- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Is this guitar a good deal (1970s Greco)?
Posted on 10/16/15 at 2:45 pm
Posted on 10/16/15 at 2:45 pm
Hi--I've been an acoustic player for a few years but would really like to transfer over to an electric sound--something a bit more antifolk-ish with a semi-hollow or hollow body (e.g., Shakey Graves). I saw this guitar online today and wondered if (i) anyone is familiar with Greco, (ii) if this is generally a good deal on this guitar and (iii) what to look/listen for when buying. Really appreciate any and all help!
LINK
LINK
Posted on 10/16/15 at 3:19 pm to abitaman6363
That looks like a pretty good deal to me.
Greco is a Japanese company that made copies of vintage Gibson guitars. Some of them are quite good and some would argue even better than the originals they were modeled after.
Anyway, as a first electric I would definitely check it out. You're not going to find much better at that price point.
Greco is a Japanese company that made copies of vintage Gibson guitars. Some of them are quite good and some would argue even better than the originals they were modeled after.
Anyway, as a first electric I would definitely check it out. You're not going to find much better at that price point.
Posted on 10/16/15 at 3:59 pm to abitaman6363
If it's in good condition that's a great deal.
Posted on 10/16/15 at 6:36 pm to abitaman6363
I've heard good things about 70s Grecos. Worth checking out. If it stays in tune, get it.
edit: With a case too.
edit: With a case too.
This post was edited on 10/16/15 at 6:39 pm
Posted on 10/16/15 at 10:20 pm to RabidTiger
quote:
Greco is a Japanese company that made copies of vintage Gibson guitars. Some of them are quite good and some would argue even better than the originals they were modeled after.
The listing states it's a lawsuit model. So if Gibson thought enough to sue they must sound good?
Posted on 10/17/15 at 12:39 am to LSU alum wannabe
There were a few Japanese companies making these copies. Tokai is probably the most sought after. They made different models at different price points. So some are higher quality than others.
The models made in the late seventies to around 1985 when the Japanese companies were forced to change their practices by a lawsuit have a reputation for being quality instruments, and as I said previously there are examples that are as good or better than some of the originals they were copies of.
If that guitar is in good shape, stays in tune, and you like the way it sounds and feels, then it is a steal at 250. Especially with a hard case included.
The models made in the late seventies to around 1985 when the Japanese companies were forced to change their practices by a lawsuit have a reputation for being quality instruments, and as I said previously there are examples that are as good or better than some of the originals they were copies of.
If that guitar is in good shape, stays in tune, and you like the way it sounds and feels, then it is a steal at 250. Especially with a hard case included.
Posted on 10/17/15 at 2:50 pm to abitaman6363
quote:
online
I have a Greco. My advice is to make sure it is a Jap made one. The Korean made ones kind of suck. I got mine online; it was a good deal but I never could get it dialed in to play very good or stay perfectly in tune. Researched the serial number and found out it was Korean instead of Jap. Big step down in quality.
ETA: Just saw the neck joint plate with MIJ on it… Small red flag might be that they are saying it's in "excellent" condition when it clearly isn't. I'd be kind of concerned about that.
This post was edited on 10/17/15 at 3:00 pm
Posted on 10/17/15 at 11:58 pm to abitaman6363
I know a good deal about Grecos. I play an 80's model SA-64-70. One of my jam partners plays an 70's model SA700.
The real sweet spot for the Greco semi hollows is the mid/late 70's / early 80's. Check out the listings on eBay. Keep in mind that the earlier models (60's early 70's) are a bit hit or miss. Same with the later ones once they moved shop to Korea.
For that price, I would be tempted. But just know that no vintage ES-335 style guitar is not without its own "problems". You'll have to work that out on your own. The price on what you have listed, I would be willing to spend that amount and take it to my luthier.
Make sure you ask the right questions. How is the neck? How is the binding? Any cracks? Any buzz?
In short, the price is very very tempting, but you are also very right in questioning if it is too good to be true.
ETA: Honestly, I would be wary. Do your research. Know what you're getting into with a ES-335. It might be easier to transition to something like a vintage American made Fender Telecaster, depending on what sound you're looking for.
Good luck!
The real sweet spot for the Greco semi hollows is the mid/late 70's / early 80's. Check out the listings on eBay. Keep in mind that the earlier models (60's early 70's) are a bit hit or miss. Same with the later ones once they moved shop to Korea.
For that price, I would be tempted. But just know that no vintage ES-335 style guitar is not without its own "problems". You'll have to work that out on your own. The price on what you have listed, I would be willing to spend that amount and take it to my luthier.
Make sure you ask the right questions. How is the neck? How is the binding? Any cracks? Any buzz?
In short, the price is very very tempting, but you are also very right in questioning if it is too good to be true.
ETA: Honestly, I would be wary. Do your research. Know what you're getting into with a ES-335. It might be easier to transition to something like a vintage American made Fender Telecaster, depending on what sound you're looking for.
Good luck!
This post was edited on 10/18/15 at 12:03 am
Popular
Back to top
5






