When it comes to vintage guitars, names like Gibson and Fender often dominate the conversation. But among enthusiasts and collectors, Greco Guitars holds a revered spot as one of the most intriguing and underrated brands in electric guitar history. With a legacy rooted in Japan’s booming guitar manufacturing era of the 1960s through the 1980s, Greco’s craftsmanship, attention to detail, and iconic “lawsuit era” models have made them highly sought after by players and collectors alike.
Origins: The Birth of a Japanese Titan
Greco Guitars was launched by the Kanda Shokai Corporation in Japan around 1960. Initially producing guitars under different names (such as Goat and Grancorp), the Greco name began appearing in the mid-to-late ’60s. As Japanese manufacturing rapidly improved, Greco evolved from simply mimicking American designs to crafting high-quality instruments that often rivalled, and sometimes surpassed, the originals.
The “Lawsuit Era”: Cloning the Legends
Greco became widely known in the 1970s for producing incredibly accurate replicas of Gibson and Fender guitars. These models were part of what collectors now call the “lawsuit era”—a period when Japanese guitar makers, including Greco, Tokai, Burny, and Ibanez, manufactured close copies of American guitars that led to legal pressures from U.S. companies.
Key among these was Greco’s EG Series—Les Paul copies that featured set-necks, maple tops, and precise hardware appointments. The EG-500, EG-600, EG-800, and other higher-end models became cult classics for their playability and tone. Greco’s Super Real (1980-1982) and Mint Collection (1982-1990) series are especially prized today for their vintage-accurate specs and high build quality.
They also produced excellent Fender-style replicas, such as the SE (Stratocaster) and TE (Telecaster) models. The quality of these guitars was so high that Fender eventually partnered with Kanda Shokai to form Fender Japan in 1982, marking an official collaboration that ended Greco’s Fender-style line.
Iconic Models and Series
Some standout Greco guitar lines include:
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EG Series (Les Paul style) – Ranging from student models to high-end builds with nitro finishes and vintage-correct hardware.
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Super Real Series (1980–1982) – Arguably the peak of Greco’s craftsmanship, featuring vintage-correct specs and top-tier materials.
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Mint Collection (1982–1990s) – Slightly modernised versions of the Super Real series; still highly regarded.
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GO Series – Original Greco designs with neck-through construction and progressive aesthetics, made for fusion and rock players.
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Mirage Series – Unique Greco body shape often compared to Ibanez Iceman.
Who Played Greco Guitars?
While Greco was never as mainstream as Gibson or Fender, many professional musicians have used them either in recording, touring, or as mod platforms.
Notable mentions include:
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Ace Frehley (KISS) – Used a Greco Les Paul copy early in his career in Japan.
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Hideshi Ueki – Japanese guitarist known for shredding on Greco’s GO series.
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Japanese Visual Kei and Rock Artists – Various musicians in the Japanese rock scene used Grecos due to their affordability and quality.
Additionally, many international artists and session musicians picked up Grecos over the years—some unknowingly favouring them for their exceptional tone and build over “real” Gibsons or Fenders.
The Collector’s Secret
Today, vintage Greco guitars from the 1970s and 1980s are sought after on the used market. Prices have been steadily climbing, especially for Super Real and Mint Collection Les Paul copies. They’re often viewed as some of the best bang-for-the-buck vintage guitars available, especially for those who want the feel and sound of a ’50s or ’60s Gibson without the astronomical price tag.
Final Thoughts
Greco guitars represent a fascinating chapter in guitar history—where craftsmanship, competition, and artistry collided. Whether you’re a collector, a modder, or a player seeking vintage mojo without the vintage markup, a Greco might just be your perfect instrument. These guitars prove that sometimes, the “copy” is worthy of being a legend in its own right.
