Fender Japan is gone :(

[JonW]

Hey, not looking to start a war, so my apologies for sounding elitist or anything like that. Also, I read my original comment over again, thought it wasn't the nicest post ever, and got rid of it, because it indeed all comes down to personal preference. Again, sorry for looking snooty here, TB’ers.

Apologies are painfully rare in this day and age. Kudos!

Even when hostilities seemed to be on the verge of breaking out, peace prevailed.

Wouldn’t it be nice if the real world was like that?


OK, maybe discussion will move over the the others thread. (?) But tidbits related to Fender disappearing can stay here, I guess.

Cool! The Jazzmaster was the companion guitar to the Jazz Bass back in the day. They share a lot of the same design elements as I am sure you know.

Glad you liked the photos Jon. My 20 year old Olympus digital takes great photos when I can get the stupid thing to work!

I have those WD white Pearloids on my LPB 64 and Black American Deluxe too! You wouldn't think it would make such a big difference in the look of the guitar, but as you can see, it really does!

Quality wise... The MIJs are right there with the American made guitars that I own at least, and in the case of the SS, Fender USA has never made and likely never will make a bass like that, which is a pretty clueless move in my opinion.

The JB62-US I received was setup better than any of the American Fenders I have bought new, but not the perfect setup all four of the JB62SS guitars had out of the box. There must have been a very experienced person working that part of the line at the factory that made the SS guitars, since 4 for 4 is a pretty amazing track record as far as out of the box setups go.

And as far as these Mini Jazz Basses compare to the original size...

I was really surprised at how close the Mini Js sound to the full size versions. In fact, I actually like their tone profile on the low end a little better. The top end, classic J Bass growl is all there in spades, as is a nice long sustain! The latter being the most surprising considering the smaller size body.

I think this issue of nearly identical tonal quality demonstrates that the Jazz Bass pickups, (JB62SS guitars use full size version) is what really gives the Jazz Bass design the bulk its unique tonal personalities. Even though the body of the JB62SS is 85% of the mass of the original, that doesn't seem to have much impact on the actual sound coming out of the thing. I guess you could equate the fact that some of the early full size Js are lower mass after years of aging and still sound great when compared to the heavy Ash and Alder models from the 70s for example.

This revelation was definitely not what I was expecting the first time I plugged in the 3TS version into my 100t with all the tone control and volumes set for my full size Jazz Basses. I own a half dozen 30" scale basses from other brands, and expected the JB62SS to sound more like those, rather than sounding like a full size Jazz Bass.

P.S. And I totally agree that Lake Placid Blue is one of Fender's coolest colors! Especially if you have a matching headstock model!

Actually, I did not know that the Jazzmaster and Jazz bass were companions of sorts. It makes sense once you say it, though. Yeah. my LPB Jazzmaster has a matching headstock. It’s a looker as far as guitars go. Maybe I should shoot some photos of that when I have the camera out for the bass.

OK, nice to hear that you think the US and Japan basses are on par with each other, quality wise. You may have gotten lucky with those 4 SS’s. But no complaints, I’m sure.

Thanks for the views on the short scale sound. Yeah, maybe it’s the pickups. I would not have expected them to sound so close to full scales. I should get a short scale bass in my hands some day to see what they are like. Coming from 6 string guitars, I’m finding the long scale, thick strings, and miles of space between strings of a 34” bass to be a refreshing change. It’s easier to play, I guess. But by no means does “easier to play” at all equate to “easy to play well.” I have a lot to learn and a long way to go.

 

[GG7]

I think from a songwriting perspective, a short scale bass can be a real asset to have in your tool box. Since they are so much easier to cover the whole range of the neck, you do have the potential to come up with lines and riffs you may not have come up with on a full scale bass.

Personally, I have been doing a lot of writing on the JB62SS guitars. And I am coming up with some stuff I don't think I would have thought of playing that way on a longer scale bass.

At least when I try to pull off some of those lines/riffs on one of my regular basses, its a lot more work! And often a real stretch!

 

[GG7]

I would definitely like to see some photos of your Jazzmaster! If you check out the Wikipedia entry on the Fender Jazz Bass, there are references to the Jazzmaster in there.

 

[110s lover]

Carrying on with fender japan closing, would you say that this means they would have higher re sale value on some of the higher end models than say some of the higher end mexican made ones for example?

 

[steelbed45]

Carrying on with fender japan closing, would you say that this means they would have higher re sale value on some of the higher end models than say some of the higher end mexican made ones for example?

Time will tell. I owned a JV Fender Precision a long time ago and had to sell it to pay some medical bills. Didn't get much, either, since it wasn't a US Fullerton. I consider this a "2nd chance" purchase, if you will.
It's probably just me, but every time I get enthused about a Mexican Fender, when I see one at GC or a local store, I pick it up....and it's just like a brick. I'm sure that the plant in Mexico is fully capable of building a lightweight bass; I just have never encountered one yet.

By contrast, that JV Fender was 7.6 lbs.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I've been following this discussion happily for the most part. Even when hostilities seemed to be on the verge of breaking out, peace prevailed. Threads evolve naturally over time. So unless someone is discussing dinner plans, I'm cool with most posts that relate in some way to the common interests of the participants. In this case, the late, great Fender Japan and their excellent basses.

There is a Fender MIJ/CIJ thread but it sees very little action these days. Perhaps a new club is in order: "Fender Japan Fan Club" or something similar.

EXCELLENT IDEA! Who does one talk to around here to create a new club? There isn't one already?

I agree that a new club would be a good idea, especially in light of the soon to be "collectors" market many of their unique offerings are going to fall into now.

And as far as that "Hostile" element, I made a deliberate point to only give a disapproving glance at the comments, rather than give them any more attention than they deserved, which was basically none. Haters are going to hate, as the saying goes. Speaking as an owner of a decent number of MIJ guitars, the last thing Fender Japan guitars are is overrated.

Okie-dokie, I'll step up to the plate on this front! Instead of framing it as a club, I'm setting up as more of a Museum/Gallery for MIJ/CIJ instruments…basses, guitars and whatever.

Endangered Species: Fender Japan Instruments (Made/Crafted in Japan) | TalkBass.com

 

[Malak the Mad]

Mine shipped yesterday. THE RACE IS ON!!

Excellent! Isn’t it fun anticipating new toys?

You better believe it is! And the only thing better than "anticipation" is "satisfaction", which I am no short supply right now. It finally came this morning!! How 'bout yours? How far out is it?

However, to keep from diverting this discussion thread from it's original topic, I'll refrain from posting further pics here. Instead, I'll dish on the "Endanger Species" thread I started.

 

[R&B]

A limited edition CIJ Fender Duck Dunn should arrive today to take its place among the endangered in the Man Cave.

Still attempting to do business with Ishibashi, but the long silences are getting to me. They seem to have a limit of one email per day per customer. Yesterday, nothing at all despite having an active deal in progress. Trouble is, actually purchasing something requires several emails in succession and they're not playing. Meantime, the Fender Japan inventory continues to dwindle. Likely some will wind up on the Feebay. Maybe, as one TBer suggested, it just isn't meant to be.

On the bright side...incoming!!

 

[GG7]

A limited edition CIJ Fender Duck Dunn should arrive today to take its place among the endangered in the Man Cave.

Still attempting to do business with Ishibashi, but the long silences are getting to me. They seem to have a limit of one email per day per customer. Yesterday, nothing at all despite having an active deal in progress. Trouble is, actually purchasing something requires several emails in succession and they're not playing. Meantime, the Fender Japan inventory continues to dwindle. Likely some will wind up on the Feebay. Maybe, as one TBer suggested, it just isn't meant to be.

On the bright side...incoming!!

PM me your full name and email address and I will forward it to Johan. I talk to him pretty much every day lately about something. He sent me a question last night and I have yet to reply, so send me your info and I will add it to my reply and ask him to find your inquiries. Hopefully that will get you faster responses. But don't forget, they are basically on the opposite time zone from the states. Its just after 4AM "tomorrow morning" there right now.

P.S. CONGRATS on the Duck Dunn!

 

[JonW]

A limited edition CIJ Fender Duck Dunn should arrive today to take its place among the endangered in the Man Cave.

Still attempting to do business with Ishibashi, but the long silences are getting to me. They seem to have a limit of one email per day per customer. Yesterday, nothing at all despite having an active deal in progress. Trouble is, actually purchasing something requires several emails in succession and they're not playing. Meantime, the Fender Japan inventory continues to dwindle. Likely some will wind up on the Feebay. Maybe, as one TBer suggested, it just isn't meant to be.

On the bright side…incoming!!

Sorry about your frustration. For what it’s worth, my experience was consistent with yours in that things take a little time, given the time zone differences and all. But they are very upstanding people there and everything progressed very smoothly. It was 2 full weeks from my first email inquiry until the photo below. But I wasn’t concerned because I was ordering an off-the-shelf common model for which several examples exist. If you’re trying to get one, specific bass, I totally understand your being apprehensive.

That Duck Dunn should be a rare thing to have. I had to look up what it was. Cool!

GG7- That’s a very kind offer to R&B. See, people are nice here.

You better believe it is! And the only thing better than "anticipation" is "satisfaction", which I am no short supply right now. It finally came this morning!! How 'bout yours? How far out is it?

Congrats! So, how is it? I'll go check that other thread.

Mine is about this far out…

All day so far, I have been in a long meeting. Coincidentally, it was with a group of people from Japan. I just got back to my office and look what was there, waiting for me.

It’s a busy day, so I don’t know if I’ll be able to unpack and play it when I get home tonight, but we’ll see how things go. I’m pretty excited. Like it’s Christmas or something.

 

[Gbass75]

So... I'm wondering... now that Fender Japan is out of commission, will the value of CIJ/MIJ instruments go up? Thoughts?

Incidentally... I'm clearing my stable of basses... and between my AVRI '63 and my CIJ '62, I'm selling the AVRI and keeping the CIJ... that's how good it is.

 

[steelbed45]

Glad to see both of your basses arrived. Mine is sitting with customs. Maybe in the next couple of days.

 

[GG7]

Glad to see both of your basses arrived. Mine is sitting with customs. Maybe in the next couple of days.

Customs usually only takes a few hours but it depends on the time of day when it arrives there. You are getting VERY CLOSE NOW!

 

[GG7]

So... I'm wondering... now that Fender Japan is out of commission, will the value of CIJ/MIJ instruments go up? Thoughts?

Incidentally... I'm clearing my stable of basses... and between my AVRI '63 and my CIJ '62, I'm selling the AVRI and keeping the CIJ... that's how good it is.

Although I bought all mine because I wanted them in my collection before they were all gone, I fully expect the Japan Only models to appreciate. Especially the really unique ones that will NEVER be re-released by Fender USA. (JB62SS will be a prime example)

I won't be surprised if we see a mint one of those selling for well into the high 1000s or more in another 18-24 months. But...All four of mine aren't going nowhere for at least the next decade!

Perhaps if they ever hit 5 grand each, I would "consider" parting with the white one.

 

[GG7]

Sorry about your frustration. For what it’s worth, my experience was consistent with yours in that things take a little time, given the time zone differences and all. But they are very upstanding people there and everything progressed very smoothly. It was 2 full weeks from my first email inquiry until the photo below. But I wasn’t concerned because I was ordering an off-the-shelf common model for which several examples exist. If you’re trying to get one, specific bass, I totally understand your being apprehensive.

That Duck Dunn should be a rare thing to have. I had to look up what it was. Cool!

GG7- That’s a very kind offer to R&B. See, people are nice here.




Congrats! So, how is it? I'll go check that other thread.

Mine is about this far out…

All day so far, I have been in a long meeting. Coincidentally, it was with a group of people from Japan. I just got back to my office and look what was there, waiting for me.

It’s a busy day, so I don’t know if I’ll be able to unpack and play it when I get home tonight, but we’ll see how things go. I’m pretty excited. Like it’s Christmas or something.

Oh man Jon!

That must be driving you CRAZY! lol!

I sent off an email to Johan about our fellow TBer's long waits for replies to his order requests. Hopefully that will help grease the wheels. Johan is the main man in charge of international sales, so he could decide to kick some butt over there, or take over the orders himself.

We shall see.

 

[nerkoids]

Sigh

This thread, filled with cakes and candies of the bass world, makes me feel:

 

[GG7]

Oh and since I am here...Here are a couple of closeup photos of my JB62-US finish. All those other photos of this bass were flash and that washed out the wood grain completely. I was playing it earlier in a nice natural light of our living room and I was struck by how nice the wood actually is. In all the rush to work on the action, this is really the first day I have paid any attention to its details.

It is by no means a "Plain Jane".

(I never agreed to NO MORE PHOTOS in this thread!)

 

[Malak the Mad]

Oh and since I am here...Here are a couple of closeup photos of my JB62-US finish. All those other photos of this bass were flash and that washed out the wood grain completely. I was playing it earlier in a nice natural light of our living room and I was struck by how nice the wood actually is. In all the rush to work on the action, this is really the first day I have paid any attention to its details.

It is by no means a "Plain Jane".


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Great pics! drool

Please, post them to the "Endangered Species" thread! They'd be more than a welcome addition.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Sigh

This thread, filled with cakes and candies of the bass world, makes me feel:

I see your "sad song" and raise you one even sadder.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Again, to keep this thread from turning into a gallery…'cuz that's what the other thread is for…I'll just link my MIJ-NBD posting here.