Circa 1974 Greco EG-480 Cherry Sunburst MIJ Pre-Serial Vintage Les Paul

A wonderfully preserved, pre-serial Greco EG-480 from approximately 1974, finished in a vivid Cherry Sunburst. Made in Japan during Greco’s early copy era, this is the original bolt-on Standard-style version of the EG-480—not the later set-neck model that appeared around 1980 or the Custom-style EG-480B.

The early EG-480 has developed a dedicated following among collectors of vintage Japanese guitars. Its construction differs from a conventional Les Paul, featuring a bolt-on neck and a laminated, chambered-style body with a pressed figured top. This gives the guitar a lively, resonant character with some of the openness associated with a semi-hollow instrument.

The four-bolt “Made in Japan” neck plate, lack of a serial number, shallow-angle headstock and original star-logo tuners identify this as a pre-1976 example. This combination of features most closely corresponds with production around 1974.

The uncommon Greco-logo neck humbucker is believed to be the original Maxon-made pickup. The open double-cream bridge humbucker is a replacement, and its manufacturer has not been confirmed. The original chrome star-logo tuning machines remain installed.

Features:

• Circa 1974 Greco EG-480
• Made in Japan
• Pre-serial-number example
• Early bolt-on Standard-style version
• Cherry Sunburst finish
• Figured laminated/pressed top
• Laminated, chambered-style body construction
• Bolt-on neck with “Made in Japan” neck plate
• Bound fingerboard
• Trapezoid inlays
• Shallow-angle open-book headstock
• Original chrome star-logo tuning machines
• Greco-logo neck humbucker, believed to be original and Maxon-made
• Replacement open double-cream bridge humbucker
• Two volume and two tone controls
• Three-way pickup selector
• Tune-o-matic-style bridge and stopbar tailpiece

For a guitar more than 50 years old, it remains in great overall condition. It has several small dings, scratches, finish chips and other signs of normal age and use throughout. There is a visible polyurethane/clear-coat repair near the output jack. The headstock edges also show finish wear and small chips.

The pickguard is not present. The “Custom” truss-rod cover may be a replacement and does not indicate that this is a Custom model. Please zoom in to the photos for a close look at the cosmetic condition, finish repair and included components. The photos are considered part of the description.

This is an appealing example for both the collector of early Japanese instruments and the player looking for a vintage guitar with a voice and construction style of its own. Its early bolt-on design, resonant body, original star tuners and Greco-logo neck pickup distinguish it from Greco’s later, more conventional Les Paul replicas.

As with any vintage instrument, a professional setup is recommended after shipping to accommodate the buyer’s preferred string gauge, action and playing style.

Ships only to the lower 48 U.S. states at listed shipping fee.

I will ship anywhere in the world but contact me first for an estimate on shipping to your region.