Our Top 7 List of The Best Japanese Electric Guitars Ever Made And Why You Should Consider Getting One

Introduction

Japan has established itself as a hub for innovation and precision, with their guitar manufacturers being at the forefront of the industry. Over the years, these manufacturers have produced some of the most exceptional electric guitars worldwide. In this blog post, we will examine the best Japanese electric guitars ever made, unraveling their unique features, notable players, and the lasting impact they have had on music.

1. Fender Japan '62 Telecaster Reissue

Notable Features: Iconic Telecaster design, vintage-style pickups
Notable Players: Kurt Cobain, Mike McCready

Fender Japan's '62 Telecaster Reissue remains one of the most loved electric guitars among guitar enthusiasts worldwide. This finely crafted guitar features the iconic Telecaster design, with a thin maple neck, rosewood fretboard and a classic body shape. While not labeled officially as a reissue or remake, these guitars are made to near exact specifications as the 1962 Telecaster. A standout features are the very thin neck (just as the '62 model) and the vintage style pickups which deliver an exceptionally crunchy sound and superb clarity. The Telecaster is an industry standard in the alternative rock and grunge scenes, claimed by Kurt Cobain of Nirvana and Mike McCready of Pearl Jam.

2. Greco Mint Collection '57 Stratocaster Reissue

Notable Features: Authentic '57 Stratocaster specs, vintage-style pickups
Notable Players: Eric Clapton, David Gilmour

The Greco Mint Collection '57 Stratocaster Reissue pays homage to the iconic 1957 Fender Stratocaster. From its classic body contours, maple neck, and vintage-style pickups, this guitar perfectly captures the essence of the original while showcasing Greco's superb craftsmanship. It boasts remarkable vintage tones and a wide tonal range making it a versatile guitar that is a favorite of guitar heavyweights like Eric Clapton and David Gilmour.

3. Yamaha SG-2000

Notable Features: Solid mahogany body, set-in neck, versatile tone
Notable Players: Carlos Santana, Robben Ford

The Yamaha SG-2000 stuns with its exceptional sound quality, versatility, and craftsmanship, setting it apart from other guitars. It features a solid mahogany body, set-in neck design, and dual humbucker pickups that deliver rich, balanced tones with plenty of articulation. Additionally, it is an incredibly responsive guitar with a smooth, easy-to-play neck that your fingers will glide effortlessly over. Little wonder famous guitarists like Carlos Santana and Robben Ford are known for using the SG-2000.

4. Ibanez JEM Steve Vai

Notable Features: Steve Vai signature model, versatile pickups, Tree of Life inlays
Notable Players: Steve Vai, Joe Satriani

The Ibanez JEM is a signature model crafted with Steve Vai's exacting specifications. Vai is a far-reaching guitarist who has pushed the boundaries in the music industry, and so, his namesake guitar is futuristic, unique, powerful, and highly functional. The Ibanez JEM is outfitted with DiMarzio Tone Zone pickups that produce a broad range of tones, from biting crunch to liquid leads. Additionally, the intricate Tree of Life inlays on of rosewood and maple is one of the guitar's most refined features. It has firmly secured its place in the hands of players like Joe Satriani and has become synonymous with virtuoso guitar playing.

By signing up Steve Vai in the late 1980's, Ibanez wanted to take on Kramer Guitars in the battle of guitar makers. Kramer had Eddie Van Halen on their roster, the undisputed guitar hero at the time, and by colloaborating with Steve Vai, Ibanez got an opportunity to catch up. Following in Vai's footsteps, other guitarists like Joe Satriani (who used to be Vai's teacher) and Frank Gambale joined forces with Ibanez as well.

Special Mention: Ibanez Paul Stanley PS10

Ibanez Paul Stanley PS10 on ZenPlus

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Another Ibanez worth mentioning is definitely the Paul Stanley Signature Series PS10. The KISS front man's axe is a beautifully shaped body where classic design lines meet 70's rock in a sweet combination. Nicknamed The Iceman, this sought after model was first made in 1975 when Ibanez approached Paul Stanley and his band about an instrument collaboration.

5. Tokai Love Rock Les Paul

Notable Features: High-end Les Paul replicas, attention to detail
Notable Players: Billy Gibbons, Joe Walsh

Tokai LS150 Sunburst on ZenPlus

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Tokai Love Rock Les Paul guitars are renowned for their high craftsmanship and affordability. The guitar's meticulous attention to detail and use of high-quality parts and woods makes it an excellent choice for those who want to experience the tone and feeling of Gibson Les Paul models without breaking the bank. This guitar carries original features of the Gibson Les Paul, such as the mahogany body and neck, a maple top, and a solid rosewood fingerboard. The guitar's unique sound character has made it the go-to guitar of choice for many guitar greats such as Billy Gibbons and Joe Walsh.

6. ESP Horizon

Notable Features: Sleek design, high-output pickups, excellent playability
Notable Players: George Lynch, James Hetfield

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The ESP Horizon is in high demand in the heavy metal scene, thanks to its durability and versatility. This guitar features a lightweight body and a neck-thru-body design for excellent sustain. It also comes with high output pickups, perfect for metal enthusiasts who prefer hefty, crunchy tones. The ESP Horizon has a comfortable thin U-shaped neck and 24 extra jumbo frets that make it a high-performance, precision-driven instrument. It has been the instrument of choice for metal legends like George Lynch and James Hetfield throughout their careers.

7. Fernandes Ravelle Elite

Notable Features: Distinct body shape, versatile pickups, sustainer system
Notable Players: Scott Ian, Matt Bachand

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The Fernandes Ravelle Elite adds a modern twist to the classic Les Paul design. Its body is a blend of classic and contemporary style while featuring a sleek, modern finish with its signature headstock. This versatile guitar packs powerful humbucker pickups under the hood, providing a wide range of tones. The highlight of this guitar is the built-in sustainer system that generates infinite sustain, inspiring guitarists to create unique sonic textures. Fernandes Ravelle Elite has won the hearts of players like Scott Ian and Matt Bachand due to its exceptional sound quality and versatility.

Special Mention:  Fernandes TE-95HT Hotei

Fernandes TE-95HT similar to the one played by Tomoyasu Hotei in the 1990s.

Fernandes made many models worth mentioning besides the Ravelle Elite, and one of them is the TE-95HT that Tomoyasu Hotei made famous in the 1990s. One of the most prolific rockstars in Japan, Hotei also participated on the soundtrack to  Quentin Tarantino's movie series Kill Bill with the song Battle Without Honor or Humanity.

Should You Get a Japanese Electric Guitar?

U.S. brands made in Japan, like Fender Japan for example, are renowned for their high quality and there's no question that Japanese instrument makers draw inspiration from the giants in the industry. The classic and iconic designs from companies like Fender and Gibson are both guiding lights and sometimes maybe even hard to stay away from when trying to come up with a new instrument. But the best Japanese electric guitars have made significant contributions to the music industry, delivering exceptional craftsmanship, versatility, and innovative designs to the world of guitar playing. Each guitar on this list has made its mark on music history and has earned its place in the hands of legendary guitarists. 

One of the reasons why you should consider a Japanese electric guitar - used or new - is probably the cost performance you get out of them. The Japanese are well known for building with high quality in mind while still keeping instruments affordable. You can see this not only in the music instrument industry, but also across many other product categories. Cars come to mind of course, and home electronics as well.

When embarking on the search for a potential guitar that might be right up your alley, let this blog post be your guide to discovering some of the best Japanese electric guitars in the market.