestic models
• Lower prices but requires proxy service
• 8.5% price trend
• Best for: Finding rare models at Japanese prices

Specialist Dealers (Average Price: $1,100)

• Expert authentication included
• Premium for curated inventory
• 12% price growth
• Best for: Investment-grade specimens with documentation

Tips for Buying Vintage Greco Guitars

1. Verify the Era: Construction details reveal manufacture date—bolt-on vs. set-neck, headstock shape, serial number format
2. Check Pickup Originality: Swapped pickups are common; original Maxon/Dry Z units significantly increase value
3. Inspect the Finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer (Super Real and above) develops checking over time; polyester finishes don't
4. Research Serial Numbers: Greco serial formats vary by era; some models have no serial—focus on construction quality
5. Factor in Shipping: Many Grecos ship from Japan; budget for international shipping and potential customs fees

Authentication and Quality Indicators

Manufacturing Tells by Factory

FujiGen-Made Indicators:

• Superior fret leveling and crown
• Clean binding work with minimal gaps
• Consistent finish thickness
• Well-fitted neck pocket (bolt-on) or seamless set-neck joint

Matsumoku-Made Indicators:

• Different neck pocket routing style
• Generally good but slightly less refined fretwork
• Often used for lower-tier models

Original Parts Checklist

When evaluating a vintage Greco, verify:

• Original pickups (Maxon, Dry Z, Dry 82, Screamin, U-series)
• Original tuners (many had Gotoh or Greco-branded)
• Original bridge and tailpiece
• Original nut (bone or synthetic)
• Original knobs and switch tip
• Original pickguard (if applicable)
• Original case (adds significant value)

Red Flags to Avoid

• Refinished guitars (significant value reduction)
• Replaced neck (unless documented repair)
• Filled or moved holes
• Non-original electronics presented as original
• Suspiciously low prices on "Super Real" models
• Missing or non-matching serial numbers

Investment Potential: Greco as Alternative Investment

Vintage Greco guitars have demonstrated strong appreciation, with Super Real models averaging $1,000-$2,500 and climbing.

Models with Strongest Investment Potential

1. EGF-1800 Super Real: Top-tier Super Real, consistently appreciates
2. EGF-1200 Super Real: Sweet spot of quality and availability
3. Mint Collection EG59 models: 1959 Burst replicas highly sought
4. Early production Super Real (1979): First-year premium
5. Complete with case and documentation: Can add 20-30% to value

Market Dynamics

Appreciation Drivers:

• Increasing recognition of Japanese vintage quality
• Gibson vintage prices pushing collectors to alternatives
• Limited supply (no more being made)
• Growing collector base in Asia and Europe

Risk Factors:

• Niche market with limited liquidity
• Requires expertise to authenticate
• Condition sensitivity (vintage instruments can deteriorate)
• Currency fluctuations affect Japanese-sourced instruments

Greco vs. Gibson: The Comparison

Many players and collectors ask: how do Grecos compare to the Gibsons they copied?

Build Quality

Super Real/Mint Collection vs. Norlin-Era Gibson (1970-1985):

• Greco: Consistent quality control, excellent fretwork
• Gibson: Variable quality, "good ones are great, bad ones are rough"

Super Real vs. Modern Gibson:

• Both offer excellent quality
• Greco Super Real: Thinner nitro finish, often lighter weight
• Modern Gibson: Updated electronics, warranty support

Tone

Pickup Characteristics:

• Maxon Dry Z: Warm, PAF-like character
• Dry 82/Screamin: Clear, articulate PAF reproductions
• Original Gibson PAF: The standard they were copying

Most players report Greco pickups as excellent—not identical to vintage PAFs but with their own desirable character.

Value Proposition

• Greco Super Real: $1,500-$2,500
• 1970s Gibson Les Paul Standard: $3,000-$5,000
• 1959 Gibson Les Paul: $200,000+

For players wanting vintage Les Paul tone and feel without six-figure prices, Greco represents exceptional value.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Greco

For Players ($400-$800)

Recommended Models:

• Early EG series (EG-500/600): Solid players at reasonable prices
• SE/TE series: Great Fender alternatives
• Mirage/EX series: Unique designs, good value

What to Prioritize:

• Playability over collectibility
• Original frets or quality refret
• Stable neck (no twist or excessive bow)
• Working electronics

For Collectors ($1,000-$2,000)

Recommended Models:

• Super Real EGF-850 to EGF-1200: Best value/quality balance
• Mint Collection EG58 series: Excellent '58 Burst replicas
• EGC-600/800: Quality Custom replicas

What to Prioritize:

• All-original condition
• Nitrocellulose finish verification
• Original pickups (especially Dry Z)
• Documentation and case

For Investment ($2,000+)

Recommended Models:

• EGF-1800 Super Real: Top of the line
• Early 1979 Super Real production: First-year premium
• Mint Collection EG59-150: Best '59 Burst replicas
• Complete sets with all documentation

What to Prioritize:

• Museum-quality condition
• Complete provenance
• Original everything
• Professional authentication

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Greco guitars as good as Gibson? A: The best Grecos (Super Real, Mint Collection) are considered comparable to or better than Norlin-era Gibsons in terms of build quality. They offer excellent value for players seeking vintage Les Paul tone and feel.

Q: Why are they called "lawsuit era" guitars? A: The term comes from a 1977 lawsuit by Gibson against Ibanez over headstock designs. While Greco wasn't sued directly, the era (1975-1982) represents peak Japanese replica production before legal pressure forced design changes.

Q: Are Greco guitars still made? A: Yes, Greco continues to produce guitars in Japan, now with a focus on original designs and Zemaitis collaborations. However, they no longer make Gibson or Fender replicas. Vintage instruments remain the collector focus.

Q: How do I date a Greco guitar? A: Dating Grecos requires knowledge of construction details, serial number formats (which varied), and model-specific features. The era is often more identifiable than exact year. Consult reference guides or specialists for precise dating.

Q: Where is the best place to buy vintage Greco? A: Reverb offers the best combination of selection and buyer protection for Western buyers. Yahoo Japan Auctions has the largest selection but requires a proxy service. Specialist dealers charge premium but provide authentication.

Q: Do Greco guitars hold their value? A: Yes, particularly Super Real and Mint Collection models, which have appreciated 8-12% annually in recent years. Condition and originality are critical—modified or refinished instruments appreciate much less.

Conclusion

Greco guitars represent one of the most compelling stories in guitar history: Japanese manufacturers who didn't just copy American designs, but in many cases improved upon them. The Super Real and Mint Collection series stand as monuments to 1970s-80s Japanese craftsmanship, offering vintage Les Paul experience at a fraction of Gibson prices.

For players, Greco offers exceptional instruments that have proven themselves over 40+ years. For collectors, they represent a growing market with strong appreciation potential. For anyone priced out of the vintage American market, Greco provides a legitimate alternative with its own historical significance.

As recognition of Japanese vintage quality continues to grow, expect Greco values to follow. The secret that Ace Frehley discovered in 1977 is becoming common knowledge—and prices are responding accordingly.

For the most current pricing and availability, check Reverb, eBay, and specialist Japanese vintage guitar dealers. Prices fluctuate based on condition, originality, and market demand.

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