• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Fender reissue '51

#2
I don't know the history, but I have an MIJ ('90-91) '51 RI that looks just like that one, but somewhat minty.

I'd say for that price it won't last more than a day.
Nice basses, with a finish color superior to the current CIJ version, IMHO.

PS. no pics, no bass:

51bodysmaller.jpg
 
#5
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
#7
Btone said:
A beauty, Jim. Where did you get that maple
fingerrest? Now, put on those chrome covers, ASAP, it's naked!


Could you be more specific?
Click to expand...

Thanks. It does have covers now, though I finally gave in and took the
pickup cover off, because I need to use it a lot for teaching. The finger
rest was on the bass when I purchased it used on Evilbay.

As dvh mentioned in his post, the color of the newer instruments is a
brighter yellow. I don't think there are many other differences though,
but I had the impression the neck finish is a little thicker on the newer
ones.

But now, having just picked mine up to check the serial number, I
must admit there is a thick finish on this neck too. Not that this is a
bad thing. The whole instrument really reminds me of the old
Telecasters ('68 single coil era). I nearly traded for one back in '69
and still kick myself for not doing it. :crying:

However, I have had a single coil '55 P-bass since 1973, and am
comfortable with the highly variable output of these basses. If you
"dig in" finger-style like you can on a split-coil P, the tone suffers, IMHO.

Also, these basses like a "floating thumb," as the pickup is really too
fragile to be used as a thumb anchor. I have LaBella Flats on mine,
which work well.
 
#8
I saw this ebay listing the other day & was confused by the "Serial number P005483 "Made In Japan" Not crafted in Japan" description.

Is there a difference between CIJ & MIJ? I was always under the impression that all Fenders out of Japan were "CIJ"s.

Nice bass (and price), nonetheless!
 
#10
Well the history of all the 51 reissues I know is only because I was sorta paying attention over the years:

1991: the Custom Shop made a 51 reissue, yes expensive.
Fender Japan started bringing the MIJ versions over. The yellow was the pale color as Jim's bass. 2t burst available as well. Then the 51 exporting stopped at the end of 1998. Some '98 basses now said CIJ when the serial numbering alphabet started over.

2001: again the Custom Shop made another 51 ri, this time with a couple more accurate details, and even more expensive price.
Fender Japan again brought over the CIJ versions. But the yellow color is the school bus color, 2t burst still available.
 
#12
Buskman said:
Is there a difference between CIJ & MIJ? I was always under the impression that all Fenders out of Japan were "CIJ"s.
Click to expand...

Nope it' the exact same thing.
The reason Japan changed the decals is because they went throught the entire alphabet (A-Z). So when they started their alphabet numbering again with Axxxxxxx and adding a digit, they changed the decal to show the different series.

Sometimes this is why some people buy a 75RI made in Japan, and think it's from 1984, when it's really from like 1999.
 
#14
I had a pair of 1990 -91 MIJ RIs. Lightweight, great neck, nice tone. I put light gauge Rotos on the sunburst one. A couple years ago I sold the yellow one to a guy in Germany.
 

Attachments

  • 51 ri body RESIZE.jpg
    51 ri body RESIZE.jpg
    20.6 KB · Views: 671
  • 51 ri full RESIZE.jpg
    51 ri full RESIZE.jpg
    23.3 KB · Views: 74
#19
Caca de Kick said:
Nope it' the exact same thing.
The reason Japan changed the decals is because they went throught the entire alphabet (A-Z). So when they started their alphabet numbering again with Axxxxxxx and adding a digit, they changed the decal to show the different series.

Sometimes this is why some people buy a 75RI made in Japan, and think it's from 1984, when it's really from like 1999.
Click to expand...

This doesn't exactly jibe with my recollections of that era. Back in the mid 90's when Fender was moving around their product lines and re-adjusting, there was a time period where they had MIM, MIJ and MIA in the same order of price range. They got rid of the MIJ level and bumped the MIM into the second slot.

The CIJ originally started later on as a way to differentiate the fact that these were Japanese fenders not intended for the US market, after Fender decided to eliminate that bracket.Later, the CIJ designation didn't really mean much as it became possible to get them in the US.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back