Aside from Fender America, would most people be so concerned and passionate if it were any other Fender plant closing down?
To me, this concern and passion is not about a factory closing. Speaking purely for myself, I see this as something akin to an entire line or series getting yanked. In this case, an entire mind-set of instrument esthetics and design are going away. Certainly, Fender Japan produced a number of faithful revisions of classic Fender designs. But on top of that, they also found new, interesting and incredibly cool directions to take those classics. Their designs stood out from the pack. They were their 'own thing' and now, it looks like those days are soon to be over, if not already.
Now, if FMIC were to adopt the Aerodyne and produce them here in North America, that'd be something. I would be intrigued by an American-made 'Dyne, complete with the extras (reinforcements, hi-mass bridge w/. threaded barrels, etc.) that make MIA's stand out from the rest, but I'm not going to kid myself. Those unique reinterpretations of the classics and other intellectual properties probably belong solely to the people who ran Fender Japan. So, unless they were truly bought out, lock, stock & barrel by FMIC, they'll likely disappear into some legalistic void, only to return when either a deal is struck or they can be modified enough to become someone else's bread & butter.
Doesn't bother me. Mexico and China have really upped their game when it comes to Fender products.
I agree. Like I said, if they get to take a crack at making the Aerodyne, or those cool-ass Walnut Jazzes, or that incredibly sharp All-Black Jazz (all ferocious GAS-pain inducers!), that'd be awesome. I'd liken it to Mexico producing the Marcus Miller and Geddy Lee sigs after years of Japanese stewardship. Many stand by their continued excellence and reliability, but until we hear something from FMIC to that effect, they're now on the Endangered Species list, spiraling down towards extinction.
One thing that's a bit encouraging, at least, in the short term, is tucked within the revamped Fender Japan website. They list a product line called
"Japan Exclusive". Here's some links to go directly to them.
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I hate to be a doomsayer, but my guess is that it's only going to be around as long as there's still stock to sell. In the meantime, since "a picture is worth a thousand words", and perhaps mine and other's words could use a bit of visual perspective, here's a glimpse of what's going bye-bye. (sorry if it's a bit spammy, just call it a "going away party")
Non-Export Aerodyne Deluxe
Non-Export Aerodyne (standard model)
All-Black '62 Jazz
Quilted '62 Jazz
Koa/Ash '62 Jazz and Aerodyne Jazz (2013 limited editions)
Medium Scale Aerodyne Jazz
Hollow-Body Jazz
Walnut '62 Jazz
Smart-Size Jazz
