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MIJ Fenders?

#21
Well...as we know from history, Fender doesn't necessarily obey the rules of the game when it comes to IDing things...Those 80-84 guitars and basses that have late 70's serial numbers are examples...as are those MIJ 80's instruments that were all listed as MIA.

From what I can tell they're all from the same place, and I know that a whole bunch of them floating around are labeled CIJ. I don't have one, and have never seen one in person, so I'm sure there are others out there who can say.

My guess, from looking at both the Ishibashi website and the fender one (with no picture availible)...is that Fender US/Mexico isn't producing them because they're not tooled up to do it. Different body type/shape and such...It's probably easier for them to get them from Japan to meet current demand.
 
#24
smoothoperator said:
I just recently picked up this one for $400 used:

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So they are USA '62 RI pickups? Anyone else have this bass?
Did I get a good deal?
Click to expand...


I have it, completely stock. I can't tell for sure of the pickup but I have disassembled it before and I will post the photo later tonight (I'm at work now). One thing for sure, the pickup is different from locally made pickup. (The pickup housing has a slightly rounded and bevelled edges while the locally made pickup has sharper edges.
The tone is harsh, slightly distorted with heavy low and pronounced midrange but less high (hey this is a P), really perfect for hard rock! This bass is BAD!
I have compared it to my '62 and '57. Both are now sold. I kept the '70.:D

For $400, you got a steal!

Here is my PB70-US

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#25
Guitar shogun is another good site for MIJ/CIJ fenders. An added bonus is he doesn't charge for shipping!

My lefty Jag bass that I had imported direct from Japan in January has "Made in Japan" printed on the neck heel, not "Crafted in Japan." It's not an old bass either, the date stamped on the body is Feb 17, 2009. When did Fender Japan transition from MIJ to CIJ?
 
#27
This quote is from the Fender Japan site? Or is there a Kanda site?
I really like some of the Japanese models but would like them with a different finish. Is it possible to order a Kanda bass off of the Ishibashi site? Are the Kanda basses priced a lot higher? eg. a different finish on a regular CIJ model.

Kanda is according to their site:
Quote:
I am introducing the Kanda original company (fender Japan agency) order model of the unpublishing to the catalog of fender Japan in the corner here. Mo Dell is done furthermore ..more unique model.. very much and the lineup is done from the color variation of the regular model a maniac & rhea. Moreover, the left-hand model is enhancement. There are a limited edition model etc. , too and pardon it, please when selling out.
which is basically just dealer special orders that aren't in the regular catalog with different color options, the occasional Badass, or a slightly different set of electronics.
Click to expand...
 
#28
Japanese Fenders are amazing, as good as, if not better, than the MIA stuff. I've played a lot of each and I'm not just saying it, I've had good experience of both.

Also, a re-issue of a vintage bass will often whoop it in terms of tone and playability, as an old bass may be worn down, have less well made parts, have been abused etc. I've played some amazing vintage basses, but some dog rough ones that were pure fire wood (a 70s Rickenbacker springs to mind.....what a pile of poop!).
 
#29
wildsponge said:
I'm looking for a MIJ P-bass. I can't find any anywhere. I tried googling with little hope. Any tips?
Click to expand...

What I did to find mine was set up a google alert as well as an eBay search alert.

Snarfer is also a good resident tool on your PC to scout your local CL/Backpage/Kijiji ads.

Let me know if you need help or look here for "google alerts" I gave an example on how to do it.

If you look for an MIC or CIJ, look for an early 80s. Even just the neck is a find, you can always fit a Squier body or even better buy one from Warmoth or USACG.
 
#31
Reynoldbot said:
Strange... on my bass it's MADE IN JAPAN, in all-caps. The Jag neck is not just a stock neck; it's got a thinner profile than a Jazz neck, has aged block inlays, matching OCAR painted headstock, and aged finish. What could be the explanation?
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That is really strange, anyway, my house is just 15 minutes away from 3 guitar shops and I may check the Jaguars. All new MIJ I have seen are stamped like this "Made in Japan" and not MADE IN JAPAN.

Also you've mentioned the date stamped on the body, that is also new to me, Fender Japan never stamp date on the body.

If you can post a photo of the date stamp on the body, that would be helpful.

Thanks
 
#32
Kenjikun,

Do you have any info as to why Fender Japan has gone back to using "Made in Japan"?

I got this information from an employee at the Fujigen Custom Shop here in Japan. All MIJ Fenders were produced by Fujigen. CIJ was used by other suppliers after Fujigen and Fender parted ways because of an agreement.

By the way, Fujigen still makes some very good basses (and guitars) under their own brand.

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Gale
 
#37
kenjikun said:
That is really strange, anyway, my house is just 15 minutes away from 3 guitar shops and I may check the Jaguars. All new MIJ I have seen are stamped like this "Made in Japan" and not MADE IN JAPAN.

Also you've mentioned the date stamped on the body, that is also new to me, Fender Japan never stamp date on the body.

If you can post a photo of the date stamp on the body, that would be helpful.

Thanks
Click to expand...

I took some photos of the date stamp as you asked, as well as the "MADE IN JAPAN" stamp on the neck:

DSCN1233.jpg



DSCN1236.jpg


It's a bit hard to read, but the date stamp reads: '09.2.17
 
#38
Reynoldbot said:
I took some photos of the date stamp as you asked, as well as the "MADE IN JAPAN" stamp on the neck:

DSCN1233.jpg



DSCN1236.jpg


It's a bit hard to read, but the date stamp reads: '09.2.17
Click to expand...

Hey Reynoldbot,

Thanks really for the photos. Those are indeed very informative. The way, I see it, probably, FJ also uses MIJ in all caps like on the older MIJ but now with date stamp on the body to distinguish it from older MIJ (the older MIJ didn't have date stamp on the body. Also your bass was the very first new MIJ in all caps I have seen so far).
Now I need to find ways to take off the neck on new MIJ with all caps to confirm the date stamp on the body.

Thank you very much for the photos. :D:D:D
 
#40
It was my pleasure, Kenji. I was thinking that the use of the all-caps MIJ stamp might have something to do with the Jag being in some ways a "vintage" style instrument. It's got the aged pearloid block inlays and aged finish on the neck and a cream pickguard instead of the usual white. The all-caps stamp may be a subtle homage to the MIJ of old.

Also, I'm a fan of your blog, but you need to update it!
 

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