PGM (Professional Guitar Manufacturer) Guitars

For as uncreative as they were coming up with their parent company name, they sure made up for it with two excellent daughter
brands in addition to making some of the most amazing Fender replica and custom one-off guitars ever to come out of Japan…

VanZandt Series
These guitars are made by PGM with no affiliation with Van Zandt pickups, with the exception that these guitars are equipped
with Van Zandt pickups. I infer that is the reason for the name on the headstock.

VanZandt makes arguably the nicest Fender copies in all of Japan. They use a very thin all-nitrocellulose finish that no other
company uses. They are masters of custom finishes, as each guitar they make just radiates mojo. VanZandt, under PGM,
makes only Fender replicas and offer Stratocasters (STV series), Telecasters (TLV series), Precision Basses (PBV series)
and Jazz Basses (JBV series). They feature 3 different neck types, indicated in the model number, for example, as STV-R1,
STV-R2 or STV-R3). All models share the same unbelievably-gorgeous finishes, either in thin lacquer, or in thick lacquer.
The thin lacquer finishes are more popular and prettier, and so are a little more prevalent in the market, if you can find a
place that even has one.

I have had all of the most high-end vintage Fender clones out there, American and Japanese alike, and these VanZandt guitars
have, by far, the most vintage vibe of them all. These are made for professional guitarists and are priced accordingly. These
guitars are the definition of functional art as far as guitars are concerned. No expense was spared in making these and you
certainly get what you pay for with these guitars. Please take the time to check out the following links,
as they are very interesting and informative concerning the history and making of these fine instruments...

VanZandt Guitar Prices Provided by Real Standard Music

Interview (in English) with Mr. Yoshida of PGM, About the Taurus Corporation's VanZandt Guitars

Taurus Corporation VanZandt Guitar Home Page

PGM Guitars Home Page

Moon Series
PGM is the parent company of Moon guitars, as mentioned. They are among the most highly-regarded guitars made in Japan.
Moon is most famous for its "JJ" series bass guitars, which are known worldwide for their craftsmanship, aggressive styling and
authoritative tone. They also make identical Fender replicas for domestic sales only, and offer only a very limited number of
them. Moon Fender replicas usually feature Lindy Fralin vintage pickups and have the best craftsmanship you can get for the
money. Moon makes professional instrument for serious players seeking clarity of tone and balance. Please take the time to
check out the following links, as they are very interesting and informative concerning the history and making of these fine
instruments...

Moon Guitars Home Page

PGM Guitars Home Page