Overview & Key Points
The Greco Super Real Series was a line of Les Paul-style guitars produced in Japan between 1979 and 1982. It is widely regarded as the most refined phase of Greco’s vintage-oriented production during the late Lawsuit Era.
- Mahogany back and carved maple top construction with select nitro finishes
- Equipped with Maxon humbuckers and, in higher models, Dry Z pickups
- Produced during a transitional period shaped by trademark pressure and evolving replica policies
Together, these characteristics define the Greco Super Real Series as a significant chapter in Japanese vintage guitar history.
Video Overview of This Article
Historical Context of the Greco Super Real Series
By the late 1970s, Gibson’s Les Paul production had moved away in several ways from original 1950s specifications. During this period, Japanese manufacturers began refining more accurate vintage-style interpretations.
Around 1977, Gibson’s parent company Norlin issued trademark warnings regarding headstock shapes and logo similarities. While this did not result in a widely documented court case, it led to design adjustments among Japanese brands. This era became known as the “Lawsuit Era.”
In response, Greco introduced the Super Real Series in 1979. Rather than focusing on branding imitation, the series emphasized construction accuracy and material selection aligned with late-1950s Les Paul design principles.
Why 1979–1982 Is Considered the Peak
The Greco Super Real Series is most closely associated with the 1979–1982 period.
Following late-1970s legal pressure, Greco refined its approach. The focus shifted toward higher-grade materials, improved woodworking precision, and more accurate electronic configurations.
After 1982, replica production in Japan faced tighter limitations, and Greco transitioned into the Mint Collection era. As a result, 1979–82 represents a defined window in which specification accuracy and manufacturing standards were at their most concentrated.
(Image: Greco Catalog 1980)
Construction and Specifications
The Greco Super Real Series followed traditional Les Paul construction concepts:
- Mahogany back paired with a carved maple top
- Set-neck construction
- Select upper-tier models finished in nitrocellulose lacquer
Catalog specifications typically listed two-piece body construction. However, rare one-piece mahogany examples have been documented.
Production was handled by Fujigen Gakki, a factory known for consistent craftsmanship and precise manufacturing during this period.
Les Paul–style models: EGF1000, EG1000C, EG900, EGF850, EG800GS, and EG800C
EG800PB, EG800PR, EG800, EG700, EG600PB, and EG600PR. The PB models are Peter Frampton–style, and the PR models are Ace Frehley–style. All feature three-pickup configurations. Unofficial models.
Les Paul–style models include the EG500 and EG500C, the Jeff Beck model EG500J (Unofficial), the Deluxe EG500GS featuring mini humbuckers, the flame sycamore–top EG480 (which does not carry an “F” model number), and the most affordable EG450.
Pickups: Maxon and Dry Z
A defining feature of the Greco Super Real Series is its pickup configuration.
Many models were equipped with Maxon humbuckers, delivering balanced output and tonal clarity. Higher-end versions featured Dry Z pickups, which are now considered historically significant among collectors.
The Dry Z pickups are often noted for clarity, articulation, and dynamic response. Their presence plays a meaningful role in market value variation.
Tone and Playability
The Greco Super Real Series is associated with strong midrange presence and sustained resonance. The combination of dense mahogany construction and carefully selected pickups produces a tonal character aligned with late-1950s Les Paul instruments.
Fujigen’s manufacturing consistency also contributed to stable neck construction and reliable fretwork, supporting long-term playability.
Current Market Value
In today’s used market, Greco Super Real Series guitars typically range from approximately $2,000 to $6,000 depending on condition and pickup configuration.
Models equipped with Dry Z pickups and preserved in excellent condition command higher prices. Even so, they often remain more accessible than Gibson Historic Collection reissues or many original 1980s Les Paul models.
Conclusion
The Greco Super Real Series represents a focused era in which Japanese manufacturing precision, evolving trademark conditions, and vintage specification awareness converged.
Produced between 1979 and 1982, these instruments refined the Les Paul-style replica into a carefully constructed vintage interpretation. Their continued relevance in the collector market reflects both build quality and their historical position within the late Lawsuit Era.
What is the Greco Super Real Series?
The Greco Super Real Series was a Les Paul-style guitar line produced in Japan between 1979 and 1982, known for high-spec construction and vintage-inspired accuracy.
Why is 1979–1982 considered the peak of the Greco Super Real Series?
The 1979–1982 period is considered the peak because Greco refined its designs after late-1970s trademark pressure and focused on higher-quality materials, craftsmanship, and vintage specifications before replica production became more restricted.
What pickups were used in the Greco Super Real Series?
Many models used Maxon humbuckers, while higher-tier versions were equipped with Dry Z pickups, which are now regarded as historically significant among collectors.
Was the Greco Super Real Series part of the Lawsuit Era?
Yes, the Greco Super Real Series was produced during the late Lawsuit Era, when Japanese manufacturers received trademark warnings regarding headstock shapes and logo similarities.
How much is a Greco Super Real Series worth today?
In the current used market, Greco Super Real Series guitars generally range from about $2,000 to $6,000 depending on condition and pickup configuration.
