I wanted to preserve this article. I think about it often and specifically how Japanese mfrs were making Les Pauls based on photos, and how over time the designs improved as they got access to real 59 Les Pauls.
https://www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br/en/history-of-greco/
https://www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br/en/history-of-greco/