For Sale: 1977 Greco EX800 Explorer – Vintage Natural | FujiGen Japan | Original HSC

Up for sale is a 1977 Greco EX800 Explorer in Vintage Natural, complete with its original hard-shell case.

The EX800 is a rare and highly desirable late-’70s Japanese Explorer-style guitar from Greco’s celebrated vintage era. Built in Japan by FujiGen, these guitars came from the same period of Japanese manufacturing that produced some of the most respected vintage Greco and Ibanez instruments.

Closely related to the legendary Ibanez Destroyer design of the era, the EX800 combines classic Explorer styling with quality Japanese construction, a slim-playing neck, rosewood fingerboard, long neck tenon, and vintage Maxon humbuckers.

This particular example has been played and shows plenty of honest wear, with scratches, dings, and extensive finish checking that give it an absolutely killer vintage appearance.

Condition

Very Good Vintage Condition

This guitar has been played and shows honest cosmetic wear throughout, including:

• Scratches throughout
• A fair amount of dings throughout the body
• Extensive finish checking
• General cosmetic wear consistent with a nearly 50-year-old instrument
• Natural aging throughout the finish and hardware

The finish checking is especially prominent and gives the guitar a fantastic naturally aged appearance that simply cannot be duplicated by an artificial relic job.

Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

The guitar has been professionally inspected and set up and is ready to play.

The original hard-shell case is included. The case shows some cosmetic wear from age and use but remains fully functional and works great.

Specifications

• Model: Greco EX800 Explorer
• Year: 1977
• Made in Japan
• Factory: FujiGen
• Serial Number: JT76118
• Finish: Vintage Natural
• Neck: Maple
• Neck Profile: Slim C
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Radius: Approximately 12"
• Nut Width: 1.75"
• Neck Depth: .82" at the 1st Fret
• Neck Depth: .89" at the 12th Fret
• Construction: Set Neck / Long Neck Tenon
• Pickups: Vintage Maxon Humbuckers
• Controls: 2 Volume, 1 Tone
• Switching: 3-Way Toggle
• Hardware: Chrome / Nickel
• Weight: 7 lbs 8 oz
• Case: Original Hard-Shell Case

Vintage FujiGen Construction

A major part of the appeal of the EX800 is where and when it was built.

During the 1970s, FujiGen produced some of Japan’s most celebrated electric guitars, and instruments from this period have developed a strong following among players and collectors.

The EX800 came from the era when Japanese manufacturers were producing remarkably detailed interpretations of classic American guitar designs. Fit, construction, and playability improved dramatically throughout the decade, eventually producing instruments that could stand on their own rather than simply being viewed as alternatives to their American counterparts.

The EX800 is a perfect example of that period.

Its Explorer-style design is closely associated with the famous Japanese Destroyer-style guitars of the late ’70s, making these increasingly interesting pieces of Japanese guitar history.

Maxon Humbuckers

Another highlight of these vintage Greco guitars is their Japanese-made Maxon humbuckers.

Maxon manufactured many of the pickups found in higher-quality Japanese guitars during this era, and vintage examples have developed a strong reputation of their own.

They deliver the warm, open character expected from a vintage-style humbucker, with plenty of midrange punch and clarity. Clean tones have definition and warmth, while pushing an amp brings out the aggressive classic-rock character that suits an Explorer-style guitar perfectly.

Combined with the guitar’s vintage construction, they give this EX800 plenty of old-school personality.

Tone & Feel

This guitar has a great combination of vintage feel and surprisingly comfortable playability.

The neck is relatively slim, measuring .82" at the 1st fret and .89" at the 12th fret, giving it a fast feel that is very different from some of the larger ’50s-inspired neck profiles found on other vintage-style guitars.

The 1.75" nut width provides plenty of room across the fingerboard, while the rosewood board gives the guitar a smooth, familiar feel.

At only 7 lbs 8 oz, this is also a remarkably comfortable Explorer-style guitar. It has the visual presence and oversized body shape these guitars are famous for without being excessively heavy.

Plugged in, it has the woody, open response and vintage humbucker character that makes these old Japanese guitars so much fun to play.

Vintage Natural Finish & Patina

One of the coolest things about this guitar is its appearance.

The Vintage Natural finish has aged beautifully, and the extensive finish checking, scratches, dings, and other signs of use give the guitar unmistakable vintage character.

This isn't a modern relic treatment. Every mark, ding, and finish check was earned naturally over nearly five decades.

If you like vintage guitars that actually look their age rather than instruments that have spent their entire lives under a bed, this EX800 has exactly the right vibe.

Original Hard-Shell Case

The guitar comes with its original hard-shell case, which is a great addition to a vintage instrument like this.

The case shows some exterior wear from age and use but remains fully functional and works great.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the exact instrument—no stock photos.

At the end of the photo set, you’ll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to clearly show the scratches, dings, extensive finish checking, case wear, and other cosmetic imperfections.

We don’t just describe the condition—we show it in detail so there are no surprises.

Many customers tell us their instruments arrive in better condition than expected.

Why Buy From Guitar Chimp?

With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide for high-quality, player-ready instruments.

Every guitar is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier.

We have safely shipped thousands of guitars and basses around the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation.

Buy with confidence knowing your instrument will arrive safely and exactly as described.

📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013

💬 Message anytime—we’re always happy to help!

This 1977 Greco EX800 Explorer in Vintage Natural is a killer piece of Japanese guitar history. With its FujiGen construction, vintage Maxon humbuckers, long neck tenon, rosewood fingerboard, lightweight 7 lb 8 oz build, naturally aged finish, and original hard-shell case, it has all the character you want from a nearly 50-year-old Japanese guitar.

The scratches, dings, and extensive finish checking only add to the vintage vibe. Professionally set up and ready for its next owner.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp

Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006