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ITEM DESCRIPTION
A beautiful same-date pair of vintage 1975 Greco U-2000 humbuckers, manufactured in Japan by Nisshin Onpa / Maxon. Both pickups retain their original chrome-plated covers, braided single-conductor leads, and matching 15521 ink date stamps.
The covers have never been opened or removed. Their original cover-to-baseplate solder joints remain intact, preserving the pickups as found. Both pickups are fully functional and produce stable DC resistance and inductance readings.
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Both baseplates carry the same five-character 15521 ink stamp. Under the documented five-digit dating system used on period Nisshin Onpa / Maxon pickups, the stamp is read as follows:
| Character(s) | Meaning | This pair |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Production-line code | Line 1 |
| 5 | Final digit of production year | 1975 |
| 5 | Production month | May |
| 21 | Day of the month | 21st |
Accordingly, both stamps indicate May 21, 1975. The matching date codes make this an especially attractive same-date vintage pair. The first digit is a production-line identifier and should not be interpreted as the pickup model number.
Both pickups were tested with a DER EE DE-5000 LCR meter and produced stable, healthy readings. DC resistance was recorded at the temperatures shown below. Inductance and Q were measured in series mode at 100 Hz.
| Measurement | Neck | Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Ink stamp | 15521 | 15521 |
| DC resistance | 8.232 kΩ at 24.3°C (75.7°F) | 7.946 kΩ at 25.7°C (78.3°F) |
| Inductance | 4.149 H at 100 Hz | 4.116 H at 100 Hz |
| Q | 0.314 at 100 Hz | 0.323 at 100 Hz |
| Lead length | Approx. 27 cm (10.6 in) | Approx. 14.5 cm (5.7 in) |
The two pickups are electrically well matched. Their measured inductance differs by only 0.033 H, while the DC resistance difference is 0.286 kΩ. The bridge pickup has the lower DC resistance, but its inductance remains extremely close to that of the neck pickup. This is a useful reminder that DC resistance alone does not fully describe a pickup's electrical behavior or predict its sound in a particular guitar.
Lead length was measured from the point where the braided lead exits the baseplate to the end of the braided portion. The neck lead measures approximately 27 cm (10.6 in).
IMPORTANT — SHORT BRIDGE LEAD:
The bridge lead measures only approximately 14.5 cm (5.7 in) and should be regarded as short.
Please check the pickup-cavity routing, control-cavity location, and required wiring distance in your guitar before purchasing.
Depending on the instrument, professional lead extension may be necessary.
The original chrome-plated covers have developed a particularly attractive natural patina. They show the fine scratches, oxidation, small marks, plating wear, and softly mottled surface expected from genuine vintage use. The aged finish gives the pair considerable visual character without appearing artificially reliced.
Reflections from the lighting and surrounding fabric make the two covers appear to have somewhat different tones or textures in certain photographs. In person, however, there is no unnatural visible difference between the two finishes; they present as a coherent, naturally aged pair.
Both covers remain unopened, and the original cover-retaining solder joints are still intact. The pickups were tested externally without removing the covers or disturbing the internal construction. This preserves an important element of originality for collectors as well as players seeking an untouched period pair.
Good vintage used condition and fully working. Both pickups produce stable DC resistance, inductance, and Q readings. The covers have never been opened, and their original retaining solder joints remain intact.
The chrome-plated covers, pole screws, baseplates, braided leads, mounting screws, and springs show normal age-related wear, including scratches, oxidation, discoloration, small marks, and natural patina. No repairs or modifications are evident from the exterior.
Please note again that the bridge lead is short at approximately 14.5 cm (5.7 in). Please review every photograph and all measurements carefully, as the photographs form an important part of the description.
This item is not drop-shipped. I personally own, inspect, photograph, and ship all gear. What you see is exactly what you get, with no stock images and no third-party handling.
I have been an eBay member since 2004 and have over 30 years of experience with vintage guitars and parts.
To the USA: Shipped via EMS with full tracking. This item will be sent with applicable import duties prepaid by the seller (DDP). In short, the tariff is already covered, so there should be no surprise duty bill on delivery. Please note that state sales tax collected by eBay, or a small customs-clearance or handling fee charged by the carrier, may still apply in some cases. These minor charges are outside of my control.
To all other countries: Free worldwide shipping via Japan Post Economy Airmail with tracking. Import VAT, duties, brokerage fees, or other customs-related charges may be imposed by the destination country. These charges and compliance with local import regulations are the buyer's responsibility unless collected at checkout.
Tip: If you have a broker or special shipping instructions, please message me before purchase and I will be happy to coordinate.
Returns are accepted within 30 days. The buyer is responsible for return shipping. The pickups and all included hardware must be returned in the same condition as sent, without installation damage, lead cutting or extension, disassembly, or modification. Please review the photographs, measurements, and short bridge-lead notice carefully before purchasing.
California Proposition 65 Warning: This vintage electronic item may contain materials including lead and nickel known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Handle with care and wash hands after handling.
A same-date pair of 1975 Greco U-2000 humbuckers made by Nisshin Onpa / Maxon, with matching 15521 ink stamps, unopened chrome covers, beautiful natural patina, and original mounting hardware. Fully working and individually measured for DC resistance, inductance, Q, temperature, and lead length. Please note the short 14.5 cm (5.7 in) bridge lead.
Model names and manufacturer names are used solely for identification and historical description. This listing is not affiliated with Greco, Kanda Shokai, Nisshin Onpa, Maxon, or any related company. The production date is interpreted from the observable 15521 ink stamps using the documented period five-digit date-code system. Electrical readings may vary slightly with temperature, test frequency, meter calibration, and measurement method. DC resistance and inductance are comparative measurements and do not by themselves completely predict sound or output in a particular guitar.