MIJ always means best possible quality in the last 25-30 years for me. The culture still prides itself in giving a customer more than they spend. Thanks to those really hard working people. Thanks!
ive been really depressed lately for god knows why but your videos make me really happy and i want to thank god for putting something as simple as a guitar channel on youtube into my life because your guyses videos really brghten my day
I favor the Japanese made more than MIM or USA fenders. When it comes to quality, you can’t beat the Japanese. Their attention to details is beyond compare. They are very consistent and they put passion when making things. It’s in their culture. Japanese=quality
I have two Japanese strats, a 1990 ST62 from Fujigen and a 2015 Classic 60s from Dyna gakki. Build quality is great on both, with the Fujigen one being slightly heavier (both are basswood bodies I believe). The Japanese STD models from 2004-2012 aren’t as well finished however, but they are the cheapest in the model range.
I have 3 Greco guitars a super sounds from '79 a Super sound from '80 and a Super real les paul from 1980. These are keepers ! Also 2 Tokai goldstar sounds and a silver star. Also a e series Squier strat from 86. But the build quality of late 70s early 80s are some of the finest !
I've been dead set on finding my dream triple single coil guitar in whatever form it may be out there, but that 50s strat honestly had the best tone I've heard in a very long time!
I am so jealous and pleased at the Captain's progress in playing. Technically, note choices and expression in improvising. Well done mate! I hope to do as well someday.
@@mikeg.9238 yeah, but he’s said in previous videos that his first love musically was drums, and that he didn’t pick up guitar seriously until later on
I got the gold tele and I will say it’s one of the best telecasters I’ve ever played and it requires no set up when I got it I was so amazed at how well it played out the box! Ironically I have the purple road worn 50s tele and this gold one is miles above it in quality! Not sure if I got a fluke or these Japanese fenders are all this nice but I recommend them to anyone
Nope, mine was the same. Fit and finish is above any Gibson I have. Action really low and slinky with no chokes or buzzes straight out of the box. Amazing.
@@ascott101 yeah my actions was perfect as well and the intonation is even spot on even with the 3 barrel saddles I was amazed at how well it was put together
Glad to see that they're back with FGN. I had a 90s Japanese Strat that was...fine, I guess? I've got one of the Mighty Jazz basses with EMGs and it is hands down the best instrument I own. FGN make incredible instruments.
Trying that White Strat in store made me head straight home, take a few photos of my Gibson SG and sell it to go out and immediately purchase that white strat. It’s unreal
My 1993 MIJ 62 reissue strat, is the only guitar I've kept over the years, and will never sell. Bought it new in 93 with a student loan and still plays and sounds great.
Captain, the Tele 4 positions switch are: 1 bridge, 2 bridge+neck in paralel, 3 neck, 4 bridge+neck in series. I own one 51 Japanese Tele loaded with 4 way switch and Texas Specials pickups. I hope I could help a little. Cheers!
These look great. Living in Japan I’ve owned a few Fender JV strats over the years. The 65s are good but the 85s and 115s are fabulous . My 1982 62-115 stands up to any Custom Shop strat I’ve played.
I just bought an 88 MIJ. 62 reissue. Got it here in the states, but it was brought to Seattle from Osaka when the original owner got it. Thing looked like it was straight off the production line. Turns out it has somewhere around 10 hours of play time in its whole life and basically just went up on a wall for years before sale. Best playing strat I have ever owned hands down! Only thing I wanted was a humbucker bridge, and fixed that with a simple swap for a mini humbucker in the bridge. I brought the thing to my tech just to get a second opinion and he straight up told me hold on to that thing with everything I have because they are some of the best strats in the world. Awesome and has replaced all but my Variax JTV59 for live playingf
And I got it plekked by sweet water so it’s like top notch bro Only thing I’ve had to change was I got a bigger trem block with a push in bar cause I stripped my bar (Thankfully it didn’t snap)
I have always wanted a made in Japan guitar. The factory videos make it seem like they take great pride in what they do. Haven't tried one personally though but back in the 80's and 90's they were top notch
Basicly everything made in Japan is better.... I'm all for USA domestic but you take GM quaulty vs a toyta or honda made in Japan quaulty... GM gets crushed tenfold every. Single. Time!
@doctoribanez the early Fernandes STM50 revival series are super affordable & those are essentially the top tier MIJ Fender guitars that dont explicitly say Fender on the headstock.
I have one of the original JV Serial Squiers from 1982. Came from the factory with Fullerton USA pickups and were visually very close copies of '57 and '62 Strats.
Oh yes, the original Squiers - badged Fender with Squier in small lettering underneath - were beautiful. Our rhythm guitarist had one in Salmon pink with a rosewood board. Glorious guitar. Even the drummer bought one.
Yes I just got one and it has great tone, beautiful neck (slightly smaller soft V). The neck - to my touch- is not quite like an American Soft V - but slightly smaller. It is more like between a deep C (American Professional 2 Strat) and an American V. But I am not complaining - I really love it. It's light - feels very player friendly. This neck and the deep C neck on the American Professional 2 have, are the best feeling necks to me. The soft V on this model having truss rod access at the top and not heel of the strat is a prayer come true! I think the price should be closer to 1100 than 13- but....I think it is worth having. I also think that as experienced as these guys are, to say they cannot tell the difference between the JV and an American Standard, Professional or Professional 2 is a bit ridiculous. But it excellent in it's own right. The only other criticism I have on the guitar is that I thought the finish could be better. My JH signature MIM strat has a much nicer Olympic White finish on it than the JV MOD. The JH strat was also less expensive. But again - it is worth buying for 200 or 2 something.
I live in LA california was lookng for a Sire Left handed Bass and i found the one i was looking for on the anderton online shop i ordered 4 days ago the bass was the next day already in NY and today it came to me. Perfect packed and i am just blown away. Freaking 4 days from the United Kingdom to Los Angeles. Wow I am so happy the Bass is top thank you so much.
Welp you pretty much take any American made/Mexico made guitar and give it to the Japanese to produce? You bet 99% of the time the over build quality is going to be superb.
@@eddieschpaghetticomer7325fr ppl dont realize how little wood matters. wood is only about preference and weight - it has little to no affect on sound. what matters is build quality , pick ups , fret size , and neck length. theres so much research on this and leo fender himself was aware hence his neurotic approach to every aspect of a guitar besides wood type. He settled on the most accessible and consistent he could find qc wise (ie alder , ash , and maple) and didnt think twice again. basically what im saying is japanese took it a step further w their attention to qc and detail. Basswood makes it lighter while still retaining the exact same sound u know and love from a strat meaning shredding longer and harder >:0
My 1983 Squire. Sq 70s 3 bolt strat is better than my 96 American Std so Japanese absolutely make great stuff . Also I play my 90 Yamaha Pacifica 721 more than both ..but this 50s Jv is incredible ...it just works for me and makes me feel like I'm playing better.inspires riffs melodies..I love it
OH wow that intro riff!!! didn't expect to return to the channel i watch every day and have you become some of my new guitar inspirations, got to get some of that tropical defence
I can't speak to the modern MiJ Fenders, but I own three identical MiJ Fender Stratocasters (1 from '85, 2 from '86) and they are the best playing guitars I've ever owned. They are incredibly stable and hold tune for what seems like months at a time.
The Japanese make EXCELLENT Fender guitars. My old Fender 72' Pawn Shop guitar was PERFECT. I just did not like the pickups and sold it for something I really wanted. Bought it for $520. Sold it For $850. Edit: And me selling my original 80's white Japanese Squire was the DUMBEST thing I ever did. But I was young...and dumb.
Wow! These are great! I’m pleasantly surprised to hear that the Fujigen factory is back in action! I just sold a 94 Ibanez sound gear bass regrettably a couple months ago.. premium quality instruments no question about it.
i bought and sold many japanese strats in the hunt for the perfect guitar and I've always regretted selling them! Also the basswood ones sounded great to me. Always had perfect set up, low action never a buzzing string or fret and great sound and looks
I have owned two Japanese Telecasters for a few years. One was about $1100 and the other around $1450 when I bought them new. In tone and quality, "Yes" they are both superior to the highest-end Mexican Teles or the lower-end American Teles. Unquestionably. And, Man, do they like being played through a classic Fender tube amp, such as the VibroLux, Super Reverb, or Bassman.
They sound really great. they sound like a tele sounds, like a strat should sound, but seriously you couldn't plug straight from the guitar into an amp instead of what are their 30 pedals? I'd rather hear the guitars straight, especially when the topic is guitars.
Maaaaannn That’s what we loveee HUGE INTROS, playability on spot, listen how you fight with those species. Yo made my day in those first three minutes 🙌🏻… Thanks for that 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Per fenders website, and I also called customer service to verify, position 1 ( furthest from headstock) is bridge only, pos 2 is neck/ bridge in parallel, pos 3 is neck only, pos 4 is neck/ bridge in series. And in case anyone is wondering, series is how humbuckers are wired. Hope this helps someone lol.
After the Baja, and then the Vintera modified teles, which have the same wiring, you have to wonder how reviewers get it wrong. I have a Baja 50s and am planning to get the JV 50s for playing in my second home. The Baja’s pickups are “custom shop” and excellent. It will be interesting to see if the JV’s are up to snuff.
I just picked up a 2013 MIJ Fender ltd edition 1 of 25 apparently, 62 vintage "dragon" strat. Believe me when I say I have had them all from American standards to deluxe to the custom shop Eric Clapton strat for 4500 bucks as well as Mexican made ones galore! I have never played a better guitar ever and that includes all the Gibson vintage originals or reissues or custom shop versions I've had too. The fit and finish and the neck shape on this beautiful strat is stunning! And the sound of these pickups are the nicest I've heard on anything! I play fingerstyle guitar including all styles like jazz, Chet Atkins, Classical, fusion, blues and rock and whatever else is out there, and the clarity of each note on every string on any fret is indescribable! The separation of each note is so distinctive especially when I play complicated quick tunes like Classical Gas, for example...yes I know....ON A STRAT ...your asking? Yes, even on this strat the clarity of each note is just exceptional! I just can't say enough about these MIJ Fenders. This one will never leave me!!! If you are thinking about picking an MIJ up, don't hesitate! You will never regret it.
I got two Fujigen Fenders(left handed), a lake placid blue precision bass with matching headstock and a 62’ reissue jazz bass. Absolutely one of the best basses I have hands down.
As a Baja tele player for the last 15 years, I'm pretty sure Lee got the electronic layout all wrong. The first position forward is both pickups in series. The second position is the neck...the third is both with the regular tele sound, and all the way back is the bridge. You can only get the out-of-phase when both pickups are engaged. There is a very noticable difference between the two out of phase sounds, with the front sound being very useable, and the middle - not so much, but you need a little more volume to hear it. (maybe they fixed that on the new ones) Great looking guitars though.
From fender vids, he got the positions right but you’re corrct on the pull-out mod, it should only act on the combo. Idk how they got the different sounds on?? Weird 🤔
@@diegoschwartz3519 the Fender vid I saw also had the wrong description! It was clearly wrong just from the sounds delivered. The wiring is the same as the Baja. I mean logically , how can you get a quacky out of phase sound in pos 4 (closest to neck) from a single coil alone? Pos. 4 is both pickups in series.
I wish I could post pictures of my Fender Strat,and P bass. The first JV were all Squires then to Stratocaster The Strat has a 57 maple neck E series on a 62 JV body. I had switched out the pups to 54 scatterwound ( hand wound ) specs,three CTS 250 k pots,four caps,push back cloth wiring,CRL toggle,Callahan steel term block,Switchcraft 1/4 inch,totally shielded with no cuts in the wood to keep the integrity of the period. Point being I can go from a Strat to a Tele sound. The guitar was made by Fugi Gen of course. It’s NOT a partscaster. The guitar was made with what they had from Fender USA machinery the Fender sent to Japan when Fender was moving from Fullerton to Corona in 1983-4 . My first Strat was a 59 - I’m 76 years old now. I remember when my dad bought me that Strat - sunburst,maple neck with tweed case. The guitar had been in the store for quite some time, as I got it new in 1961 . The retail price was $300. The P bass I only changed the pups,wiring,and Bourne pots. Also 57-62 configuration. When people start to really become aware of these early eighties Fugi Gen Fenders the prices will really start to peak. The Teles are already on parity price wise to the American Teles. Reverb is the best place to go. The one mistake in my opinion is when they put those bloody Floyd Rose trems on some.
One thing I want to clarify. Fender didn't start making guitars in Japan in 1982. They made a deal with Japanese instrument maker FujiGen to make guitars FOR Fender. Fender ended that deal in 2015 when they started making guitars in their own factory in Japan. Oh, and when CBS executives got their hands on the FujiGen-made guitars, they knew they could not compete with Japan in the value-priced musical instrument space. That's when CBS began shopping Fender around. That's how good they were.
I have an 80's MIJ 57 reissue and yes they are excellent. When I originally bought it I tried about 10 US strats, but the MIJ one had an amazing resonance which the US ones didn/t. Whatever they did in their factory it worked.
I had a Fender Strat I bought around 1990 in olympic white and ran it through a crappy Holmes amp. Sold it to move out on my own in my late teenage years. They have always caught my eyes, but man, this one appears superb.
Without a doubt, MIJ guitars are incredibly well made, whether Fender, Fernandes, Greco etc, used prices are really going up. I have not tried one of the newer ones.
I believe you got the 4 way switching wrong, position 1 is still bridge, 2 is still both neck and bridge parallel, 3 is neck and 4 is neck and bridge in series
I got one of the first 700 units of the 50’s strat and WHAT A GUITAR. It’s really nice having the humbucker and the coil split options. It’s a Swiss Army knife guitar. It’ll do anything. Highly recommend.
I bought a Japanese Fender stratocaster back in 1986...... Sill have it.......played it for 20 years......it was made as well or better than any American stratocaster that I own.......love that guitar..... I wore out the bridge from resting my hand on it.....it was a Kahler bridge..... I found one 20 years later and had it replaced......it needs a fret job but it's a great guitar.......all black with a black headstock and rosewood neck.....paid $450.00 for it......has a humbucker in the bridge with a coil tap switch.....great sounding pick-ups too......
Both these build qualities are surprisingly very great superb quality and not just for their orice point !! I own ALL of them and ..am the most happiest camper i. the world to say the least . Great great Job J.V. !!!!!! Kuddos !!
I just got the gold Tele and it’s amazing. This is my 3rd double bound MIJ Fender Tele, along with a Midnight ‘60’s Traditional Tele and a ‘90’s Custom Tele and they are fantastic guitars. They look great, play and sound great and the workmanship on them is as good as it gets.
@@Noumenon4Idolatry Alto Music…not sure if these are available in a lefty, though (I could be wrong, but my brother is a lefty and my guess is he’d already have one if they did)
the same, i fell in love as soon as i tried it in the shop. I played the PRO2, the ULTRA, the VINTAGE seires and so on but this one just felt incredible. Both for sound and for playability, wich was the reason i took her instead of the american vintage (that's also a great guitar, but the neck is less comfortable to me)
I recently got a fender noir made in Japan. It’s the best strat I’ve ever bought. No set up required. It’s was perfect out the box with immaculate build quality. I won’t own an American strat because the Japan and Mexican are too notch.
I have a Japanese Jazzmaster neck with binding and block inlays! It was made in 2007 and is one of the best Fender necks I’ve played over the last 50 years!
It'd be interesting to see a comparison of these Japanese Fenders, Mexican Player Plus and low-end American ones taht are all in a similar price range!
One of my favorite Strats was Japanese - it came with a Squire logo on it. That was back then when the standard American Strat came with output socket on the scratchplate.....Ugh. Pete.
YAY! 😀The Captain’s lick has returned! I Love the Captain’s signature lick. I really hope someday someone at Anderson’s will make a video of just the captain’s lick as played by everyone and also some historic video cuts of the lick being played throughout Anderson’s video history! 😀 *\O/*
All I want is that HSS strat with some changes. Plastic: Black knobs Finish: Black Pickguard: black 3 ply Fretboard: Rosewood Neck: Same sized headstock, 21 frets Pickups: Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 in black, two white single coils I basically want the Kurt Cobain black "Vandalism" Strat (minus the Feederz bumpers sticker as I already have one of those.)
I love MIJs ....so well put together and they are a quality Fender product. BRILLIANT VALUE FOR MONEY!!I I own a few and buy them in preference to MIMs. I rate them as good as the Fender USA standard product...perhaps even better put together. These are great too.
I did a blind test of Strats for a buddy who was just starting off playing guitar and wanted my opinion. He just handed me Strats until I tried à MIJ ´62 Reissue Foto Flame, this was in ‘96 and I told him, you have to buy this. He did. He eventually gave up playing guitar but guess who bought his Strat? Still have it after all these years.
I don't think the phase switch explanation was right- phase is only a concern when waves are mixed; on a guitar that's two (or more) pickups selected and then it's either deliberately or accidentally wired out of phase for the hollow, quacky sound.
I think you may have mixed up the pickup switching on the 60s Tele. From bottom to top, Fender's website lists it as 1. Bridge, 2. Neck/Bridge in Parallel, 3. Neck, 4. Neck/Bridge in Series.
To my understanding The captain’s description about the pickups wasn’t quite accurate about the gold tele. I believe it’s as follows Pos 4 both pickups in series Pos 3 neck Pos 2 both pickups in parallel Pos 1 bridge