Anyone bought a guitar from Japan ??

TheMarlin

I thought a white Gretsch Corvette from Japan in 2009. Ishibashi. 

Other than having to pay duty on it, was a good experience. Well packed, arrived in perfect condition. 

equalsql

Another thumbs-up for Ishibashi. I bought a Tokai LS160VF from them a few years back. Their service was excellent and even with all the added vat, shipping and duty,  the price was very good.

goldtop

The Yen:Pound rate is now very favourable after many years of being terrible, so JDM guitars are more affordable.

Neilybob

Did you see this before it sold?

https://richtonemusic.co.uk/tokai-love-rock-ls-129-made-in-japan-gold-top-hard-case-2nd-hand/

rlw

https://reverb.com/uk/item/56958022-tokai-for-reservation-premium-series-ls220s-gold-top-gsb019

Delivered to your door.  £1643.28.

What's not to like?

Sporky

TTony said:

CavemanGrogg said:

 like flying out to Japan with a piece of shit cheap Harley Benton in a hardcase and then bin/donate it in Japan before flying back with the guitar you flew out to buy, and claim the good guitar is the guitar you brought out to Japan with you, and not the cheap shitty Harley Benton in a cheap hardcase that you flew out with.

Sssshhhhh!!

FFS, don't share secrets like that.  Customs had never heard of that one before.

Also it'd only work if you had an ATA carnet for when you took it out, and that wouldn't match what you brought back.

As always, if Grogg says something, you know it isn't true. 

riffpowers

Neilybob said:

Did you see this before it sold?

https://richtonemusic.co.uk/tokai-love-rock-ls-129-made-in-japan-gold-top-hard-case-2nd-hand/

I didn’t!!

mankytom

I bought one while I was over there… really easy, ended up paying vat when I got back but still wound up a much better deal than getting the guitar here.,

the weak yen means that everything in Japan is cheap at the moment. I’d say about half the price you pay here for most stuff. 

stickyfiddle

mankytom said:

I bought one while I was over there… really easy, ended up paying vat when I got back but still wound up a much better deal than getting the guitar here.,

the weak yen means that everything in Japan is cheap at the moment. I’d say about half the price you pay here for most stuff. 

Yup for used especially. I paid about 3k for my CS ES-355 which is bonkers compared with UK prices

Aidanspaghetti

I've bought loads from rinkya. Great service in fairness. Mostly Navigator stuff!