Fender Japan? What's That About?

[ChrisN]

I'm not currently in the market, but I'm curious about MIJ Fender - can anyone point me to a site or document that talks about what's happening there? I know MIJ Fenders have been around for a long time, but not why. I know they offer different models than USA fender, but don't know why. Don't go to any trouble, but I'm curious. Thanks

[Steel and wood]

My understanding (without the help of Google) is that Fender had/has their own factory in Japan to cater solely for the Japanese market.

Quality instruments is my understanding also.

[Dru Edwards]

There was a period of about 1 year in the mid-80s where most, if not all, made in America Fenders became made in Japan. It was when CBS sold the company.

Fender also makes guitars in Japan for that market.

[1neeto]

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

There was a period of about 1 year in the mid-80s where most, if not all, made in America Fenders became made in Japan. It was when CBS sold the company.



Fender also makes guitars in Japan for that market.

You really can’t go wrong with a MIJ guitar. Those 80’s MIJ Fenders are collector items for some.

[ChrisN]

Originally Posted by Steel and wood

My understanding (without the help of Google) is that Fender had/has their own factory in Japan to cater solely for the Japanese market.

Quality instruments is my understanding also.

But it seems they'll ship them here for the right price, at least that's the way it looks on ebay these days. I wonder if Fender has any prohibition against their Japan part poaching US customers.

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

There was a period of about 1 year in the mid-80s where most, if not all, made in America Fenders became made in Japan. It was when CBS sold the company.

Fender also makes guitars in Japan for that market.

Maybe I'm combining both events - I see some of the old ones come up for sale, and I see what appear to be new ones that are different from those offered in the US.

Originally Posted by 1neeto

You really can’t go wrong with a MIJ guitar. Those 80’s MIJ Fenders are collector items for some.

I've heard that, too.

[The Growler]

Even more currently than 80s, Fender US has sold some of the MIJ models here. The Jaguar bass I have was sold here just a few years ago. Discontinued for a couple years and is now back as an MIA model ( for significantly more $).

They're not all "gray market".

[muscmp]

google is your friend. here is fender japan. basically in the 80s until they could set up in the us again. considered very well made guitars.

http://www.stratconnection.com/historyoffenderjapan.htm

[PTony]

I have an 87 E series. QUALITY guitars. Rivaling many USA makes I’ve owned. I’ll never part with mine. The 80’s Japanese Strats are an excellent value imo.Below is further info regarding Fender Japan production.

http://www.music-trade.co.jp/Fenderjapanserial.html

[pieterh]

Some of the manufacturing was done for the western market too: the Geddy Lee Jazz was first made in Japan and production was moved to Mexico as recently as 2012 if I remember correctly. Mine is a Japanese from 2009 and is one of the best Fenders I’ve played.

Almost all Japanese made Fenders that I have tried have been excellent quality.

[1neeto]

Originally Posted by pieterh

Some of the manufacturing was done for the western market too: the Geddy Lee Jazz was first made in Japan and production was moved to Mexico as recently as 2012 if I remember correctly. Mine is a Japanese from 2009 and is one of the best Fenders I’ve played.

Almost all Japanese made Fenders that I have tried have been excellent quality.

Not just Fender, but also Ibanez. I have a 1985 MIJ Ibanez and it’s a great guitar. 30+ years old and all the electronics work perfect. The only blemishes are aesthetic because whoever owned this guitar before me really played it. I wish it could tell me stories, it must be full of them! Also not to mention lawsuit era Ibanez Les Paul models. They were beating Gibson at their own guitar for a fraction of the price. Some collectors pay good money for those.

[pieterh]

Originally Posted by 1neeto

Not just Fender, but also Ibanez. I have a 1985 MIJ Ibanez and it’s a great guitar. 30+ years old and all the electronics work perfect. The only blemishes are aesthetic because whoever owned this guitar before me really played it. I wish it could tell me stories, it must be full of them! Also not to mention lawsuit era Ibanez Les Paul models. They were beating Gibson at their own guitar for a fraction of the price. Some collectors pay good money for those.

I have an Ibanez Musician fretless, CiJ, from the late 80s. Fantastic bass.

[ChrisN]

Interesting stuff. I know it's possible to get a double-bound tele from Japan that's not offered here, so I'll keep an eye out for one of those.

[Steely Glen]

Originally Posted by ChrisN

Interesting stuff. I know it's possible to get a double-bound tele from Japan that's not offered here, so I'll keep an eye out for one of those.

I have an 07 MIJ 62 Reissue Custom Telecaster that I'm considering selling. Factory Bigsby, Lollar pickups, RS Guitarworks electronics, G&G Tweed hardshell case. It's a beast. PM me if you're interested.

[perttime]

Originally Posted by pieterh

I have an Ibanez Musician fretless, CiJ, from the late 80s. Fantastic bass.

Ibanez Musician series bass? Can you post a picture?

Love my MC150 guitar from 1982.

[pieterh]

Originally Posted by perttime

Ibanez Musician series bass? Can you post a picture?



Love my MC150 guitar from 1982.

I’ll try. Here is a link to the Photobucket page, don’t have the photo-sharing facility any more...

http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/...erh/mybass.jpg