What’s the Japanese LP hierarchy?
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itchyfingers
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Man, that's a tough question when you think about all the different Japanese LP copies out there and the different price ranges even within each manufacturer. Collectively, and based on the admittedly limited examples I played in Tokyo, I'd have to say:
Tokai > Greco > Edwards > Yamaha > Lawsuit Ibanez's
Tokai > Greco > Edwards > Yamaha > Lawsuit Ibanez's
Warmart
Shredder
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Can't argue with that, not at all.
hemmelight
Roadie
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As far as I know, Navigator is the really high-end in this space. Also an ESP brand (like Edwards). They used to be considered the best, but that was like ten years ago. Could have changed now. 
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If you’re looking for an older guitar, probably can’t go wrong with Greco’s, especially for the prices they go for.
For something newer, I’d absolutely go with Edwards. There’s probably 4-6 Edwards owners on here and we all rave about them equally. I believe @cragginshred was the most recent purchaser while the rest of us got the LP Custom versions last year.
From all the reports I’ve been reading in the Edwards group I’m in, the gap between Edwards and Navigator is pretty slim these days. Seems they’ve moved the Edwards shop around a few times and after being made in China and finished in Japan alongside E-II’s, they’re now fully MIJ, which makes sense because the fit/finish feels EXACTLY like my buddy’s E-II.
The Tokai’s are also known to be absolutely killer!
Also, Orville. They were managed by Gibson in the 90’s and predominantly built in the Fujigen plant. I’m very deeply in love with mine, I don’t believe it’s an Orville thing, just one of those guitars that happens to sound REALLY fucking great.
For something newer, I’d absolutely go with Edwards. There’s probably 4-6 Edwards owners on here and we all rave about them equally. I believe @cragginshred was the most recent purchaser while the rest of us got the LP Custom versions last year.
From all the reports I’ve been reading in the Edwards group I’m in, the gap between Edwards and Navigator is pretty slim these days. Seems they’ve moved the Edwards shop around a few times and after being made in China and finished in Japan alongside E-II’s, they’re now fully MIJ, which makes sense because the fit/finish feels EXACTLY like my buddy’s E-II.
The Tokai’s are also known to be absolutely killer!
Also, Orville. They were managed by Gibson in the 90’s and predominantly built in the Fujigen plant. I’m very deeply in love with mine, I don’t believe it’s an Orville thing, just one of those guitars that happens to sound REALLY fucking great.
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Edwards, bruh!
On the fence about selling mine, because as time goes on I find single-cuts to not be for me. I have a PRS 594 that plays somewhat better, and it looks magazine cover worthy, so it ain't going nowhere.
You live near N. GA?
I am getting another. That first one was so fracking great I am going to plunge into the Edwards LP
pool one more time.
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You know which model LP you’re looking for, a Standard one or a Custom?
I can help whittle this down quick-
If the ebony fingerboard on a Custom is important to you, just grab an Edwards for $1000.
They’re the only MIJ Customs with ebony boards, outside a few rare Greco’s (which are mostly ebonol) and Tokai’s, but I believe the Tokai’s are well above $1000, same with Navigators.
If that’s not important, and you’re a heathen like Orvillian, than the world is your oyster when it comes to MIJ LP’.
KHAAAAAAANNNNNNN!!!!!!!!
Shredder
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T Gobbs
Groupie
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Edwards it is. Thanks everyone!
sandmannn69
Newbie
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Try to find an ALS(Standard) or ALC(Custom), they're the best models(closest to a Gibson Les Paul reissue).
Last edited:
fixed.
itchyfingers
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This is the way. If you dont have something in mind before you go, you will be overwhelmed by the amount of options.
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Ahhh this'll be my 9th or 10th trip since 2008. Wife is Japanese, and I know how to order a beer and ask for directions to soapland.
itchyfingers
Roadie
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That's awesome man, it's one of my favorite countries to visit. Have a great trip and happy Japanese LPC hunting!
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There’s so much of the world I want to see, historic landmarks are alway first on my list, but Japan is the country I want to visit just because it’s Japan and everything about it. The geography and culture is something I’m strongly drawn to. I don’t think I’d be in the cities as much as the rural areas, though.
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Same. I could give two fucks about Tokyo.
Checking out some of the coastal areas and mountains,along with a few monasteries, and eating my way from one low key town to the next, and I could legit
die happy.
With the Son turning 18, and my adult life changing rapidly, I have every intention of traversing the Planet as
much as I can before I perish.
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