Japanese Fender Deep Dive | Made vs Crafted In Japan Fender Guitar History

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 93

  • @danalexander2149
    @danalexander2149 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    What’s wild is that the Japanese Fender Strats from the 1980s still sell in Japan for $500 (USD) or less. I am considering flying over and shipping a few back home to pay for one plus the trip.

  • @ShaneSRP
    @ShaneSRP 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I bought a Fender 90’s Telecaster Deluxe back in 1997. Very nice guitar. It also was made in Japan. It’s a 50th Anniversary Edition.

  • @Eternity909
    @Eternity909 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Those MIK Squier (and some fenders!) are very high quality too

  • @UCS0608
    @UCS0608 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 1985/1986 MIJ Fender Telecaster Paisley and it's without doubt the best Tele I ever had. And I have and had many! Love it, for its sound and its looks!!!

  • @gregoryhassett2813
    @gregoryhassett2813 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i have 3 of the Made in Japan fenders. I was working for a guitar shop n the late 80's and we had a few of these Candy apple red tele customs. I bought one, and the rosewood (George Harrison looking Telecaster) which was like an 85 or 86 - I got the MIJ 70's reissue Stratocaster and One of the early Japan Squier telecasters. I replaced pickups in the telecasters with the early texas specials. Great guitars. The thing about that period was that new Fenders felt and looked nothing like old vintage fenders. These Japan models really did replicate a more vintage look and feel. I still play them from time to time - perfect studio guitars.

  • @kennykendrix1680
    @kennykendrix1680 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a 1996 50th anniversary 1962 Fender lefty Jazz Bass. Mine was made in October of 1996, so it was one of the last guitars they made before they officially switched to "Crafted in Japan". I got lucky, it was at a local shop here in town too. What I find quite intriguing is that all Japanese made Fenders only have the Fender logo on it, only for lefty models. I think that is so cool and it stands out more than an USA or MIM model. The way they make their guitars is 100% high quality craftsmanship. IMO they are the best Fender-made guitars on the market...or at least at the time.

  • @BlindTom61
    @BlindTom61 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I lived in Tokyo for 20 years until 2008. Here's what I know about this stuff. Kanda Shokai -- Kanda is the first stop out of Tokyo on the Chuo train line --was Fender Japan. Fuji Gen was the first provider for FJ and had "Made in Japan." Starting in the early 2000s, Dyna Corp. took over and they used the label "Crafted in Japan." FJ contracted with these concerns, they did not own them. Dyna also made Gretsch guitars among others and their craftsmanship was equal to Fuji Gen. About that time, FJ dropped the high end stuff which had reached its peak with the legendary EXTRAD line. Those guitars were made from a specific batch of wood using USA electronics and had lacquer finishes. You could even order the pickups you wanted. Dyna did not offer a comparable guitar until 2006. They brought out a doozy though. The body contours were more accurate as was the headstock. The tuning head stock, however, was very slightly thicker for some reason. Fat neck, these guitars sound killer. You have to remember that FJ had various price points for their guitars. You could get a bottom line Strat made of Basswood with so-so electronics up through a few levels until you got their best guitars. The very top lines with the lacquer finishes are more than equal to USA builds. They are better made, with better wood and craftsmanship. FJ also has/had endorsed guitars as well as off-the-wall offerings which can be quite interesting as well. I have what I believe to be the best and rarest EXTRAD Strat as well as a killer 2006 Dyna Strat. That's for another time.

    • @tylersdrillznskillz8684
      @tylersdrillznskillz8684 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great info, where can I get a dyna strat and how could you tell what it is?

    • @danalexander2149
      @danalexander2149 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Fugijen was still producing Fenders in the CIJ era.

  • @CorbenEdward
    @CorbenEdward 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just bought a made in japan 1989 / 1990 70's neck , 50's body & wiring blackguard telecaster with an insane wobbly flamed maple top. It feels and sounds / looks so good.

  • @mark006868
    @mark006868 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Matt McQueen...In fact, Fender did not have ''a factory'' in Japan and did not build guitars in Japan...Fender only built guitars in the USA and Mexico...FMIC (Fender Musical Instruments Company) had guitars built by the FujiGen Gakki Musical Instrument Manufacturing Company... FujiGen does OEM guitar manufacturing for well known guitar brands and they also manufacture their own brand of guitars known as FGN...In 1981, FujiGen obtained the Fender Japan contract which lasted until 1996-97... FujiGen built Orville by Gibson (contract which ended in 1998) , Epiphone Japan solid body guitars, some Gretsch models and their own branded FGN guitars... FujiGen still manufactures OEM guitars for companies like Ibanez and Epiphone... In1996 "Crafted in Japan" (CIJ) is used instead of "Made in Japan" (MIJ) Dyna Gakki took over the manufacturing contract from FujiGen Gakki....Tokai Gakki produced some instruments for sale in Japan only... Fender took over the Japanese business effective April 1, 2015...and says: That the basic differences revolve around the Japanese factories that were building for us. When FujiGen began making guitars for Fender in the early ’80s, a “Made in Japan” designation was applied to the instruments. In the late ’90s, the designation “Crafted in Japan” began to be used when the Dyna Gakki factory in Japan began building for Fender. Around 2007 or 2008, we switched back to MIJ decals, and since then, all of our Japanese-made Fenders have the MIJ designation....

  • @twintriode
    @twintriode 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Sky rocketing in price for sure, but I was REAL lucky today and offered $600 to someone selling a left handed sunburst double bound Custom and he took it. Seems to be a tad bit of issues around the binding near the input jack and someone put some Kinman pickups in it, and it doesn't sound like the originals come with the deal, but as a left handed player it was a damn good purchase. I owned an '80's Tokai Tele Custom and it got stolen back in '92, and I've always missed that guitar and have had my eye out for one ever since. Now I'll have one in just a few shipping days. These and Tokai are the only non-USA guitars I will buy. Japan really does fabulous work including the two ESP's I had in the 80's. A Horizon 1 Custom and a M1 Custom.

  • @ハエどんぶり8号
    @ハエどんぶり8号 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Tokai, ATLANSIA, terada gakki and others made parts such as woodwork and assembled them with daina gakki.
    The time when many Japanese factories were making together was described as "Crafted In Japan".
    It is rumored that way in Japan.

  • @andrewisaacs3061
    @andrewisaacs3061 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love the Japanese Fender stuff, gigged for a while with a japanese jaguar bass and never did learn what all the switches do

  • @steelysam7189
    @steelysam7189 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have a 1999 crafted in Japan Olympic white 1968 reissue strat, and it is the best guitar I've ever played!

  • @jimshea9248
    @jimshea9248 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have Crafted In Japan strat that was given to me. It is an absolutely fantastic guitar. Way better than any other Fenders I have played.

  • @waynehicks1969
    @waynehicks1969 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 2004 Japanese Fender Telecaster 2004 Based on the serial number it was made at the Fujigen factory. I t has a "Crafted in Japan" guitar. According to my research FujiGen is a big operation and at the time was undergoing some reorganization. They also made guitars that were labeled both "Made in Japan and Crafted in Japan the only difference was which sticker got grabbed to put on the guitar. People want to have some nice, neat delineation between the two. Life just ain't that way.

  • @mrmet5
    @mrmet5 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Good stuff! That G in Fujigen is a hard g, by the way (gen means string in Japanese). Also, Yamano Gakki is a music store chain and Kanda Shokai is a distributing company that deals with brands like DigiTech, Greco and Zemaitis.

  • @andrewmoran357
    @andrewmoran357 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    great playing demo and explanations well done

  • @deeno1114
    @deeno1114 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 1984 MIJ 72 reissue in Olympic white rosewood board it’s now a dark yellow. This one has a nitro finish for some reason. Plays and sounds incredible.

  • @mgeldert2706
    @mgeldert2706 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 1986 MIJ strat. It is sun burst with the Floyd Rose lock nut tuning. I bought her in 1994 for $200 used. She is my favorite player, she kicks ass. I would never ever sell her.

  • @MorbidManoeuvres
    @MorbidManoeuvres 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Sweet I just ordered a ST57 from 2002 CIJ, hoping it’s gonna be a good one !

  • @andrewreiter868
    @andrewreiter868 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Curtis doesn’t say much throughout the video but his playing and nasty tone speak volumes! Very well-informed and put together video guys!

    • @Matt_McQueen
      @Matt_McQueen  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      We should let him talk more.

  • @Hammerman48
    @Hammerman48 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fender Japan guitars are amazing…I own two currently and have owned more. They are easily as good as my USA vintage Strat.

  • @laurencebaxter3212
    @laurencebaxter3212 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Japanese fenders are great guitars. I have a early 2000s cij jazzmaster which always stands up to any US jazzmaster I’ve played.
    I also just got a 2015 mij classic 50s Tele which was upgraded with US original vintage 50s Tele pickups and a US Emerson handmade wiring harness and it absolutely rocks!

    • @Matt_McQueen
      @Matt_McQueen  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching and commenting

  • @jamiemaldonado2389
    @jamiemaldonado2389 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    If I’m not mistaken, these originally had Texas Specials installed. How were the TV Jones pickups?

  • @MrPinkStrat
    @MrPinkStrat วันที่ผ่านมา

    I have a Made in Japan Fender Custom Telecaster That Says 92 on The Neck .. But the Serial Number on the Bridge Plate refers to 85 -86 ?

  • @danalexander2149
    @danalexander2149 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The first Fugijen Fender guitar was sold in 1982.

  • @ChrisHawkins_73
    @ChrisHawkins_73 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 1999 Fujgen made Epiphone SG and I love it. I have a 2012 Fujigen Cool Z Strat (original brand for the largest dealer in Japan, Shimamura Music) and I love it. Fujigen is my favourite manufacturer. I also had a late 90's Tokai Love Rock (sold it years ago) and it was pretty decent as well.

    • @Matt_McQueen
      @Matt_McQueen  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I had a tokai les paul that I wish I had never sold.

  • @MK-xl9tt
    @MK-xl9tt 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a MIJ esquire bought in early 90s played it out all through the 90s loved it so much, back then couldn’t afford an American made tele. Since then I’ve had several American made teles and Gibson’s but this is still my fav. Ps I had my local shop add a humbacher in the neck pickup because it was my primary for playing out but now I’m want to get it back to the original esquire condition. Thanks for your vids love learning about guitars.

  • @seangrexa4707
    @seangrexa4707 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    My first electric guitar was a brand new MIJ 1984 Squier white guard tele. I played the hell out of that guitar for 30 years and even with a urethane or polyester finish, managed to naturally relic that guitar. I had it refreted, and at the same time put Fralin pickups in it. The guitar played the same, but never sounded the same. Sold it including the original pickups for $500 a few years ago and really, really regret it now. That guitar was just so familiar to me and part of my early HS band days etc.. Too late for me, but maybe not for you!

    • @Matt_McQueen
      @Matt_McQueen  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I actually sold this guitar. I should have probably kept it!

  • @tomfritz6975
    @tomfritz6975 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a MIJ 62 RI Esquire in this same candy red. Beautiful guitar. The clios you have speak almost exactly to how mine sounds too. To my ears, a touch thinner and possibly scooped more than I like in a Tele. After some new electronics and pickup swap, they are A+ guitars in feel and looks.

  • @Jeremy-dd2jj
    @Jeremy-dd2jj 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love mij strat. It's an e6 serial number with the kahler bridge. Best strat I've owned to date.

  • @endoalley680
    @endoalley680 ปีที่แล้ว

    How about the Japanese Moon PGM Stratocasters and telecasters?

  • @kevinsullivan5972
    @kevinsullivan5972 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I own a Fujigen Strat with Texas Specials in her, one of the best guitars that I have ever played. And really why is it such of a surprise, Japanese ( and German ) Engineering is leaps and bounds above anything out of the USA.

    • @Matt_McQueen
      @Matt_McQueen  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      They are fantastic guitars!

  • @mariano2961
    @mariano2961 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi from Argentina!!
    How would you position the fenders made in Japan in quality compared to the fenders made in America? I'm after a 2005 telecaster crafted in Japan but there is an American vintage that I like and I found a custom shop too. The difference that I can see is price but that is not a problem. Is it worth the difference in price?

  • @Nothing-qq4hd
    @Nothing-qq4hd 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I picked up an 85 custom from reverb for 950 + ship altogether a little under 1100. I didn't realize my covid purchase was an investment. Time to let her sit for a while and play it kindly.

  • @countzero1972
    @countzero1972 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    nice axe.. interesting vid. You taught an old 'gear guy' something!

  • @VesaGuardian
    @VesaGuardian 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hot damn, that tele sounds sweet!

  • @dannydine5263
    @dannydine5263 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have 3 Made In Japan strats. 2 of them are the 1950s model and 1 is the early 1960s model. Why people would buy them is because the necks were more true to the old strats they were replicating than the American re-issues. The bodies are basswood I believe and there's always a big debate about alder vs basswood but it's a lot easier to replace the body if the basswood bothers you than to find the right feeling neck you want.

  • @the1khronohs40
    @the1khronohs40 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    So that’s what FSR means. Ok.
    I bought my first electric guitar in ‘97. A MADE in Japan Stratocaster. It was bought as new directly from the Norwegian import warehouse through a connection there. But now I suddenly wonder if it might have been an older guitar that had just been collecting dust in the warehouse or something. It says made, not crafted, in Japan.
    It’s a terrific instrument though, anyways! To this day, it is still one of my absolute best guitars, if not the best! 👍

  • @davidrosenzweig1380
    @davidrosenzweig1380 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    crafted in japan = Japanese domestic market
    made in japan = Japanese export models
    or it may be flip flopped but that is what the difference in the wording is about if it was made for Japan or if it was to be sent elsewhere (Europe)

    • @BlindTom61
      @BlindTom61 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Is completely wrong.

    • @darkj3di336
      @darkj3di336 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      It’s not hard to understand. That’s how things work in Japan. They do have things they don’t tell westerners.

  • @pauldunn37
    @pauldunn37 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    1985 Squier AO serial Strat here.
    The dogs bollocks.

  • @AMansCounter
    @AMansCounter 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video, keep it up!

  • @aloesfootage2152
    @aloesfootage2152 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is 93-94 year model fujigen made guitars still competes on US quality? Thanks

    • @Matt_McQueen
      @Matt_McQueen  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Definitely! Gonna be a great guitar

    • @aloesfootage2152
      @aloesfootage2152 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Any idea what is the stock pick ups for startocaster fender mij year 93-4 with the serial starts at N? Thnx a lot ma friend

  • @phoenixgierra6484
    @phoenixgierra6484 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I live in Japan for 21 years, I have a Fujigen made and a Dyna made, Both are good. But I think Fujigen made is much better. MIA and MIM are good too, the only thing that bugs my mind is the detailed quality. In a Fujigen factory in Nagano prefecture, every worker inside the factory is required to know how to play a guitar or must be a guitar player.
    安全、品質、生産。and lastly, Ibanez J series and Ibanez Prestige is made by Fujigen. In conclusion, buy a Fujigen.

    • @Matt_McQueen
      @Matt_McQueen  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for sharing

    • @elbib2446
      @elbib2446 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      dyna gakki is also in nagano,only 35 klm down the road from fujigen translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=www.guitarblog.ru/Dyna-Gakki/&prev=search&pto=aue

  • @alraymond1618
    @alraymond1618 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very, very helpful!

  • @theweatherburns
    @theweatherburns 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    hey, what's the first song he plays?

    • @Matt_McQueen
      @Matt_McQueen  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Curtis just made up riffs, I went back and rewatched this, I don’t that’s any song, might be pieces of one.

    • @theweatherburns
      @theweatherburns 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Matt_McQueen Thanks, great video. My MIJ Richie Kotzen Strat and Tele put my USA Fenders to shame, so I sold them lol.

  • @TheAmazingSnarf
    @TheAmazingSnarf ปีที่แล้ว

    loving my '21 MIJ Jazzmaster Noir. besties until i croak

  • @adamstorfer415
    @adamstorfer415 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have a 97 tl-69 pink paisley Telecaster. I wouldn't even consider trading it for a USA Standard or Professional.

  • @JoelRossFilms
    @JoelRossFilms 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Guys, I own a 1996 50's Telecaster. Has the 50th anniversary sticker on the headstock and Made in Japan marking on the heel. So... Made vs Crafted isn't quite lining up with your history here.

    • @TheVoluntariast
      @TheVoluntariast 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      From 1992 even though most guitars were made in the Fujigen factory ( Made in Japan ) there were still times that they produced them at the DynaGakki factory or the Tokai factory, both were labelled "Crafted in Japan." Since 1997 most guitars were made at the Dynagakki factory which is where they are still made today.

  • @tidepoolbay
    @tidepoolbay 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am a BIG FAN of Fender Japan. I own quite a Lot! WooF!!

  • @kimihironasu2996
    @kimihironasu2996 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fujigen's G is sound like Go, Get, Gun, God.
    Not like Fuji"J"en.
    Gen means 'strings' in Japanese.
    I have Ritchie kotzen signature model. Dyna made.

  • @chasinguitars
    @chasinguitars ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I believe Crafted in Japan guitars were made by Tokai.... Pretty sure..

  • @malcolmhardwick4258
    @malcolmhardwick4258 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fender dont make guitars in Japan. They own the distribution rights but FujiGen, Tokai Gakki and Dyna are contracted to build for Fender. These are huge factories that build for all different guitar brands.

  • @tidepoolbay
    @tidepoolbay 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    When I Started Buying MIJ Fenders, $300.00-$500.00 was the price range. Not anymore. WooF!!

  • @TheWGLOVER
    @TheWGLOVER ปีที่แล้ว

    Here in the UK the ' Made in Japan' changed to 'Crafted in Japan' about 1996/7, and there was a noticeable reduction in quality. This was explained as necessary to keep the prices down at the level people were prepares to pay.

  • @peekaboo4390
    @peekaboo4390 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    There is simply no difference between MIJ and CIJ. I have an MIJ 62 RI silver series Jazz bass a CIJ Aerodyne P and a MIJ JV P bass all are excellent, the Jazz being exceptional..

  • @sel7832
    @sel7832 ปีที่แล้ว

    What about the fender japanese ORDER MADE guitars?

  • @tidepoolbay
    @tidepoolbay 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I Believe The Crafted In Japan guitars have the China made electronics. Having played both they are all Great! WooF>

  • @calvinevans6347
    @calvinevans6347 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 2019 MADE in Japan Stratocaster

    • @Matt_McQueen
      @Matt_McQueen  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Do you like it? Thanks for watching!

    • @calvinevans6347
      @calvinevans6347 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Matt_McQueen Indeed, I do like it.

    • @newmoonsamesun
      @newmoonsamesun 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have a 2016 mij Strat model, thinking about upgrading the pickups to Fender classic 65s

  • @pecktox
    @pecktox ปีที่แล้ว

    It tickles me the last two videos I've watched about fender japan has been sponsored by Taylor.?? Peq

  • @matthurstbridge9180
    @matthurstbridge9180 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm so sick and tired of the Japan Vs American debate.
    Qu:
    Would you buy a Samurai sword made in America or Japan?
    (...ask yourself why you'll end up deciding to buy a Made In Japan Samurai sword)
    The ONLY reason why America keeps on pushing the Made in America is because of the MASSIVE debt America has.
    Japan is FAR superior
    Japan has a tradition of respect and shame
    The Japanese would rather die than produce a sub-par quality product.
    END.

  • @Blueguitar007
    @Blueguitar007 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    mij up till late 90s cij early 2000s on.

  • @Hammerman48
    @Hammerman48 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Made in Japan guitars are actually made by Fender. Crafted in Japan were made in outsourced factories. Current models say Made In Japan again.

    • @shifty2327
      @shifty2327 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      fender started shipping guitar parts, bodies , necks etc. over to japan to be finished and made into guitars , hence the new term crafted in japan

  • @jaggedjones8046
    @jaggedjones8046 ปีที่แล้ว

    Why the hell is everything a “deep dive”?