Why are Made in Japan guitars sought after?

MIJ guitars from brands like Fender Japan, Tokai, Greco and Ibanez are prized for build quality and value, including 'lawsuit-era' copies, and many models were Japan-only.

Do I need a voltage converter for a Japanese guitar?

No. Passive electric guitars have no power requirements. Only powered gear like amps needs voltage consideration.

What should I check before buying a vintage guitar?

Ask about neck straightness, fret wear, electronics, originality of parts, cracks and the serial number for dating. Request detailed photos and, ideally, a setup note.

Guitars · Specialist Guide

How to Buy Vintage Japanese Guitars (MIJ) from Overseas

“Made in Japan” is a magic phrase for guitarists — Fender Japan, Tokai, Greco and Ibanez built instruments that rival far pricier ones. Here’s how to import an MIJ guitar without the pitfalls.

Specialist guide · Last updated June 2026 · ~11 min read

Quick answer: MIJ guitars are prized for quality and value, including famed “lawsuit-era” copies and Japan-only models, sold on Japanese marketplaces and shops — so use a proxy. They’re passive (no voltage issue), but they’re large, heavy and delicate, so the make-or-break factors are condition (neck, frets, electronics, originality) and careful, well-insured shipping.

What this guide covers

Why MIJ guitars are special
Brands & the lawsuit era
What to check before buying
Dating & originality
Shipping a guitar safely
FAQ

Why MIJ guitars are special

From the late 1970s onward, Japanese factories produced electric guitars with build quality that often matched or beat the originals they emulated — at a fraction of the price. Many models were sold only in Japan, so the domestic secondhand market is the place to find them, frequently cheaper than the inflated prices they fetch abroad.

Brands & the lawsuit era

Fender Japan / Squier JV — revered builds, especially early JV-serial models.
Tokai, Greco, Burny (Fernandes) — celebrated “lawsuit-era” copies of classic designs.
Ibanez, ESP, Tokai originals — strong original designs and high-end models.

What to check before buying

Neck — straightness/relief, truss-rod function, any warping.
Frets — wear, buzzing, whether a refret was done.
Electronics — pickups, pots and switches working and original.
Body & finish — cracks, repairs, refinishes.
Originality — replaced parts (tuners, bridge, pickups) affect value.

Dating & originality

Serial numbers help date many Japanese guitars and confirm the era/factory — useful for value and authenticity. Ask the seller for clear photos of the headstock, serial, neck pocket, and electronics cavity, and ask which parts are original versus replaced.

Shipping a guitar safely

Guitars are large, heavy and fragile, so shipping is significant and must be done right: loosen the strings, pack the headstock and neck with support, use a sturdy box with ample cushioning, and choose tracked, insured shipping. A proxy experienced with instruments is worth a lot here.

Buying an MIJ guitar you can’t play first?

Get a free quote and have a person check condition and originality before you buy.

Get a free quote

Frequently asked questions

Why are MIJ guitars sought after?

Build quality and value — including lawsuit-era copies and Japan-only models — often cheaper at the source than abroad.

Do I need a voltage converter?

No — passive guitars have no power needs. Only amps and powered gear need voltage consideration.

What should I check?

Neck, frets, electronics, originality, cracks and the serial for dating. Request detailed photos and a setup note.

Last updated: June 2026. General information; not affiliated with any maker. Verify condition and authenticity before buying.