FENDER JAPAN's dream top-of-the-line model

Why are Japanese vintage items so highly regarded overseas?

Many Japanese people have a strong attachment to brand values and tend to prefer buying overseas brands like "Fender" and "Gibson" over domestic models. However, people overseas don't seem to care so much about brands; they simply seek out well-made instruments with great sound, and they buy the ultimate instrument regardless of price! That's the image I have.

They were quick to recognize the excellence of Japanese vintage instruments and began buying them up in droves! More recently, the new designation "MIJ," an acronym for "Made In Japan," has further increased the premium value of Japanese vintage instruments. Although they lagged somewhat behind overseas markets, their popularity in Japan has grown significantly in recent years, and they are supported by people of all generations, from the elderly to the young.

For this project, we've selected Fender Japan guitars, which are particularly popular among Japanese vintage guitars. We've focused especially on the rare and hard-to-find "JV serial era," "EXTRAD," and LIMITED EDITION models.TCGAKKIWe searched the whole world with all our might to find it!!

Each and every one of them is an exceptional piece, and the fact that so many have gathered together at once is truly a miracle. Even I, who was in charge of this, had a hard time containing my excitement (lol). So, let's get right into the charm of Fender Japan.

Summary + Serial

For 33 years since its founding in 1982, Fender Japan has been loved and captivated by many users. On March 31, 2015, its history finally came to an end.

Actually, the first guitar I ever bought was a Fender Japan model. I've chosen to feature Fender Japan in this way, and I've managed to gather a large number of rare models that you would never normally come across!

I believe there are still many things I haven't researched enough, but I hope to continue collecting various Fender Japan models and share their wonderful appeal with people all over the country. The instrument I introduced this time isTCGAKKIYou can view and even try them out. Of course, there's only one of each, so don't miss out!!

History of Fender Japan

Almost all Fender Japan models have a serial number printed on them.

The earliest serial numbers begin with "JV" and "SQ". Of course, they were manufactured by Fuji Stringed Instruments Manufacturing (now Fujigen), a world-renowned company!

The "Crafted in Japan" marking, which you often see, is a serial number designation used from 1997 to 2007.
During this period, the woodworking and other manufacturing processes were outsourced, while the assembly was done by Dyna Gakki. The serial numbers consist of one letter followed by six digits, as shown below.

Subsequently, products that have undergone all manufacturing and assembly processes at Dyna Gakki will be marked "Made in Japan".
The basic format is one English letter followed by six digits (the first digit being 0).

From 2012 onwards, the model numbers start with JD12, and for 2013, they're JD13, with the last two digits of the year becoming JDXX.

The above describes the serial number system.

I traced the history of Fender Japan's serial numbers over a period of more than 30 years—a history that may seem shallow but is actually very profound.
・It's a good idea to find out what year and location your Fender Japan guitar was manufactured!
・You can appraise your friend's guitar and show off your knowledge!
　・TCGAKKIAnd it's also a good idea to compare different models from different eras!

We have a large stock of Fender Japan guitars waiting for you.

We are also focusing on strengthening our purchasing services!!
Fender Japan has confidence in itself.TCGAKKIIn that case, you can be sure that not only the early models but also the more recent models will receive a high appraisal (^O^)/

・'83 ST57-65

In the spring of 1982, Fender Japan officially launched and announced its first lineup, the "VINTAGE SERIES," which would serve as its main focus going forward. The initial lineup consisted of 14 models across 6 types.

'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

Of these, the higher-end ST57, ST62-115, TL52-95, PB57-95, PB62-98, and JB62-115 models feature Fender USA-made parts (pickups, pickguard, controls, etc.).RecruitAnd it was given a lacquer finish. Depending on the grade, the finish (lacquer/polyester) and parts (USA-made/domestic) are clearly differentiated. Left-handed models were released later. In 1983, new models appeared in the "VINTAGE SERIES". These included the TL62-65 with binding, the Telecaster Paisley TL69-75, the '72 Telecaster Thinline TN72-70, the Telecaster Custom TC72-65, and the original Precision with single-coil pickups.BassThe OPB54-75 was added. 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 was introduced to the lineup. The ST72-70, Fender Japan's first large-head Stratocaster, was also introduced. It featured USA-made pickups and was available with maple or rosewood fingerboards. Other changes and additions to color variations and model numbers can also be seen.

In 1984, it was added to Fender USA's regular lineup as the Japanese version of the Standard and Elite models. Because production was discontinued after a very short period, it's a series that's rarely seen on the used market.

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

Boxer SeriesST-555(left),SF-455(Right)

Debuting in 1984, this new series was conceived as "Fender's pursuit of the future of Fender-ness, an answer that warps into the next era." It features new specifications such as Power Balance pickups, TBX control, and Blade Shooter vibrato. Medium scale is available on some models.RecruitAs a result, all models in the Boxer series were made with 22 frets. Production ceased in 1987.

・Zinger seriesST57-55(left),TL72-55R(Right)

In 1984, the "ZINGER SERIES" was launched, a cost-effective model created with the concept of offering products at a low price.

Medium-scale Stratocasters such as the ST314-55, ST57/62/72-55,BassModels such as the PB57/62-55 and JB62-60 were added. Around this time, the ST72-65, featuring a rosewood scalloped fingerboard and said to have been released at the request of Yngwie Malmsteen, also appeared. All models use domestically produced parts, clearly differentiating them from the Vintage series.

The name "Zinger Series" was soon abandoned and absorbed into the Current Series, which started in 1987.

In 1984, the "MASTER SERIES" was introduced, which had a different feel from the other series.

The lineup included three models: D'Aquisto, Esprit, and Flame, each with Ultra, Elite, and Standard variations. The three D'Aquisto models and the Esprit Ultra were made to order.

・Full acoustic modelD'Aquisto
A made-to-order model by master guitar maker James L. D'Aquisto.

- Equipped with two humbuckers, chambered constructionEsprit Elite

A medium scale with a maple top and alder back (chambered).RecruitIt features a coil tap switch and TBX control. Its popularity grew after jazz/blues guitarist Robben Ford used it, leading to the design of his later signature model, the ES-RF (Roben Ford Model).

Flame
This model features a slightly smaller body than the Esprit, resulting in a less responsive chambered body.

ST72-55

In the spring of 1987, the "CURRENT SERIES" was released, based on the concept of a new CBS version.

The quintessential model is the '72 Stratocaster ST72, featuring 70s-specific specifications such as a large headstock, bullet truss rod, micro-tilt adjustment for adjusting the neck angle, and traditional logo, as well as Current pickups with flat pole pieces and a polyester finish.Recruit。

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

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

In 1987, the brand was established with three categories: PLAYERS, characterized by its meticulous specifications reminiscent of the instruments favored by famous musicians; EXTRAD, which made luxurious use of carefully selected materials; and LIMITED EDITION, which mainly produced limited-edition models. PLAYERS would later evolve into the Signature Series.

ST67-85
This guitar, with its large headstock and laminated maple fretboard, is reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix. It features alder wood and vintage pickups. Originally released as a limited edition around 1986.

・ST72-75、ST72-65
This guitar, with its scalloped fretboard, is reminiscent of Yngwie Malmsteen's style. The ST72-75 has a one-piece maple neck, while the ST72-65 has a rosewood fretboard. Both models are said to have been made at Yngwie's request.

・TL52-70SPL(left),TL67-70SPL(right)
This guitar, featuring a humbucker in the front position, is reminiscent of Keith Richards' style. The TL52-70SPL has a covered humbucker, while the TL67-70SPL has an open-type humbucker. In 1989, it was redesigned as a limited edition model.

[EXTRAD]

・ST62-120
The EXTRAD series, featuring luxuriously selected materials, is Fender Japan's most powerful model. It is extremely popular not only in Japan but also overseas, and is a difficult model to obtain due to its limited production run.

⇒Click here for more details about EXTRAD

[LIMITED EDITION]

From left to right in the imageMG69-60, TL69-75PRD, JG66-75is.
Among the COLLECTORES SERIES, the limited-production models released around 1986 were officially categorized as LIMITED EDITION from 1987 onwards.

Initially, the TL52-75, JG66-75, ST67-85, and TD75-65 ('75 Telecaster Deluxe) were released, followed by the TES54-70, TES61-70 (both Esquire), and JM66-70 ('66 Jazzmaster). Later additions included the STXII (12-string Stratocaster), ST72-125PRD ('72 Paisley Stratocaster), TL69-75PRD ('69 Paisley Telecaster), TL69-75BFL (Blueflower Telecaster), and MG69-60 ('69 Mustang). The ST67-85 was reorganized into the PLAYERS series in 1987, the TLG80-60 (Black & Gold Telecaster), which had been part of the BOXER SERIES, was added in 1988, and the TL69-115 and TL69-98 (both all-rosewood Telecasters), which had been part of the VINTAGE SERIES, and the TL52-70SPL and TL67-70SPL from the COLLECTORS SERIES/PLAYERS were incorporated in 1989. Even just looking at this LIMITED EDITION, one can see that the classification of categories/series is quite complex and difficult to understand.

The "PRO-FEEL SERIES" was launched in 1988, replacing the Boxer Series.

Like the Boxer series, it creates a Fender world unlike anything before. 22 frets, heel cut & deep cut...RecruitIt features modern specifications that are the opposite of vintage style, such as improved playability in the higher positions, a lineup of medium and short scale models, and the use of next-generation parts such as the Floyd Rose licensed EXTREM, Kahler Spider Tremolo, and END-ROX bridges. The pickups mainly used were USA-made Lace Sensor and Dragster, and DiMarzio HS-3.

STR-1300LS
It features flame-grained maple and sycamore wood, a Floyd Rose-type bridge, USA-made Lace Sensor pickups, and is equipped with TBX controls as well as an active mid-booster.

・STM-55、STS-55(550)
These models come in medium and short scale versions. The body and neck have been downsized to be more compact, making them particularly beginner-friendly and suitable for women. Some models also feature a special bridge called END-ROX, which maintains tuning stability even without a locking nut.