The higher the number, the greater the accuracy.
But, sure, 100 of each will suffice. Let us know the results of your findings once you tally the various inconsistencies of each…
.
Truth about Fender Japan
- Thread starter FiloStrat
- Start date
The higher the number, the greater the accuracy.
But, sure, 100 of each will suffice. Let us know the results of your findings once you tally the various inconsistencies of each…
.
BlackStrat7
Strat-Talk Member
There’s a turd in every batch. A lot comes down to how well the guitar is set up when first pick it up. That’s why I’ve never bought a guitar from guitar center. They can’t even take the time to make sure they’re in tune much less set to YOUR specs or even factory specs for that matter.
Intune
Most Honored Senior Member
This is also the same reason why I never take the “this vs that” threads seriously. It’s usually someone noodling a few different guitars unplugged at GC and then gives a review. Based off some poorly set up guitars.
Nick L Plate
Strat-O-Master
Fender Japan in the 80s was Fuji-Gen (FGN), right? I have a very great fondness for Japanese manufacturing and small-business production, and have owned and played a fair number of Japanese-Made guitars, including Fender and Orville (Gibson). I have no interest in unauthorized copy guitars, so I steer clear of all of those. IMO, the 80's stuff, produced when Fender ownership changed and the US production ceased while Fender reorganized production here, is excellent. But I wouldn't go crazy over it. I do not see superiority over MIM production except in the finish materials used, where the MIJ guitars just feel better than MIM. But otherwise, the MIJ guitars use fine woods, but to me there is nothing remarkable or special about them. I see them as pretty similar in quality to standard MIA Fenders, but not equal to the best production MIA. (And, of course, there's no contest with CS.) The neck wood on MIJs sold in the US is consistently bland and unexceptional. IMO, the 80s MIJ are gaining attention with good reason. They're approaching old, vintage-to-be status, for some years that are "it" in terms of Fenbder-branded guitars, and they're well-made. A good match for a MIJ is a strap from Singing Crane, a wonderful small Japanese company.
Flybydaybry
Strat-Talk Member
I'm no expert on Strat's and Tele's, having only come to them in the last few years after 30yrs full-time in the profession. Having said that, I had about £1000 to spend on one of each and for me it was a no-brainer. The Japanese Strats and Tele 're-ssues' form the mid 80's looked like the right investment and have a very good reputation from lots of people who've tried both US and MIJ. I went with MIJ for both (a TLC-62B and an ST54) and I'm not disappointed (to say the least) in either of them. I suppose I paid something like 'the going rate' for the TLC-62B (around £900) but I think I got a slightly better deal on the ST54 at £600. I think they'll both be worth more the longer I have them.
I always tell the wife it's better than putting the money in the bank...
I always tell the wife it's better than putting the money in the bank...
Yes they are, NOW, but back in the 60's/70's they were mostly kaka. I remember the first Honda I saw, looked like a rusted mutt and jeff car powered by a motorcycle engine, it was falling apart and it was only a year old.
All my Fenders, are MIJ Contemporaries, including my Tele.
They are called Contemporary...and trems are awesome..
HazyPurple
You've gotta get up!, to get down!
Yeah man, the Datsuns were rust buckets
BuddyHollywood
Senior Stratmaster
MIJ Fenders are not better or worse than MIA or MIM. Like every Fender model there will be some exceptional guitars and others that are just really good.
My first good electric guitar was a Fender MIJ E Series Stratocaster in Olympic White with the big ole tremolo. I bought it used around 1994 from some guy walking down the street with it who was walking away from a music store that wouldn't give him even $100 for it as a trade in. It was built well, it had a solid, professional feel, the body didn't resonate very much, the pickups sounded like Strat pickups and I think the neck was thinner than a Squier Classic Vibe. I added a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge. It was my only guitar for about 10 years. It did the job but I don't miss it. The thin neck made my hand cramp and the dead body was also too heavy. I sold it to help fund a MIJ Gretsch Duo Jet. I have since built a partscaster Strat using a MIM body and a Mighty Mite neck that I feel is a better guitar than the E Series Strat was.
My first bass guitar is also a Fender MIJ E Series Precision also in Olympic White. I bought this in a pawn shop in Beverly Hills, CA around 1997 I think. My fretting hand holds a bass neck differently than a guitar neck so the thinner neck on the bass seems to work in its favor. I'm guessing the body is also basswood but on the bass it sounds great. I've used it on every recording and for every gig I've ever played bass on. I'm keeping this one.
My first good electric guitar was a Fender MIJ E Series Stratocaster in Olympic White with the big ole tremolo. I bought it used around 1994 from some guy walking down the street with it who was walking away from a music store that wouldn't give him even $100 for it as a trade in. It was built well, it had a solid, professional feel, the body didn't resonate very much, the pickups sounded like Strat pickups and I think the neck was thinner than a Squier Classic Vibe. I added a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge. It was my only guitar for about 10 years. It did the job but I don't miss it. The thin neck made my hand cramp and the dead body was also too heavy. I sold it to help fund a MIJ Gretsch Duo Jet. I have since built a partscaster Strat using a MIM body and a Mighty Mite neck that I feel is a better guitar than the E Series Strat was.
My first bass guitar is also a Fender MIJ E Series Precision also in Olympic White. I bought this in a pawn shop in Beverly Hills, CA around 1997 I think. My fretting hand holds a bass neck differently than a guitar neck so the thinner neck on the bass seems to work in its favor. I'm guessing the body is also basswood but on the bass it sounds great. I've used it on every recording and for every gig I've ever played bass on. I'm keeping this one.
Not in the 80's though, they learned, and then ended up teaching the Americans a thing or two, in guitars, cars, and electronics. That's fact.
True, my Dad had one and you know what never quit? The drivetrain.
As you said, they vary. My 85 E serial Strat is the most resonate guitar I own. It's my number one. And I have American Strats and Gibsons, and many guitars have passed through my hands. It's the one I love to play the most.
Burn the Sky
Strat-Talker
I would have paid far more (3,000 US) for the guitar I paid 1200 for.
My Traditional is light as a feather. Made in Japan 2020.
Intune
Most Honored Senior Member
Yeah if I want something I’ll pay for it. Doesn’t essentially mean it’s worth more. To me it is if it’s something I really want. Still I think you paying $1200 and one did pop up exactly the same for $3000, I have a hard time believing you’d actually pay the $3000.
No affiliation but this site - whammyparts.com - has parts for Fender System 1, 2 and 3 trems and Kahler trems. This is what they are selling as the trem arm for the System 2/FreeFlyte/FreeFlyte Elite trems:
Fender System 2, Free Flight, Elite Arm
Fender System 2, Free Flight, Elite Arm System 2 - Japan This is the Fender Contemporary System 2, Free Flight and Elite tremolo arm.
Burn the Sky
Strat-Talker
That's not what I meant. If I'd never played the instrument I own and tried it out at, say, a guitar store, I'd have paid 3000 for it.
I can't help your disbelief, to each his own.
Intune
Most Honored Senior Member
I get what you meant. You paid a low price for a guitar you FEEL is worth way more then any high end USA fender. Sure you’d pay $3k for it. I got it. It’s worth more to YOU.
