Are there any reputable dealers that can get Fender Japan Basses?

[WilsonCat]

Looking for a specific model from Fender Japan but not sure how I can go about importing it to USA. Any help would be appreciated.

[Bitterdale]

You could try: http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/eng/

[gadgetgirl]

Contact Grace at International sales:
intl@ishibashi.co.jp

[WilsonCat]

Thanks. Email sent!

[Robf]

Just wondering, what is the total cost for buying a MIJ Fender? I would love to get something other than a MIM or MIA new but if the pricing is more than a MIA, I would just get it locally.

[Musicphan]

WilsonCat... I bought my Zoom B3 from them prior to US release... smooth transaction.

[hdracer]

Originally Posted by Robf

Just wondering, what is the total cost for buying a MIJ Fender? I would love to get something other than a MIM or MIA new but if the pricing is more than a MIA, I would just get it locally.

They come in about the same price as a American Standard.

You don't buy them to save money, you buy them to get a bass that you want.

[Bongolation]

Originally Posted by Robf

Just wondering, what is the total cost for buying a MIJ Fender? I would love to get something other than a MIM or MIA new but if the pricing is more than a MIA, I would just get it locally.

I'm confused by that last sentence, but you can't buy a new domestic market FJ in the US, nor can Ishibashi sell you one as new. They can sell you a "used" one -- according to my most recent info, which may have changed. The last shipping charge I heard of was around $130.

The more expensive domestic market FJ models are the best-made production Fenders, but FMIC (which doesn't control FJ) does not import them. My understanding is that all FJ production is currently done by Dyna, and Tokai -- which used to do the higher-end models -- is out of the picture.

Anyone with newer info, please share.

[Robf]

Originally Posted by Bongolation

I'm confused by that last sentence, but you can't buy a new domestic market FJ in the US, nor can Ishibashi sell you one as new. They can sell you a "used" one -- according to my most recent info, which may have changed. The last shipping charge I heard of was around $130.

The more expensive domestic market FJ models are the best-made production Fenders, but FMIC (which doesn't control FJ) does not import them. My understanding is that all FJ production is currently done by Dyna, and Tokai -- which used to do the higher-end models -- is out of the picture.

Anyone with newer info, please share.

I wrote the reply slightly confusing. I meant to say if a MIJ Fender costs more than a MIA Fender, and the quality is the same, I rather spend the money on a bass I could hold and not have much customs/shipping problems.

But from what I read and heard, Fender Japan offers slightly different options that was is available in the US market, so you're paying for the options rather than getting a quality bass for cheaper price.

[WilsonCat]

Thanks for the info, I've been talking to Grace and she is locating the bass that I wanted. I will let you know how it works out.

[WilsonCat]

Well, I got the bass on my birthday from Ishibashi. A great buying experience all around, thanks to Grace.

Here are the pictures (not so good pictures from a cell phone) of my new Fender Japan JB62PJ/BD/MH in Transparent Blue:









Love it! Thanks again to those who recommended them.

[BawanaRik]

There's a guy on the bay who seems to be connected to the Land of the Raising Sun.

[Malak the Mad]

drool…drool…drool...yum...yum...drool…drool...

[j.kernodle]

that is absolutely beautiful! congrats and happy belated birthday!

[verycoolname]

That's a beautiful bass!

[johnson79]

Holy guacamole! That thing is killer. I'd love to get an aerodyne, in white with a pick guard from Japan. Those look so nice. Was Grace able to get you a brand new bass shipped to the states? If so, what was the cost, if you don't mind saying.

[gadgetgirl]

Congrats on the new bass!

[DiabolusInMusic]

Nice. Love the matching head stock.