How do you feel about Japanese Fenders?

[Sam Marshall]

Originally Posted by Premierbass

This is a usually a sign of a bass needing maintenance, not an original QC issue. Colorado is very dry, and protruding frets is common here. Get it fixed when its dry (typically the cold winter) and you likely won't have the problem again. Any competent luthier can do this for a nominal charge.

Dan

Great point! I figured perhaps a rubber hammer would do the job lol.

[michael_atw]

One word:


sex.

[Marton]

My MIJ P bass have the chunkiest neck I ever played.

[AmazingMumford]

Originally Posted by millsbass5

I would pit my 2 mid-80's Jazz Bass Specials against ANY Fender that I've ever played. 80's Japanese Fenders absolutely smoke. Highly underrated instruments.

Black 1987 MIJ Jazz Fretless (bought new). Love it.

[PSYCHOTIC]

many different model have their own neck profile
such as the geddy lee, steve harris, slim c, thick c, etc..
as with quality control I would go as far to say they are as good as MIA. but even MIA can have a few "lemons" roll out the factory.
I believe fret levelling and nut height problems can be found on many basses.

[lowphatbass]

I feel good about MIJ Fender basses. IMO, finding the "perfect" Fender may include some trial and error, we all have our preferences and there's a fair bit of variation. Once you zone-in on what you like you may have to run through a few basses before you find the right one(s).

[FronTowardEnemy]

Love MIJ Fenders. I have a MM IV and a 75 RI Jazz that I traded my MIA's for. I really like the 7.25" neck and the blocks and binding don't hurt either. I will always look to MIJ/CIJ Fenders above all else. They are the best bang for the buck.

[Sam Marshall]

These are all great! I used Mexican J and P basses on my next record (and a Carvin and Tung). I'll post a mix ASAP!

[paganjack]

I will get rid of my '85 MIJ P when I am dead. Best playing bass I have EVER played.

[Mojo-Man]

The early 80's ones are as good as anything ever made in the USA.

[bigscore1000]

Love the MIJ's

[steelbed45]

Originally Posted by Mojo-Man

The early 80's ones are as good as anything ever made in the USA.

My thoughts as well. I have a 1983 JV Fender P and when I see the Fullerton basses from the same time frame going for 3-4x what I paid, I just smile.
A guitarist buddy of mine told me back in 1989 that I couldn't go wrong with a Squier Japan bass or a Pre-Kramer Spector.
Both fine choices IMO.

[Calaverasgrande]

The CIJ and MIJ Fenders I have played have all been amazing or at the very least good. I have yet to see any of the fret problems mentioned. I am actually looking at getting a 75 or 66 reissue Jazz made by Fender Japan. Judging by the Japanese Fenders I have played I hold them in higher regard than USA Fender.

[Folmeister]

I adore my Japanese Fenders! I really love the quality and, especially, the variety of colors and options you cannot get from Fender USA.

[SoundAndFury]

Originally Posted by groooooove

i like them just as much as any USA fenders.

Yeah, at least as much, maybe a bit more.

[Davo-London]

If buying new, I would always by CIJ Fender.

DAvo

[PWRL]

I like 'em.

[Rumblestiltskin]

I have a fretless MIJ Jazz which I like very much. Having bought it second hand (very tidy) I have been trying to find out exactly what model it is. I'll get a pic tomorrow but it has no pick guard, it's gunmetal grey, and it has two P bass short squat pups at the neck and a long thin pup at the bridge end. from my limited searching it seems to be a special from around 1989.
Does this sound right?

Serial on the headstock...E904438

[MartinG1957]

Hi Serial number would seem to indicate that it came from the Fuji-gen plant between 1984-87 according to guitar dater project.

[MartinG1957]

...and I really like Japanese Fenders!

If I've done it right, pic of my Fenders attached...the Jazz is an MIM (which I also really love-prefer the neck of the Jazz) but the Precision is a 62 All Black CIJ in 2004..solid black all over, including the neck, jack socket on the side, no pick guard, gold logo ("Fender" only) strung with flats...only thing I changed is the addition of the black Warwick Strap Locks...nice beastie :-)