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how are the Fender Japan P-Basses?

#6
I've owned several MIA's and MIJ's. I prefer the MIJ's. The necks have a better feel and IMHO the fit, finish and attention to manufacturing details is better.

sgfenderabalone2.jpg
 
#7
I have a '62 RI CIJ and I was really shocked at what a fine instrument it is... really caught the vibe of the orig., (I used to own a real 62 P) and it's detail work is much better than most US-produced Fender axes -- definitely smokes most Mexs.
 
#8
are the vintage series worth the extra ~$250 over the standard?

Is there somewhere that I can read a comparison between them (this one has a thicker neck, this one has blah blah)? It looks like ishibashi has vintage RI of 57, 62, and 70.
 
#9
tranceFusion said:
are the vintage series worth the extra ~$250 over the standard?

Is there somewhere that I can read a comparison between them (this one has a thicker neck, this one has blah blah)? It looks like ishibashi has vintage RI of 57, 62, and 70.
Click to expand...


I think I can answer your questions based on my experience.

Differences between the standard and vintage series: Take note that there are two vintage series; just vintage and with "US". for example:
PB57-60 / PB5760US: The one with "US" is priced higher and uses MADE IN USA pickup. The one without "US" uses Japanese pickup.

Neck Finish:
Standard: matte
Vintage: brown-tinted/lacquer/very shiny on '57 and '62 RI
clear and shiny without brown tint on '70 RI

Fingerboard:
Standard: Rosewood
Vintage: '62 -rosewood/ '57 - maple / '70- maple and rosewood

Pickup:
Standard: basic Japanese single coil
Vintage: vintage / "US"- Made in USA pickup

Body:
Standard: basswood
Vintage: vintage-basswood / "US"- Alder or Ash

Fretwire:
Standard: medium
Vintage: thin vintage type '57 and '62 RI
on the '70 RI the fretwires are jumbo

There are also '62 RI with "DMC" code that uses DiMarzio pickup. (PB-62 DMC)

I have bought a '62 and returned it for replacement with '57. Then I returned the '57 after one day because the fretjob was not good. I finally bought a slightly used almost brand-new '70 (PB70/93US) from a fellow bassist from LA for a very nice price (coincidentally, he also bought the same bass from the store where I bought and returned my '62 and '57).

Now I am very happy. This '70 RI is a dream to play. The ash body is very very light! No complaints at all

I honestly believe that unless you want the look of the vintage, its better to buy the standard then use the $250 to upgrade the pickup and hardware. I tell you, there is not much differences between the standard and vintage series. Both use basswood and maple. Of course the one with "US" is a different story. This has better wood and pickup and better built.

One more thing, the nut width of the '70 is 40 mm while the standard , '62 and '57 is 42 mm.
 
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#10
My CIJ Precision (PB62-70US, bought in 2002) is as good as any other Precision out there (IMO).

I'd highly recommend getting the higher end model that has the USA pickups and alder body, rather than the low end model that comes with Japanese pickups and basswood body. Not only are the wood and pickups better, but so are the tuners and bridge. Does it really cost $250 more? Back when I bought mine it was only about $100 more.
 
#12
missymoolaura said:
I have a 57' Precision Reissue....
And it is AWESOME. Sounds great, is great to play...And i have never had any problems with it. I would get one if i were you, It wont dissapoint.
Click to expand...

While it is true that Japanese Fenders are very well crafted and high quality, be aware that there are also lemons. As a stated, I returned two RI, a '62 vintage white with tort p/g and a black '57 ( I showed this bass on the P-Bass club thread) . So its better to see the bass and try it out before buying. I was so excited to buy that I overlook the details. I only discovered the flaws when I got home. Thank God they accepted a refund.
 
#13
i was thinking about the 70.. is this an ok year? what is the difference in neck size between the years? do they all have the classic p-bass tone?

The US RI are about 250,000 yen more than the standards, which is like $235 or something..

Anyway.. I will likely replace the pickups.. is it worth the extra money for the alder body?

I think it is between the 62 and the 70 since I would like the rosewood fretboard. Is the only difference the fret wire size?

Anyway, I
 
#14
tranceFusion said:
i was thinking about the 70.. is this an ok year? what is the difference in neck size between the years? do they all have the classic p-bass tone?
Click to expand...

My '70 RI was built this year or probably late last year. It is SUPERB!

The US RI are about 250,000 yen more than the standards, which is like $235 or something..
Click to expand...

your conversion was too much $235 = ¥25,000

Anyway.. I will likely replace the pickups.. is it worth the extra money for the alder body?
Click to expand...

I don't think there is significant differences between basswood and alder when it comes to sound.

I think it is between the 62 and the 70 since I would like the rosewood fretboard. Is the only difference the fret wire size?
Click to expand...

the nutwidth of '70 is 40mm the '62 has 42mm/ the '62 fretboard is more rounded than the '70/ the '62 neck is a little fatter than the '70/ the '62 neck is tinted with brown, the '70 has natural maple color.
Also the bridge saddles of the '62 has threads while the '70 don't.

check here: Link Removed


PB62US in Vintage White and Sunburst

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

PB70US in White and Natural

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#16
Thanks SO much for your help guys.. so many knowledgeable people on here, it is awesome!

I guess I won't be buying one new on ishibashi.. I guess I'll try ebay or get one of their used ones:
Thank you for your e-mail. This is Jeff from Ishibashi WEB SHOP.
We are very grateful for your concerning our product.I am pleased to
respond your questions.

I am terribly sorry to inform you that we are no longer able to supply
new Fender Japan products to customers outside of Japan. This is being
strictly prohibited by both Fender Japan and Fender USA. Many apologies
for any inconvenience this may cause you!

If you are interested in any second-hand Fender Japan instruments,
though, I'd be happy to help you with a purchase! You can browse/search
out entire used inventory here:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

If you have question, please feel free to ask me.
Thank you very much!

Best regards,
Jeff/International Sales Agent
Ishibashi WEB SHOP
Ishibashi Music Corporation
Click to expand...
 
#17
I would say if you are going for a 62 RI then alder body makes most sense, since this is the tone you are attempting to replicate. Likewise for a 70's RI ash makes more sense.

I can corroborate that CIJ basses are excellent. These are as good as you can get from a mass-produced Fender IMHO.

Davo
 

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