FENDER JAPAN Dream Series Premium Model

FENDER JAPAN Dream High-End Model

FENDER JAPAN Dream Series

Why are Japan Vintage models so highly regarded overseas?

　Many Japanese people place strong emphasis on brand value and tend to prefer purchasing overseas brands like "Fender" or "Gibson" over domestic models. Overseas buyers, however, often care less about brands and instead seek out instruments with truly excellent craftsmanship and sound quality. They buy the ultimate instrument, regardless of price!! That's the image, right?

　They were quick to recognize the excellence of Japan Vintage and competed to snap them up! Furthermore, Japan Vintage instruments have recently gained even more premium status through the new designation "MIJ," short for "Made In Japan." While they were somewhat late to the overseas market, their popularity has surged domestically in recent years, gaining support across generations from older folks to young people.

　For this special feature, we've focused on Fender Japan, which stands out as particularly popular among Japan Vintage instruments. TCGAKKI scoured the globe to find especially rare and hard-to-get models like the "JV Serial Period," "EXTRAD," and LIMITED EDITION models!!

　Each is a masterpiece, and gathering this many at once is nothing short of a miracle. Even I, the person in charge, had a hard time containing my excitement (sweat). Now, let's dive right into the appeal of Fender Japan.

Summary + Serial

For 33 years since its founding in 1982, Fender Japan captivated and was cherished by countless users. On March 31, 2015, its history finally came to an end.

Actually, my very first guitar purchase was a Fender Japan model. To be able to feature Fender Japan in this way... We've focused on Japan, and we've successfully gathered many rare models you'd never encounter in everyday life!

While there's still more research to be done, we hope to continue collecting various Fender Japan models and share their incredible charm with everyone across the country. The instruments featured this time can be viewed and tried out at TCGAKKI. Of course, each is a one-of-a-kind piece, so don't miss out!!

The History of Fender Japan

-Documentation-

The earliest serial numbers begin with "JV" or "SQ". Of course, they were manufactured by Fuji Stringed Instrument Manufacturing (now Fujigen) worldwide!

The commonly seen "Crafted in Japan" notation corresponds to serial numbers from 1997 to 2007.
During this period, manufacturing processes like woodworking were outsourced, while assembly was handled by Dyna Instruments. The serial numbers consist of one letter followed by six digits, appearing as follows:

Subsequently, products for which all manufacturing and assembly processes were performed at Dyna Instruments will be labeled "Made in Japan".
The basic format consists of one letter followed by six digits (with the first digit being 0).

Starting in 2012, the model number begins with JD12, and for 2013 models, it becomes JD13, with the last two digits of the year appearing as JD◯◯.

This concludes the serial number system.

We've traced the seemingly simple yet profound evolution of Fender Japan serial numbers over more than 30 years.
　・Why not find out what year and where your Fender Japan was made?!!
　・Appraise your friend's guitar and show off your expertise!!
　・Or compare playing different models from various eras at TCGAKKI!!

We have a large inventory of Fender Japan guitars ready for you.

We're also focusing heavily on buying them up!!
If you're confident in your Fender Japan, TCGAKKI will definitely give you a high appraisal, whether it's an early model or a recent one (^O^)/

See the full Fender Japan lineup here! >>

Fender Japan Established

 

The above outlines the serial number system.

We've traced the seemingly shallow yet profound evolution of Fender Japan serial numbers over more than 30 years.
・Why not find out what year and where your Fender Japan was made?!!
・Or appraise a friend's guitar to show off your expertise!!
・Or compare playing different models from different eras at TCGAKKI!!

We have a large inventory of Fender Japan guitars ready and waiting for you!

We're also focusing on strengthening our buyback service!!
If you're confident in your Fender Japan TCGAKKI, you can be sure of a high appraisal, whether it's an early model or a more recent one (^O^)/

See the full Fender Japan lineup here! >>

 

The Start of Fender Japan

Essentially, it became a two-pronged approach: the "Fender Japan" brand and its sister brand "Squier," which handles the lower-priced models launched in 1983. We'll pick out the major series while tracing the years. Fender Japan is known to have produced numerous limited edition models.
*Squier will be omitted this time.

 

“VINTAGE SERIES”

・'83 ST57-65

In the spring of 1982, Fender Japan officially launched and announced its first lineup, the "VINTAGE SERIES," to compete going forward. The initial lineup featured 6 types and 14 models.

・'57 Stratocaster
ST57-115/85/65
・'62 Stratocaster
ST62-115/85/65
・'52 Telecaster
TL52-95/65
・'57 PrecisionBass
PB57-95/70
・'62 PrecisionBass
PB62-98/75
・'62 JazzBass
JB62-115/75

The higher-end ST57 and ST62-115, TL52-95, PB57-95, PB62-98, and JB62-115 models feature Fender USA-made parts (pickups, pickguard, controls) and a lacquer finish.Clear differentiation exists by grade in finishes (lacquer/polyester) and parts (USA-made/domestic). Left-hand models were subsequently released. In 1983, new models appeared in the "VINTAGE SERIES".The lineup expanded with the TL62-65 (with binding), the Telecaster Paisley TL69-75, the '72-style Telecaster Thinline TN72-70, the Telecaster Custom TC72-65, and the Original Precision BassOPB54-75 (equipped with single-coil pickups).In 1984, the TL62-65 was replaced by two models: the TL62B-70 (with binding) and the TL62-70 (without binding). Furthermore, the all-rosewood (semi-hollow body) TL69-115 joined the lineup. Also introduced was the ST72-70, Fender Japan's first large-headstock Stratocaster.It featured USA-made pickups and was available with maple or rosewood fingerboards. Other changes included color variation updates and additions, as well as model number revisions.

"ELITE & STANDARD SERIES"

In 1984, it was added to the regular lineup as the Japanese version of Fender USA's Standard and Elite models. Production was discontinued extremely quickly, making this a series rarely seen even on the used market.

・EST83-110
(＊Image is for illustrative purposes only)

"BOXER SERIES"

・Boxer Series ST-555 (left), SF-455 (right)

A new series introduced in 1984 with the concept of "Fender pursuing the future of Fender-ness and answering the next era with a warp-speed newcomer." Characterized by new specifications like Power Balance pickups, TBX controls, and Blade Shooter vibrato.A medium scale was adopted on some models, and all Boxer Series models became 22-fret specifications. Production ceased in 1987.

"ZINGER SERIES"

・ST57-55 (left) and TL72-55R (right) from the Zinger Series

In 1984, the cost-performance model "ZINGER SERIES" was launched, designed with the concept of offering products at low prices.

The lineup was expanded to include the medium-scale Strat ST314-55, the ST57/62/72-55, the Bass model PB57/62-55, and the JB62-60.Also around this time, the ST72-65 featuring a rosewood scalloped fingerboard appeared, reportedly released at the request of Yngwie Malmsteen. All models used domestic parts, clearly differentiating them from the Vintage Series.

The "Zinger Series" name was soon discontinued and absorbed into the Current Series launched in 1987.

"MASTER SERIES"

In 1984, the distinctively different "MASTER SERIES" debuted.

Three model types—D'Aquisto, Esprit, and Flame—were offered, each with Ultra, Elite, and Standard variations. The three D'Aquisto models and the Esprit Ultra were made-to-order.

・D'Aquisto (Full Acoustic Model)
A fully made-to-order model by master guitar maker James L. D'Aquisto

・Esprit Elite chambered body with dual humbucker pickups

Features a maple top, alder back (chambered), and medium scale. Equipped with coil tap switches and TBX controls. Popularity surged after jazz/blues guitarist Roben Ford used it, leading to the later signature model ES-RF (Roben Ford Model).

 

・Flame (
) This model features a chambered body with a slightly smaller body than the Esprit, resulting in a more subdued response.

"CURRENT SERIES"

・ST72-55

In the spring of 1987, the "CURRENT SERIES" debuted, crafted under the new CBS Version concept.

The representative model was the '72 Stratocaster ST72, featuring specifications unique to the 70s: a large headstock, bullet truss rod, Micro Tilt Adjustment for adjusting the neck angle, and traditional logo. It also adopted flat pole piece Current pickups and polyester finish.

Other models in the lineup included the '70 Telecaster Thinline, '72 Telecaster, '72 Telecaster Thinline, '72 Telecaster Custom, and '75 Telecaster Deluxe.

"COLLECTORS SERIES"

The "COLLECTORS SERIES" was developed separately from the regular lineup starting around 1984.

By 1987, it comprised three categories: PLAYERS, characterized by niche specifications reminiscent of famous musicians' signature instruments; EXTRAD, featuring lavish use of meticulously selected materials; and LIMITED EDITION, primarily consisting of limited-production models. The PLAYERS line would later evolve into the Signature Series.

・ST67-85
A guitar reminiscent of Jimi Hendrick, featuring a large headstock and a laminated maple fingerboard. Made from alder and equipped with vintage pickups. Originally released around 1986 as a limited edition model.

 

・ST72-75, ST72-65
A guitar featuring a scalloped fingerboard, reminiscent of Yngwie Malmsteen. The ST72-75 has a one-piece maple neck, while the ST72-65 features a rosewood fingerboard. Both models are said to have been crafted at Yngwie's personal request.

 

・TL52-70SPL (left), TL67-70SPL (right)
A guitar featuring humbuckers in the front positions, reminiscent of Keith Richards. The TL52-70SPL has covered humbuckers, while the TL67-70SPL has open-coil humbuckers. In '89, it was re-released as a limited edition model.

 

【EXTRAD】

・ST62-120
The EXTRAD, crafted with lavishly selected materials, is Fender Japan's ultimate model. Its popularity extends far beyond Japan, commanding high demand overseas. Despite its appeal, its limited production makes it a highly sought-after and difficult-to-obtain model.

⇒Click here for the detailed EXTRAD page

 

【LIMITED EDITION】

・From left to right in the image: MG69-60, TL69-75PRD, JG66-75.
Within the COLLECTORES SERIES, limited production models released around '86 were officially categorized as LIMITED EDITION starting in '87.

Initially, the TL52-75, JG66-75, ST67-85,TD75-65 (’75 Telecaster Deluxe) were released. Subsequently, TES54-70, TES61-70 (both Esquires), JM66-70 (’66 Jazzmaster), STXII (12-string Strat), ST72-125PRD (’72 Paisley Strat),TL69-75PRD ('69-style Paisley Tele), TL69-75BFL (same Blue Flower Tele), and MG69-60 ('69-style Mustang) were added.The ST67-85 was reorganized into the PLAYERS series in '87. In '88, the TLG80-60 (Black & Gold Tele) from the BOXER SERIES lineup was added. In '89, the TL69-115 and TL69-98 (both All Rosewood Teles) from the VINTAGE SERIES lineup,while the COLLECTORS SERIES/PLAYERS models TL52-70SPL and TL67-70SPL were incorporated. Even just looking at this LIMITED EDITION alone, you can see the quite complex and difficult-to-understand categorization/series classification.

"PRO-FEEL SERIES"

In 1988, the "PRO-FEEL SERIES" was born, replacing the Boxer Series.

Like the Boxer Series, it created a Fender world unlike anything before. Features included improved playability in higher positions through 22 frets and heel cut & deep cut designs, a lineup of medium scale and short scale models, and the adoption of next-generation parts like the Floyd Rose-licensed EXTREM, Kahler Spider tremolo, and END-ROX bridges. Its defining characteristic was modern specifications diametrically opposed to vintage style.Pickups primarily featured USA-made Lace Sensors, Dragstars, and DiMarzio HS-3s.

・STR-1300LS
Made with flame-grain maple and sycamore wood, featuring a Floyd Rose-type bridge, USA-made Lace Sensor pickups, TBX controls, and an active mid-booster.

See the full lineup of Fender Japan products here! >>