Choosing the Best Japanese Guitar: All You Need to Know

by Cole Lubchenko | LIFESTYLE

Japan is known for careful craftsmanship and attention to detail, so it should come as no surprise that made-in-Japan guitars are some of the most sought after instruments. From 80’s shred guitar legends like Steve Vai, to Grammy Award winning jazz players like George Benson, and even the world’s best selling country artist, Garth Brooks, Japanese instruments can be found in the hands of many of the world’s best players

If you’re looking to buy a new instrument of your own, you should consider some of Japan’s best guitar brands. Here’s everything you need to know about how to choose the best Japanese guitar.

Contents

1. What are Traditional Japanese String Instruments Like?
2. When did Japan Start Making Guitars?
3. What are the Most Popular Japanese Guitar Brands?
4. Where to Buy a Guitar in Japan?
5. Where to Buy a Japanese Guitar Outside of Japan?

1. What are Traditional Japanese String Instruments Like?

Two Ladies Playing the Biwa and the Koto by Kubo Shunman, 1815, Met Museum of Art

Japanese string instruments have a long history. Traditional instruments include long zither-like instruments such as the koto; single stringed instruments like the ichigenkin; and the shamisen, which, like guitar, is played with a plectrum (albeit a very large one). While these instruments’ origins come from China, they were used extensively in Japanese court music and traditional kabuki theater (click here for 6 Things to Know About Kabuki Theater).

© Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Creative Commons, Shamisen

Despite being centuries old, the shamisen has remained relevant in today’s popular music. Artists like Babymetal and GACKT have used them on studio recordings and in live performance. But while traditional instruments have kept their place in contemporary Japanese music, today, the electric guitar is the go-to stringed instrument for popular music.

2. When did Japan Start Making Guitars?

One of the first Japanese guitar companies was Hoshino Gakki. After importing Spanish instruments for several years, Hoshino Gakki started producing their own instruments in the 1930’s under the name Ibanez Salvador, which would soon be shortened to Ibanez.

Hoshino Gakki’s Ibanez guitars were modeled very closely after designs by American companies like Gibson, Fender, and Martin. In the 1970’s, Gibson was said to have had a sharp drop in the quality of their instruments. During this time, the Japanese copies made by Ibanez increased in popularity. The copies used cheaper, less desirable materials, but the build quality was high, and the price was low, so customers flocked to them. In 1977, tired of losing customers to Japanese manufacturers, Gibson successfully sued Hoshino Gakki for copying their signature headstock design.

The Japanese guitars from that era are now known as lawsuit guitars, and are highly sought after due to their unique place in guitar history, and impeccable playability. This lawsuit led Ibanez guitars to change their designs and create new original models. It was a major turning point for the company.

3. What are the Most Popular Japanese Guitar Brands?

While Hoshino Gakki is one of the largest Japanese guitar manufacturers, there are several other prominent guitar brands, and many other smaller builders. The most famous brands are Ibanez, ESP, Takamine, and Yamaha. These guitars are not only popular in Japan, but are played around the world.

Ibanez was the first, and remains one of the most popular electric guitar manufacturers in Japan. They rose to fame during the 1980s when shred-guitar was becoming increasingly popular. The thin neck profiles and advanced floating tremolo systems made the guitars fantastic instruments for playing the fast music that characterized 80’s rock and metal. 80’s guitar heroes like Steve Vai, John Petrucci, and Paul Gilbert made Ibanez guitars a symbol of rock and metal music. Forward thinking players like Yvette Young, Tosin Abasi, and Fredrik Thordendal have helped to cement Ibanez guitars as choice instruments for playing modern progressive music today.

While Ibanez is known for their bright colored electric guitars, they also make more subdued acoustic and semi acoustic instruments and build signature models for players like Jon Gomm and Pat Metheny. They have also recently been trying to move into the market of more classic Fender-esque guitars with their new AZ line, which many young players are moving to.

Ibanez guitars are primarily built at the Fujigen plant in Matsumoto, Nagano. Fujigen builds guitars for many manufacturers, but their primary client is Ibanez. It is at the Fujigen plant where Ibanez makes its Prestige line. These made in Japan guitars are high end instruments that have few compromises. Apart from making excellent six-string guitars, they also offer many options for seven string, and even eight string models.

At the top end is the J.Custom range, which are built by the extremely talented luthiers at Sugi guitars. This line of guitars is expensive, extravagant, and has a nearly impossible attention to detail. These instruments can be difficult to find outside of Japan, but if you get a chance to play one, you will not regret taking it.

Ibanez also has several ranges of guitars that are built at plants outside of Japan, in China and Indonesia. While these are still fine instruments, be sure to check the headstock to see where your guitar is built so you know what you are buying before you make your purchase.

Ibanez’s main competition for electric guitars is ESP. ESP started in the mid 1970’s and quickly gained global popularity by getting players like Ronnie Wood from The Rolling Stones on board in the 1980s. Due to their extreme and aggressive design, these guitars quickly became popular with metal guitar players. Bands like Slayer and Metallica migrated over to ESP guitars, greatly increasing their popularity.

Unlike Ibanez, all ESP guitars are made in Japan; however, they do have other lines under the name LTD that are made in countries that have cheaper manufacturing. If you are looking for a guitar with a thicker neck, and an aggressive design, ESP is a great pick. ESP is also known for their Japanese custom shop that makes mostly decorative guitars in any shape, design, and material imaginable. If you want your guitar to look like an angel, a sword, or even a pizza, ESP’s custom shop can make it happen.

Made in Japan is always a reliable stamp of quality! Check out these 75 Best Made in Japan Products to Buy Now for some more suggestions!

Takamine Guitars, one of Japan’s largest acoustic guitar manufacturers, was founded in Sakashita, Gifu in 1962. These acoustic instruments are very competitively priced against industry heavy-weights like Gibson, Martin, and Taylor. With over 50 years of experience building high quality instruments, Takamine is a very safe bet for an affordable and quality acoustic instrument with high end woods and components.

4. Where to Buy a Guitar in Japan?

If you are in the market for a Japanese guitar, of course, the best place to start your search is in Japan. Tokyo seems to have an area dedicated to everything, including guitars. That area is Ochanomizu in Bunkyo ward.

Located just outside of the Ochanomizubashi Exit of Ochanomizu Station, you can find Meidai Street, more commonly referred to as Guitar Street (map). This long stretch of road has dozens of guitar and musical instrument stores. There are used guitar stores, stores that sell boutique brands, stores that exclusively sell Gibson guitars, and more. Make sure to look low and high, as some of the shops are located hidden on the second and third floors of otherwise unassuming buildings.

© perke / Creative Commons, Guitar Street

Unlike in many shops in North America where customers can grab a guitar off the rack and try it out, in Japan it is necessary to ask an employee to get the guitar for you. The employee will wipe it down, tune it, and plug it in before handing it to you. This ensures you always get a guitar that is in tune and set up properly. These shops are usually small and crowded, so try not to spend too much time testing out one instrument unless you are really considering purchasing it.

5. Where to Buy a Japanese Guitar Outside of Japan?

If you aren’t currently located in Japan you can easily find many production models from major Japanese brands all around the world. Ibanez, ESP, Takamine, and Yamaha are all available in major retailers across North America and Europe. While it is always best to give your guitar a try before buying it, you can also find many of these brands on Amazon.

This Ibanez Prestige model features a sparkling silver finish and gold hardware. It has the Ibanez staple bolt-on neck, floating tremolo system, and a razor thin neck profile. It also has ultra-modern Fishman Fluence pickups which allow for multiple voicings and incredibly clear tones.

Ibanez RG5170G - Available at Amazon

This is an example of Ibanez’s recent effort to build more traditionally styled electric guitars. The AZ line keeps what Ibanez players have come to love, but removes the bright colors and sharp edges. These instruments are more mellow but equally well built. The AZ2202A features an ash body with a burst finish.The chrome hardware is a classic touch, and the dark roasted maple neck and fretboard offer classy looks and increased stability.

Ibanez AZ2202A - Available at Amazon

While it isn’t the most extreme shape that ESP has to offer, this guitar still has the pointy design that many ESP players are looking for. It has a neck-thru design, a finished neck, and comes with Seymour-Duncan pickups. The E-II line from ESP is the more affordable of their Japanese built guitars, so this model shouldn’t be too hard on the wallet.

ESP E-II Horizon-III - Available at Amazon

This is a typically sharp and aggressive design that ESP is known for. The guitar looks well suited for metal players, and nothing about it is subtle. It has a highly figured flame maple top, and ebony fretboard. These high-end woods certainly add not only to the feel of the instrument, but also to its price. The FRX is fitted with aggressive EMG pickups to match its weapon-like shape.

ESP E-II FRX - Available at Amazon

This Takamine acoustic guitar is an understated beauty. It has a simple and elegant design and natural aesthetic. Rather than using an exotic wood top, it uses a specially treated spruce top that offers a warm and vintage sound. The guitar also has a discrete preamp if you want to plug it in for a louder performance.

Takamine EF360S TT - Available at Amazon

While it might seem strange to buy a guitar from the same company that makes snowmobiles or golf clubs, Yamaha makes exceptional guitars, and some of the best budget acoustic instruments you can find. This model is one the cheaper made in Japan acoustics you can find, and it offers a lot of instrument for the price. It has solid mahogany sides and back, and a treated spruce top. It also does come with a pickup.

Yamaha FS Red Label FSX5 - Available at Amazon

So whether you are in Japan or abroad, are looking for an acoustic or electric, or want something colorful or subdued, as long as you are looking for high quality craftsmanship, you will make a good decision in purchasing a Japanese instrument. Of course with so many models to choose from, it is best to take a deep dive to find something that suits you perfectly, and now you know what to look for.

JO SELECTS offers helpful suggestions, and genuine recommendations for high-quality, authentic Japanese art & design. We know how difficult it is to search for Japanese artists, artisans and designers on the vast internet, so we came up with this lifestyle guide to highlight the most inspiring Japanese artworks, designs and products for your everyday needs.

All product suggestions are independently selected and individually reviewed. We try our best to update information, but all prices and availability are subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, Japan Objects earns from qualifying purchases.