I’m heading over this summer and will be looking as well. Right now with the exchange rate, this is a really good time to go shopping there.
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Unique to Japan Basses
- Thread starter pbgonecrazy99
- Start date
For sure. I've been keeping an eye on the Ishibashi used section, there has been some very cool stuff. Hope you find something awesome!
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,589
- 221,974
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
That would be me (I know there is another here on tb) - Nice P/J! I love my Bass IV -
It's sorta unique, at least outside of Japan where it was sold for the Japanese market only. After many years (not sure what year mine is but at least 10-15 yrs ago) some used ones have been sold outside of Japan. It started out as a signature ESP model (in the late '90s?) and later was offered by Edwards & Grass Roots, ESP's economy brands/lines. Mine is a Grass Roots that I upgraded parts on making it more like the original ESP version. Pu's are most likely the same on all versions - it's a great sounding bass.
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Seems there's a new Provision model... a nice take on the Hoppus idea of a J with a P pickup, but with more retro looks.
That is the signature bass for Aya Matsuoka from the band, Shishamo. The guitarist of Shishamo has a signature Provision guitar.
Hi folks. Perhaps you have expertise and advice that could help me. I posted an inquiry over in the Fujigen FGN Club thread but have not received any response.
I want to buy one of these: Fujigen Neo Classic FGN NJB100 RALV-BK ...(<<This Fujigen Link defaults to Sunburst, I want the Gloss Black version):
Do you have any advice or suggestions regarding who I should order one of these from? This is a current production model. There are several sources listing them on Reverb and ebay. Is any one (or more) source you would consider from experience to be more (or less) efficient and reputable? I'm in the Eastern USA, and have never purchased a bass directly from a non-US source before, so I know little of what to expect regarding Customs processing, what Import Duties and "other" charges to expect, and also what pitfalls to (hopefully) actively avoid. Any advice is appreciated, and Thank You!
I want to buy one of these: Fujigen Neo Classic FGN NJB100 RALV-BK ...(<<This Fujigen Link defaults to Sunburst, I want the Gloss Black version):
Do you have any advice or suggestions regarding who I should order one of these from? This is a current production model. There are several sources listing them on Reverb and ebay. Is any one (or more) source you would consider from experience to be more (or less) efficient and reputable? I'm in the Eastern USA, and have never purchased a bass directly from a non-US source before, so I know little of what to expect regarding Customs processing, what Import Duties and "other" charges to expect, and also what pitfalls to (hopefully) actively avoid. Any advice is appreciated, and Thank You!
Kurosawa and Ikebe both have one each for sale on their respective online platforms in Japan. There might also be some at individual stores but that wont help you here.
Kurosawa and Ikebe both sell internationally.
For Kurosawa, follow the directions on this page.
Use this link in your e-mail so they know which product.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
For Ikebe, use this contact form
www.ikebe-gakki.com
Use this link when referencing the bass.
https://reverb.com/item/86785990-fu...pan-neo-classic-series-yk012-2024-gloss-black
Both stores are reliable. The bonus is that they will take the included Japanese VAT off the price which is 10%. Both will only take Paypal.
They will contact you and let you know if the item is available. Give them your address and they will send you a full quote with price and shipping. Then you decide if you want to buy.
You should probably just squeak by under $800 so you should not have to pay duty. Shipping will vary and this is where it will hurt. Plan for $200-300 for shiping.
If you want to use Reverb, this listing is by G-Club Shibuya. G-Club Shibuya is Kurosawa and the one they listed is the one Kurosawa has. I have been to G-Club.
https://reverb.com/item/77016842-fu...pan-neo-classic-series-yk012-2023-gloss-black
If you don't mind scratches then get this one from G-Club. Probably the demo unit in the store.
https://reverb.com/item/86570860-fujigen-fgn-neo-classic-njb100ralv-blk
It might be a tad cheaper going the direct route using the above form. At least get the quote from Kurosawa and compare.
This is one is a bit more expensive and listed by Miki Gakki. This is a famous store in Osaka. I have been there. Great service but no reason not to get the one from Kurosawa.
Invalid Link Removed
Kurosawa and Ikebe both sell internationally.
For Kurosawa, follow the directions on this page.
T.KUROSAWA & Co.,LTD. | For International Customers
1957年創業、日本最大級の楽器専門店。ギター、ベース、ウクレレ、管楽器、弦楽器、打楽器、鍵盤楽器等の専門店を展開しております。いい楽器との出会いはクロサワ楽器店で。
www.kurosawagakki.com
Use this link in your e-mail so they know which product.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
For Ikebe, use this contact form
Contact form for Overseas Customers
How to order ＜Order step＞1.Please fill out the inquiry form below and send it to us.2.We will contac
www.ikebe-gakki.com
Use this link when referencing the bass.
https://reverb.com/item/86785990-fu...pan-neo-classic-series-yk012-2024-gloss-black
Both stores are reliable. The bonus is that they will take the included Japanese VAT off the price which is 10%. Both will only take Paypal.
They will contact you and let you know if the item is available. Give them your address and they will send you a full quote with price and shipping. Then you decide if you want to buy.
You should probably just squeak by under $800 so you should not have to pay duty. Shipping will vary and this is where it will hurt. Plan for $200-300 for shiping.
If you want to use Reverb, this listing is by G-Club Shibuya. G-Club Shibuya is Kurosawa and the one they listed is the one Kurosawa has. I have been to G-Club.
https://reverb.com/item/77016842-fu...pan-neo-classic-series-yk012-2023-gloss-black
If you don't mind scratches then get this one from G-Club. Probably the demo unit in the store.
https://reverb.com/item/86570860-fujigen-fgn-neo-classic-njb100ralv-blk
It might be a tad cheaper going the direct route using the above form. At least get the quote from Kurosawa and compare.
This is one is a bit more expensive and listed by Miki Gakki. This is a famous store in Osaka. I have been there. Great service but no reason not to get the one from Kurosawa.
Invalid Link Removed
Here's one I've literally never seen outside the ESP page... the Tsunehito signature Rumble 4. Not a big fan of the band D (though Radio Free Innsmouth thinks they are really cool), but from what little I've seen Tsunehito has either played more normal-looking basses or the 5-string Rumble, but never seen this one in any other photo, or video, or for sale anywhere.
The 5-string version actually had a different body shape, with the point in the back being opposite, and a master volume and 3-band EQ with no pickup blend knob. Because of this the 4 has more of a 60s offset shape and feels less metal, though both have the horn shape recalling Teisco "tulip" bodies.
The 5-string version actually had a different body shape, with the point in the back being opposite, and a master volume and 3-band EQ with no pickup blend knob. Because of this the 4 has more of a 60s offset shape and feels less metal, though both have the horn shape recalling Teisco "tulip" bodies.
Sago just put this up for sale. It was NAMM a few weeks ago. Damn...I just bought a bass.
It's their JM style bass with a carbon fiber neck and Sago's newish ink art paint.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
This is how the ink art finish is applied.
It's their JM style bass with a carbon fiber neck and Sago's newish ink art paint.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
This is how the ink art finish is applied.
Super cool
Do we know where they get their carbon neck from? I can't believe this is in house (but maybe I'll get surprised..)
(I'd really want a 5 strings carbon neck built from them)
They are collaborating with Sumimaru Guitar.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
If this was a 5 string, I would already have bought it this morning. I just bought a Sugi bass so I think I will be good. If this sits for a while, I may bite.
Dang, Sago (and Combat) might have the most aesthetic take on the Jaguar/Jazzmaster shaped bass.
I fell in love with the Sago JM bass and bought the yellow one as soon as it hit Digimart.
Combat is running a bass special for it's 36th Anniversary.
They are selling a four or five string J bass with options you can pick. The basses normally sell for ¥350,000 (4 st.) or ¥370,000(5 st.) for ¥150,000.
■Neck material = 1P Maple
■Fingerboard material = Options (Maple, Rose, Ebony)
■Body main material = Options (Alder, Ash, Mahogany)
■Body top material = Options (Flame, Quilt, Sported, No top applied)
■Joint = Bolt-on
■Pickup layout = JJ *All 4 and 5 strings
■Pickup = Combat Vintage or Vintage Hot
■Peg = GB720
■Bridge = GOTOH *4 string 19mm, 5 string 18mm
■Pickguard material = Options (many available)
■Color = Free
*There is an up charge for some options (price listed in the options)
Looks like you can choose scale length, fretboard radius, no. of frets, neck shape, etc.
Kinda of a cool deal. I'm not sure they take international orders.
They are selling a four or five string J bass with options you can pick. The basses normally sell for ¥350,000 (4 st.) or ¥370,000(5 st.) for ¥150,000.
■Neck material = 1P Maple
■Fingerboard material = Options (Maple, Rose, Ebony)
■Body main material = Options (Alder, Ash, Mahogany)
■Body top material = Options (Flame, Quilt, Sported, No top applied)
■Joint = Bolt-on
■Pickup layout = JJ *All 4 and 5 strings
■Pickup = Combat Vintage or Vintage Hot
■Peg = GB720
■Bridge = GOTOH *4 string 19mm, 5 string 18mm
■Pickguard material = Options (many available)
■Color = Free
*There is an up charge for some options (price listed in the options)
Looks like you can choose scale length, fretboard radius, no. of frets, neck shape, etc.
Kinda of a cool deal. I'm not sure they take international orders.
36周年記念企画数量限定SBT4st＆5st格安セミオーダー
オーダーギターとベースのコンバットギターズで自分モデルを製作！ハンドメイドに拘り続けオーダーギター・ベースを作り続けて28年！オーダーメイドの魅力はオリジナリティー溢れるギターやベースを製作可能なだけではなくプレイヤーの使用方法に合せ材料の個体差を見抜き組み合わせる事で皆様にピッタリの「当りギター・ベース」をお作りする事が可能な点です。熟練クラフトマンが皆様のご希望とサウンドメイキングを詳しく伺った上で狙い通りのギター・ベースをご提供させて頂きます。
www.combat-guitars.com
I'd like to once again thank @AltecGreen for the kind help given to me in posts #67 & 68 of this thread. I purchased directly from Kurosawa in Yokohama the exact Fujigen FGN NJB100RNALVBK referenced in the quotebox above.
The transaction with Kurosawa was smooth, went just as you described, and I got a better price than on Reverb. There were no forms for me to fill out, no taxes or duty collected.
...And, to my amazement, the shipment from Kurosawa Music Shop in Yokohama took 36 hours, 13 minutes actual transit time (calculating OUT the time-zone difference) from "we have your package" to leaning against my front door out in the sticks of Western NC. It shipped "FedEx Express/International Priority" at a cost of 43000jpy = US$282.22. Considering the deal I got on the bass it was fine with me that they did not offer choices regarding the carrier. It was their specification.
Passive 5-string Jazzes are kinda "my thing", and I'm very pleased with this bass:
It’s worth sending them a message to see if they do international sales. Their form is easy to fill out using a cellphone and translation app.
