Buying guitars from japan, where to start?

shaunk26

Hey all, I’m new to the world of Japanese copies and I’m interested in maybe buying a Greco, Edwards or Burny LP copy. I’ve been browsing eBay and reverb looking at potentials. However I’ve read about some of the pitfalls of importing a guitar. One of these was sellers advertising guitars which do not belong to them. The idea being once you send funds to them they will try to buy it.

Any users able to recommend any other websites or physical UK stores?

equalsql

Ishibashi..

These folks are great to deal with. I bought a Tokai LS160-VF through then a few years ago and the whole experience was very smooth. You have to factor in the postage,VAT and import duty, but even then the prices 'were' good.

I'm not sure about the CITES issues though with their current sales so you may need to see if they provide certification where required.

https://www.ishibashi.co.jp/u_box/e/eubox.php?T=gazo

Edit.. looking at their current prices, there don't seem to be the bargains there used to be.. has the pound dropped that much against the Yen since brexit?

meltedbuzzbox

The search starts and ends with ishibashi

Ishibashi ubox is always worth a Google. Beware the gas

bloomer

Beware the cites, I was in touch with a few Japanese shops lately who said they wouldn't send overseas 

bloomer

I was looking to buy a tokai and found that it made a lot more sense to import one from Spain, similar price once you factor in tax and shipping and all round simpler

shaunk26

Thanks for the tip bloomer. I have seen quite a few Spanish stores on reverb. I’m interested in an Edwards LP but seem pricey brand new.