Preliminary . MIJ . FAQ

[reborn old]

Based on suggestions from other members, I've prepared a preliminary FAQ for popular MIJ brands.

I'm hoping interested parties here will add to what I've started, and when reasonably complete, I will submit it to moderators to be stickied,
if there is an interest in doing so, and credit all contributors in the sticky.

Some brands lacking info are: Bacchus specs, ESP Edwards - Nav specs, Early Greco and Ibanez LP info.
Custom model info for many brands may be suspect or missing.

I can also add Heerby, Momose (as part of the Bacchus section), if there is model info, or any other brands not listed.

All suggestions and PM's welcome.

 

[reborn old]

MIJ FAQ : Aria, Bacchus, Burny, ESP, Fresher, Greco, Ibanez, Orville, Tokai

Some general guidelines that apply to most MIJ manufacturers and models:
1- MIJ Les Pauls can be dated from first digit(s) of serial numbers. You can google your MIJ brand + Wikipedia for serial dating specifics.
2- MIJ models have always been based on sales prices at the time of manufacture (usually X 1,000 yen),
so a 1978 -1984 Tokai LS-100 cost 100,000 y, 1982-1989 Burny RLG-90 cost 90,000 y etc.

Glossary:
MIJ = made in Japan
FEB = fret edge binding
TRC = truss rod cover

popular MIJ Makes, models and features:

Aria Pro II

LC-500: Custom
LC-550:
LC-600:
LC-750:

LS-400 : chambered with a laminate top and one piece veneer - no fret edge binding
LS-450 : solid top with one piece veneer - no fret edge binding
LS-500 : solid top with one piece veneer - no fret edge binding
LS-600 : two piece solid maple top
LS-700 : two piece solid maple top
LS-800 : two piece solid maple flamed top
LS-900:
LS-1000:
LS-1500: two piece maple flamed top , one piece back,
LS-1800: two piece maple flamed top , one piece back

Some Aria model years don't have correct LP body shapes and/or open book headstock shapes.


Bacchus - Momose

BLS-56 Ltd Ed GT: no tunematic bridge,
BLP-59 Live Road Brian (MIK):
BLP-59 Live Road Duke: oiled finish
BLS-59-120 Gold Top:
BLS-59-120 Lemon Drop:

BLP Classic STD H : Laquer finish, Pups: BHV-A5(F).BHH(R)
BLP-STD-M : Mini Humbucker
BLP-STD-FM : Flamed Maple with 1 piece back
BLP-STD-S : P90 style pickup, also comes with Bigsby
BLP-CTM : Custom, Pups: BHV-A5(F).BHH(R) (avail w 3 pups also)
BLP-SP : Special,
BLP-SPDC : Special Double Cut


Burny - Fernandes

FLC - FLG 1975 -1981 "Les Paul model" logo

FLC-85 : Custom,
FLC-100: 3 piece back, 2 piece top - center seam, FEB, volute,
FLC-120

FLG-70 : plain top, CS, BS, GT finishes
FLG-75 : plain top, BL (black) finishes
FLG-80 : plain top, VG, VBS, VCS finishes
FLG-90 : plain top, VOS, VOBS finishes
FLG-100: plain top
FLG-120: plain top
FLG-140: plain top, 1 piece back, plain top, nitro ,

FLG-90 : 1 piece back , thin veneer flame top, L8001 pups
FLG-150: 1 piece back , 3/8" thick flame top cap, FEB, nitro finish, SD SH1 pups
FLG-180: 1 piece back, thicker flame top cap, FEB, nitro finish, SD SH1 pups
FLG-240: 1 piece back, solid flame top, FEB, nitro finish, SD SH1 pups



RLC - RLG 1982 - date , no headstock serial #, "Super Grade" logo)

RLC-60-70-80: Custom, 2 piece solid top , poly finish , BB, CS, BS finishes

RLG-50: 2 piece solid plain top , FEB, poly finish
RLG-60: '56 edition GT, p-90 pups , FEB, poly finish
RLG-90: veneer center seam, FEB, poly finish,
RLG-120: 1 piece back, 3/8" thick flame top cap, FEB, nitro finish
RLG-150: 1 piece back, thicker flame top cap, FEB, nitro finish


ESP-Edwards

E-LP70: Two piece back, solid tops, some w double ring tuners
E-LP-85 SD: (now ELP-92) poly
E-LP-90LTS: (now ELP-98) laquer over poly

ELP-92:
ELP-98:
E-LP-112/124: basic lacquer, SD1 + SD5 pups
E-LP-124/132: super circuit, lacquer, SD1 + SD5 pups
E-LP-130:
Pure Material : Ltd Ed flame top, 30 prod per year

ESP-Navigator

198? - 200?
LPS 140 G: Gold top Standard
LPC-200:
LPS-350:

200? - Date
N-LP-280:
N-LP-350LTD:
N-LP-380LTD: 1pc backs, SD pups
N-LP-480LTD: AA solid flame tops, 1pc Brazilian backs, SD pups
N-LP-580LTD: AAA solid flame tops, 1pc Brazilian backs, SD pups

N-LP-380CTM: Custom
N-LP-400CTM:
N-LP-480CTM:


Fresher 1977 - 1981+

Leo Nine:
G55-R: Custom , BB

1981:
FL-400: plain top, CS, BS finishes,
FL-450: CS, dimarzio pickup
FL-450 S: P-90 Gold top
FL-800: Flame maple top, thick veneer


Greco

Late '70s-1981: Greco "closed O"

EG-380 - EG 480: Chambered body, UD pickups
EG-500: 2 piece top, multipiece back, U-1000 pickups
EG-500 C: Custom, 2 piece top, multipiece back, UD pickups
EG-700: Norlin sandwich type bodies, maple necks + large Head stocks, U-2000 pickups
EG-800: Norlin sandwich type bodies, maple necks + large Head stocks, PU-2 pickups
EG-900: Norlin sandwich type bodies, maple necks + large Head stocks, Dimarzio PAF pickups
EGC-900: Dimarzio PAF pickups


Super Real Series EGF late 1979 to early 82 * "Super Real" headstock logo

*1982 transition Super Reals: Super Real heastock script, but have Mint Collection model attributes incl long tenons.
EG1000C: Dry Z pickups, ebony board
EGF-850 : PU-2 pickups, some Brazilian fret boards, 1980 only
EGF-1000: Dimarzio pickups, Brazilian fret boards 1979-1980 only,
EGF-1200: Dry Z pickups, Brazilian fret board,
EGF-1800: Dry Z pickups, Brazilian fret board,
All models feature FEB, nitro finish,
EGF-1800 is solid flame topped special order models, center seam 2pc back, few 1 pc backs, lower SR models are veneer tops.
EGF-2500 solid Quilt tops, limited special orders in 1980 only.

EGF-1200 only model with honey burst finish + usually the fattest ('58 profile) necks of all LP replica's.


Mint Collection. 1982-1995 open O in "Greco" until mid 1991, no other headstock script.

All feature a long neck tenon, rectangular bell TRC
Models EG59-85 upward, have Nitro finishes.
1982 (and many 1983) models have FEB.
The middle 2 numbers in Mint Collection model numbers designate the LP year featured and similar neck profiles, with 56-58 being thickest and 60 being smallest.
EG-xx-450 3 piece top, Screamin pickups
EG-xx-500 2 piece top, Screamin pickups
EG-xx-600 GT Hot Lick (P-90) or minibucker pickups
EG-xx-650 laminate flametop, Screamin pickups
EG-xx-850 laminate flametop, Double Trick pickups
EG-xx-1000 laminate flametop, DRY-1982 pickups
EG-xx-1200 laminate flametop, DRY-1982 pickups and 50's style necks, some of the EG58-120's
EG-xx-1800 solid flametop, DRY-1982 pickups
EG59-2400 rare limited editions,feature solid flametops, fatter flamed maple necks, gold hardware, ebony fretboards..

EG1000D 1989-91 - an EG59-100 featuring Seymour Duncan pickups.
In the late 80's Greco licensed Cort (Korea) to produce no headstock serial # EG models, featuring black plastic fret boards,
angled end (rather than squared end) cavity routs, squared nuts + TRC area bevels.
In mid 1991 Greco returned to the closed O on most Mint Collection models.

Early '70s Greco LP's had 3 screw TRC's


Ibanez

1971 model #2350 LPC, bolt-on neck, no headstock logo or inlays, Black or Gold finish
1971 model #2351 LP Std, bolt-on neck, no headstock logo, Flame Maple or Gold finish


Orville - ObG

Orville by Gibson, and Orville produced at Fujigen Gakki and Terada.
Fujigen serial #'s are either 5 digit (with a blank after the 1st digit) or 6 digit numeric.
Terada have the same 5 or 6 digit format preceded by the letter G
(and a hyphen instead of a space with 5 number serials.)
The 1st number signifies the year, (the next 2 the month for 6 digit #'s only),
followed by the serial # ie- y.mm.xxx, y xxxx, G.y.mm.xxx, G.y-xxxx

Orville by Gibson - Manufactured for Gibson by
Fujigen - models featured long tenons.
Terrada - models mostly featured medium tenons and G, K or L serial number prefixes

ObG LP Reissues (LPR ) late 1992 to early 1995
- Gibson USA wiring, controls and pickups, nitro finishes, blank TRC, FEB,
Rare, ObG RI flametops are rarer still.

ObG LP Standard (LPS) 1988-1993, no FEB "Standard" on the truss rod cover, but are otherwise identical to the ObG reissues.

ObG flametops are usually laminate, with only a few solid flametop examples (LPS-FM).

Orville - Japanese electrics and Orville P.A.F pickups, they are finished in poly, not nitro, some Orvilles had Photo-flametops,all looked the same.

In early 1995, Orville by Gibson was discontinued, and in 1998 Orvilles were rebranded as Epiphone by Gibson (Japan).
These were only produced for 2 years up to year 2000,
Japanese Epiphones are identical to Orville's but with an Epi headstock inlay.
There were no replacements for the Orville by Gibson models, and as such, these are sought after.
J serial Orvilles are made in China


Tokai
1978-1985

All Japan made models have 7 digit numeric serial numbers. with the 1st number(s) indicating model year.
3 different headstock logos:
Les Paul Reborn - 1978-early 1980
Reborn Old - early to late 1980
Love Rock - late 1980 to Date

3 different TRC styles:
Bell shaped TRC - 1978-1980 (some re-appeared in 1983-1984)
Pointed Bell TRC - 1981 - mid 1998
Arch TRC - mid 1998 - date

LC-60 2 piece top,2 piece back, poly finish

LS-50 3 piece top, multi piece back, poly finish
LS-60 2 piece top,2 piece back, poly finish

LS-80 Gotoh 57 PAF pickups
LS-100 dimarzio pickups
LS-120 veneer flametop
LS-150 solid flametop
LS-200 special order

All LS-80 - LS-200 models feature nitro finish, 1 piece backs, 18* heastock angle, FEB to 1983
Tokai models did not begin using inflation corrected higher model numbers until the LS-55 in 1985.
LS-70 GT + LS-75 GT limited edition models were introduced in 1981

1986 - present

Models below LS-92 are no longer made in Japan.
ALS prefix models are made in China (ALS-47, ALS-48, ALS-53 etc)
current MIJ models:
LS-92: plain top, 2 piece back, long tenon, poly finish
LS-98: veneer flame top, 2 piece back, long tenon, poly finish
LS-140 F:veneer flame top, 2 piece back, long tenon, lacquer
LS-160: plain top, 1 piece back, long tenon, US electrics, lacquer
LS-165 S: GT, P-90s, 1 piece back, long tenon, US electrics, lacquer
LS-260: solid flame top, 1 piece back, long tenon, US electrics, lacquer
LS-420: LS-260 specs but with Brazilian fret board, higher grade flame top
LS-540: LS-420 specs with Brazilian back + premium flame top

LC-98: Wine red + BB finish, 2 piece back, long tenon, poly
LC-195 S:BB,ebony fretboard, 1 piece back, long tenon, US electrics, lacquer
LC-200:as above in Wine red finish

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

2010 and later Greco and Burny models often have a "5" last digit in the model number, with models below xx-85 usually made in China.


Thanks to : GammyBird, Ohjay, o0mobius0o, slapshot, tonebone + wulfman for their contributions to this FAQ thread.

 

[Ohjay]

I'm a bit too tired to do a proper write-up but there's several things wrong in the Aria section.

The Aria LS-800/1500 have veneers on top of solid maple caps. The 1500 does not have a nitro finish(doesn't react to acetone).
Can't remember right now if my 1500/1800 has a one-piece back, I'll check later.
You've omitted the LS-900/1000/1800, and the entire Custom segment(LC). There are also at least one LP DCj... oh and some of the early PE's are based on the LP(non prototype PE's)

 

[reborn old]

Thanks Ohjay, I will add all those models above + any specs you might have for them + any other Custom models you know of, as long as they have Les Paul shaped bodies (not angled at the neck) A proper writeup for any Aria models would be great. I think the PE line deviated from Les Paul body and headstock shapes too much to be included.

I'm a little confused about LS-1500 specs.
It would certainly make this the most expensive veneer top LP ever made, except possibly for a few Orville by Gibsons RI's, equipped with Gibson hardware.

The Aria LS-800/1500 have veneers on top of solid maple caps. The 1500 does not have a nitro finish(doesn't react to acetone).
Can't remember right now if my 1500/1800 has a one-piece back, I'll check later.
You've omitted the LS-900/1000/1800, and the entire Custom segment(LC). There are also at least one LP DCj... oh and some of the early PE's are based on the LP(non prototype PE's)

 

[wulfman]

Reborn, you can add the EGXX-1500 for the Greco Mint Collection, it has a solid flame top with open Zebra DRY82s.

 

[GammyBird]

Bacchus Classic BLP-STD-H
BODY: MAPLE(TOP)/MAHOGANY2P(BACK)
NECK: MAHOGANY
FINGERBOARD: ROSEWOOD
TUNING KEY: GOTOH/SD90-SL
PICKUPS: Bacchus/BHV-A5(F).BHH(R)
BRIDGE&TAIL PIECE:ABR-1 Type+GOTOH GE101Z
FINISH: TOP LAQUER

CTS Pots
PIO Caps
Switchcraft Jack

Pickup Specs:
BHV-A5 (Neck)
Magnet: Alnico 5
Wire: # 42 enameled
Number of turns: 5,300
Resistance: 8.5kΩ

BHH (Bridge)
Magnet Ferrite Wire: # 43 Polyurethane
Number of turns: 7200 inner bobbin, bobbin outer 7300
Resistance: 14.7kΩ



Bacchus BLP-CTM
BODY: MAHOGANY
NECK:MAHOGANY
FINGERBOARD:EBONY
TUNING KEY:GOTOH/SG301-04
PICKUPS:Bacchus/BHV-A5(F).BHH(R)
BRIDGE&TAIL PIECE:ABR-1 Type+GOTOH GE101Z
FINISH:TOP LAQUER

Classic Models that I know of....
"H" is one of the models in the Classic Series.

There is also:
BLP-STD-H - Humbucker(mentioned above)
BLP-STD-M - Mini Humbucker
BLP-STD-FM - Flamed Maple with 1 piece back
BLP-STD-S - P90 style pickup, also comes with Bigsby
BLP-SP - Special
BLP-CTM - Custom, comes with 3 pups as well(mentioned above)
BLP-SPDC - Special Double Cut

There is also a line of Strats and Tele's as well....

 

[reborn old]

Thanks guys !

Reborn, you can add the EGXX-1500 for the Greco Mint Collection, it has a solid flame top with open Zebra DRY82s.

I added EG-xx-1700 as well Wulfman, (both of which I never new existed, until you posted them on MLP. )
Was the EG-xx-1700 a late Mint Collection addition do you think ?
EG-xx-1700's appear to be late 1980's - 1990 models only, no idea what specs were other than solid top.

We definitely need 1982-1991 Greco MC catalogs for this forum.
They were everywhere a few years ago but internet sources have mysteriously all vanished
(other than Vintage Axe pay + play editions. )

Bacchus Classic BLP-STD-M

Bacchus BLP-CTM

Are there any model numbers associated with these Gammy ?
ie- is the 1st one the Classic BLP-STD-M-1200 ? ...600 ? or ?
I'm guessing the CTM is a Custom ?

Thanks.

 

[GammyBird]

Are there any model numbers associated with these Gammy ?
ie- is the 1st one the Classic BLP-STD-M-1200 ? ...600 ? or ?
I'm guessing the CTM is a Custom ?

Thanks.

Fixed for you Reborn. The Classic Series doesn't use the numbering system as Greco, Oville and the Burny's do/did.

 

[Ohjay]

Thanks Ohjay, I will add all those models above + any specs you might have for them + any other Custom models you know of, as long as they have Les Paul shaped bodies (not angled at the neck) A proper writeup for any Aria models would be great. I think the PE line deviated from Les Paul body and headstock shapes too much to be included.

I'm a little confused about LS-1500 specs.
It would certainly make this the most expensive veneer top LP ever made, except possibly for a few Orville by Gibsons RI's, equipped with Gibson hardware.

I've got specs for them all, but it's a very boring write-up to do again
We'll see, might be able to share something special with you ahead of time and you can do your own write-up.

As for the PE's, I'm talking about the early non-prototype ones from 1976-77. A few of those models are pure Gibson LP copies(Standard, DC Junior).

This is my 1500/1800, you be the judge if it's a veneer or not(click for bigger images):




The 1500/1800 are the only LS models I haven't got 100% accurate specs on, so I'm not exactly sure about the difference. Rumor tells me the only difference are pickups.

 

[freebird2]

Nice work Reborn. I give you a LOT of credit for putting together all that information. Are you planning to add the rare Greco Limited Edition model Les Pauls (1979-1980)?

 

[wulfman]

Thanks guys !

We definitely need 1982-1991 Greco MC catalogs for this forum.
They were everywhere a few years ago but internet sources have mysteriously all vanished
(other than Vintage Axe pay + play editions. )


Thanks.

The EG-1700 number was seen on a similar guitar from 1989. Mine is a 1990 model so I have no idea really. Could have been made for a shop, or a guitar show, or just made in small numbers to give to Kanda Shokai to pass out to dealers.

For 1982 MC, here is a PDF of 1982 specs I posted earlier this year.

 

[reborn old]

I've got specs for them all,
As for the PE's, I'm talking about the early non-prototype ones from 1976-77. A few of those models are pure Gibson LP copies(Standard, DC Junior).

They sound quite rare and could be easily confused with non conforming PE models by prospective new owners.
I'll have to think about these a bit more. Thanks.

Nice work Reborn. I give you a LOT of credit for putting together all that information.
Are you planning to add the rare Greco Limited Edition model Les Pauls (1979-1980)?

Thank you, it's the combined effort of many.
I'll post "special editions" to the Greco serial range thread, if I find more, or someone submits more to the few already posted.
The focus here is a general information FAQ thread geared more towards new owners and prospective owners.

The EG-1700 number was seen on a similar guitar from 1989. Mine is a 1990 model so I have no idea really. Could have been made for a shop, or a guitar show, or just made in small numbers to give to Kanda Shokai to pass out to dealers.

For 1982 MC, here is a PDF of 1982 specs I posted earlier this year.

That would make a lot of sense, they are the only two I have come across as well.
Thanks for the MC PDF specs, I missed them the first time around.

 

[slapshot]

RLG-90 FEB
RLC-60/65/70 2 pickups same thing for that price bump in the late 80's/early 90s
FLG-140 nitro ,1 piece back, solid plain top

at a guess you're keeping this to les pauls only?

 

[o0mobius0o]

FLC-100: 3 piece back, 2 piece center seem maple top, rosewood, FEB, volute, heavy.

 

[reborn old]

Thanks guys.

@slapshot: I couldn't find FLG-140s in catalogs, so perhaps it was a special order model similar to Udonitron's RLG ?

 

[slapshot]

FERNANDES CATALOG

 

[reborn old]

Thanks for the link slapshot,
Sure wish more MIJ companies hosted catalogs online like Fernandes does.

FLG model line has been updated..

 

[Hack]

Long overdue I say... Great job you got going too!

STICKY!

 

[slapshot]

the flg-90 was also in VOBS too

 

[reborn old]

Here is a first revision of the FAQ draft :

1-A Links section at the top, linking to the six "theory, photo + ID" threads for quick reference,
plus links to any other frequently accessed threads you would like to see included.
2- common FAQ questions + answers.
3- cross referenced a list of manufacturing plants that produced Les Pauls for these MIJ companies.
4-removed Ibanez and Aria brands. Aria is confusing to new buyers, specifications wise.

Please feel free to critique this FAQ draft mercilessly for omissions, errors or anything else that might confuse rather than assist noobs, because it will be more confusing posting revisions in subsequent posts.

I will list all contributors at the bottom of the FAQ.

Thanks.

Flame suit on...