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The Setup: Japan in the 1970s

By the early 1970s, American guitar manufacturers were struggling. Fender and Gibson were turning out instruments that weren't always living up to their reputations. Quality control had slipped. Prices had climbed. Players were frustrated.

Into that gap stepped Japan.

The Lawsuit Era Myth

The lawsuits weren't really about quality. They were about headstock shapes, logos, and trademarks. The guitars themselves? In many cases they were exceptional — some players preferred the Japanese versions not because they were cheaper, but because the craftsmanship was genuinely superior.

Greco, Tokai, Burny

Greco was one of the earliest and most prolific. Their Les Paul copies from the mid-1970s are legendary. Tokai came slightly later — their "Love Rock" Les Pauls from 1978–1982 are considered by many collectors to be the finest Japanese vintage guitars ever made. Burny is Fernandes's premium line with a warmth and sustain that's hard to explain until you play one.

Why Now Is the Time to Buy

Values are rising. A great Tokai or Greco will play better than most guitars at three times the price. If you haven't played one — you should. Reach out and we'll find you one worth playing.

Two Brands, One Builder

Most guitarists know ESP. What far fewer people know is that ESP has a domestic Japanese line that makes their standard export guitars look like entry-level instruments by comparison. That line is Navigator.

What Is Navigator?

Navigator guitars are built by ESP's finest craftspeople in Japan, sold exclusively through the Japanese domestic market, and rarely exported. Tonewoods are hand-selected. Neck joints are tight. Fretwork is immaculate. Hardware is sourced from Japan's finest suppliers.

How to Spot a Real Navigator

Genuine Navigator guitars will have Japanese serial numbers, Japanese-market documentation, and specific hardware signatures. The headstock logo differs subtly from standard ESP. Look for MIJ examples from the 1990s through 2010s production window.

Should You Buy One?

If you play guitar seriously and haven't tried a Navigator, you're missing one of the finest production instruments available. Values haven't fully caught up to quality yet — but that window is closing. Reach out if you're looking for something specific.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Japanese guitars have never been more sought after — which means the market for misrepresented instruments has never been more active. Here's how to protect yourself.

Step 1: Read the Serial Number

Most Japanese manufacturers used serial number systems that encode the production year and factory. A serial number that doesn't match the claimed year is a major red flag.

Step 2: Check the Headstock

Japanese headstock shapes, logos, and inlay styles changed in documented ways over time. Logo fonts changed. Truss rod covers changed. On genuine high-end MIJ guitars, headstock binding will be clean and even.

Step 3: Neck Joint, Frets & Inside

Golden-era Japanese craftsmanship (1975–1990) is characterised by exceptionally tight neck joints. Fret ends will be well-dressed — no sharp edges, consistent crown height. On hollow guitars, look inside for factory stamps, dates, or worker initials.

The Bottom Line

Buying MIJ guitars rewards knowledge. We're always happy to help verify a guitar before you buy, even if it's not from us.