Going to Japan.

[songwriter21]

Is there a Fender Bass model that is unique to Japan. It would be cool to get something that you can't get here maybe a custom color or something like that or even a model that's not available in the US. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Heck with Fender, go for a Bacchus!

 

[FRoss6788]

There are models that are rarer, for sure.

• Smart Size basses (short and medium scales)
• 80s/90s models like the Jazz Bass Special (aka the Power Jazz) / Precision Bass Lyte and Lyte Deluxe, Boxer PJ Precision, and Aerodyne Jazz. Though now, Fender USA is distributing Aerodyne J and P models.
• 80s Squier models like the Bullet Bass

Power Jazz & Jazz Bass Special are different animals, the Power has a reverse P pickup for example. I believe the electronics are different as well.

 

[hooky_marr]

Power Jazz & Jazz Bass Special are different animals, the Power has a reverse P pickup for example. I believe the electronics are different as well.

Ah, thanks for the clarification.

 

[VillageIdiott]

I'd LOVE to see Danny Stewart's shop of all MIJ basses. Talking about exciting. All those Harry's Dragonflies, etc...

I am curious to know where his shop is. I assume in Tokyo somewhere.
Anyone know?

 

[kumimajava]

I am curious to know where his shop is. I assume in Tokyo somewhere.
Anyone know?

I'm not sure he has a 'shop' as such where you could walk in - from what I understand, he's running the operation online / via mail. But you could always contact him and ask He's very reliable - I've sold a few of my basses through him, and his s service has always been excellent.

In terms of places to visit, there are mainly 3 spots I'd recommend:

- Ochanomizu: many big stores here, including Guitar/Bass planet, The ESP/Boss store, Ishibashi, Shimamura (or Shimokura? I forge which one is where), etc.

- Shibuya: Ikebe bass collection & Grandey's Bass (BC does the 'high end' stuff, Grandey's is the more usual stuff), Kurosawa Gaggki G-Club, Key Music, and I think there's also an Ishibashi in there somehwere,

- Okubo/Shin-okubo area: Kurosawa 'Bass Center', Barchie's Music, and TC Gakki

There are also some other instrument shops at other major stations (e.g. Ikebukuro has an Ishibashi & Ikebe Rock House, and Shinjuku has couple too), but if you want to visit the most bass/guitar focused places, then the above thee areas/stations should keep you busy for a few days.

Enjoy the visit!

 

[El Trueno]

I'm not sure he has a 'shop' as such where you could walk in - from what I understand, he's running the operation online / via mail. But you could always contact him and ask He's very reliable - I've sold a few of my basses through him, and his s service has always been excellent.

In terms of places to visit, there are mainly 3 spots I'd recommend:

- Ochanomizu: many big stores here, including Guitar/Bass planet, The ESP/Boss store, Ishibashi, Shimamura (or Shimokura? I forge which one is where), etc.

- Shibuya: Ikebe bass collection & Grandey's Bass (BC does the 'high end' stuff, Grandey's is the more usual stuff), Kurosawa Gaggki G-Club, Key Music, and I think there's also an Ishibashi in there somehwere,

- Okubo/Shin-okubo area: Kurosawa 'Bass Center', Barchie's Music, and TC Gakki

There are also some other instrument shops at other major stations (e.g. Ikebukuro has an Ishibashi & Ikebe Rock House, and Shinjuku has couple too), but if you want to visit the most bass/guitar focused places, then the above thee areas/stations should keep you busy for a few days.

Enjoy the visit!

Thanks @kumimajava for that useful info. I’m going to Japan next summer so I’ll make a note of these places!
@Dontay626 If you can find a used 90’s CIJ Fender Jazz ‘62 Reissue, I can highly recommend it!

 

[chris_b]

When in Japan also checkout Lakland Shoreline basses.

Japanese made Lakland basses of very high quality.

 

[kumimajava]

Thanks @kumimajava for that useful info. I’m going to Japan next summer so I’ll make a note of these places!
@Dontay626 If you can find a used 90’s CIJ Fender Jazz ‘62 Reissue, I can highly recommend it!

You're very welcome - feel free to DM me if you want to chat in more detail before you arrive (same offer open to anyone on here . I may be able to point you in the approx. right direction if there's anything specific you're after, or if there are any special events going on at the time (e.g. the Tokyo Musik-Messe, or somethign similar).

There are also some 'builders/factories' in/near Tokyo, and if your time permits (and you have interest in that type of instrument), you may be able to arrange a visit. There should be a thread out here somewhere from my tour of the FCGR workshop, from a few years ago. Depending how busy things are, maybe some other of the Tokyo-based builders may also be amenable to a visit/chat

 

[El Trueno]

You're very welcome - feel free to DM me if you want to chat in more detail before you arrive (same offer open to anyone on here . I may be able to point you in the approx. right direction if there's anything specific you're after, or if there are any special events going on at the time (e.g. the Tokyo Musik-Messe, or somethign similar).

There are also some 'builders/factories' in/near Tokyo, and if your time permits (and you have interest in that type of instrument), you may be able to arrange a visit. There should be a thread out here somewhere from my tour of the FCGR workshop, from a few years ago. Depending how busy things are, maybe some other of the Tokyo-based builders may also be amenable to a visit/chat

Thankyou Sir, that’s very kind of you. For sure I’ll be in touch before my trip!

 

[Malak the Mad]

Just browsing the Fender Japan section at Ishibashi, it appears Fender Japan may have been reigned in a bit. They don't seem to be putting out fun and original stuff like they used to. Seems these days they're mostly doing what Fender USA tells them to do.

Not just reigned in, but taken over completely. Even if the same factories are being put to use, it's Fender Music Corporation (Japan), FMIC's Japanese division, that's calling all the shots.

• Everything You Need To Know About Fender Japan | YABAI - The Modern, Vibrant Face of Japan

And yes, I agree...the current offerings may be nice or better, they don't have the same creative "oomph" of the Kanda-Shokai Fender Japan, Ltd. days.

@Dontay626; Please let us know what you bring back, as well as anything interesting you get to sample while you're out there.

My two-cents worth; If I were out there with a near-unlimited budget, there are a number of basses I'd want to sample and/or come home with.

On my "sample with an option to buy" list...

1. The new Fender Made In Japan Modern Jazz Bass in Deep Ocean Metallic has my interest. It's like a fusion of an Aerodyne and a Fender Ultra Jazz. Plus, I have a fondness for blue basses, so there's that.

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2. The pickup suite and overall look of the Fender Jino signature Jazz is intriguing.

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And, on the "MUST HAVE" list...

3. I've wanted a Non-Export Edition Aerodyne in U.S. Gunmetal Blue for years. Along with my love of blue basses, I also really dig Metallic Pewter finishes and, to my eyes, UGB is a perfect halfway point between the two colors. I also love how it takes on a greenish hue depending upon the available light.

4. My "Unicorn Bass", a limited edition Koa Aerodyne...say no more!

 

[lowendblues]

I'd check out the Jino basses.

 

[VillageIdiott]

I read a review of the Jino bass that stated that it may well be the most diverse and best Jazz Bass ever created by Fender. I can just about do it all.

I almost bought one about a month ago as I saw one listed at a reduced price but still brand new in box. It was priced really well in Japan.