What happened to Fender's Japanese production?!?

[Pbass4003]

I knew from reading the forums the Geddy and Marcus models went over to Mexico earlier this year... but did Fender cease ALL Japanese production? The Classic Series basses (50s, 70s) are now made in MX as well. When did this happen? http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PBass70MOWT/

This topic hits close to home because I have a very (personally) special P Bass. It's a MIJ 70s P that I bought new last year. It is perfect in every way and achieves the lowest, buzz-free action that I have ever had on any bass, ever. I also happen to love the polarizing JP high-gloss neck finish, which makes it feel very Ric-like IMHO. This isn't a MX vs JP quality argument thread, rather a bewildered fan of CIJ/MIJ Fenders.

My MIJ P is my favorite gigging bass and it's insured. I'm wondering if it's now "irreplaceable." I can still get the same model, but I have my doubts I could ever get the same bass again unless I find another used... but there was only 1 year of MIJ models! I guess I gotta start taking better care of her... I wonder if the value went up (it sure did to me!).

[johnson79]

On another thread someone mentioned the tsunami. Not sure if that's accurate or not.

[fisticuffs]

Nothing happened. They are still making as many guitars as ever. They just end up as expensive as the American made product so Fender is bringing fewer of them here and switching some models to Mexico.

[Immigrant]

Originally Posted by fisticuffs

Nothing happened. They are still making as many guitars as ever. They just end up as expensive as the American made product so Fender is bringing fewer of them here and switching some models to Mexico.

Partly true. The Geddy Lee jumped in price the last two years they were produced in Japan and now they're less. Regular price at most online outlets and GC had gone up to $999 and now it's $899, $799 at some places.

Japan suffered power shortages after the Tsunami and that lead to a temporary slowdown, but things in Japan aren't normal and won't be for years. And years.

MIM quality has also improved IMO. The MIJ Geddy I once owned had flaws, so it can happen anywhere anyway.

[Marley's Ghost]

There was an export restriction at one time. There still is no way I know of to buy MIJ locally . FWIH you nned to order directly from Japan and the prices = MIA.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using TalkBass.com

[Catbuster]

Is the Aerodyne now MIM?

It's still on Fender's site, and I don't think the production ogt shipped to Ensenada.
http://www.fender.com/products/aerodyne-jazz-bass

[mexicant]

For the same reason that toyota and honda produce cars in the usa, unfavorable currency rates. It just costs to much to make them in japan anymore.

[PazzoBasso]

I bought a classic 70's jazz as soon as they were released (maybe 4 years ago? or 5?)... it was MIM... I think they were always MIM's

[PluckyThump]

FWIW I have a 70s P that is MIM and it's excellent.

[DiabolusInMusic]

Originally Posted by Immigrant

Partly true. The Geddy Lee jumped in price the last two years they were produced in Japan and now they're less. Regular price at most online outlets and GC had gone up to $999 and now it's $899, $799 at some places.

Japan suffered power shortages after the Tsunami and that lead to a temporary slowdown, but things in Japan aren't normal and won't be for years. And years.

MIM quality has also improved IMO. The MIJ Geddy I once owned had flaws, so it can happen anywhere anyway.

This.

[ksandvik]

With this pace MIA Fenders will also become affordable!

[JTE]

I bought my Classic Series Strat, which was made in Mexico, in 2001 or 2002. The Classic '60s Jazz Bass had always been produced in Mexico.

John

[Baird6869]

Originally Posted by mexicant

For the same reason that toyota and honda produce cars in the usa, unfavorable currency rates. It just costs to much to make them in japan anymore.

+1.

Happens all the time.

GM manufacturers Camaro cars 15 minutes from my house in Canada... It was just announced that production is shifting to Michigan.

The Canadian $ being higher than the US $ is part of the reason for sure.

[Winfred]

The same every corporation does anything: $$$.

[Pbass4003]

Okay, that all makes sense. Too bad for JP.

Any speculation over an increase in value for MIJ/CIJ instruments?

[ggvicviper]

Sting P is still MIJ I think.

I dunno about an increase in value. Many of the older MIJ Fenders aren't so expensive used.

[Jaco D]

This makes me wonder: if new MIJs are getting to be expensive stateside, would they still be affordable to the local Japanese market? If not, are there enough bass aficionados in Japan to support the manufacture of MIJs for local consumption?

[gleneg61]

Fender Japan is business as usual. I live here so I always get the local catalog & apart from ceasing a few lefties, they've added medium & short scale Ps & Js to the local mix. Here you go: http://www.fenderjapan.co.jp/products.html

[leegreenman]

It's about $$$$. Production in Japan is just as expensive as in the US. On the plus side, Mexican stuff seems to be getting more consistent quality wise. My recent MIM P is top notch.

[pinz]

Originally Posted by Pbass4003

This topic hits close to home because I have a very (personally) special P Bass. It's a MIJ 70s P that I bought new last year. It is perfect in every way and achieves the lowest, buzz-free action that I have ever had on any bass, ever.

I have the same model P Bass and you are so correct !!!
I tried 2 versions in store,MIM P and a MIJ P 70s, both sunburst/maple neck,both sounded great but left with the MIJ,those vintage frets and just superb feeling neck won hands down even though it was $300 extra.
I also own an old MIM Jazz that I used for almost a decade of gigging,awesome bass,but the P bass gets all the work these days.