Guitar Heaven: Ochanomizu,Tokyo, Japan.
In Ochanomizu a district of Tokyo, Japan, is a street that has probably the greatest concentration of guitar shops in the world. This is the guitar enthusiast's Heaven where the widest range of guitars are displayed: With prices from those that cost US$50.00 to US$10,000.00 and more. Of special mention are the dozens of Japanese made brands with astonishingly high quality. The spirit of lawsuit Ibanez, Grecos and Tokais still exist. With workmanship and attention to details much more superior than even Custom Shop Fenders and Gibsons, some of these guitars are not cheap. Indeed they are even more expensive than for example American boutique brands. They have strange names like: Combat, Freedom, History, Bacchus, Momose, Moon and so on. Its a pity that such beautifully-made guitars have names that make a player cringe or hair to stand on end. And these strange names on the headstock are obstacles to their being accepted by players. Only after decades are the vintage Grecos, Tokais, Yamaha and Arias being accepted as superior band and owning one is nothing to be ashamed of.
But used Japanese guitars can be bought at very reasonable prices because of the undeservedly high depreciation rate of these hugely under rated guitars. Below are photos of some of the guitars seen in Ochanomizu, mostly American brands. Including the used Koa wood Bacchus Telecaster which I bought for US$400. 00
But used Japanese guitars can be bought at very reasonable prices because of the undeservedly high depreciation rate of these hugely under rated guitars. Below are photos of some of the guitars seen in Ochanomizu, mostly American brands. Including the used Koa wood Bacchus Telecaster which I bought for US$400. 00
1. American jazz archtops galore
2. More archtops featuring a Byrdland, a rare Blue L5CES and a Super400
3. Here we have Benedettos and D'Angelicos.
4. Big-bodied Gretsch guitars like the 6122 Country Gentleman and 6120 Hollow Body
5. A wall of nothing but Cherry-Red Gibson ES335s
6. Hofner John Lennon violin basses,
7. Rickenbackers including a rare 4001 Bass.
7. Small-bodied Grestch guitars
8. A floor in the shop for each type of guitar e.g. solid, acoustic, semi-sold, jazz archtop.
9. My used Bacchus Koa top Telecaster.
10. The back of my Telecaster showing the good wood and fine workmanship.
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