FENDER

Fender Japan

and

USA

Whole books have been written about Fender so I will not try to wrap it all up in one introductory paragraph, but it has been a history that the boys in Hollywood should make a movie of. If you need any specifics without buying the book try the link at the end - Its pretty good- Good dating charts as well.

A few years before starting up Fender Japan in 1982 the owners of Fender and Gibson plus a few others issued Lawsuits against the Japanese copy industry. The case was specifically directed at the Ibanez headstock on the Les Pauls but in reality was aimed as a warning shot to the whole copy industry. For example the Tokai Springy Sound Logo and Greco Strat and Les Paul copies also came under fire . Anyway a few years later in 1982 the section of Greco making the Fender copies - such as the Sparkle Sound , Spacey Sound , Super Real etc was contracted by Fender to make Fender guitars and so Fender Japan came about. The first production models with Fender on the headstock were the JV series then the MIJ and later the CIV - Made in Japan and Crafted in Japan.

Greco continued for a while in Japan making great Gibson copies but in time this was wrapped up as pressure from USA increased.

So Fenders were made at the Fujigen Factory from around 1982 to around 1997 after which production was moved to another Japanese factory. The Fujigen guitars which are acclaimed as the ones to have are marked " Made in Japan " and from 97 onwards the production from the other factory was marked "Crafted in Japan" although "Made in Japan " has now in 2007 started to be used on the new production.

The more observant will have noticed some USA guitars in this section - WHAT ?? - These are all a bit special in some way. Mostly because they are Anniversary models or Limited issues which do have that something extra.

Our Opinion : Not just our opinion but shared by Fender freaks the world over. A good "Made in Japan" Japan Fender will equal the USA models in every respect. . They also excel with their accurate re issue guitars.

These are REAL Fenders and not guitars with Fender written on them. If you get a chance of one of the earlier JV's grab it - They have never been equalled. From 1997 the Crafted in Japan guitars are made in the Tokai factory and we make no comment.

Useful Fender Links-Click to Open-

Official Fender Website

Fender Dates & Data

Strat Central

Fender Mustang – Japan 84/85 –

1971 Re Issue – USA Serial Number

This is a fabulous 1984 / 85 Fender Japan Mustang with the E ** prefix serial number from the USA series. The reason is that during this period there was no USA production due to factory closure in the USA and all Fenders were manufactured or assembled in the Fugi Gen Japan factory . Fenders sporting the E are sought after in their own right for their rarity.

This particular guitar in beautifully yellowing ivory is just amazing and a real find in virtually MINT condition . I hesitate describing any guitar as mint but it really is hard to fault. The only evidence of use are a few very minor marks on the bottom back edge and a bit of tarnish on the machine head buttons and bridge saddles.

It also features the dynamic vibrato and large head and even has the original inspection certificate and instruction leaflet.

Needless to say it plays beautifully and sounds sublime.

Comes in an original Fender Gig Bag.

All a bit too good to miss really.

Ref: MustangWt.

40th Anniversary 1994 Stratocaster USA

A bit Special

Not usually into USA guitars but this one is an exception and not to be missed. A total of 400 were made in 3 different colours. so this is one of about 133 ever made. If that isn't enough Fender made them out of alluminium at enormous cost.

It has just a couple of minor blemishes as I believe they all do but apart from that is virtually mint. Comes with original Fender hardcase and inspection docket all signed up.

A very special collectors item AND a fantastic guitar destined for big bucks. If anyone has the other two colours give me a call -I would love the set..

Fender Telecaster Deluxe USA

60th Anniversary Models

Something a bit special and a pair of guitars that should stay together but someone made us an offer for the Strat that we couldn't refuse so its gone along with our principles. As a limited run these 60th anniversary Fender Deluxe Guitars are solid mahogany on the Strat and Chambered mahogany on the Telecaster both with silver inlaid black headstocks and all the latest gizmos that Fender have to offer . The finish on these guitars and presence is almost art. It isn't the first time Fender have used mahogany but it first appeared in 1962 as a challenge to Gibson but was stopped again in 1965 because it was too expensive.

We make no excuse for deviating from our area for something this special and if these were 30 years old we probably wouldn't be able to afford them.

We have in our time had Masterbuilts, JV's and Early Pre CBS Fenders pass through our grubby mits but hand on heart this pair are the best sounding and playing Fenders we have EVER handled with a sustain unheard of on a Fender. Why can't they make em all like this.

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