For many guitarists, the allure of a brand new guitar is hard to resist. After all, who doesn't love the feeling of unwrapping a shiny new instrument with the latest features and technology? However, there's a lot to be said for buying a second-hand vintage Japanese guitar instead. In this post, we'll explore the many reasons why a vintage Japanese guitar might be the perfect choice for you.
A Brief History of Vintage Japanese Guitars
To understand why vintage Japanese guitars are so special, it's important to first understand their history. During the 1960s and 1970s, Japanese guitar manufacturers began producing high-quality instruments that were sold under a variety of brand names. These guitars were well-made and featured high-quality materials, including solid wood bodies and necks, and top-of-the-line electronics.
The popularity of these instruments grew quickly, and by the 1980s, Japanese-made guitars were among the most sought-after in the world. Companies like Yamaha, Ibanez, and Greco were producing guitars that rivaled those made by American companies like Gibson and Fender.
Japanese guitar manufacturing has a rich history, with some of the world’s most renowned guitar brands coming from the Land of the Rising Sun. However, what many people don’t know is that Japanese guitar manufacturers also played a major role in the “lawsuit era” of copy guitars, a time when Japanese guitar companies were making better copies of guitars than the original companies.
The Lawsuit Era of Copy Guitars
In the 1960s and 1970s, Japanese guitar manufacturers produced guitars that were almost exact replicas of popular American models, such as Gibson’s Les Paul and SG, Fender’s Stratocaster and Telecaster, and Martin’s D-18 and D-28. These guitars were sold under various brand names, including Ibanez, Greco, Tokai, and Burny.
The quality of these Japanese copy guitars was so good that they were often indistinguishable from the originals. In fact, the craftsmanship was often better than the American counterparts. As a result, American guitar manufacturers were losing sales and sued Japanese manufacturers for copyright infringement.
The Lawsuit Era ended in the late 1970s, when Japanese guitar manufacturers started creating their own original designs and developing their own brand identities. However, the legacy of the Lawsuit Era lives on, with many vintage Japanese guitars from this time period still highly sought after by collectors and musicians alike.
Why Buy a Second-Hand Vintage Japanese Guitar?
Now that we know a bit about the history of vintage Japanese guitars, let's explore some of the reasons why buying a second-hand vintage Japanese guitar might be the right choice for you.
High-Quality Craftsmanship
One of the most significant advantages of buying a vintage Japanese guitar is the high-quality craftsmanship that went into its production. These guitars were made with care and attention to detail, using only the finest materials available. The result is an instrument that not only sounds great but feels great to play.
Unique Tones and Sounds
Vintage Japanese guitars have a unique tone and sound that is hard to find in newer instruments. The combination of high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship results in a sound that is both warm and rich. Many musicians prefer the sound of vintage Japanese guitars, believing that they have a character and personality that newer guitars simply don't possess.
Historical Significance
Owning a vintage Japanese guitar means owning a piece of musical history. Many of these instruments were played by famous musicians and have a unique story behind them. By owning a vintage Japanese guitar, you become part of that history and carry on the legacy of these iconic instruments.
Investment Value
Another advantage of buying a vintage Japanese guitar is its investment value. While newer guitars can lose their value quickly, vintage guitars, especially those made in Japan, have held their value over time. In fact, some vintage Japanese guitars are now worth considerably more than their original price tag, making them a great investment for collectors and musicians alike.
Environmental Impact
Finally, buying a second-hand vintage Japanese guitar is an eco-friendly choice. By purchasing a guitar that has already been produced, you are reducing the demand for new guitars and helping to reduce the environmental impact of guitar production.
In conclusion, while there are many good reasons to buy a brand new guitar, there are also many compelling reasons to consider buying a second-hand vintage Japanese guitar. From their high-quality craftsmanship and unique tone to their financial value and historical significance, vintage Japanese guitars offer a compelling option for any musician or collector.