The Rise of Mid-Century Japanese Guitars: 6 Best Japanese Guitars

Introduction: When Japan Changed the Guitar World Forever

If you’ve ever picked up a beautifully crafted, vintage electric guitar and found “Made in Japan” stamped on the neck plate, you’ve likely held a piece of guitar history in your hands.
The story of mid-century Japanese guitars is one of reinvention, craftsmanship, and a fierce passion for excellence.

In the 1960s and ’70s, while American giants like Fender and Gibson were dominating the market, a quiet revolution was brewing across the Pacific. Japanese guitar makers were studying, experimenting, and ultimately redefining how guitars were built. What started as affordable imitations soon evolved into instruments so good that even professionals began to prefer them over their Western counterparts.

Today, the best Japanese guitars from that era are considered gems—collectible, playable, and often unbeatable for their value.

Let’s take a deep dive into how Japan became the powerhouse of guitar manufacturing and explore the standout brands and models that shaped the golden age of Japanese guitars.

1. The Early Days: Post-War Japan and the Birth of Guitar Factories

After World War II, Japan faced massive economic challenges—but also a booming sense of creativity. American culture was everywhere—rock 'n' roll, jazz, and blues were spreading rapidly. Young Japanese musicians fell in love with the electric guitar, and a new industry was born almost overnight.

Small factories in regions like Nagoya and Matsumoto began handcrafting guitars for local and export markets. These weren’t big corporations—just skilled craftspeople working with limited tools and immense dedication.

The Key Players in the Beginning:

• Teisco (Tokyo Electric Instrument and Sound Company) – Founded in 1948, one of Japan’s first electric guitar makers. Known for their futuristic designs and chrome-covered pickups.

• Guyatone – Another early brand that focused on innovation and quirky styling. Their hollow bodies and surf-inspired tones became quite popular.

• Zen-On – Specialized in student guitars and later exported to the West.

At first, these guitars were dismissed as “cheap copies.” But within a decade, Japan would completely change that perception.

2. The Copy Era: Learning from the Masters (1960s–1970s)

During the 1960s and ’70s, Japan became the world’s workshop for guitars. American companies like Fender and Gibson were facing rising production costs. Meanwhile, Japanese makers were producing high-quality replicas at a fraction of the price.

These were the famous “lawsuit guitars”—named after the legal disputes that erupted when Gibson’s parent company sued some Japanese manufacturers for making nearly identical copies.

Famous Japanese Brands in the Copy Era:

• Greco (by Kanda Shokai and Fujigen)

• • Known for incredible Les Paul and Stratocaster replicas.

  • The Greco “Super Real” and “Mint Collection” series are now legendary.

  • Fujigen Gakki (the factory behind Greco) later built guitars for Fender Japan!

• Tokai Gakki

• • Their “Love Rock” (Les Paul-style) and “Springy Sound” (Strat-style) guitars were so accurate that even pros like Stevie Ray Vaughan used them.

  • Many players claim Tokai guitars from the late ’70s rivaled Gibsons of the time in tone and build.

• Burny (by Fernandes)

• • Made excellent Gibson-style guitars, especially their Les Paul Customs.

  • The Burny Super Grade line has become highly collectible.

• Ibanez (by Hoshino Gakki)

• • Began with copies but evolved into original designs like the Ibanez Artist, Musician, and later the Jem (with Steve Vai).

  • Their 1970s craftsmanship helped them become a global giant.

These guitars didn’t just look like the American ones—they often played better. Japanese builders focused on precise craftsmanship, attention to detail, and beautiful finishes, often using high-quality tonewoods like sen (Japanese ash) and mahogany.

By the late 1970s, many Western guitarists began buying Japanese guitars not because they were cheap—but because they were amazing.

3. The Transition: From Copies to Original Legends (Late 1970s–1980s)

Japanese guitar makers soon realized that imitation wasn’t enough. They had the skill, the materials, and the technology to create their own unique designs—and that’s when things got truly exciting.

Ibanez Leads the Way

Ibanez was the first to break free from the copy mold.
In 1977, they launched the Ibanez Artist Series—a line of original, high-performance guitars that impressed even the toughest critics.
By the 1980s, models like the Ibanez Roadstar and RG Series became staples of rock and metal music.

Yamaha’s Rise

Yamaha had been making guitars since the 1960s, but their SG series (like the SG2000, co-designed with Carlos Santana) turned heads worldwide.
The SG2000 combined sustain, craftsmanship, and aesthetic beauty—it’s still regarded as one of the best Japanese guitars ever made.

Tokai and Greco’s Premium Lines

During this period, Tokai’s and Greco’s top-tier models were often indistinguishable from U.S. guitars.
Collectors still refer to the Tokai “Golden Era” (1978–1983) as the pinnacle of Japanese guitar-making.

4. The Craftsmanship: Why Japanese Guitars Became So Respected

The secret behind the success of these guitars wasn’t just cheaper labor—it was Japanese craftsmanship culture.
Every instrument was built with precision, patience, and pride. The phrase “Made in Japan” started to mean quality, not imitation.

Key Craftsmanship Traits:

• Meticulous attention to fretwork and neck shaping

• Consistent quality control – even the budget models played well

• Beautiful finishes and wood selection

• Technological innovation – Japanese factories adopted CNC precision earlier than most Western companies

Many factories like Fujigen, Matsumoku, and Terada became world-famous for their consistent, high-quality builds. In fact, these factories later made guitars for Fender Japan, Epiphone Japan, Gretsch Japan, and Orville (Gibson Japan).

5. The Most Iconic Mid-Century Japanese Guitar Models

Let’s look at some of the most revered instruments that came out of Japan’s golden era:

1. Tokai Love Rock (Late 1970s–1980s)

A near-perfect Les Paul replica—flamed maple top, set neck, and vintage PAF-style pickups.

Warm tone, rich sustain, and remarkable build quality. Even Gibson fans agree it’s one of the best Japanese guitars ever made.

2. Greco Super Real Les Paul (1980–1982)

Built with incredible attention to detail—correct headstock shape, long tenon neck joint, and high-grade mahogany.

These are sought after by collectors worldwide.

3. Yamaha SG2000

Designed with input from Carlos Santana, the SG2000 is an absolute masterpiece—heavy, powerful, and perfectly balanced.

It features a through-neck design for endless sustain.

4. Ibanez Artist 2619

An original Ibanez design from the late 1970s—double cutaway, ornate abalone inlays, and powerful Super 80 pickups.

Loved by jazz, blues, and rock players alike.

5. Burny Super Grade (Late 1970s)

Another Les Paul-style guitar with top-tier craftsmanship. Known for its punchy tone and durability.

Many Japanese session players still swear by these.

6. Aria Pro II PE Series

Built by the Matsumoku factory, these guitars combined Gibson-like tone with futuristic design and ergonomic contours.

The PE-R80 and PE-R100 are among the best guitars ever made by Aria.

6. The Global Impact: Japanese Guitars Go Mainstream

By the 1980s, the reputation of Japanese guitars had exploded. Fender and Gibson noticed—and instead of competing, they started collaborating.

The Fender Japan Partnership

In 1982, Fender partnered with Fujigen to produce Fender Japan guitars.
These instruments (especially the 1980s “JV” and “SQ” series) were so good that many professionals considered them better than U.S. Fenders of the same period.

Gibson’s Move: The Orville Brand

In 1988, Gibson launched Orville by Gibson, built in Japan by Terada and Fujigen.
These Les Pauls and ES models were identical to U.S. Gibsons—sometimes even using the same hardware.

The Collector Boom

Today, mid-century Japanese guitars are hot collectibles.
Models that once sold for $200 now fetch thousands on Reverb and eBay.
Musicians and collectors alike value them for their playability, tone, and historical significance.

7. Why the Best Japanese Guitars Still Matter Today

Even decades later, these guitars remain relevant because of three key factors:

1. Unmatched Quality for the Price – They were (and still are) built to last.

2. Distinct Vintage Tone – The combination of Japanese craftsmanship and old-school pickups gives them a rich, classic tone.

3. Collector Value – With rising vintage guitar prices, Japanese models offer both a musical and financial investment.

Modern guitarists looking for something authentic, playable, and soulful often turn to these vintage Japanese instruments instead of new production-line guitars.

8. Modern Japanese Guitar Makers Keeping the Legacy Alive

The spirit of mid-century craftsmanship is alive and well.
Several Japanese brands continue to produce world-class guitars today.

1. Fender Japan / Fender MIJ (Made in Japan)

Still made with exceptional attention to detail, MIJ Fenders are prized for their unique finishes and limited editions unavailable elsewhere.

2. Tokai (Still in Production)

Tokai continues to produce high-end “Made in Japan” models, maintaining the same vintage quality and tone they were known for.

3. Yamaha

Their Revstar and SG reissues carry forward the legacy of their classic SGs with modern features and versatility.

4. ESP and Edwards

ESP’s Edwards line (made in Japan) provides Les Paul-style guitars with boutique-level craftsmanship at mid-tier prices.

5. Ibanez Prestige and J.Custom

Built in Japan’s Fujigen factory, these modern Ibanez lines represent the pinnacle of precision and performance.

9. How to Identify and Buy a Genuine Vintage Japanese Guitar

If you’re thinking of buying one, here’s what to look for:

• Factory Codes or Stamps – Check neck plates and neck pockets for “Fujigen,” “Matsumoku,” or “Terada.”

• Serial Numbers – Use online databases to verify production year and authenticity.

• Build Quality – Tight neck joints, smooth frets, and clean binding are typical signs of a genuine Japanese build.

• Electronics – Many used Maxon, Gotoh, or Nisshin Onpa pickups—great quality for their era.

• Price Range – Expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $3,000 depending on model and condition.

10. Conclusion: The Timeless Allure of Japanese Guitars

The story of mid-century Japanese guitars is not just about imitation—it’s about evolution.
From humble beginnings, Japan’s luthiers turned precision engineering and artistic craftsmanship into musical perfection.

Whether it’s a Tokai Love Rock, a Greco Super Real, or a Yamaha SG2000, these guitars stand as proof that passion and craftsmanship transcend borders.

If you’re a collector, player, or simply a lover of guitar history, you owe it to yourself to experience one of these instruments.
After all, some of the best Japanese guitars ever made are not just tools—they’re time machines that take you straight into the golden age of tone.

FAQ: Best Japanese Guitars

Q1. What are the best Japanese guitar brands from the mid-century era?

Some of the best include Tokai, Greco, Yamaha, Ibanez, Burny, and Aria Pro II. These brands produced models that rivaled or even surpassed American guitars of the same era.

Q2. Why are Japanese guitars from the 1970s and 1980s so highly valued today?

Because they combined precision craftsmanship with top-notch materials at affordable prices. They’re also historically significant and collectible.

Q3. What is a “lawsuit guitar”?

A term for Japanese-made guitars that closely replicated Fender and Gibson designs in the 1970s, leading to legal disputes. Despite the controversy, these guitars are now highly collectible.

Q4. Are modern Japanese guitars still good?

Absolutely! Brands like Fender Japan, Ibanez Prestige, Tokai, and ESP Edwards continue to make excellent instruments with the same level of care and quality.

Q5. How can I tell if my Japanese guitar is from the golden era?

Check the serial number, factory codes (like Fujigen or Matsumoku), and craftsmanship details such as binding, fretwork, and headstock design. Vintage guitar forums and databases can help you verify authenticity.

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