Maybe a Japanese FujiGen (FG?) strat copy. I think Sam Ash had a house brand in the 1970s that were actually made by FujiGen under a different brand name. I got my money on this being one of those.
@@MatthewScottmusic Then again you have to wonder why go threw the effort of putting dowel plugs during the refinish rather then just putting in the (4) screws where it actually lines up or have no backplate or route a plate from a blank
@@MatthewScottmusic I also can't find any FujiGen guitars stamped FG. But I can't find any Fender bodies like that either. The dowel plugs certainly make me think Fender, but I'm just stumped. Those pickups do sound great, no matter what they are.
Definitely a partscaster. I would go with the 70s MIJ copy of some sort. One way to check to see if it was made overseas would be to check some of the hardware to see if it's metric or imperial. It's a subtle, but significant difference that may help confirm where it was made.
@@MatthewScottmusic Ahhh, dang. Worth a shot. The flame on the neck near the heal is almost too nice for a Fender of that era too. This was back when "fakes" were often better than the "real" thing and yours looks better than stock. I love the white tuning knobs too. No worries, as long as it plays well and sounds good, you got a winner. I'm sure we'd all love to watch you build a "dream" guitar from scratch too. Maybe a vintage Frankenstrat, or just something new from the ground up that looks old, but plays new. Cheers from the Swamp in FL, USA!
@@MatthewScottmusic The new information re FG/ FujiGen, in conjunction with not only the replaced electronics, but also the neck plate, makes me think that the owner of the FujiGen guitar found a late 60's Fender that had had catastrophic damage, such as breaking the neck, and that therefore most of the parts, _including the neck plate,_ were tranferred to the Japanese guitar husk.
Perhaps a partscaster and the body is a Fernandes Guitars (FG)... of 70/80's model. Never seen one with that neck pickup routing though..a mystery :) The electronics is similar though, except for the CTS pot. Also, the "aggressively" angled front strap pin is typical for Fernandes
I had an older Fender telecaster I couldn't ID by its markings , I put it on CL for cheap 750$ , and was hit up by every Fender "expert" telling me the body was wrong, the neck was fake at the end of the day these people were spouting off all the things they didn't really know, I ended up keeping it and took it to get appraisal and it was all 60s body neck and electronics, Im glad they convinced me not to sell it
@@MatthewScottmusic No matter what the subject it.. I once owned a Squire, and traded it for some crappy bass. I knew NOTHING about guitars (still don't - just a tiny bit ore than back then) but looking back, I've never seen a guitar with so many printed and stamped numbers on it.. Still wondering wtf it was... Bought it for "50" bucks from some young woman, and it looked like new..
That's what happened to my 64 Strat. I paid $200, came with a 70s hardcase .... a buddy got a post CBS Strat with a 60s hardcase, we swap the case. Got my Strat authenticated by the guys from Fender Custom Shop, even got a a new pu, tone knobs, selector from them. Sold it 5 years back bcoz of an offer I cudn't refused/resist
My guess is that someone had multiple Fenders with problems, so they took the best parts off each and put them together into one workhorse strat. It sounds the business and if the price was right, it's all good.
It's a Fernandez body and probably some Fernandez Fender mix of hardware. The neck is Fender etc. Fernandez guitars are freaking awesome, especially the pre lawsuit ones. I still have a catalogue of their range and the complete copies they were creating were outrageous and top shelf quality. They even made signature guitar copies.
I had a top spec Fernandes Super Grade (LP) which I bought new in 1989. Best guitar I've ever played, beautiful cherry burst and highly flamed maple cap. Unfortunately it got stolen a few years later and I've never seen it again
You may be right as i saw a 1970s Fernandes Strat copy and it was made as good as a real early 70s Strat before the quality went down the toilet in the mid 70s
@@gjustg1540 IF it means something for you, and there is a way, you can recognize it, I suggest putting an add on Ebay searching for one with certain specs. It's probably changed owner more than once since then, so nobody will be afraid to offer it to you. Just write something like "High price for the exact same model, as when I was a kid" - that might get someone to tell the guy, who has it, that "someone's looking for one like yours". We are nostalgic about certain things, so good luck if...
@@CONEHEADDK problem is, it was stolen by addicts who tried to sell all 3 stolen guitars for peanuts. I got one back, but I've searched everywhere for the Fernandes, it was in a Gibson case which was heavily graffitti'd. I suspect it probably got knocked over, headstock snapped and that was it 😱
@@gjustg1540 OK.. Knowing the story does make it less likely to be findable. I've owned a few guitars (had a girl friend musician, and wanted to work on them to have something we could relate to) and I actually believe, I owned one. As I recall it, it was very nice craftmanship printing aso. Nice looking very hard small grain wood neck. I didn't know anything about guitars, but my dad was a carpenter, and I had done things with my hands for 45 years, and could see the quality of the work and materials. I might remember incorrectly, but the name rings a bell. I still own a few, and my LAG Rockline is the smoothest thing, I've ever handled. Got it cheap bcz nobody knew anything about it.
As long as you paid an appropriate amount for it, it was still a great purchase. It looks and sounds fantastic, and very much like a late ‘60s Strat should.
@@MatthewScottmusic Could you please make a video about how you purchase these old beauties? Moreover, if I may ask Matthew, how much you pay for them? I know its not the best way to ask you, but I am extremely curious about your "ways" of getting these guitars... Moreover, I know you are a touring musician, and you have met with one of my favorites Tommy Katona... Would you be so kind to make a video about how you started and how are you able to make your living just on music... :) Please
The screw hole above the middle pick up indicates to me that it is a Japanese pick guard the American picguards seem to be further away from the middle pick up towards the front of the guitar then again I may be wrong I just got turned on to you man and I think you’re awesome
Everyday I look for more awesome gear and content u have!! Love it!! I’m a half a player but love it so much!! Your an inspiration to peps like me. Ty Matt. Keep a rockin
If this is a FugiGen guitar, remember that they were later the builders for Fender Japan, and old-timers from Fender in the early 80s have said that the samples sent from Japan to California were of better quality that what Fender was building at the time, (with maybe the exception of the original Vintage Reissue series....)
That's one of those old guitars like Grandpa's axe, it's had the handle replaced 3 times and the bit twice, but it's the one he's had since he was a boy.✌️ As long as the mojo is original, rock that thing!
I thought to myself "What does the FG stamp relate to...?" Then I thought "Fujigen Gakki!" Since I did a bit of research on the internet, I have noticed that several other people have suggested that it might be Fujigen Gakki. Here's an abridged passage from a history of the Japanese guitar company: "By 1970, Fujigen was making electric guitars with the Greco brand for the Japanese market, and was making Ibanez guitars for the large company Hoshino Gakki. Fujigen was cranking out some seriously nice guitars during the 70s, including a partnership with Roland to create the first “Guitar Synthesizer”. The quality of Fujigen instruments caught the eye of the Fender company, which was owned by CBS at the time. After visiting several Japanese guitar factories, Fender decided to partner with Fujigen, and Fender Japan was started in March of 1982. Most Fender fanatics know that many of the finest reissue guitars were produced by Fujigen during this period."
It’s funny to read all the comments that are completely different from one another yet each submitted with such expert authoritative confidence often based on something they “saw before” or “had once”. I appreciate your approach, Matthew. The correct approach of compiling evidence and being patient with the process and much like a scientist, allowing the truth to reveal itself. Not forcing one’s own truth and then looking for factors to support a biased or premature conclusion. If I see you in Dallas again, I might have to abduct you and take you with me to Jimmy Wallace’s shop. Loved your video of that place. Been here my entire life and wasn’t aware of it so thanks for that. Keep up your great work!
I think this is for sure a 1969 firemist gold refin. Somewhat a shame since that is a super rare/valuable finish but it would be super rad to restore it to firemist 🤘
Matt the best thing is you have a REAL Strat that may never be a show piece in some collection. But, you can make it as you want it and have a cool sounding model. I always say it's not the guitar but the artist playing it that brings out the life of it for all to hear. This one is a winner without braking the bank. Anyone who examines why they play will appreciate this instrument. Carry on and ROCK N ROLL!!!
@@MatthewScottmusic I love seeing what you do best hunt for answers. I think a little more evidence is needed that’s all. And I do hope you’re right because you are a savant when it comes to finding these things!!! Love and respect always!
It's an old partscaster most likely. If you like it, keep it. My tech is busy with one of my partscaster right now getting it ready to go out on the road. Cause I love it.
I know what you mean. My parts caster is Strat number 8 for me, but I like it best of all the ones I've had. My bias is probably due to the fact that I hand picked all the parts and put it together. myself. I definitely got it just like I wanted it, and now I don't need any more Stratocasters. One is all for you really need, if it's a good one.
@@dongonzulman6478 in all honesty, if a righteous neck with maple fret board became available, I'd build another one. It really is fun to have maple and rosewood with any kind of Fender. .........I can resist anything except temptation.
The lower tone pot looks to be a Nobel brand which was Made in Japan. You find them in guitars in the late 80's into the 90's. They are actually great pots.
My Opinion on the Body: Something like this would not have left a Japanese Factory like Fuji Gen, they had very high quality standards. They always got the screw holes on the back right, they did not paint the full neck pocket, they did not have square Routes, they had way cleaner Cavity Routings. I also dont think they did any Refins. It just looks like a non-professional Refin on an old original USA Body and its a Player with EX-homemade extra-Switch-Routing like we all know it happened during 70s and 80s ;). By the way...nobody mentioned the bridge. Something i would observe, too.
Agreed, I can't find any example of a Japanese Strat with these routes, contours, etc. The FG stamp is totally speculative. Could have been someone's initials.
@@MatthewScottmusic Yep, think so too. I dont recall when squared Pickup Routes were the standard but it shouldnt be younger than 1971 due to the Headstock Decal and 4-Bolt Construction.
Thanks for that. I was really impressed with the burl grain on the back of the neck. That’s amazing. I’m not knowledgeable about vintage guitars, just learning about them from you, others and books about Strats. I think your bottom line should be if it plays good enough to justify what you paid for it then it’s a keeper. 👍☮️🌞🎸🎵💗
Hey the headstock decal is raising some flags, secondly the lack of who was overlooking the neck is missing. The neck looks nice, just as long as you didn’t pay huge dollars you have a partscastor.
That guitar looks like I got hold of it when I was about 21, when I was playing on the road.😄 I engaged in my share of butchery (youthful indiscretion🙄).
A lot of Fender refinishes had an engraving stamp under the pickguard towards the lower horn which is not present on this guitar, plus the entire neck pocket is painted which is also unusual. This guitar is a mystery, but I'm not sure it's a genuine Fender. Maybe an early Japanese copy which most were excellent guitars, and if the waterslide decal was added to the headstock many years ago, the lacquer could still be checked and aged just with time. It looks the part, and if it performs the part, I'd keep it and play the hell out of it
Hey Matt, "FG" is likely FujiGen, they made licensed reissue Fender models since the late 70's early 80's, initiating fullscale production in 1982. It would appear that some parts from an earlier strat have made their way over from a 70's guitar. I can almost assure you that the bridge pickup is an import Japanese one, as told by the square witness holes in the bottom. EDIT: The lower impedance is also consistent with this, as FujiGen attempted to capture "vintage aged" tone of older Fender pickups of yesteryear by simulating degaussing, essentially underwinding them.
I bought a old fender strat body from a guy who only sold vintage tuners and such. He seemed honest price was cheap. He said it was a prototype. I have searched hi and low doesnt match anything at all. A one off, no chance to prove anything. Lol. Built a really cool strat with it. Theres a hole there cool investigation. Theres shape prophile changes mine was a very old shape they had cool shapes the early ones i would check that next. That was the thing on mine that checked out old. The shape and thickness the subtle differences over the years. The neck looks right maybe pre stamp neck.
I learned something. Great video. Looks like a late 60's Fender refin. Thanks for all the fantastic videos! Your playing on the "Bold As Love" video... really amazing!
Glad you read my comments, and thanks for the prompt reply!! I agree that trying to accurately date a vintage guitar, especially, a Fender (which can be easy modified from stock) can be more than a tricky task. Another thing I noticed, is that the white finish on the body looked way too bright White for Olympic white, so we can be sure that it's most likely a refin. *But... so what?? It sounds great!!
Thanks for the laser update on the mystery Fender. I still think it’s real but I would need to rely on the experts. The back plate screw holes gives me hope. Thanks foe sharing!!
Those markings and the serial number is the exact same as my Chender. It is a Chender brother. That is why the stamp is not there but you have those markings. I have the exact same guitar. The FG is the builder which is Fuji Guitars
Hello friend, the symbol FG or FGN could be the abbreviation of the Fujigen factory in Japan... which manufactured the Fender for a long time, made in Japan. Good job... and thank you...!!!. Joseph
It is most certainly a FujiGen Gakki but based on the orange-drop capacitor alone this isnt assured since both Fender USA and FujiGen used them, Greco even sourced caps from the same manufacturer as Fender.
Looks like a 69/70 Fender Strat to me, that has undergone some kind of an overhaul an a couple of mods probably back in the 70ies and 80ies including a refinish, probably rattle canned. I can imagine this guitar to sound even better, when you dowel the screw holes in the neck (some looked a bit worn out) and carefully get that paint out of the neck pocket. On a lot of guitars I had on my workbench, a proper body/neck connection improved the sound massively. And you might even find some more info in the neck pocket, maybe some traces of the original paint. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is some Firemist Gold to be found. Super nice playing as always, and a super nice project guitar!
I can't believe that Matthew actually chipped away some paint, looking for the original screw holes...just to silence what are essentially trolls..claiming that he bougth a fake. I think that over the years, dude's eye for vintage guitars has been been proven to be very accurate. I he told me that something was real, I would trust his judgement, 100 percent.
I sent this vid to a old timer that knows Stratocasters. He’s said 1969 -70 body, he’s sure of it. Not sure of the neck, but it’s beautiful..so many players switched pickups and modded as there were no other means to get different tones. Who knows where and who owned this fender throughout the years. Has a nice warm tone.9
Hi Matt, I have the same mark "8" or "&" on the back of my '71 strat's neck. (all original except pots and switch, I own it since '83) But mine is still stamped 22AUG71B. Probably yours has been refin, and those numbers "41076" are strange, never seen that. That body is a mystery, some things seems original, some others not. pups not originals, grey bottoms for that period. Anyway, it sounds great ! 😉
As some others have said in so many words, hopefully you paid a price you are happy with and really dig the axe! It's sweet man. Play that bad boy! Just that old orange drop cap adds some serious mojo and tone. Love it!
I'm glad you dug out that backplate hole. Convinces me, anyway. Perhaps 'FG' simply stands for 'Fender Guitars'? Nice one Matthew. Look forward to the next! 👍
Id gamble neck is 100% legit, body is legit too just heavily messed with. Still really cool with just that alone. Funny how everyone loved those “vintage pickups” in the first vid lol, placebo is a real thing folks!
Maybe body isnt, im having second thoughts after reading some commente, but literally who cares. Its how it plays and sounds that matters. A neck like that must have some solid mojo.
I think that it's a genuine Fender, just almost impossible to date. Even if it isn't, it's a very cool guitar and I wouldn't be ashamed of it. Nice find.
Hi, I have not read through all of the comments so I appologize if it has been mentioned. Are there any signs of template hole marks on the body under the paint? I am not exactly sure which year Fender changed the placement of the holes on the bodies which were filled with dowel pins. I was able to identify a body by a combination of things such as holes and router mark in the pickup and trem cavities
When parts guitars started flying around in the early eighties, before "vintage" was a thing, stuff got swapped, bodies got routed for all sorts : SRV's single pick up yellow strat being a perfect example, and not all of it was Luthier-grade workmanship (and I am guilty as charged, your honour), so calling what may be a survivor from those days a "fake" relates only to how the guitar gets represented for sale now, rather than what the guitar actually is. I'd add that details like the holes for the backplate being offset, those are the kind of production details that Fender Japan routinely get exactly right which in my mind suggests something other than simply mij.
The number on the neck plate seems to indicate it's from about 1966, and the neck being a four screw configuration with the larger head stock definitely looks like a mid to late 60's neck to me, except that it's missing the stamp that should be on the end of the neck, as you point out. The body, not so sure.
I don’t know if it’s an authentic 60s body or not. Looks to be. Just altered a bit over the years. Either way it’s a lovely guitar. And what’s more awesome to see is a kid your age with an appreciation for the classic stuff. I love this Strat regardless, it’s lovely and it has a character of its own. The old 58 Gibson of your I like as well. You have excellent tastes in amps also. I enjoy your playing a ton. Carry on the good work!
I'm a huge fan of Japanese Fenders from 80s. I have some insights for you regarding the body. 1) The bridge pickup - I've seen a lot of these in early and late 80's strats, E-Series, lower end models like ST57-55 or ST62-55, those are easy to recognise due to square holes in plastic black bobbins on the bottom of the pickup. 2) Neck pickup pot and volume - exactly the same pots were used in Japanese Fender Strats in 80's made in Fujigen plant. The date can be recognised by the "K" value. Fender JVs from '82 (start of the production) started around 20K, in '84 they had around 40K - the "K" numbers were rising until 90s. Yours have 03 K, my guess is that she was made in 70's, before Fenders were produced in Japan. Maybe Greco? 3) Routes looks similar to Greco from 78. I'm thinking loudly... that if some luther repainted the guitar... an stamped FJ to not confuse with USA strat, then maybe there is an original FujiGen red rubber stamp in the neck pocket under the paint ?
Dude. I too am a huge fan of 80s MIJ strats. Those gotoh pickups they use sound incredible. I recently bought a Standard Strat #4 with the kahler bridge and the gotoh tuners and pickups.
Interested in seeing if you are able to find out what it is, but it is cool, regardless, and sounds great. That bridge pickup, with the square holes in the baseplate, looks like what came in my '83 Japanese Squier. Great sounding pickups. I'd love the hell out of that, no matter what it turns out to be.
Back then there really wasn't any replacement parts. You had to go to music stores and look through their drawers. Or buy a support guitar and use the parts off of that.
My stepdad just picked up a 60s silvertone sparkle 3/4 scale guitar with a lipstick pickup. It was one of the amp-in-case combos. Someone threw it in the garbage and I cleaned it up, changed the strings, and shes a player.
Great video, thanks! In the 70s the CBS Strat pickups would have been considered to be the 'cheap' ones. Anyone who was used to playing the original pre-CBS Fender made guitars would likely consider it an upgrade to replace the pickups in the CBS guitar. Whether it helped, I don't know. I can't think of anyone back then who would of thought these guitars would be collectable one day. Dang!
That headstock style was introduced in 1969 through 1973 and the 3 bolt neck started sometime in 1971 so if it's real, 1969 or 1970 would be my guess. Does it look like the decal was added or does it appear original?
Great Video! I think fg = fujigen. It's a early japan 70's body i think, with fender parts on it and the fender headstock. So it's not original in my opinion but it sound's huge to me!
That’s someone’s old work horse probably played bars a lot stuck his initials in 2 places so he could identify it if it was stolen and turned up in pawn shop also explains all the mods , one guitar with that amount of different mods means he probably changed it to suit the band he was in rather than buy a different guitar , I like it I’d say it has some great stories …
I think your guess is probably the correct one and how I’d bet. The FG is either Fender Guitars or the guy’s initials as you laid out. The Fuji Gen hypothesis doesn’t seem to line up based on another couple of comments and their research on eras.
The middle pickup is an original Fender black bottom from the last half of 1973 to early 74. I can see the number 14 hand written in pencil on the bottom, which all of these seem to have. This seems to correlate with the 1974 date on the middle pot.
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The figuring of the maple on the back of that neck is way awesome!
Maybe a Japanese FujiGen (FG?) strat copy. I think Sam Ash had a house brand in the 1970s that were actually made by FujiGen under a different brand name. I got my money on this being one of those.
Wouldn't it be all metric then?
Its a good guess but I can't find any examples of an FG stamp on a Fujigen guitar. All dowel plugs are present.
@@MatthewScottmusic Then again you have to wonder why go threw the effort of putting dowel plugs during the refinish rather then just putting in the (4) screws where it actually lines up or have no backplate or route a plate from a blank
Fugigen Gakki. But I thought they used metric. Could that be why stuff does not line up?
@@MatthewScottmusic I also can't find any FujiGen guitars stamped FG. But I can't find any Fender bodies like that either. The dowel plugs certainly make me think Fender, but I'm just stumped. Those pickups do sound great, no matter what they are.
Love this kind of guitar detective work. Thanks for sharing Matt.
Thanks for watching!
Definitely a partscaster. I would go with the 70s MIJ copy of some sort. One way to check to see if it was made overseas would be to check some of the hardware to see if it's metric or imperial. It's a subtle, but significant difference that may help confirm where it was made.
The hardware is all replaced except the neckplate and tuners which are from the 1960s.
I don't recall any Fender branded bodies that look like that. Greco or Ibanez maybe
@@MatthewScottmusic Ahhh, dang. Worth a shot. The flame on the neck near the heal is almost too nice for a Fender of that era too. This was back when "fakes" were often better than the "real" thing and yours looks better than stock. I love the white tuning knobs too. No worries, as long as it plays well and sounds good, you got a winner.
I'm sure we'd all love to watch you build a "dream" guitar from scratch too. Maybe a vintage Frankenstrat, or just something new from the ground up that looks old, but plays new.
Cheers from the Swamp in FL, USA!
would an untouched one not be a partscaster?
@@MatthewScottmusic The new information re FG/ FujiGen, in conjunction with not only the replaced electronics, but also the neck plate, makes me think that the owner of the FujiGen guitar found a late 60's Fender that had had catastrophic damage, such as breaking the neck, and that therefore most of the parts, _including the neck plate,_ were tranferred to the Japanese guitar husk.
Matthew, maybe check the neck and body over with a UV light, at least the neck heel might show the remains of an ink stamp!
Still a cool guitar.
Smart thinking!
Amen lord bless guys! Amen!
Wow the flame on the neck!!!
Perhaps a partscaster and the body is a Fernandes Guitars (FG)... of 70/80's model. Never seen one with that neck pickup routing though..a mystery :) The electronics is similar though, except for the CTS pot. Also, the "aggressively" angled front strap pin is typical for Fernandes
I had an older Fender telecaster I couldn't ID by its markings , I put it on CL for cheap 750$ , and was hit up by every Fender "expert" telling me the body was wrong, the neck was fake at the end of the day these people were spouting off all the things they didn't really know, I ended up keeping it and took it to get appraisal and it was all 60s body neck and electronics, Im glad they convinced me not to sell it
Tom, this is very common! People have no idea what they are talking about! haha
@@MatthewScottmusic Yes!
@@MatthewScottmusic And they have no idea that they have no idea. They want to know and to make others believe they do. Weird, huh? lol
@@MatthewScottmusic No matter what the subject it.. I once owned a Squire, and traded it for some crappy bass. I knew NOTHING about guitars (still don't - just a tiny bit ore than back then) but looking back, I've never seen a guitar with so many printed and stamped numbers on it.. Still wondering wtf it was... Bought it for "50" bucks from some young woman, and it looked like new..
That's what happened to my 64 Strat. I paid $200, came with a 70s hardcase .... a buddy got a post CBS Strat with a 60s hardcase, we swap the case.
Got my Strat authenticated by the guys from Fender Custom Shop, even got a a new pu, tone knobs, selector from them.
Sold it 5 years back bcoz of an offer I cudn't refused/resist
My guess is that someone had multiple Fenders with problems, so they took the best parts off each and put them together into one workhorse strat. It sounds the business and if the price was right, it's all good.
It's a Fernandez body and probably some Fernandez Fender mix of hardware. The neck is Fender etc. Fernandez guitars are freaking awesome, especially the pre lawsuit ones. I still have a catalogue of their range and the complete copies they were creating were outrageous and top shelf quality. They even made signature guitar copies.
I had a top spec Fernandes Super Grade (LP) which I bought new in 1989. Best guitar I've ever played, beautiful cherry burst and highly flamed maple cap. Unfortunately it got stolen a few years later and I've never seen it again
You may be right as i saw a 1970s Fernandes Strat copy and it was made as good as a real early 70s Strat before the quality went down the toilet in the mid 70s
@@gjustg1540 IF it means something for you, and there is a way, you can recognize it, I suggest putting an add on Ebay searching for one with certain specs. It's probably changed owner more than once since then, so nobody will be afraid to offer it to you. Just write something like "High price for the exact same model, as when I was a kid" - that might get someone to tell the guy, who has it, that "someone's looking for one like yours". We are nostalgic about certain things, so good luck if...
@@CONEHEADDK problem is, it was stolen by addicts who tried to sell all 3 stolen guitars for peanuts. I got one back, but I've searched everywhere for the Fernandes, it was in a Gibson case which was heavily graffitti'd. I suspect it probably got knocked over, headstock snapped and that was it 😱
@@gjustg1540 OK.. Knowing the story does make it less likely to be findable. I've owned a few guitars (had a girl friend musician, and wanted to work on them to have something we could relate to) and I actually believe, I owned one. As I recall it, it was very nice craftmanship printing aso. Nice looking very hard small grain wood neck. I didn't know anything about guitars, but my dad was a carpenter, and I had done things with my hands for 45 years, and could see the quality of the work and materials. I might remember incorrectly, but the name rings a bell. I still own a few, and my LAG Rockline is the smoothest thing, I've ever handled. Got it cheap bcz nobody knew anything about it.
I don't know nearly as much as you, but when I see FG I instantly think FujiGen
I can't find one Fujigen example with an FG stamp but it is interesting.
@@MatthewScottmusic I went looking and couldn't find one with that sort of stamp either. It's still a mystery!
Fujigen generally uses FGN as their abbreviation.
It means 'Fake Guitar'. Only joking.
There is a reason why this sounds good, It happens to be the same factory Fender actually chose in the 80s to make their products.
As long as you paid an appropriate amount for it, it was still a great purchase. It looks and sounds fantastic, and very much like a late ‘60s Strat should.
I always do 😎
@@MatthewScottmusic teach me your ways lol
@@MatthewScottmusic Could you please make a video about how you purchase these old beauties? Moreover, if I may ask Matthew, how much you pay for them? I know its not the best way to ask you, but I am extremely curious about your "ways" of getting these guitars... Moreover, I know you are a touring musician, and you have met with one of my favorites Tommy Katona... Would you be so kind to make a video about how you started and how are you able to make your living just on music... :) Please
The screw hole above the middle pick up indicates to me that it is a Japanese pick guard the American picguards seem to be further away from the middle pick up towards the front of the guitar then again I may be wrong I just got turned on to you man and I think you’re awesome
Yeah - "fook" brand snobbery... Play it, listen, feel - if you like it - go for it...
Everyday I look for more awesome gear and content u have!! Love it!! I’m a half a player but love it so much!! Your an inspiration to peps like me. Ty Matt. Keep a rockin
I love a good mystery. No telling what a life this guitar has had. Enjoyed seeing all the clues and hearing the tones. Thanks.
Fujigen Gakki
That's a good guess but I can't find one example of a Fujigen with an FG stamp or with proper routes, dowl plugs, contours..
fujigen is fgn
If this is a FugiGen guitar, remember that they were later the builders for Fender Japan, and old-timers from Fender in the early 80s have said that the samples sent from Japan to California were of better quality that what Fender was building at the time, (with maybe the exception of the original Vintage Reissue series....)
I've got an '83 JV and I've had it for years, changed guitars a hundred times but kept that one.
@@Marsh_Spain same, JV rocks and i've tried true vintage.
Fujigen
I'm in the vintage JV owners club had a JV 62 Strat since 1983. Keeper!
I have a SQ Squier from 83, the necks were overstock USA made and sent over to Japan.
Cool AF video. Keep us posted , this one will be on my mind. Great video as always Matthew.
That's one of those old guitars like Grandpa's axe, it's had the handle replaced 3 times and the bit twice, but it's the one he's had since he was a boy.✌️ As long as the mojo is original, rock that thing!
I thought to myself "What does the FG stamp relate to...?" Then I thought "Fujigen Gakki!" Since I did a bit of research on the internet, I have noticed that several other people have suggested that it might be Fujigen Gakki. Here's an abridged passage from a history of the Japanese guitar company: "By 1970, Fujigen was making electric guitars with the Greco brand for the Japanese market, and was making Ibanez guitars for the large company Hoshino Gakki. Fujigen was cranking out some seriously nice guitars during the 70s, including a partnership with Roland to create the first “Guitar Synthesizer”. The quality of Fujigen instruments caught the eye of the Fender company, which was owned by CBS at the time. After visiting several Japanese guitar factories, Fender decided to partner with Fujigen, and Fender Japan was started in March of 1982. Most Fender fanatics know that many of the finest reissue guitars were produced by Fujigen during this period."
fujigen is fgn
It’s funny to read all the comments that are completely different from one another yet each submitted with such expert authoritative confidence often based on something they “saw before” or “had once”. I appreciate your approach, Matthew. The correct approach of compiling evidence and being patient with the process and much like a scientist, allowing the truth to reveal itself. Not forcing one’s own truth and then looking for factors to support a biased or premature conclusion. If I see you in Dallas again, I might have to abduct you and take you with me to Jimmy Wallace’s shop. Loved your video of that place. Been here my entire life and wasn’t aware of it so thanks for that. Keep up your great work!
I think this is for sure a 1969 firemist gold refin. Somewhat a shame since that is a super rare/valuable finish but it would be super rad to restore it to firemist 🤘
Friggin crazy! They didn't even fill the holes for the back plate, they just painted over them! LOL
Matt the best thing is you have a REAL Strat that may never be a show piece in some collection. But, you can make it as you want it and have a cool sounding model. I always say it's not the guitar but the artist playing it that brings out the life of it for all to hear. This one is a winner without braking the bank. Anyone who examines why they play will appreciate this instrument. Carry on and ROCK N ROLL!!!
I have nothing but respect for you and your tenacity in doing what you do but this is a Japanese copy. A very good one!!!
Thanks Gary, we can agree to disagree 😁
@@MatthewScottmusic I love seeing what you do best hunt for answers. I think a little more evidence is needed that’s all. And I do hope you’re right because you are a savant when it comes to finding these things!!! Love and respect always!
It's an old partscaster most likely. If you like it, keep it. My tech is busy with one of my partscaster right now getting it ready to go out on the road. Cause I love it.
I know what you mean. My parts caster is Strat number 8 for me, but I like it best of all the ones I've had. My bias is probably due to the fact that I hand picked all the parts and put it together. myself. I definitely got it just like I wanted it, and now I don't need any more Stratocasters. One is all for you really need, if it's a good one.
@@jpalberthoward9 I have two strats that are wonderful. One's a hardtail, the other has a vintage trem. So for me, two is all I need :D
@@dongonzulman6478 in all honesty, if a righteous neck with maple fret board became available, I'd build another one. It really is fun to have maple and rosewood with any kind of Fender.
.........I can resist anything except temptation.
Whether it's a Fender or not, it sounds amazing.
The lower tone pot looks to be a Nobel brand which was Made in Japan. You find them in guitars in the late 80's into the 90's. They are actually great pots.
Nobel still makes great pots.
Good fun unearthing the hidden screw hole
I think, Originals have only ONE String Tree
As always, a great upload.
My guess would be Fujigen but, whatever it is, it sounds great. Thanks for sharing, man.
My Opinion on the Body: Something like this would not have left a Japanese Factory like Fuji Gen, they had very high quality standards. They always got the screw holes on the back right, they did not paint the full neck pocket, they did not have square Routes, they had way cleaner Cavity Routings. I also dont think they did any Refins. It just looks like a non-professional Refin on an old original USA Body and its a Player with EX-homemade extra-Switch-Routing like we all know it happened during 70s and 80s ;). By the way...nobody mentioned the bridge. Something i would observe, too.
Agreed, I can't find any example of a Japanese Strat with these routes, contours, etc. The FG stamp is totally speculative. Could have been someone's initials.
@@MatthewScottmusic Yep, think so too.
I dont recall when squared Pickup Routes were the standard but it shouldnt be younger than 1971 due to the Headstock Decal and 4-Bolt Construction.
Cool vid.
thank you for all the videos! amazing work! Lovely guitar, if you dont want it, i would love to have it :)
Thank you for watching. It's a great guitar.
Thanks for that. I was really impressed with the burl grain on the back of the neck. That’s amazing. I’m not knowledgeable about vintage guitars, just learning about them from you, others and books about Strats. I think your bottom line should be if it plays good enough to justify what you paid for it then it’s a keeper.
👍☮️🌞🎸🎵💗
Great detective work.
Hey the headstock decal is raising some flags, secondly the lack of who was overlooking the neck is missing. The neck looks nice, just as long as you didn’t pay huge dollars you have a partscastor.
Always looking forward to these vids!
If it sounds and plays good, it is good👍🎸🤘
That guitar looks like I got hold of it when I was about 21, when I was playing on the road.😄 I engaged in my share of butchery (youthful indiscretion🙄).
A lot of Fender refinishes had an engraving stamp under the pickguard towards the lower horn which is not present on this guitar, plus the entire neck pocket is painted which is also unusual. This guitar is a mystery, but I'm not sure it's a genuine Fender. Maybe an early Japanese copy which most were excellent guitars, and if the waterslide decal was added to the headstock many years ago, the lacquer could still be checked and aged just with time. It looks the part, and if it performs the part, I'd keep it and play the hell out of it
No matter what, that neck grain is gorgeous !!!
Hey Matt, "FG" is likely FujiGen, they made licensed reissue Fender models since the late 70's early 80's, initiating fullscale production in 1982. It would appear that some parts from an earlier strat have made their way over from a 70's guitar.
I can almost assure you that the bridge pickup is an import Japanese one, as told by the square witness holes in the bottom. EDIT: The lower impedance is also consistent with this, as FujiGen attempted to capture "vintage aged" tone of older Fender pickups of yesteryear by simulating degaussing, essentially underwinding them.
Fenders were not produced in Japan in 70's . The first Fender JV was made in April 1982.
FG is an S-style body made by Fernandes. This is not a Fender body, not even licensed by Fender.
I bought a old fender strat body from a guy who only sold vintage tuners and such. He seemed honest price was cheap. He said it was a prototype. I have searched hi and low doesnt match anything at all. A one off, no chance to prove anything. Lol. Built a really cool strat with it. Theres a hole there cool investigation. Theres shape prophile changes mine was a very old shape they had cool shapes the early ones i would check that next. That was the thing on mine that checked out old. The shape and thickness the subtle differences over the years. The neck looks right maybe pre stamp neck.
I learned something. Great video.
Looks like a late 60's Fender refin.
Thanks for all the fantastic videos!
Your playing on the "Bold As Love"
video... really amazing!
Glad you read my comments, and thanks for the prompt reply!! I agree that trying to accurately date a vintage guitar, especially, a Fender (which can be easy modified from stock) can be more than a tricky task. Another thing I noticed, is that the white finish on the body looked way too bright White for Olympic white, so we can be sure that it's most likely a refin. *But... so what?? It sounds great!!
Thanks for the laser update on the mystery Fender. I still think it’s real but I would need to rely on the experts. The back plate screw holes gives me hope. Thanks foe sharing!!
The switch looks like a Japanese Hosco 5 way DM-50
Those markings and the serial number is the exact same as my Chender. It is a Chender brother. That is why the stamp is not there but you have those markings. I have the exact same guitar. The FG is the builder which is Fuji Guitars
Chender wtf 😳
@@AntoineDuez They are dead ringers = exact copies made China like Chibsons
@@AntoineDuez Chinese Fender
@@AntoineDuez yep and every now and then you can get a really good one. I really dig mine.
Isn’t Fujigen Gakki Japanese?
I love your videos man keep it up, loves from Malaysia
Hello friend, the symbol FG or FGN could be the abbreviation of the Fujigen factory in Japan... which manufactured the Fender for a long time, made in Japan. Good job... and thank you...!!!. Joseph
Unless you plan to sell it I don't think it matters. The guitar sounds absolutely wonderful no matter what it is or how it came to be.
The pickup electronics and that orange circle is present on Japanese reissues mid 80’s.
It is most certainly a FujiGen Gakki but based on the orange-drop capacitor alone this isnt assured since both Fender USA and FujiGen used them, Greco even sourced caps from the same manufacturer as Fender.
@@mainframe8962 fujigen is fgn
I have only seen Fujigen Gakki stamps as FGN never FG. The hunt is half the fun. Good luck.
Yeah, I straight away thought FujiGen, but it's purely a guess .
The tremolo cavity is very narrow as well
Looks like a 69/70 Fender Strat to me, that has undergone some kind of an overhaul an a couple of mods probably back in the 70ies and 80ies including a refinish, probably rattle canned. I can imagine this guitar to sound even better, when you dowel the screw holes in the neck (some looked a bit worn out) and carefully get that paint out of the neck pocket. On a lot of guitars I had on my workbench, a proper body/neck connection improved the sound massively. And you might even find some more info in the neck pocket, maybe some traces of the original paint. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is some Firemist Gold to be found.
Super nice playing as always, and a super nice project guitar!
my english is not good enogh to understand what you said but that strat is enough beautiful and sound good 🤟👍👍
Thanks Matt, love these mystery videos.👍😎👍
I can't believe that Matthew actually chipped away some paint, looking for the original screw holes...just to silence what are essentially trolls..claiming that he bougth a fake. I think that over the years, dude's eye for vintage guitars has been been proven to be very accurate. I he told me that something was real, I would trust his judgement, 100 percent.
It looks like a Fugazi Guitar, something Songbird Music in Toronto would cobble together from their guitar repair parts bin.
I sent this vid to a old timer that knows Stratocasters. He’s said 1969 -70 body, he’s sure of it. Not sure of the neck, but it’s beautiful..so many players switched pickups and modded as there were no other means to get different tones. Who knows where and who owned this fender throughout the years. Has a nice warm tone.9
Thanks for that 👍🏻
It sounds pretty good whatever it is!
Great job Matthew, my first thought was the pickups 👏👏👏👏👌😄
You could Strip the Paint inside the routes to check what Kind of Wood is it made of... maybe that could shine a light !
Matthew all i can say is no matter what that strat guitar is, It sounds sounds super great !!!!
Omg that the most beautiful fender neck ive ever seen..looks more like a Warmoth one instead of stock fender one
Hi Matt, I have the same mark "8" or "&" on the back of my '71 strat's neck. (all original except pots and switch, I own it since '83) But mine is still stamped 22AUG71B. Probably yours has been refin, and those numbers "41076" are strange, never seen that. That body is a mystery, some things seems original, some others not. pups not originals, grey bottoms for that period. Anyway, it sounds great ! 😉
Looks like a nice Chender!
As some others have said in so many words, hopefully you paid a price you are happy with and really dig the axe! It's sweet man. Play that bad boy! Just that old orange drop cap adds some serious mojo and tone. Love it!
Maybe if he didn't want to take his real vintage piece's He has a 59
I'm glad you dug out that backplate hole. Convinces me, anyway. Perhaps 'FG' simply stands for 'Fender Guitars'? Nice one Matthew. Look forward to the next! 👍
Thats what I thought! Im torn, but who really cares lol. As long as matt digs it
FujiGen Gakki
Awesome review!
F. G. Stands for f*cking guitar
Rock on.
Brilliant video as always.
Id gamble neck is 100% legit, body is legit too just heavily messed with. Still really cool with just that alone. Funny how everyone loved those “vintage pickups” in the first vid lol, placebo is a real thing folks!
Maybe body isnt, im having second thoughts after reading some commente, but literally who cares. Its how it plays and sounds that matters. A neck like that must have some solid mojo.
I think that it's a genuine Fender, just almost impossible to date. Even if it isn't, it's a very cool guitar and I wouldn't be ashamed of it. Nice find.
I was fully thinking it's a fake until you showed us the screw holes on the back. Damn.
Hi,
I have not read through all of the comments so I appologize if it has been mentioned. Are there any signs of template hole marks on the body under the paint?
I am not exactly sure which year Fender changed the placement of the holes on the bodies which were filled with dowel pins. I was able to identify a body by a combination of things such as holes and router mark in the pickup and trem cavities
That was an interesting use of the fret slot cleaning tool! Lol.
Look at that neck though... looks sweet. Sounds great, too
When parts guitars started flying around in the early eighties, before "vintage" was a thing, stuff got swapped, bodies got routed for all sorts : SRV's single pick up yellow strat being a perfect example, and not all of it was Luthier-grade workmanship (and I am guilty as charged, your honour), so calling what may be a survivor from those days a "fake" relates only to how the guitar gets represented for sale now, rather than what the guitar actually is. I'd add that details like the holes for the backplate being offset, those are the kind of production details that Fender Japan routinely get exactly right which in my mind suggests something other than simply mij.
Great video -- now it's time to play that Strat!
I'm not saying I know, but could F.G. stand for FugiGen Gakki? That's a factory in Japan that built Fender & Squire guitars.
The number on the neck plate seems to indicate it's from about 1966, and the neck being a four screw configuration with the larger head stock definitely looks like a mid to late 60's neck to me, except that it's missing the stamp that should be on the end of the neck, as you point out. The body, not so sure.
FG could be a mark left by the refinisher.
Nah...
I don’t know if it’s an authentic 60s body or not. Looks to be. Just altered a bit over the years. Either way it’s a lovely guitar. And what’s more awesome to see is a kid your age with an appreciation for the classic stuff. I love this Strat regardless, it’s lovely and it has a character of its own. The old 58 Gibson of your I like as well. You have excellent tastes in amps also. I enjoy your playing a ton. Carry on the good work!
Fender Japan made a large headstock ‘68 reissue type in the mid-80’s but hard to determine on this one… good luck
I'm a huge fan of Japanese Fenders from 80s. I have some insights for you regarding the body.
1) The bridge pickup - I've seen a lot of these in early and late 80's strats, E-Series, lower end models like ST57-55 or ST62-55, those are easy to recognise due to square holes in plastic black bobbins on the bottom of the pickup.
2) Neck pickup pot and volume - exactly the same pots were used in Japanese Fender Strats in 80's made in Fujigen plant. The date can be recognised by the "K" value. Fender JVs from '82 (start of the production) started around 20K, in '84 they had around 40K - the "K" numbers were rising until 90s. Yours have 03 K, my guess is that she was made in 70's, before Fenders were produced in Japan. Maybe Greco?
3) Routes looks similar to Greco from 78.
I'm thinking loudly... that if some luther repainted the guitar... an stamped FJ to not confuse with USA strat, then maybe there is an original FujiGen red rubber stamp in the neck pocket under the paint
?
Not a Greco body, I own bunch of Grecos, and had some vintage Fenders also..1970-1971 Fender in my opinion.
Dude. I too am a huge fan of 80s MIJ strats. Those gotoh pickups they use sound incredible. I recently bought a Standard Strat #4 with the kahler bridge and the gotoh tuners and pickups.
Interested in seeing if you are able to find out what it is, but it is cool, regardless, and sounds great. That bridge pickup, with the square holes in the baseplate, looks like what came in my '83 Japanese Squier. Great sounding pickups. I'd love the hell out of that, no matter what it turns out to be.
Whatever it is it sounds and looks great! Nice score!
Back then there really wasn't any replacement parts. You had to go to music stores and look through their drawers. Or buy a support guitar and use the parts off of that.
The Fender headstock decal looks more like a mid to late 70’s than a 60’s logo.
My stepdad just picked up a 60s silvertone sparkle 3/4 scale guitar with a lipstick pickup. It was one of the amp-in-case combos. Someone threw it in the garbage and I cleaned it up, changed the strings, and shes a player.
Great video, thanks! In the 70s the CBS Strat pickups would have been considered to be the 'cheap' ones. Anyone who was used to playing the original pre-CBS Fender made guitars would likely consider it an upgrade to replace the pickups in the CBS guitar. Whether it helped, I don't know. I can't think of anyone back then who would of thought these guitars would be collectable one day. Dang!
That headstock style was introduced in 1969 through 1973 and the 3 bolt neck started sometime in 1971 so if it's real, 1969 or 1970 would be my guess.
Does it look like the decal was added or does it appear original?
Great Video! I think fg = fujigen. It's a early japan 70's body i think, with fender parts on it and the fender headstock. So it's not original in my opinion but it sound's huge to me!
fujigen is fgn
That’s someone’s old work horse probably played bars a lot stuck his initials in 2 places so he could identify it if it was stolen and turned up in pawn shop also explains all the mods , one guitar with that amount of different mods means he probably changed it to suit the band he was in rather than buy a different guitar , I like it I’d say it has some great stories …
I think your guess is probably the correct one and how I’d bet. The FG is either Fender Guitars or the guy’s initials as you laid out. The Fuji Gen hypothesis doesn’t seem to line up based on another couple of comments and their research on eras.
FG could mean a factory refin "Foam Green" or "Firemist Gold" ?
That's actually the most logical explanation I have found.
Forest Green...?
@@Bitoblues It's been repainted at some point.
Yeah, I was just guessing at the colour 'FG'
@@Bitoblues Oh yes, sorry
*What are you're plans for this guitar Matthew?*
The middle pickup is an original Fender black bottom from the last half of 1973 to early 74. I can see the number 14 hand written in pencil on the bottom, which all of these seem to have. This seems to correlate with the 1974 date on the middle pot.
Thanks Matt