MIJ bass query

[smurfitt]

Just had a quote from ishibashi for a Japan Fender 1975 Reissue Jazz and with shipping import tax custom duty and VAT it's no cheaper than buying form a UK dealer. As follows:

Cost of bass: £927
Add 3.9% import duty = £962.65
Add 17.5% VAT = £1131.12
Customs clearance: £20 (approx)
Grand total = £1151.12

Same bass at Guitar Emporium priced at: £1149

What's the score? I was under the impression that basschatters bought from Japan to save ££££'s.
Some people claiming they got theirs for £300 - £350. Are they talking about used?

Give me a heads up please.

[neepheid]

It's worse than you think - VAT is 20% at the moment...

Dunno what to tell you - currency fluctuates, sometimes it's advantageous to buy from abroad (remember when the US$ was worth around 50p and VAT was only 17.5%?) and sometimes it's not.

[Fat Rich]

This is probably worth a look:

[url="http://www.fareastguitars.co.uk/usedbasses.htm"]http://www.fareastguitars.co.uk/usedbasses.htm[/url]

It's used but looks to be in good shape. Hope someone buys it soon because I'm soooo tempted!

[BigRedX]

The £ - ¥ exchange rate is rubbish at the moment. Currently at around ¥120 to £1.

Before 2009 it was more like ¥180-200 to £1. That makes a massive difference.

Edited January 27, 2012 by BigRedX

[umcoo]

That cherry burst jazz at far east guitars is stunning. When I bought from Ishibashi a few years back I was torn between one of these and a CAR jazz, went for the CAR. Either way, Japanese Fenders are cracking...might be expensive, but I'd take a Japanese one over a USA Fender anyday (can of worms now officially opened!)

[jackers]

I almost bought that cherry burst bass a few months ago, it is gorgeous and plays amazingly well.

[umcoo]

Don't say things like that! Don't. Need. Another. Jazz. Bass

[jackers]

hehe, always happy to help.

(P.S. you know you want it......)

[smurfitt]

Unfortunately I don't like sunburst, cherryburst, off white or woodgrain. The colours I prefer somewhat limits me and usually at a cost.
:0(

[jackers]

[quote name='smurfitt' timestamp='1327678896' post='1515292']
or woodgrain.
[/quote]

Heathen! haha They are some really nice sonic blue, proper white and CAR matching headstock MIJ basses on ebay from japanese stores. Everytime I see them I want to sell body parts and buy them.

[xilddx]

John at Far East is a diamond to deal with and he knows his stuff. You can buy from him with absolute confidence. And these are the non-export basses too, higher spec than the export models. That is a lovely Jazz!

[smurfitt]

I had already tried Fareast but they have nothing like the jazz I want.

[Musicman20]

Are Guitar Emporium back in business now?!

My old MIJ P that I sold to Nigel was a lovely bass, but it was, IMO, fairly priced for what you get. It was sold for around £450, with a case. I can't understand the £1000+ prices...totally crazy.

Pick up a USA Standard Jazz which comes with a stunning hardcase and you can send it back if you don't like it or the build isn't great.

[Rick's Fine '52]

[quote name='smurfitt' timestamp='1327750902' post='1516158']
I had already tried Fareast but they have nothing like the jazz I want.
[/quote]

Whats the Jazz you want??

[Doctor J]

Keep an eye on the u-box, get it second hand from Japan for a whole lot less

[url="http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/u_box/e/"]http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/u_box/e/[/url]

Enter 'Fender jb75' as your keywords and it should show you what they have of that model

http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/u_box/e/eubox.php?word=2&or8=31&or8=32&key=fender+jb75&value5=&select5=down&sort=&print=40&T=gazo

Edited January 29, 2012 by Doctor J

[smurfitt]

[quote name='Rick's Fine '52' timestamp='1327793601' post='1517001']
Whats the Jazz you want??
[/quote]

Sorry chaps, been offline for a while.
I wanted a candy apple red with matching headstock but Far East did not have anything like it.
However, I'm sorted and am now the proud owner of a brand spanking new 50th anniversary Fender Jazz bass!