The end of the creative Fender Japan range?

[Chiliwailer]

Whether you rate Fender Japan gear, or feel it's all hype, one thing for sure is that they always had creative models that offered something different and they had some great alternative reissue specs.

Check out the thread in the link below, looks like change may be on the horizon with FMIC taking control, possibly stopping production? It wouldn't be a surprise would it, especially given the ranges Mexico have been putting out.

http://offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=89854

Edited April 4, 2015 by Chiliwailer

[spacey]

No longer a premium brand, which is a shame.

[Annoying Twit]

Would the Modern Player series have something to do with this? If Fender are getting good quality out of China, they have less need for Japan.

Though, personally I think that if they have some Japanese production, there will be a market for people who want the instruments because they are made in Japan.

[Ziphoblat]

[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1428234854' post='2739370']
Would the Modern Player series have something to do with this? If Fender are getting good quality out of China, they have less need for Japan.

Though, personally I think that if they have some Japanese production, there will be a market for people who want the instruments because they are made in Japan.
[/quote]

Not to mention the Japanese market itself. I'm no big fan of Japanese popular music, by and large, but from what I have observed of it, it seems that seem "experimental" Fender style instruments are very popular.

[bassbiscuits]

Fender Japan stuff has always been far superior to Chinese Fender stuff, in my experience.

I've had a Modern Player Jazz and a 1990s MIJ strat over the years, and there was no comparison in the quality.

[throwoff]

Fender Japan always get big thumbs up from me as they are manufacturing so many lefties.

Be sad to see that end.

[booboo]

I'm sure if fender have found a cheaper alternative to licensing / manufacturing basses in Japan they will happily compromise on quality. I'm sure the MIJ/CIJ stuff has put a lot of MIM/US production to shame for a couple of decades - particularly the base/standard models.

[Shockwave]

[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1428234854' post='2739370']
Would the Modern Player series have something to do with this? If Fender are getting good quality out of China, they have less need for Japan.

Though, personally I think that if they have some Japanese production, there will be a market for people who want the instruments because they are made in Japan.
[/quote]

The Modern players have been discontinued, no more Chinese "Fenders" being produced.

[Thunderpaws]

[quote name='Shockwave' timestamp='1428502914' post='2741889']


The Modern players have been discontinued, no more Chinese "Fenders" being produced.
[/quote]

Are the Coronado and Starcaster not Chinese?

[spacey]

[quote name='Shockwave' timestamp='1428502914' post='2741889']
The Modern players have been discontinued, no more Chinese "Fenders" being produced.
[/quote]

Lets hope so, They should only put Fender on the very best USA instruments in my opinion, get the brand back as a premium range instrument.
Anything else badge it squire.

People will pay for the right stuff.

[neepheid]

[quote name='Thunderpaws' timestamp='1428523996' post='2742190']
Are the Coronado and Starcaster not Chinese?
[/quote]

They are. So instantly not worthy of the name, it would seem.