Greco guitars....

Pete.R

Some new Greco guitars are now made by FujiGen again..

https://i.imgur.com/DKNEMA0.jpg

more information regarding Greco and FujiGen
by Tak Moroji

Pete.R said:

There is an interesting book on the way....

https://craftsha.thebase.in/blog/2024/07/02/112042[/URL]

copy&paste from Takahito Moroji, the man behind the new book, he's a member of my facebook-group and a friend. I hope to meet him in 2026 when I'll do my trip to Matsumoto

In 1983, Yuichiro Yokouchi, the founder of Fujigen Gakki, the company that made Greco guitars and held the Greco brand, and currently produces FGN guitars, published a book called "Greco and Friends," which is somewhat of an autobiography.

We have finally reached the point of releasing a revised edition of this book.

The original edition was self-published and distributed only to those involved, so I assume most of you have neither seen nor heard of it. Initially, the plan was to release it 40 years after the first edition, but after various twists and turns, we have finally managed to publish it now.

Therefore, I am pleased to announce the release of "Greco and Friends (Revised Edition) - 40 Years Later." Copies have started reaching those involved, and I have received permission from Mr. Yuichiro Yokouchi and his son, Shoji Yokouchi, to introduce it here.

Currently, it is only available in Japanese, but they are considering publishing an English version in the future.

40 years have passed, and what has become of the friends of Greco? We have followed up on the friends of Yuichiro Yokouchi. The following individuals were interviewed. The order is not necessarily chronological.

**Masako Sugimoto（杉本昌子）**

She was the first employee when Fujigen gakki was founded. Masako Sugimoto was responsible for the cell binding of Greco and Ibanez guitars.

**Makoto Sugimoto（杉本眞）**

Rather than being known as Masako Sugimoto's son, it's more accurate to recognize him as the representative of Sugi Guitars. During his time at Fujigen gakki, he contributed significantly to the revival of Fender USA, which had lost its production facility, and the establishment of the Fender USA Custom Shop. He crafted signature models for famous musicians, including Sting, Steve Vai...

**Tomohisa Yamazaki（山崎智久）**

He was the third factory manager of Fujigen gakki and is regarded as a god of painting. The beautiful sunburst finish on the Greco's hit Violin Bass VB series was created by Mr. Yamazaki. He also managed, repaired, and corrected the finishes of imported models from one of the oldest American manufacturers.

**Yukimitsu Takayama（高山幸光）**

A former director. Mr. Takayama built the fundamental techniques of Fujigen gakki. He responded to challenging requests from artists, researched strength, established top processing techniques, introduced serial numbers for product management, and developed many technologies that are now standard in guitar production.

**Toshihide Ushimaru（牛丸寿英）**

Many who know Mr. Ushimaru call him a "genius of effort." He is an engineer who, together with Mr. Takano（高野順）, developed the domestic powerhouse pickup Z DRY. He also developed the GR guitar synthesizer used by many musicians, including Clapton, Beck, and Page.

**Asatomo Nakata（中田朝友）**

A former executive director. He led the sales department. The launch of Fender Japan and Fender Mexico would not have been possible without Mr. Nakata's efforts. Even after retiring from Fujigen gakki, he continued to focus on woodworking, and the table tennis racket that won an Olympic gold medal was made by his company.

**Scott Zimmerman**

A former master builder in Fender R&D. After coming to Japan, he handled production management for Jackson Japan and Morris. At Fujigen gakki, he thrived as a master builder. He made the left-handed Mustang model for Kurt Cobain, the guitar that was auctioned for over 200 million yen.

**Susumu Tamura（田村進）**

The world's most famous and widely used effects pedal, the Ibanez Tube Screamer, also known as the TS series, was developed by Mr. Tamura. He has developed Maxon effects pedals.

**Toshikiyo Tezuka（手塚利清）**

The electric guitars of Fujigen gakki began with the pickups wound by Mr. Tezuka. He is the father of Fujigen gakki electrics. There are still musicians who love Tezuka pickups. And Mr. Tezuka is still actively working as a handyman at the Yokouchi household.

fosk

Seems weird to use the Greco name but not for Les Paul copies.

Pete.R

fosk said:

Seems weird to use the Greco name but not for Les Paul copies.

Why ? Only Gibson and €piphone can use the name 'Les Paul' legally

timhulio

Do these replace the FGN branded guitars? That name never really worked. Although Greco is only really associated with LP types.

Pete.R

timhulio said:

Do these replace the FGN branded guitars? That name never really worked. Although Greco is only really associated with LP types.

No, it doesn't replace their own Brand FGN

Back in the time Fujigen has owned the Greco Brand, though for many years they did not produce any Greco guitar. Now they do it again with some models.

Greco made lot's of different models, mostly inspired by the famous designs, including ST, TE, LP, ES335 shapes

even Ricky-style or Flying V and Explorer types were made.

fosk

Pete.R said:

fosk said:

Seems weird to use the Greco name but not for Les Paul copies.

Why ? Only Gibson and €piphone can use the name 'Les Paul' legally

Because Greco are known for Les Paul copies.  Naming is irrelevant. 

Kebabkid

Pete.R said:

timhulio said:

Do these replace the FGN branded guitars? That name never really worked. Although Greco is only really associated with LP types.

Greco made lot's of different models, mostly inspired by the famous designs, including ST, TE, LP, ES335 shapes

even Ricky-style or Flying V and Explorer types were made.

Yep