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The only issue might be customs due to CITES (rosewood/ebony) in particular could be the issue. But if the guitar is not too expensive, or you're feeling courageous it could be worth a try.
If not have a look at my sales as I'm selling a Greco, somes Crews and will be adding a couple of Navigators as well.
I yen to go there one day so enjoy it
The pound ain't worth a shit right now, so the glory days of super cheap purchases are over, but theres loads of decent choices. The biggest BIGGEST pain in the arse was flying back - my les paul was left sitting in the middle of the floor in Heathrow once, between some carousels, with dozens and dozens of people just walking past it. I've not flown back with one since.
If you can, go to Komehyo Guitars if theres one in the city (Nagoya 100% has one - its in Osu) - big second hand stores with all the colours of the rainbow for sale. I love it in there.
If staying in Tokyo, Ochanomizu is the #1 destination you should hit.
I've also mulled over the possibility of buying a Fender, then taking the neck off and bunging it my suitcase in pieces lol. The wife shot that idea down in flames.
That said, worth checking out Ochanamizou. I also thought Nico Nico guitars (near Shibuya if I remember correctly) was amazing - with a more interesting selection than many of the places in Ochanamizou. They also gave me a nice t shirt when I bought a guitar there.
1980 Tokai LS-80
For example a £500 Guitar you bring in will be £615.00
if you have it shipped then it’s the total value including shipping.
So £500 & £110 delivery will be £750.30
You may have a currency conversion charge of £12-15 added on by your bank as well.
If you aren't here for all that long, though, the best advice has to just be: go to Tokyo and walk down Ochanomizu. Probably the highest density of guitar shops in the world. When I was back in London last year and went to Denmark St for old times' sake, I wept at how crap it was in comparison.
Oh, and even though the Japanese generally don't haggle, if you're after a second-hand one from Ochanomizu, I'd definitely have a go.
Kitsune's wife notwithstanding, taking apart a bolt-on neck guitar and putting it in your suitcase is definitely doable. I did it myself when I 'accidentally' ended up with a guitar on a trip to Australia.
Who would you inform about the "crappy old beater" you are taking out and ditto when you return?
Unless you have the original receipt to show you bought aforesaid guitar in Britain previously it wouldn't really work would it?
IME experience it is just not worth personally importing run of the mill guitars into the country as it is doubtful you would end up financially better off in the end.
Something rare or unusual is a different kettle of fish.
Same with coming back into Europe.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com