FENDER JAPAN: The Ultimate Dream Model

Why Are Japan Vintage Guitars So Highly Regarded Overseas?

　Many Japanese people place great importance on brand value and tend to prefer overseas brands like “Fender” and “Gibson” over domestic models. However, people overseas don’t really care about brands; they seek out instruments that are truly well-made and sound great, aiming to buy the ultimate guitar regardless of price! That’s the general impression.

　They were the first to recognize the brilliance of Japan Vintage and scrambled to buy them up! Furthermore, with the recent emergence of the new term “MIJ” (short for “Made In Japan”), Japan Vintage instruments have gained even more prestige. Although Japan lagged slightly behind the rest of the world, domestic popularity has surged in recent years, with support spanning generations from older adults to young people.

　For this feature, we’ve spotlighted Fender Japan, a brand that stands out as particularly popular within the Japan Vintage scene. TCGAKKI has gone all out to track down exceptionally rare and hard-to-find models—including those from the “JV serial era,” “EXTRAD,” and “LIMITED EDITION” series—from all over the world!!

　Every single one is a masterpiece, and the fact that we’ve managed to gather this many at once is nothing short of a miracle. Even I, the person in charge, had a hard time containing my excitement (sweat). So, let’s dive right in and explore the appeal of Fender Japan.

Summary + Serial Numbers

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

　Actually, the very first guitar I ever bought was a Fender Japan model. While I’ve covered Fender Japan in this special feature, I’ve managed to gather a large number of rare models that you’d never see in your everyday life!

　I’m sure there are still areas I haven’t fully researched yet, but I hope to continue collecting various Fender Japan models and share the full story of their wonderful appeal with everyone across the country. You can view the instruments introduced here at TCGAKKI and even try them out. Of course, there’s only one of each, so don’t miss out!!

The History of Fender Japan

Almost all Fender Japan models feature a serial number.

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

The commonly seen "Crafted in Japan" notation appears on serial numbers from 1997 to 2007.
For instruments from this period, woodworking and other manufacturing processes were outsourced, while assembly was handled by Dyna Gakki. The serial numbers consist of one letter followed by six digits, as shown below.

Subsequently, products for which all manufacturing and assembly processes were carried out by Dyna Gakki are marked “Made in Japan.”
The standard format is one letter followed by six digits (with the first digit being 0).

Starting in 2012, the format begins with "JD12," and for 2013 models, it is "JD13," with the last two digits of the year represented as "JD◯◯."

That concludes the explanation of this serial number system.

I’ve traced the history of Fender Japan serial numbers—a history that spans just over 30 years, yet is surprisingly rich in detail.
　・You can use this to find out the exact year and place of manufacture for your Fender Japan guitar!
　・You can appraise a friend’s guitar and show off like an expert!!
　・Or, use TCGAKKI to compare and contrast models from different eras!!

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

We’re also actively strengthening our buyback program!!
At TCGAKKI, we’re experts in Fender Japan—so you can count on high appraisals for everything from early models to recent ones (^O^)/

・’83 ST57-65

In the spring of 1982, Fender Japan was officially launched and announced its first lineup, the “VINTAGE SERIES,” which would be its flagship offering moving 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 Precision Bass
PB57-95/70
・'62 Precision Bass
PB62-98/75
・'62 Jazz Bass
JB62-115/75

Among these, the higher-end models—ST57, ST62-115, TL52-95, PB57-95, PB62-98, and JB62-115—were equipped with Fender USA parts (pickups, pickguards, and controls) Recruit and finished with a lacquer finish.Depending on the grade, there were clear distinctions in finishes (lacquer/polyester) and parts (USA-made/domestic). Left-handed models were released later. In 1983, new models appeared in the “VINTAGE SERIES.”The lineup was expanded to include 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 with single-coil pickups, the BassOPB54-75.In 1984, the TL62-65 was replaced by two models: the TL62B-70 (with binding) and the TL62-70 (without binding). Additionally, the all-rosewood (semi-hollow body) TL69-115 was added to the lineup. The ST72-70, Fender Japan’s first large-headstock Stratocaster, also made its debut.It was equipped with USA-made pickups and offered maple and rosewood fingerboards. Other changes included updates and additions to color variations, as well as model number revisions.

In 1984, these models were added to the regular lineup as the Japanese versions of Fender USA’s Standard and Elite series. Since production was discontinued after a very short time, this is a series that is rarely seen even on the used market.

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

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

A new series debuted in 1984 with the concept of “a newcomer that warps into the next era, pursuing and answering the future of what it means to be Fender.” It was characterized by new specifications such as Power Balance pickups, TBX controls, and Blade Shooter vibrato.A medium scale was adopted for some models, and all models in the Boxer Series were equipped with 22 frets. Production was discontinued in 1987.

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

In 1984, the “ZINGER SERIES” was launched as a cost-effective model designed with affordability in mind.

New additions included the medium-scale Stratocaster ST314-55, the ST57/62/72-55, the Bass-model PB57/62-55, and the JB62-60.It was also around this time that the ST72-65, said to have been released at the request of Yngwie Malmsteen, made its debut, featuring a rosewood scalloped fingerboard. All models used domestically manufactured parts, clearly distinguishing them from the Vintage Series.

The name “Zinger Series” was soon discontinued and absorbed into the Current Series, which launched in 1987.

In 1984, the “MASTER SERIES,” which differed in character from the other series, was introduced.

The lineup consisted of three model types—D’Aquisto, Esprit, and Flame—each available in Ultra, Elite, and Standard variations. The three D’Aquisto models and the Esprit Ultra were made-to-order.

・The D’Aquisto (D’Aquisto), a full-acoustic model
A model made entirely to order by master luthier James L. D’Aquisto

・The Esprit Elite, featuring a chambered body and two humbucker pickups

Features a maple top, alder back (chambered), and a medium scale length. Equipped with a coil-tap switch and TBX controls. Its popularity soared after jazz/blues guitarist Roben Ford began using it, leading to the design of the later signature model, the ES-RF (Roben Ford Model).

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

・ST72-55

In the spring of 1987, the “CURRENT SERIES” was introduced, based on a new “CBS Version” concept.

A representative model is the ’72 Stratocaster ST72, which features specifications unique to the ’70s, such as a large headstock, a bullet truss rod, a micro-tilt adjustment for neck angle, and the traditional logo, along with Current pickups with flat pole pieces and a polyester finish.

The lineup also includes the ’70 Telecaster Thinline, ’72 Telecaster, ’72 Telecaster Thinline, ’72 Telecaster Custom, and ’75 Telecaster Deluxe.

The “COLLECTORS SERIES” was launched around 1984 as a separate line from the regular lineup.

In 1987, it was organized into three categories: PLAYERS, featuring specifications reminiscent of famous musicians’ favorite instruments; EXTRAD, which lavishly utilized carefully selected materials; and LIMITED EDITION, consisting primarily of limited-production models. The PLAYERS line would later evolve into the Signature Series.

・ST67-85
A guitar reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, featuring a large headstock and a laminated maple fingerboard. It is crafted from alder and equipped with vintage pickups. Originally released around 1986 as a limited-production model (LIMITED EDITION).

・ST72-75, ST72-65
A model reminiscent of Yngwie Malmsteen, featuring a scalloped fingerboard. 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 model reminiscent of Keith Richards, featuring a humbucker in the front position. The TL52-70SPL is equipped with a covered humbucker, while the TL67-70SPL features an open-type humbucker. In 1989, these models were rebranded as limited edition (limited production) models.

[EXTRAD]

・ST62-120
The EXTRAD, crafted with lavish use of carefully selected materials, is Fender Japan’s flagship model. It enjoys immense popularity not only domestically but also overseas; however, due to its limited production run, it is a highly sought-after model that is difficult to obtain.

⇒Click here for the detailed EXTRAD page

【LIMITED EDITION】

・From left to right in the image: MG69-60, TL69-75PRD, and JG66-75.
Within the COLLECTORES SERIES, limited-production models released around 1986 were officially categorized as LIMITED EDITION starting in 1987.

Initially, the TL52-75, JG66-75, ST67-85, and TD75-65 (’75 Telecaster Deluxe) were released, followed by the TES54-70 and TES61-70 (both Esquires), the JM66-70 (’66 Jazzmaster), and later the STXII (12-string Strat),ST72-125PRD (’72 Paisley Strat), TL69-75PRD (’69 Paisley Tele), TL69-75BFL (’69 Blue Flower Tele), and MG69-60 (’69 Mustang).The ST67-85 was reorganized into the PLAYERS series in ’87; in ’88, the TLG80-60 (Black & Gold Tele), which had been part of the BOXER SERIES lineup, was added; and in ’89, the TL69-115 and TL69-98 (both All-Rosewood Teles), which had been part of the VINTAGE SERIES lineup,and the TL52-70SPL and TL67-70SPL from the COLLECTORS SERIES/PLAYERS were incorporated. Even just looking at this LIMITED EDITION alone, you can see a rather complex and confusing classification of categories and series.

The "PRO-FEEL SERIES" was introduced in 1988 to replace the Boxer Series.

Like the Boxer Series, it created a Fender aesthetic unlike anything seen before.It is characterized by modern specifications that are the polar opposite of vintage styles, including improved playability in the high registers thanks to 22 frets and the heel cut & deep cut Recruit, a lineup of medium-scale and short-scale models, and the incorporation of new-generation parts such as the Floyd Rose-licensed EXTREM, the Kahler Spider Tremolo, and END-ROX on the bridge.Pickups primarily used include USA-made Race Sensors, Dragstars, and DiMarzio HS-3s.

・STR-1300LS
Made from flamed maple and sycamore, it features a Floyd Rose-type bridge and USA-made Race Sensor pickups, and is equipped with an active mid-booster in addition to TBX controls.

・STM-55, STS-55 (550)
These models come in medium and short scale versions, respectively. The body and neck have been downsized to a more compact size, making them particularly beginner- and female-friendly models. Some models are equipped with a special bridge called END-ROX, which maintains tuning stability even without a locking nut.