Greco EX-800 Natural 1977 MIJ – Long Neck Tenon – Maxon U-2000 – Original Case

I'm offering a truly exceptional 1977 Greco EX-800, built by the legendary FujiGen Gakki factory during what many collectors consider the golden era of Japanese guitar manufacturing.

The EX-800 is widely regarded as one of the finest and rarest Explorer-style guitars ever produced by Greco. Unlike Greco Les Paul models, which were manufactured in much larger numbers, the EX series was built in relatively small quantities, making surviving original examples increasingly difficult to find today.

This guitar remains completely original, including its factory-installed Maxon U-2000 pickups, electronics, hardware and Natural finish. It also comes complete with its original Greco hard case and original Greco handbook, an extremely rare combination after nearly fifty years.

The Golden Era of FujiGen

During the late 1970s, Greco entrusted production of its highest-end instruments to FujiGen Gakki, the same factory that would later become world-famous for building Fender Japan guitars.

Many collectors consider the 1977–1981 period to represent FujiGen's finest work. These instruments were built before CNC manufacturing became standard, with exceptional attention to detail, precise neck fitting and outstanding consistency.

The EX-800 represented one of Greco's flagship Explorer models and remains one of the brand's most collectible instruments today.

Japanese Sen Body

One of the defining features of the EX-800 is its body made from Japanese Sen, often referred to as "Japanese Ash."

Although visually similar to ash, Sen has its own tonal character. It offers excellent resonance, quick attack, strong midrange response and impressive clarity while displaying a beautiful grain pattern that is perfectly showcased by the transparent Natural finish.

Long Neck Tenon

The EX-800 features a genuine Long Neck Tenon construction.

The neck extends deep into the body, creating a much larger glue joint than a standard set-neck design. This construction improves resonance, sustain, structural stability and overall energy transfer throughout the instrument.

Long neck tenon construction is one of the defining characteristics collectors look for in premium vintage Japanese and late-1950s Gibson-inspired guitars.

Original Maxon U-2000 Pickups

The guitar retains its original pair of Maxon U-2000 humbuckers.

Produced by Nisshin Onpa (Maxon), these pickups are among the most respected vintage Japanese humbuckers ever made. Featuring Alnico V magnets, they deliver outstanding clarity, dynamic response, rich midrange, smooth highs and tight low end while remaining remarkably articulate under both clean and overdriven settings.

The Eddie Van Halen Connection

One of the reasons Greco EX-800 guitars have become so desirable is their close relationship to the legendary Ibanez Destroyer Model 2459.

Eddie Van Halen famously used an original Destroyer while recording much of the debut Van Halen album, including tracks such as:

• Runnin' With The Devil
• Jamie's Cryin'
• Feel Your Love Tonight
• On Fire
• You Really Got Me

The Greco EX-800 was built during exactly the same period, in the same FujiGen factory, using virtually identical construction methods, dimensions and materials.

Among vintage Japanese guitar enthusiasts, the EX-800 is widely regarded as one of the closest equivalents to Eddie's original Destroyer. The principal difference is the pickup choice: while the Ibanez featured Super 70 pickups, the Greco was equipped with the equally respected Maxon U-2000 humbuckers.

Condition

Excellent.

For a guitar built in 1977, this instrument has survived in outstanding condition.

The finish retains a beautiful gloss, the Natural Sen body displays wonderful grain throughout, and the guitar has clearly been very well cared for over the decades.

There are only very light signs of careful use together with tasteful natural ageing of the hardware consistent with its age.

The neck is perfectly straight, the truss rod functions correctly, the frets remain in excellent condition, and all electronics operate exactly as they should.

Professionally inspected and ready to play.

Specifications

• Year: 1977
• Model: EX-800
• Made in Japan
• FujiGen Gakki production
• Japanese Sen body
• Maple neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Set-neck construction
• Long Neck Tenon
• Original Maxon U-2000 pickups
• Original electronics
• Original hardware
• Original Natural finish
• Original Greco hard case with sings of use
• Original Greco handbook

Finding a Greco EX-800 from 1977 is already uncommon. Finding one that remains fully original, complete with its original hard case and documentation, is exceptionally rare.

This is an outstanding opportunity for both serious collectors and players looking for one of the finest vintage Japanese Explorer-style guitars ever produced.

No trades.

For more detailed photos, additional listings, and better prices, feel free to visit my official site – mozartguitars.pl.