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Is this guitar a good deal (1970s Greco)?

Posted on 10/16/15 at 2:45 pm
Posted by abitaman6363
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2008
467 posts
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
Posted by RabidTiger
Member since Nov 2009
3127 posts
Posted on 10/16/15 at 3:19 pm to
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.
Posted by Edearl Watson
Parts Unknown
Member since May 2012
6782 posts
Posted on 10/16/15 at 3:59 pm to
If it's in good condition that's a great deal.
Posted by danilo
Member since Nov 2008
26334 posts
Posted on 10/16/15 at 6:36 pm to
I've heard good things about 70s Grecos. Worth checking out. If it stays in tune, get it.

edit: With a case too.
This post was edited on 10/16/15 at 6:39 pm
Posted by LSU alum wannabe
Katy, TX
Member since Jan 2004
27875 posts
Posted on 10/16/15 at 10:20 pm to
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 by RabidTiger
Member since Nov 2009
3127 posts
Posted on 10/17/15 at 12:39 am to
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.
Posted by RockAndRollDetective
Baton Rouge
Member since Mar 2014
4506 posts
Posted on 10/17/15 at 2:50 pm to
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 by Meursault
Member since Sep 2003
25262 posts
Posted on 10/17/15 at 11:58 pm to
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!
This post was edited on 10/18/15 at 12:03 am
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