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I always have great admiration for MIJ. there attention to detail and craftsmanship is exceptional. Any one can tell when someone took ownership and pride of what's been made. 🎸🎸

Love MIJ Fenders. I have Mexican, American and Japanese strats and the Japanese is my favorite.

The MIJ Squiers from the 80s were incredible value for the price. The more recent MIJ Charvels and Jacksons are also great. Japan just makes great guitars!

I sure do love my 84 JV! They do a great job in Japan, you can just feel it! Great playing, as always Baxter!

Got a Chandlerised MIJ ‘62 Strat from 90s and a recent MIJ special run L/H Fiesta Red rosewood board. Both terrific guitars.. as good as anything out there, top quality build.

My first guitar was a Fernandes early 90s MIJ strat copy. Got it brand new for next to nothing due to a music store going out of business. I still have it and it's just a killer guitar.

I recently acquired an 86 E series strat. Sounds incredible and plays like butter!

Don’t own an electric guitar… BUT, a Japanese built Takamine acoustic is hard to beat! Impeccable build quality, great playability, wonderful tone, and the very best acoustic pickup,(Palathetic), and preamp,(CoolTube3). Moving to Phoenix, so sold two Takamines and bought a RainSong carbon fiber Jumbo. However, if I ever move out of the desert, and want a wooden guitar again, I would most likely buy a Tak!

So cool you did this episode, my friend just imported 50 of 300 Japanese guitars. Fenders,and other brands ,all I have to say they are way cool.

I bought an MIJ 50’s Telecaster a long time ago. No specific year noted just called the 50s Telecaster. Deep v maple neck and maple fingerboard. Bridge pickup went bad and was replaced. It got dropped and has a small chunk out of the body on the lower rear edge. Ended up replacing the pickups completely. The neck takes a bit of getting used to but it still plays a dream.

My first guitar was a used lefty MIJ 1987 E-series 62 reissue cream colored strat that I bought in 1999 for around $400. It had some cosmetic issues and the electronics were a bit shoddy, but I replaced the entire pickguard assembly and I still have that guitar.

The "65" denotes the price point. On this guitar it is elevated due to the finish primarily. The "40"s were the cheapest, due to the hardware. The "50" was the typical specimen, with stamped saddles and Kluson style tuners. Every level above that was generally about the finish afaik. Note that Tokai did a thin laminate rosewood board, but "Fender Japan" never did. Another point of interest is that Fender were going to use Tokai to build 'em, but backed out at the last minute and went with Fugijen, who were making most of the Greco's. It is said that the initiial publicity shots were actually of Greco's with the Decal switched out. The fact that a lot of the early MIJ's were made of Sen bears this out, because a lot of the Greco's were.

They always say “set realistic goals to your guitar playing” and my goal is to play like you. But man it’s tough, it’s both solo and rhythm and improv with a touch of magic. You’re such an incredible player!

They knew what they were doing in Japan great quality control even back then..Look at the classic Aria guitars,basses and Acoustics doing the 80s...I have some of those and they are amazing..Even those Japanese Epiphone Elites are really good too..want one but they are so rare and expensive...now I'll have to put those Japanese Fenders and squiers on my list..Great video and playing Baxter!!

I don't have a MIJ fender but I have found that some of my favorite guitars are made in Japan. My TV Jones Spectra Sonic is made at the Terrada factory and it is a go to for me. Always a pleasure to play. Fit and finish are fantastic. All Gretsch professional series are made at the same place as I am sure most of you know. I love MIJ guitars!

Baxter, the blue “65” sticker on back of the headstock designates the model price tier…for that one it designates a JV ST62-65 model and a 65 yen price tier. Price tiers were -65, -85, and -115. That one is a lower tier model.

Guitar isn't my primary instrument, but i do love everything about it. It's why i come here every day to learn more. Thank you for what you do for us. me: i have one electric guitar- a '21 MIJ Jazzmaster Noir. after seeing it, it was love at first sight. i had considered the AM Pro II, and was ready to move on it, as kind of a 'well, i need a guitar for projects, but since i can't find anything that really jumps out at me functionally and aesthetically, i might as well...' and then that magic moment with a broker in Tokyo. within a week, my new guitar arrived, and i couldn't have been more thrilled. for me, this is a familial pass-down instrument, and i hope my descendants enjoy it as much as i do. It's a true love story!

one of the best strats i have ever played was a japanese squier from the 80s. might not have had the greatest electronics in there, but the neck was so amazing. one of these guitars that you dont stop playing once you pick it up

I hung on to my MIJ Fender Strat that I bought in 1987. It spends all it's time in a case due to the small-ish frets (Ive come to love jumbo frets) but I drag it out every once in a while.

My Son has a MIJ '66 RI Jazzmaster w/Block Inlays. It has been a fantastic instrument. I recently purchased from the Tokai Japan Custom Shop a '54 RI Goldtop. The craftsmanship and materials on this Tokai easily rival the offerings from Gibson USA. Originally I had looked at a Gibson R4 and chose the Tokai partially because it is offered with Jumbo Sankyo Frets.

Thanks for further educating me on MIJ guitars. I have a 91/92 Charvel ST Custom MIJ. First electric I bought and still one of the best playing guitars I have. Way more capable than I am, but that’s not saying much. 😉

My first ever electric was a used MIJ Strat with the System 1 trem. Great guitars, still play mine almost every day

I have a 2020 MIJ domestic mkt strat. It’s a keeper. Was lucky enough to find a shop in Seattle that had them in stock so I could play away my doubts first. Very much a 50s strat but with modern touches. Like, a big fat neck, check. But they make these Kluson-looking (gorgeous) locking tuners with a very simple, elegant mechanism. Anyway, def should be on any strat cat’s radar.

I have a couple JV Strats, a white ‘62 series from 1982 and a fiesta red ‘57 series from 1983. Both are great players. Both light too at just over 7 lbs. There were three tiers to the JV Strats: ST-65, ST-85 and ST-115. That’s what the little “65” sticker is about. The 65s were the standard model and featured custom color poly finishes. The 85s had a nitro finish and a steel rather than zinc alloy vibrato block. The 115s had upgraded hardware and (typically) sunburst finishes. Both of my JVs are 65s (with steel vibrato block upgrades). I also put a pickguard loaded with René Martinez MojoTone lipstick pickups and snazzy pots & switches on the red ‘83.

I have had and do have several MIJ telecasters and starts. They are incredibly well made guitars.

I'm on a tight budget and don't own any AM Fenders, but three MiM Player Strats that are fantastic for the money. Couple of years ago got lucky and bought a 2011 LN MIJ Fender Pawn Shop '51 and it is amazing. The difference is fit and finish and the neck is the nicest of any of my 24 guitars. They really spent the time rolling the edges and finishing the frets, it feels and plays fantastic! The second you pick it up you know it is a special guitar.

65 sticker designates 65000 yen. The 85 is a step up with nitro , the 115 was highest end. Thee 65 did have USA pickups tho. I’ve got a couple, they are great!! Nice video!

I have a Fernandez that I bought new from Alex’s 48st in 85. It replaced my real 62 that I destroyed with a Floyd Rose. It has the thin C neck and is 2 tone tobacco burst. I heard it was possibly made in MIJ factory? Great guitar,still playing it. Thanks for another great video!

I have a ‘52 Tele JV Export from ‘82 and ‘62 Strat ST62-70 from ‘89. Both are great MIJ instruments - I’ve had the chance to sell, but have held on to them because they are extremely playable. I’ve never felt the need to buy American-made Fender guitars because these get the job done when plugged into a good Fender amp.

I’ve got an 87 Japanese strat. It’s the candy apple red 62 or 63 reissue. One of the best feeling guitars I’ve ever laid my hands on. I just recently dropped a set of CS 69 pups in it…and man that thing sings. She can hang with the best of them

Fender guitars made in Japan are made exceptionally well. A friend of mine has a 90’s Japanese Strat and it plays great.

I love old Japanese guitars and own several by different manufacturers, including a 79 Tokai Springysound, 82 JV series Strat, 84 Esquire and a beautiful Kasuga LG-770V Custom (Les Paul style). None of them are pristine collectibles - I play and record with them all the time. Luckily, I bought them all back when they were just second hand and not sought after. Great video Baxter.

Japanese build quality is always stand out. Not lucky enough to have one of those Fender models, but do have a Japanese built Gretsch Country gentleman that is amazing.

I have a '94 MIJ Malmsteen model, scalloped fingerboard and a 50's smaller headstock. The thing absolutely rips, best Strat I've ever picked up. Looking at one of the domestic model 60's Traditionals currently. Love a MIJ!

I have an ‘85 MIJ Strat with the Fender system one trim. Still love it as much today as the day I bought it. We’ve been through a lot together ☮️

I purchased and still have a MIJ Telecaster "Esquire" from the early 1980's. I love it. It plays great and still sounds awesome.

I have a Fender Japan Contemporary Strat that still gets love to this day. It's an odd single humbucker with a locking trem, but it's just a fun guitar and the craftsmanship is amazing. Japanese guitar manufacturers really seem to take guitar making seriously, which is why a lot of people will say Navigator/Edwards/ESP are outdoing Gibson and Fender and are willing to import those guitars. While I don't know what the training is to make guitars for Fender, I know ESP makes you go to luthier school for 2 years before you can build in their Japanese facility.

I have several of the less expensive E series from that 83 to 86 Era(2 Tele, 2 strat). Replaced the ceramic pickups with various Fender vintage series. Love these and doubt I'd trade for any USA standard regardless of year. Not sure if it is the wood or the makers mojo.... Very special instruments.

I have a black '97 CIJ strat that is an early A serial # I have had for 20+ years. Was my first real guitar. Its an ST-54 reissue. Have new pickups and stuff in it. Great playing and sounding guitar, holds tune and has a great soft V neck profile. Closest I'll ever get to owning a '54, haha.

I swear by Japanese made guitars, they really are the best. My #1 that's gonna be with me forever is an ESP Snapper I picked up a few years ago on a trip out there and recently got a new Fender aerodyne tele and I'm loving it. Would love to get my hands on one of these 80's guitars too, whether it's a Fender, Tokai, Greco etc

Excellent video Baxter! I really appreciate the info and history. I own a Fender Telecaster MIJ. I love it! The quality and craftsmanship is outstanding. It’s red with dual humbuckers and no pick guard, and a micro switch, all built that way from the factory in Japan. It has a unique tone and look. I’d never want to part with it, it’s a one of a kind instrument. Btw…really enjoyed the guitar playing, you need to do that more, excellent my friend! 😎👍🎸

Love MIJ and CIJ Fender. Awesome you guys did this video!

Nice playing man, and that Strat sounds beautiful too. It has that iconic Strat sound that we all love no doubt. All if mine are either American made or Warmoth ( I love putting them all together ) - I've always tried to buy stuff here that's made in the states and that goes for most stuff too - cars, motorcycles, guitars etc... If I ever do buy something overseas it would have to be one of these made in Japan models though. Love all your content from you guys, one of these days I'll have to buy an axe or an amp from you guys for sure.

My “birth year” strat is a Squier E-Series from the FujiGen plant. Birth year is in quotes because tracking of those serial numbers is spotty, so all I know is that it was made sometime between ‘84 and ‘88 (just like me…). It’” feels and plays wonderfully although, it’s a little heavier than I prefer. Stock ceramic pickups sounded fine, but I swapped them out for some Alico 5s my local luthier hand winds. Much better sound, but wish I had saved the money and kept it stock.

Not from the same factory as the Fenders but my Japanese made Gretschs are outstanding. Just impeccable craftsmanship

Great color! Is that one an "Order Made"? Look for the heel stamp, "order made" have great specs. I have a "charcoal burst" where they actually burned the wood; flamed neck on that one. you can find occasional birds-eye necks as well. 80's Japanese Squires also are worth a look

I have several MIJ Strats. One is a G series from 88. It's in buttercream, completely stock. It is a wonderful guitar. I have a fairly rare one from 90-91. It has a wide thin maple neck, with EMG active pups. Two single coils and a HB that can split and has a 10 DB boost when in HB mode. It also game stock with a Kahler Floyd Rose. It's in Seafoam green. I've never seen another one like it.

Baxter must be creeping my computer - I'm having an 83 '62 MIJ Fender Strat delivered to my door today. Can't wait to get my hands on it! It's an ST62-65 Model in Olympic White finish. Will be interesting to see how it compares and how I prefer it (or not) to my 87 American Standard.

I'm a thinline tele freak. Always wanted one of the Japanese made 72 thinlines. I have an American vintage reissue model, but always wondered how they compare.

Bought my lefty MiJ strat around ‘95. Late 80’s serial number. Lovely guitar, as a lefty don’t have much to compare it to. At time of purchase was difficult to find any LH guitars so was grateful to purchase.

thats a gorgeous finish. ive always had a love for MIJ, have a early 90s blond tele & early Squire strat but the game changer for me was when I found a deal on an early 80s Fernandes '57 revival strat. Every attention to deal is staggering, it plays very much like an old strat, certainly better than any new american ive played.

My girlfriend (wife of 33 years now) bought me a 1985 MIJ Fender Strat (maple neck and black with locking nut) for my birthday in March 86. I am into Les Pauls and Teles, but this is my favorite of all I have had. I look at it and see all the wear that I have put into it. Maybe needs new frets (or at least addressed) but is a spectacular guitar. I've had MANY people ask me to sell it, and I politely decline. It would take 100 times what it's worth for me to part with it. Years of writing and recording and playing it live. I haven't found ANY high end Strats that I have liked as much as this guitar..

Last year I bought a MIJ Ibanez RG550DX reissued as one of the Genesis collection models, after paying £925 which I thought was expensive I now realise it was a steal considering it was made at the same Hoshino Gakki factory which produces the Custom/Prestige models. The workmanship and attention given to QC is remarkable it’s not surprising that Fender Charvel & Gibson amongst others have some of their significant models made there.

My first...and still only strat is a MIJ from about 1986 that I bought new in 87 or 88. Cherry red, maple neck. It has a locking tremelo system, with a click in weighted tremelo arm, which was like butter to use...but of course I lost years ago after my band played a house party, and the replacement is not quite the same. I was so naive when I bought it , I didn't even realize it was MIJ, or that was even a thing. I just knew all the guitarists I listened to played strats, and so I wanted a strat. It played like a dream so I bought it for around $800 CAD, which was lot of money for me at the time. I've had the frets redressed and changed out the ceramic pickups a few years ago, but otherwise still original and still played regularly.

Picked up a 1985 '67 Reissue lefty a few months ago....I think it has CS pups though. Super thin neck....really like it...keep it tuned half-step down to learn 60's/Hendrix stuff.... Also have a new FGN (FujiGen) Tele with Seymour Duncans...SUPER light....well made....rivals my USA Fenders in every way....paid only $850 (no case). Top bound...special curved frets to help intonation. Oh, Trogily demo'd new smaller Japanese Fenders....24" scale length...bodies 10% smaller.

A few days back I found an MIJ fender telecaster from 1989-1990 with a 50's body & 70's neck. Amazing instrument in near mint condition for under 1k. I live in Tokyo and guitars are my life. Japan has a lot to offer in that realm. The only thing I hate is their guitar store tradition of keeping every guitar strung with 9's & tuned down to flap while on the wall. Then you ask to try it and they tune it up to standard. BACKBOW EXTREME! A lot of guitars sold here on the used market have neck warp due to that absurd practice being common among players as well. If only fender told them that there is a truss rod..

I'm hoping to acquire one of the MIJ year - 2020 / 50's issue. Fingers crossed that they continued with the sound / vibe / and quality into 2020.

For a guitar that's close to 40 years old, that thing looks brand new. Love that color too!

Great tone, enjoyed your playing

I have a JV Tele and a whole heap of E series Strats. Top quality instruments, especially for the $200-300 I paid way back when. The E necks are so good that I even bought extras to replace the necks on my other Fender-style guitars. Not a huge fan of the new MIJ models having 9.5" boards but they're still nice instruments.

I've got an '83 Tokai Goldstar (60's style Strat), and without doubt it's the best Strat I've ever played. The only issue with 70's and 80's era MIJ guitars is that they were so unloved for so long, that the survivorship and documentation is poor. It's hard to know what you're getting into, but worth it if you do the homework (or buy from a trusted source).

I have a Boxer Strat; It gets weekly use -- it's great. Ishibash has guitars I'm tempted to import but haven't been able to pull the trigger. I have worries of working with an overseas dealer.

Sold my American deluxe Strat in 3 tone sunburst and have been having sellers remorse. Just found a Made in Japan 96 Strat in same exact color for $400 on marketplace! I’m picking it up this weekend!

Again. So cool to see a guitar shop owner who can really play.

Not quite the same but have an MIJ Fender Squier strat. Made in 82 I believe. It was my first guitar and holds a special place for me. White, rosewood, those skinny frets well worn (and probably in need of some attention). So while a number of guitars have come and gone in my collection, that one will always stay. Still plays and sounds oh so sweet.

Tokai used to put those round numbered stickers on their guitars to designate where in the model range that sat. My Tokai Schenker V has a 60 sticker on the back. I didn’t get a very good look at the Strat sticker, so it may be different

Got a 1987 mij 72 reissue in antique white or buttercream as it’s known these days been modified to death and back and needs some fretwork. But I love it the most

Recently got a white Aerodyne strat and it’s such a classic feeling yet modern look

MIJ Fenders are nice, I have one of the older 60s style Stratocaster necks on a parts guitar and also an Aerodyne Made in Japan, both are solid and play great.

I’ve never had a crappy Japanese built guitar. I’m sure they’re out there. Especially in the “lawsuit” era. But I’ve always had great luck with my Japanese built guitars. Love my ESP’s.

I own a early 2000s Korean Stratocaster , light swamp ash body ,amazing Birdseye maple neck with very interesting neck profile,Seymour Duncan pickups,one off fender logo on the headstock.it’s my favorite guitar,definitely my prettiest ,it plays on par with my 🇺🇸 fender deluxe ,better than my hwy 1.I just never knew,I’ll never underestimate Asian built fenders again 🌎❤️🎸I think it’s the last design out of the Cort factory ,so nice!…where are the American Birdseye maple neck s,freaking beautiful 😍

I am a proud owner of 6 mid 80’s, early ‘90’s MIJ Fender & Squiers + 3 Ibanez models made in 80’s. I love MIJ guitars.

I bought a MIJ tele custom in 1985.. still have it. Its amazing.

Of the six Strats I’ve owned. Four have been either J-Craft or MIJ. The domestic market Japan guitars have always been higher spec than the stuff they officially sent to Europe and the US. I have a 2002 71 Strat reissue with Ash body built by Dyna Gakki. I also have a Richie Kotzen Tele that’s amazing. It’s worth noting that due to the various specifications and factories involved the spec of the models does vary. But my J-Craft Fenders are equal to American Deluxe quality.

Great playing, Baxter!

I wanted to get an MIJ Squier a few years ago but they're going real high in the states. Found out that MIJ fenders were made in the same factories and going for real steals from Japan. I got my '93-'94 ST62-70 for $534 shipped in 2020. Man I tell ya I love this guitar so much. Gotoh tuners. I did swap out all the electronics tho. '57-'62 USA Fender pickups and mad hatter wiring. SUCH A MAGNIFICENT PLAYER.

Japan is currently making some excellent fenders today. I recently bought a mij f-hole telecaster in pearl liked it so much I bought a 2nd in blue (I’ve a custom shop Tele, a 75th American Tele and an ultra strat for comparison and the mij is my current fav). Here in Australia getting a lot of mij at fender dealers as recent dramas less American fenders imported.

Own an SQ Squier series Strat bought new at Manny’s NYC in 1983, $150 w/hard case. Long story, but it is without a doubt the best Strat I own. Original one has a rosewood board, last year I picked up its twin with a maple board, equally amazing. In 2020 I bought two of the black paisley MIJ Strats purely for collecting, put in Fender molded cases unplayed (one day my siblings are in for a few surprises). I wouldn’t hesitate to buy more MIJ Fenders if I had the $$$, they are just that good. The true master luthier who refretted my original SQ (stainless/bone nut) told me while he doesn’t really like Strats this was the best Strat he’d ever come across in 50 years. People have poo poohed this guitar since the day I got it simply because it says “Squier” on the headstock. Once they played it they STFU, many tried to buy it off me, one guy tried to steal it, another offered me $3000 for the neck! If you have a chance to get a CIJ/MIJ Fender you won’t regret it.

I have a MIJ Strat that I bought new in -85. I think it was one of the cheapest models, a 60s Strat. However, the build is simply top notch! I

I have a MIJ Squire that is an absolute GEM. Swapped the pickups. That's it. The rest of the guitar is stock. Plays like butter, great intonation, just a beautiful piece of gear.

Thanks for the video and information! I bought my first (and only) electric guitar in 1986 from a mom and pop shop in Santa Monica, CA. It is a 1986 Squier made in Japan model. I had a Floyd Rose tremolo added to it, and never thought of keeping the original bridge. (Ah well, I wanted to be like EVH with my guitar.) Btw, it is red and white, but with maple neck and fretboard. I was a just starting college, and I went into debt when I bought it. It is my first child, and I never think I could part with it!! It is amazing! Btw, in 1995-1999, I actually went to work in Japan. How crazy is that!!?? Anyway, I still have my guitar and I would post a picture, but can't in the comments I guess this guitar is a little treasure and also has a great story too.....

My favorite guitars I own are early 80s MIJ set neck Les Paul copies. Although I do like my American Deluxe HSS Strat for it's craftsmanship and versatility.

Wish you would do a segment on your time with Richard Lloyd.

It's nice to see you can really play, I wasn't sure.....cool. I like watching you guys....uber interesting and well informing.....do you have a band?

I have a fender stratocaster from '89-90 "I" serial number. I bought it new in 1990. Best neck i've ever played. Small frets, but a bit bigger neck than the American or Mexican guitars i've owned. I've owned many american guitars but I still love that old japan guitar the most! Currently trying to find that neck on ebay!

I recently swapped my 1987 MIJ Fender Strat (contemporary with floyd rose style trem - very decent guitar) for a 1984 MIJ Tokai Strat: def an upgrade, the olympic white has aged beautifull and it plays and sounds like a dream

Mighty fine axe sir...I have the Aerodyne strat...excellent build and playability

I have an ‘85 Squier Bullet 1 MIJ. Really nice quality and like the Tele neck on the Strat body.

Have a '57 MIJ Re-issue with Lace Sensor P/ups ( early 90's .. bought new ) .. nice !

I have a huge “lawsuit” ibanez collection bought when snobs turned their noses up at them! I got most for extremely cheap prices. The quality is much better than anything Fender or Gibson had to offer at the time.

I have a bunch of FujiGen instruments, mostly Greco's and lawsuit Ibanez, 75-84 was a golden period for manufacture there, cost of labor not so high that amazing craftsmanship possible for a reasonable price, top notch -- couldn't last

I own two MIJ Fenders, a modern HH strat and a SSS Aerodyne strat, love 'em both.

I'll go one further, the 83-86 MIJ Squier guitars are extremely good guitars, probably the only difference was the Squier didn't have staggered pole piece pickups, really great pro-level guitars

Thank you so much. I learned everything I wa Ted to know. You are an amazing presenter

Nice review! I wonder if you can give me any insight into the 2004-2006 Crafted In Japan ST68, please?

I have an 83 Ibanez AR30 made in Japan. Awesome guitar!!

I've owned and still own about every make of Strat and Tele and I gotta say the Richie Kotzen MIJ Telecaster is hands down the greatest sounding guitar I've ever owned and I've owned a lot. I had a MIJ carvel from the 80s and I wish I had never broke and sold the remains of that. Rock n Roll can be hazardous. What can I say? Ive learned to tone it down

I would love to have something like that, especially being an 83' baby!

Purchased a Crafted in Japan 52 Reissue Tele and it is amazing! I have had everyone from Luthiers to other players say it is the Best Tele they have seen & played....True believer and holding onto this.........