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Which Fender Jazz in Japan?
- Thread starter konoyaro
- Start date
I don't think you can go wrong on any of them quality wise. Play as many as you can and see what stands out to you. I will say I don't have much knowledge of the Japanese exclusive models as they rarely if ever get promoted here. I do have some knowledge on the quality and they stack up to an American in my experience.
I'm sure you're already aware but keep in mind the shipping and import fees if you ship it back.
One model I did really like was the Fiesta Red Jazz with cream covers and I believe a mint pickquard. It also has stacked concentric knobs. I'm not sure the artist but it was a signature series.
Edit: Fender Japan Tomomi Signature Jazz. It has a white pickguard, in retrospect it makes sense matching the pickup covers.
I'm sure you're already aware but keep in mind the shipping and import fees if you ship it back.
One model I did really like was the Fiesta Red Jazz with cream covers and I believe a mint pickquard. It also has stacked concentric knobs. I'm not sure the artist but it was a signature series.
Edit: Fender Japan Tomomi Signature Jazz. It has a white pickguard, in retrospect it makes sense matching the pickup covers.
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The Kazuki Arai Deluxe Jazz V bass for me - has everything I'm looking for in a Jazz Bass (for now!) and the combination of specs is hard to find elsewhere.
The Tomomi Jazz looks pretty nice. Also bonus (in my opinion) that it's not basswood.
If I was to go to Japan, I would try as many MIJ Bacchus basses as I can. I’m a huge Fender fan but some of these Bacchus jazz basses are outstanding.
D
I wish i was in your shoes. I would find one of these.
Tough call, 'cuz there are so many unique and beautiful spins on the classic formulae. I already managed to snatch one of my "white whales" in the form of a Non-Export Aerodyne in U.S. Gunmetal Blue.
I love how the teal shifts from blue to green, depending on the available light!
If it were my money, and I had the resources to hunt down a used, discontinued model, I'd probably try to grab a Fender Made In Japan Modern Jazz Bass in Deep Ocean Metallic from about five or six years ago. It's like what you'd get if you dropped and Aerodyne, an American Standard and an American Elite into a particle collider! That, and I really dig dark blue basses!
I love how the teal shifts from blue to green, depending on the available light!
If it were my money, and I had the resources to hunt down a used, discontinued model, I'd probably try to grab a Fender Made In Japan Modern Jazz Bass in Deep Ocean Metallic from about five or six years ago. It's like what you'd get if you dropped and Aerodyne, an American Standard and an American Elite into a particle collider! That, and I really dig dark blue basses!
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Medium scale aerodyne.
Tomomi signature.
Those are my two favorite MIJ fenders.
But really dive deep into the non fender basses, there’s a lot of incredible instruments kicked out by the same factories.
Tomomi signature.
Those are my two favorite MIJ fenders.
But really dive deep into the non fender basses, there’s a lot of incredible instruments kicked out by the same factories.
You will want to be buying from a dealer. Because if you try to go to the Fender flagship store in Tokyo / Shibuya they won’t sell one to you. Good place
To try out the basses, just won’t sell to a foreign buyer. I went to Ishibashi which has the full line and then some.
To try out the basses, just won’t sell to a foreign buyer. I went to Ishibashi which has the full line and then some.
If you're going to Japan you have a great opportunity to check out some special Jazz basses.
Bacchus made me forget all about Fender...the turbo switch is a nice feature and they have more finish options than any other company.
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The non-export Aerodyne would be my Dream Jazz, they really are noticeably lighter, and I love how they bend the binding with the arm relief, so you get the bling without that sharp binding edge. Some cool colors too. Will you get hammered by some kind of import duty or Tariff?
I recommend the Fender Heritage series. The quality is excellent and the sound is great. I have one of the 70’s basses and I love it.
I bet it sounds great, but I really dislike those headstock with five straight tuners...
I know you said "Fender" in the post, but.... I'm another one who will tell you to check out the Bacchus.
D
You're gonna see unusual stuff there we just don't see over there. Probably some brands you've never heard of. Bacchus stuff is good. They also have a ton of old stingray's and warwick's so keep an open mind and you never know what' you'll run across. I *almost* bought a Jino from the fender store, and it was like 60 cents on the dollar when I was there.
Yeah, the selection can be overwhelming.
I liked many of the Aerodyne models that were unique to Japan. As I recall, there used to be some interesting pickup options like Di Marzio and interesting color choices such as the examples above. It's too bad those are no longer in production.
I tried some Bacchus models years ago but I'll try to revisit them if I have time.
I liked many of the Aerodyne models that were unique to Japan. As I recall, there used to be some interesting pickup options like Di Marzio and interesting color choices such as the examples above. It's too bad those are no longer in production.
I tried some Bacchus models years ago but I'll try to revisit them if I have time.
