Why is Japan Vintage so highly regarded overseas?

Many Japanese people are very particular about the value of brands, and tend to buy foreign brands such as "Fender" and "Gibson" rather than domestic models. Overseas players do not care much about brands, but are looking for a truly well-made instrument with a good sound, and will buy the ultimate instrument, regardless of the price. That's the image I have of them.

They were the first to realize the beauty of Japan Vintage, and they bought them as if they were competing with each other! In addition, recently, with the new name "MIJ", which stands for "Made In Japan", the premium level of Japanese Vintage instruments has increased even more. Although a little behind the rest of the world, in recent years, Japanese vintage instruments have become very popular in Japan, and are supported by people of all ages, from the elderly to the young.

For this project, we have picked up Fender Japan, which has been gaining popularity among Japan Vintage instruments. Especially rare and hard to find "JV Serial Period", "EXTRAD", and LIMITED EDITION models. TC Gakki has searched all over the world for these rare and hard-to-find models!

All of them are gems, and to be able to gather such a large number of them at one time is truly a miracle. It was hard for me to contain my excitement.

Summary + Serial

Fender Japan has been loved and fascinated by many users for 33 years since its establishment in 1982, and on March 31, 2015, its history finally came to an end.

As a matter of fact, the first guitar I myself bought was a Fender Japan model. I am very happy to have been able to collect many valuable Fender Japan models that you would never find in your everyday life!

We are sure that there are still some things that we have not researched enough, but we will continue to collect various Fender Japan models and hope to share the whole story of their wonderful charms with everyone in Japan. The instruments introduced here are available for you to see and try at TC instruments. Of course, there is only one of each available, so don't miss out!

History of Fender Japan

-Documents-.

Serial Number Complete Clarification!

Almost all Fender Japan models have serial numbers on them.

The first serial numbers start with "JV" and "SQ". Of course, they were manufactured by the world famous Fuji stringed instrument manufacturer (now Fujigen)!

The "Crafted in Japan" serial numbers are often seen, but these serial numbers are for the years 1997-2007.
This is a very common "Crafted in Japan" notation, but the serial numbers here are from 1997 to 2007. The serial number consists of one alphabetical character and a six-digit number.

After that, the products that were manufactured and assembled by Dyna Gakki will be labeled "Made in Japan".
The basic format is one letter + six digits (the first digit is 0).

The last two digits of the year are JD◯◯.

This is how the serial number system works.

We have traced the flow of Fender Japan's serial numbers over the past 30 years, which seems shallow but is very deep.
You can also check the year and the make of your Fender Japan!
You can also appraise your friends' guitars and show off your knowledge!
You can also compare different guitars from different years at TC instruments!

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

We are also intensifying our focus on buying!
TC Musical Instruments is confident in Fender Japan, and you can be sure to get a high valuation for not only early models, but also recent models (^O^)/.

...'83 ST57-65.

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

The '57 Stratocaster
ST57-115/85/65
'62 Stratocaster
ST62-115/85/65
Telecaster '52
TL52-95/65
'57 Precision Bass
PB57-95/70
'62 Precision Bass
PB62-98/75
'62 Jazz Bass
JB62-115/75

Of these, the higher grade ST57 and ST62-115, TL52-95, PB57-95, PB62-98, and JB62-115 were equipped with Fender USA-made parts (pickups, pickguards, controls) and given a lacquer finish. Depending on the grade, the finish (lacquer/polyester) and parts (USA-made/domestic-made) are clearly differentiated. In 1983, a new model appeared in the "VINTAGE SERIES. In 1983, new models appeared in the "VINTAGE SERIES": TL62-65 with binding, Telecaster Paisley TL69-75, '72 Telecaster Thinline TN72-70, Telecaster Custom TC72-65, and the original Precision Bass OPB with single-coil pickups. Original Precision Bass OPB54-75 was added, replaced by TL62-65 in 1984; TL62B-70 (with binding) and TL62-70 (without binding). The all-rosewood (semi-hollow body) TL69-115 was also introduced to the lineup. Fender Japan's first large-head Strat ST72-70 was also introduced, equipped with USA-made pickups and available with maple or rose fingerboard. Other changes and additions to the color variations and model numbers can also be seen.

In 1984, the Japanese version of Fender USA's Standard and Elite were added to the regular lineup. The production of this series was discontinued in a very short period of time, so it is very rare to find this series in the used market.

EST83-110
(*Image is for reference only)

Boxer seriesST-555(left), andSF-455(right).

This new series debuted in 1984 with the concept of "a newcomer that warps the next era of Fender's pursuit and answer of the future of Fender-ness. It featured new specs such as power balanced pickups, TBX controls, and blade shooter vibrato. The medium scale was adopted for some models, and all models in the Boxer series were now available with 22 frets.

The "Zinger SeriesST57-55(left), andTL72-55R(right).

In 1984, the "ZINGER SERIES" was launched, a cost-performance model based on the concept of offering low-priced products.

The ST314-55 medium scale strat, the ST57/62/72-55, the PB57/62-55 bass model, and the JB62-60 were added to the series. The ST72-65 with a rosewood scalloped fingerboard, said to have been released at the request of Yngvay Malmsteen, was also introduced around this time. All models used Japanese-made parts, clearly differentiating them from the Vintage Series.

The name "Zinger Series" soon fell into disuse and was absorbed into the Current Series, which would start in 1987.

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

The lineup consisted of three types of models: D'Aquisto, Esprit, and Flame, with variations of Ultra, Elite, and Standard, respectively. The three D'Aquisto models and the Esprit Ultra were made to order.

The full acoustic modelD'Aquisto
Fully made-to-order models by master guitar maker James L. D'Aquisto

The D'Aquisto is a fully custom-built model with two humbuckers and a chambered construction.Esprit Elite

Maple top and alder back (chambered) material with medium scale. Equipped with coil tap SW and TBX control. Popularity grew after it was used by jazz/blues guitarist Robben Ford, who later designed his signature model ES-RF (Roben Ford Model).

Flame
The Flame is a model with a smaller body than the Esprit, which reduces the response of the chamber body.

ST72-55

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

The representative model is the '72 Stratocaster ST72, which is equipped with the specifications unique to the 70s, such as a large head, bullet truss rod, micro-tilt adjustment for adjusting the angle of the neck, and traditional logo, and has a flat pole. It is equipped with a large head, bullet truss rod, micro-tilt adjustment for adjusting the neck angle, and traditional logo.

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

The "COLLECTORS SERIES" has been available since 1984.

In 1987, the "COLLECTORS SERIES" was divided into three categories: PLAYERS, characterized by maniacal specs reminiscent of famous musicians' favorite machines; EXTRAD, which lavishly uses carefully selected materials; and LIMITED EDITION, which mainly consists of limited production models. EDITION, which is mainly made in limited editions. The PLAYERS series would later evolve into the Signature Series.

ST67-85
A large head and maple fretboard are characteristic of this guitar, which makes one think of Jimi Hendrix. Alder wood is used and vintage pickups are mounted. Originally released around '86 as a limited edition (LIMITED EDITION).

・ST72-75、ST72-65
The ST72-75 has a one-piece maple neck and the ST72-65 has a rose fingerboard. Both models are said to have been produced at the request of Ingy himself.

・TL52-70SPL(left), andTL67-70SPL(right), TL67-70SPL
A Keith Richards-inspired model with humbuckers in the front position; the TL52-70SPL has covered humbuckers, while the TL67-70SPL has open humbuckers.' In 1989, it was converted to a Limited Edition (limited production) model.

[EXTRAD

・ST62-120
EXTRAD, Fender Japan's most powerful model, is made of carefully selected materials. It is very popular not only in Japan but also overseas, and even if you want one, it is a difficult model to obtain due to its small production number.

⇒Click here for the detailed page of EXTRAD.

LIMITED EDITION

From left to rightMG69-60, TL69-75PRD, JG66-75are.
Among the COLLECTORES SERIES, the limited production models released from around '86 were officially categorized as LIMITED EDITION from '87.

Initially, TL52-75, JG66-75, ST67-85, and TD75-65 ('75 Telecaster Deluxe) were released, followed by TES54-70 and TES61-70 (both Esquire), JM66-70 ('66 Jazzmouth), followed by the STXII (12-string Strat), ST72-125PRD (Paisley Strat in '72), TL69-75PRD (Paisley Tele in '69), TL69-75BFL (Blue Flower Tele in '69), MG69-60 ST67-85 was reorganized into PLAYERS in '87, and in '88, TLG80-60 ( Black & Gold Tele) was added, and in '89, TL69-115 and TL69-98 (both all rosewood Tele) were added to the VINTAGE SERIES lineup, and TL52-70SPL and TL67-70SPL have been incorporated. This LIMITED EDITION alone reveals a rather complex and esoteric category/series classification.

In 1988, the "PRO-FEEL SERIES" was created to replace the Boxer Series.

Like the Boxer series, the PRO-FEELSERIES created an unprecedented Fender worldview: 22 frets, heel cut and deep cut for improved playability in the high position, medium and short scale model lineups, Floyd Rose licensed EXTREME bridge, Kohler Spider tremolo, and E-Spider tremolo. The new generation parts such as EXTREM, Köhler spider tremolo, and END-ROX are installed, and modern specs that are the opposite of vintage style are the features. For pickups, USA-made Race Sensor, Dragster, and DiMaggio HS-3 were mainly used.

STR-1300LS
Flame-grained maple sycamore wood, Floyd Rose type bridge, USA-made Lace Sensor pickups, TBX control and active type mid booster.

・STM-55、STS-55(550)
Each is available in medium and short scales, respectively. The body, neck, and other parts were downsized to a more compact size, making this model especially friendly to beginners and women. Some models are equipped with a special bridge called END-ROX, which maintains tuning stability even without a lock nut.