FENDER JAPAN Dream High-End Model

Why is Japanese vintage so highly regarded overseas?

Many Japanese people place strong emphasis on brand value and tend to prefer purchasing overseas brands like "Fender" and "Gibson" over domestic models. In contrast, people overseas don't care much about brands; they seek out instruments with truly excellent craftsmanship and sound quality. They buy the ultimate instrument, regardless of price! That's the image I have.

They were quick to recognize the brilliance of Japan Vintage and scrambled to snap them up! Recently, Japan Vintage instruments have gained even greater prestige through the new designation "MIJ," short for "Made In Japan." Though they entered the overseas market somewhat later, their popularity has soared domestically in recent years, garnering support across generations from older folks to young people alike.

For this feature, we've spotlighted Fender Japan, which stands out as particularly popular among Japan Vintage guitars. We've focused especially on the rare and hard-to-find "JV serial period," "EXTRAD," and LIMITED EDITION models.TCGAKKII searched the entire world with all my might!!

Each one is a masterpiece, and having this many gathered together 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 has been loved and captivated by countless users. On March 31, 2015, its history finally came to an end.

Actually, my very first guitar was a Fender Japan model. This time, I had the opportunity to feature Fender Japan in this way, and I managed to gather a large number of rare models that you absolutely wouldn't come across in everyday life!

While there are still areas I haven't fully explored, I hope to continue collecting various Fender Japan models and share their entire range of wonderful appeal with everyone across the country. The instruments introduced this time are:TCGAKKIYou can view them and even try them out. Of course, there's only one of each, so don't miss out!!

The History of Fender Japan

-Materials-

Serial Number Fully Decoded!!

Fender Japan instruments feature serial numbers on nearly all models.

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" marking corresponds to serial numbers from 1997 to 2007.
During this period, manufacturing processes such as woodworking were outsourced, while assembly was handled by Dyna Instruments. The serial number consists of one English letter followed by six digits, resulting in a format like the following:

Products for which all manufacturing and assembly processes are performed at Dina Instruments will be labeled "Made in Japan."
The basic format is one alphanumeric character followed by six digits (with the first digit being 0).

Starting in 2012, the model numbers begin with JD12, and for 2013 models, the last two digits of the year become JD13, continuing as JD◯◯.

The above constitutes this serial number system.

I traced the flow of Fender Japan serial numbers over more than 30 years—a journey that seemed shallow yet proved profound.
・Why not find out what year and where your Fender Japan was made?
・Feel free to appraise your friend's guitar and show off like you know your stuff!!
　・TCGAKKIAnd comparing individual instruments by era is also a great idea!!

We have a large inventory of Fender Japan models ready and waiting for you.

We are also intensively strengthening our purchasing efforts!!
Confident in Fender JapanTCGAKKIThen, not only the initial models but also recent models are sure to fetch high appraisals! (^O^)/

・'83 ST57-65

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

・'57 Stratocaster
ST57-115/85/65
・1962 Stratocaster
ST62-115/85/65
・'52 Telecaster
TL52-95/65
・'57 Precision BassBass
PB57-95/70
・1962 Precision BassBass
PB62-98/75
・'62 model JazzBass
JB62-115/75

The higher-end models ST57 and ST62-115, TL52-95, PB57-95, PB62-98, and JB62-115 feature Fender USA-made components (pickups, pickguard, controls) and a lacquer finish.Clear differentiation exists by grade, including finish (lacquer/polyester) and parts (USA-made/domestic). Left-hand models were subsequently released.In 1983, new models appeared in the "VINTAGE SERIES": the bound TL62-65, the Telecaster Paisley TL69-75, the '72-style Telecaster Thinline TN72-70, the Telecaster Custom TC72-65, and the Original Precision Bass OPB54-75 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 offered maple and rosewood fingerboards. Other changes included modifications and additions to color variations, as well as model number revisions.

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 it a series rarely seen even on the used market.

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

・Boxer SeriesST-555(left),SF-455(right)

A new series introduced in 1984, conceived as "Fender's answer to the future of Fender-ness, warping into the next era." It featured new specifications like Power Balance pickups, TBX controls, and Blade Shooter vibrato.A medium scale was adopted for some models, and all models in the Boxer series became 22-fret specifications. Production ceased in 1987.

・Zinger SeriesST57-55(left),TL72-55R(right)

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

The medium-scale Strat ST314-55, as well as the ST57/62/72-55,Bass・Models PB57/62-55 and JB62-60 were added. Around this time, the ST72-65 featuring a rosewood scalloped fingerboard—said to have been released at Yngwie Malmsteen's request—also appeared. All models utilized domestic parts, clearly differentiating them from the Vintage Series.

The name "Zinger Series" soon fell out of use and was absorbed into the Current Series launched in 1987.

In 1984, the "MASTER SERIES," distinct in character from other series, made its debut.

The lineup included three model types—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 fully custom-made model by master guitar maker James L. D'Aquisto

・Featuring two humbucker pickups and a chambered body designEsprit Elite

Maple top, alder back (chambered) with a medium scale length. Features a coil tap switch and TBX controls. Popularity surged after jazz/blues guitarist Robben Ford used it, leading to the design of the later signature model ES-RF (Robben Ford Model).

・Flame
This model features a chamber body with reduced response, achieved by making the body slightly smaller than the Esprit.

・ST72-55

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

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

The lineup also includes a '70 Telecaster Thinline, a '72 Telecaster, a '72 Telecaster Thinline, a '72 Telecaster Custom, and a '75 Telecaster Deluxe.

The "COLLECTORES SERIES," which had been developed separately from the regular lineup since around 1984.

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

・ST67-85
A guitar reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, 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 that evokes Keith Richards, featuring a humbucker in the front position. The TL52-70SPL has a covered humbucker, while the TL67-70SPL has an open-coil humbucker. In '89, it was reclassified as a limited edition model.

【EXTRAD】

・ST62-120
The EXTRAD, crafted with lavishly selected materials, stands as Fender Japan's ultimate model. Its popularity extends far beyond Japan, commanding immense demand overseas. Despite its appeal, limited production makes it a highly sought-after yet elusive model.

⇒Click here for the detailed page on EXTRAD

【LIMITED EDITION】

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

Initially released were the TL52-75, JG66-75, ST67-85, and TD75-65 (’75 Telecaster Deluxe). Subsequently, the TES54-70 and TES61-70 (both Esquires), JM66-70 (’66 Jazzmaster), STXII (12-string Stratocaster),ST72-125PRD ('72 Paisley Strat), TL69-75PRD ('69 Paisley Tele), TL69-75BFL (same Blue Flower Tele), and MG69-60 ('69 Mustang) were added.The ST67-85 was reclassified 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,The COLLECTORS SERIES/PLAYERS models TL52-70SPL and TL67-70SPL were incorporated. Even just within this LIMITED EDITION, the classification of categories/series becomes quite complex and difficult to understand.

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

Like the Boxer series, it creates a Fender world unlike any before. Features include improved playability in the higher positions through the adoption of 22 frets and heel cut & deep cut, a lineup of medium scale and short scale models, and the incorporation of next-generation parts like the Floyd Rose-licensed EXTREM, Kahler Spider tremolo, and END-ROX on the bridge. Its defining characteristic is modern specifications that are the polar opposite of vintage style.Pickups primarily featured USA-made Lace Sensors, Dragstars, and DiMarzio HS-3s.

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

・STM-55、STS-55 (550)
Each model features a medium or short scale. The body, neck, and other components have been downsized to a more compact size, making these models particularly beginner- and female-friendly. Some models are equipped with a special bridge called END-ROX, which maintains tuning stability even without a locking nut.