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MIJ v CIJ... and a prospective purchase

K

kangarupe

Dec 21, 2008
54
52
#1
Hey guys,

In the process of tracking down a fender precision to purchase my friend has suggested he may be willing to part with his. He procured it from a friend who bought it in Japan. He’s an old friend and I trust him completely.

It is in excellent condition based on the pictures. However, the serial would suggest that it is a 2012, but based on my limited research, a 2012 should list crafted in Japan, not made in Japan. I have offered $700 for it, which on my research seems to be a fair price, I’m not trying to low ball him. Can I get your thoughts? Should I be concerned if it’s genuine? I truly don’t think my friend wouldn’t knowingly screw me over. Looks legit to me!
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#11
kangarupe said:
Hmm, thanks, guess they’re out there. That’s one is pretty scuffed, not that that really matters much. Guess I need to look into electronics, production history, etc....
Click to expand...
I've had a dozen MIJ's and they're okay. They also get way over-hyped here on Talkbass. I'll take that Hwy one over an MIJ and day of the week.
Of course, I would build myself a Roadworn before doing that.
 
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#15
From the wiki....

"Made in Japan" and "Crafted in Japan"[edit]
300px-FJmij.jpg

MADE IN JAPAN serial number
300px-Craftedinjapan.jpg

Crafted in Japan serial number
According to a Fender representative, it was stipulated in the Fender Japan contract that if there was a change of manufacturer from FujiGen Gakki to another guitar factory, the production inscription in the guitar would be changed from "Made in Japan" (MIJ) to "Crafted in Japan" (CIJ). Most of the Japanese-made Fenders up until 1996/1997 were MIJ Fenders.

The first CIJ Fenders started around 1992, when Dyna Gakki took over some of the production requirements of Fender Japan. This resulted in the "Crafted in Japan" inscription appearing on some Japanese Fenders during this period. Dyna took over because FujiGen was expanding its own factory operations.

CIJ was used entirely on Japanese Fenders produced from 1996/1997 until 2015, after Tōkai and Dyna took over the Fender Japan manufacturing contract. The Fender Squier range was also brought in line with the Japanese Fenders at around the same time (1996/1997), with the CIJ inscription being used.

Timeline[edit]
1982: Fender Japan starts production with FujiGen Gakki having the manufacturing contract. The "Made in Japan" (MIJ) logo is used.

1984: CBS sells Fender to its current owners and while waiting for a new US factory to begin production, Fender Japan models and leftover US stock were mostly sold in the US for a few years.

1993: The first "Crafted in Japan" (CIJ) models start appearing due to Dyna Gakki taking over some of the manufacturing while FujiGen Gakki were expanding their operations.

1996/1997: "Crafted in Japan" (CIJ) is used instead of "Made in Japan" (MIJ) because Tōkai Gakki and Dyna Gakki take over the manufacturing contract from FujiGen Gakki.

2015: Fender, Yamano and Kanda Shokai end the Fender Japan joint venture on March 31, 2015. Fender took over the Japanese business effective April 1, 2015.
 
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#16
I'd say $500-550 would be a fair price for that bass, $600 at the outside since it's your friend's. The truly great Japanese Fenders were the 80s E-serial ones (maybe others, but those for sure), the post-2000 ones are consistently better than any Mexican one but nowhere near a US one, which as stated before can often be had for around $700.
 
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#18
Thegrandwazoo said:
I'd say $500-550 would be a fair price for that bass, $600 at the outside since it's your friend's. The truly great Japanese Fenders were the 80s E-serial ones (maybe others, but those for sure), the post-2000 ones are consistently better than any Mexican one but nowhere near a US one, which as stated before can often be had for around $700.
Click to expand...

that low huh? Surprising, thanks for the thoughts though
 

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