Fender Stratocasters - Made in Japan
'An Overview of Fender's Finest Made in Japan'
The Fender Stratocaster isn't just a guitar, it's a cultural icon, a piece of modern Americana. Even if it wasn't actually made in America. But does it matter if the person that screwed it together had a street address in the US of A, Mexico or Japan? He or she will still be giving form to Leo Fender's revolutionary early-fifties design. A design as obviously American as a '57 Chevy. But maybe better. A 2001Chevrolet looks nothing like the over the top, chrome bedecked, '57 model. But a 2001 Stratocaster looks almost exactly like its 1954 forerunner. Leo got it right (give or take the odd detail) first time out.
Since 1954 the Stratocaster has evolved, changed direction a few times, maybe taken a few wrong turns occasionally . But has remained true in spirit. Unlike the corporate manufacturing world which has changed immeasurably. Fender Japan was set up in 1982 for good business reasons (outlined on the 'Background' page). They made, and still make, fine quality instruments, but nowadays, bar a couple of models, only for their home market.
However, there are many 'MIJ' (Made in Japan) or 'CIJ' (Crafted in Japan) Stratocasters in the hands of US and European owners or floating about the used market. The point of this site is to examine the range of different Stratocasters produced in Japan for export and perhaps answer some of the questions that may arise in an owner/potential-owner's mind when confronted by a Stratocaster bearing a 'Made in Japan' or 'Crafted in Japan' label. If you are unsure what model Stratocaster you have, just follow the menu links and all may well be revealed. If you have a model not yet covered in the site, get in touch.
.............日本制琴的环境和经验以及历史是有目共睹的，不只是＂ＦＥＮＤＥＲ＂，任何知名品牌它们都有参与，还包括ＶＩＮＴＡＧＥ的收藏和仿制．相对来讲，ＦＥＮＤＥＲ（ＭＩＪ）更适合中国市场．因为就算抛去ＭＥＸＩＣＯ的第三世界国家身份（就外贸优惠政章而言），单讲物流这一项，它就难和Ｊ拼．:cool: