PSA: 2003 Monaco Superpro (GC-Gakki in Japan) (Edit: Sold Out)

[WorstBandName]

TC-Gakki in Japan has 2003 Monaco Superpro listed for 180,000 Yen and 39,000 shipping to the US.  Assuming conversions are correct, that would be 1,217.72 and 263.84, give or take.  I'm not sure if that's a great price combined, or fees on top, but it looked like a nice one in the photos.  I know some of your folks are expeirneced with bring back US guitars from Japan so figured it was worth sharing in case.  I feel like I've read about bringing back USA made guitars to the states didn't require the same duties/fees if documented correctly, but that was a few years back.

https://tcgakki.com/en/products/monaco-super-pro

Edited August 9, 2025 by WorstBandName

[currypowder]

Don’t forget the possibility of paying an additional 15% import duties to the US. With fees, that’ that can add another couple hundred. 

[lang]

8 minutes ago, currypowder said:

Don’t forget the possibility of paying an additional 15% import duties to the US. With fees, that’ that can add another couple hundred. 

Hm, you have to pay duties on items that were originally made in the usa too?  I thought that only applied to items that weren't made in the USA?

 

[currypowder]

1 minute ago, lang said:

Hm, you have to pay duties on items that were originally made in the usa too?  I thought that only applied to items that weren't made in the USA?

 

You’re correct. However, you’ll need to work with the store to make sure they fill out the customs paperwork correctly. That doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get hit anyway. Then you’ll have to work with either customs or the acting customs agent (FedEx, DHL) to attempt to get the duty reversed. 

[stratacus]

This SuperPro is also available on eBay for $1885 + $95 shipping. Import duties would still need to be taken care of as noted above. 

[DarkHammer]

wow, that's a really good price for a Monaco! No tax / fees if someone gets it directly from the site.

Edited August 9, 2025 by DarkHammer

[Nan0brain]

Despite overwhelming temptation, I shouldn't be greedy. I don't see any of the itis?, and it's prettier than mine.. direct from the website for less than 1600 usd. Oh well. Great find! Totally worth the effort with a translator

[WorstBandName]

12 hours ago, stratacus said:

This SuperPro is also available on eBay for $1885 + $95 shipping. Import duties would still need to be taken care of as noted above. 

I originally saw it on eBay as well from one of the local broker/resellers who buys it and then ships it to you like them for the overhead price, usually 400-600 of more extra.  Since the photos had the watermark, it was pretty easy to find the direct source.  The eBay one would not be with the shop but more like a private sale, the way I understand it.  I've never used one to get a guitar before.

Edited August 9, 2025 by WorstBandName

[kizanski]

1 hour ago, Nan0brain said:

Despite overwhelming temptation, I shouldn't be greedy. I don't see any of the itis?, and it's prettier than mine.. direct from the website for less than 1600 usd. Oh well. Great find! Totally worth the effort with a translator

You have a SuperPro with Hameritis?

That's pretty much a late '90's thing.  

[Dave Scepter]

6 minutes ago, WorstBandName said:

I originally saw it on eBay as well from one of the local broker/resellers who buys it and then ships it to you like them for the overhead price, usually 400-600 of more extra.  Since the photos had the watermark, it was pretty easy to find the direct source.  The eBay one would not be with the shop but more like a private sale, the way I understand it.  I've never used one to get a guitar before.

There is a "make offer" option and that particular seller has a lot of Positive feedback that I would feel more comfortable buying from, especially with Ebay's "buyer protection"

[Nan0brain]

5 hours ago, kizanski said:

You have a SuperPro with Hameritis?

That's pretty much a late '90's thing.  

Yep.. neck joint, bass side. Very small.

[kizanski]

2 hours ago, Nan0brain said:

Yep.. neck joint, bass side. Very small.

What year is your SP?

 

[Nan0brain]

2008

Just a teensy bit

Edited August 9, 2025 by Nan0brain

[kizanski]

Just now, Nan0brain said:

2008

VERY strange.  Never bothered me, though.
And the SuperPro is probably my favorite post-vintage Hamer ever.

[Disturber]

16 hours ago, Nan0brain said:

2008

Just a teensy bit

Nothing that bothers.