MIJ/CIJ (?) Jaguar via ISHIBASHI

HABEEB

Hello, jag-stang.com. This is my first post, so please forgive my newness.

I recently decided that I want a Fender Jaguar. I was pretty much settled on one of the MIM Jags (the CLASSIC PLAYER JAGUAR® SPECIAL), but I started to read around the internet, and found that a lot of people recommend going for a Japanese-made Jag instead of Mexican. Supposedly their quality is much closer to the American. So now, I'm looking at this one instead: http://www.fender.co.jp/guitars/jaguar/classic-60s-jaguar-rosewood-fingerboard-old-candy-apple-red/

I have a few questions:

Are these Jags really built better, higher quality and more authentic than the MIM Jags?

Are the two "Japan Exclusive" series models the only Jags made in Japan (or made in Japan for near $800-$1000)?

Do you have any advice on ordering from Ishibashi? I just went on their website (electric guitar > fender > jaguar > new only > price low to high) and see a few of the Jags I was looking at. It's a little confusing, because there is a cheaper one that goes for about 10k yen less than the others. So, I'm concerned that I'll buy one that was a floor model or something, and I don't want that.

Anyway, thank you for reading this far, and I'd really appreciate it if someone can help me. I'll be more than happy to keep everyone updated on my progress so this thread can be useful to people in the future.

Alex

Welcome to the site!

I don't have any personal experience with Ishibashi so hopefully more comments will follow mine on that subject.

Have you been able to try out a Classic Player? I have played CP Baja Tele, CP Jazzmaster, and CP 50s Strat (not the Jaguar though) and was really impressed with the quality. I would agree that 5-10 years ago Japan quality would be far superior but the gap may have closed in the last 5 years. I won't say for sure because I haven't been able to get hands on Japan built in the last 3-4 years for a more direct comparison.

But I guess that japan one does have the matching headstock which is really cool!

If you can find a local shop give one of the classic players a try before deciding.

HABEEB

Alright, everyone. I'm sorry for my extended absence, but I've been very busy. I do have some new information though, and am coming around to pulling the trigger on the "Classic 60s Jaguar" from the "Japan Exclusive" series which can be seen here: http://fender.co.jp/guitars/jaguar/?series=japan_exclusive

After learning that Ishibashi can't do factory-direct orders for customers outside of Japan, and being informed that Ikebe-Gakki can, I shot them the following inquiry: "I am interested in purchasing a Fender Jaguar that is CIJ/MIJ (Crafted/Made in Japan). I want this guitar to be brand-new, and straight from the factory. I do not want a floor-model. According to my research, the only Fender guitars currently being made in Japan are the "Japan Exclusive" series models. Is this correct? If so, that means there are only two Fender Jaguars currently being made in Japan: the "Jaguar Special" and the "Classic 60s Jaguar." I'm doing my best to research this on my own, but it's difficult. The reason I want to purchase a Japanese Jaguar instead of a Mexican Jaguar is because it is my understanding that the Japanese Jaguars are closer to authentic specifications and of higher build quality than the Mexican Jaguars. Can you confirm this or give me more information? Any other information you can give me regarding this and the process of ordering through your website will be greatly appreciated." This is their reply: "Thank you for sending inquiry. Yes, we can arrange the one straight from the factory not a floor-model.Also yes, the "Japan Exclusive" series models are the only fender guitars currently made in Japan.There are only Classic 60s Jaguar and Jaguar Special (http://www.fender.co.jp/guitars/jaguar/jaguar-special-rosewood-fingerboard-3-color-sunburst/). We are receiving the customer order with first comes first serves basis both on website and at real shop.So occasionally it will be sold out while having email communication.Please understand in advance." They also let me know that the total including insurance, PayPal, and handling fees comes out to: 111,931JPY ($933.58). So, I guess before I pull the trigger on this puppy (in "Old Candy Apple Red" with matching headstock), does anyone have anything else to add? Is there anything else you guys know about this particular guitar or think I'm making a good or bad choice? I've made the educated guess that of the two "Japan Exclusive" models, the "Classic 60s" is the one that's most authentic to traditional Jaguar specifications. The other model is the "Jaguar Special." Here is the link again: http://fender.co.jp/guitars/jaguar/?series=japan_exclusive Thanks again, everyone.

HABEEB

By the way, if I get the guitar I mentioned, should I replace the pickups? Perhaps with these PURE VINTAGE '65 JAGUAR PICKUPS I found on Fender's site (Pure Vintage '65 Jaguar Pickup Set | Pickups and Preamps Guitar & Bass Parts | Fender® Should I upgrade anything else?

HABEEB

Alright. I just received my last email from Ikebe-Gakki before I'll be prompted to send them the money and finalize the order. It's a short Q&A that I believe has some useful information for anyone considering making a similar purchase, for anyone curious about the "Japan Exclusive" series, or for Japanese Fenders in general: Do you know what year the guitar was built? 2014? 2015?- 2015 made. Since this is coming brand new from the factory, does it come with the Fender box and everything?- Yes. Is this guitar similar to any previous Japanese models? Perhaps the JG66? How much so?- Exactly same one but the price was increased about 10%. Are these guitars still made to a high quality standard like Japanese Fender is/was known for? Are they made by the same people or in the same factory that Fender Japan used before it was absorbed by Fender? I am mostly interested in this guitar because of Fender Japan's reputation for good and consistent build-quality.- Yes, at the same factory by the same people. Speaking of the JG66 and the JG66B; there is probably no way to get either of these guitars in new condition is there?- Both already discontinued and there is no way to get them in new condition. Well, there you have it. Apparently, "Fender Japan" is in fact the "Japan Exclusive" series and the Classic 60s Jaguar is the JG66. Same guitar made by the same people in the same factory.

Next time you hear from me, I will have ordered this guitar, so if anyone has anything else to throw in I'd appreciate it. Have a great weekend! 😀

Alex

Thanks for keeping us updated with your experience! Let us know how it goes. I'm sure many who consider buying from there would value your feedback.

As for changing the pickups - it's totally a matter of opinion. If it was me I would hold off on any changes until playing it for a while. You may find the stock pickups sound great and don't need changed at all.

HABEEB

O.K.

The purchase has been made. I sent the payment this morning. Here's the breakdown: Product Code: 406348Product Name: Classic 60s Jaguar (Old Candy Apple Red) w/softbag: 96,300JPYShipping: 15,631JPY (including insurance, Paypal fee and handling fee)Total Amount: 111,931JPY ($946.25) I'll let you guys know when I receive the guitar.At that point I'll bring it to a guitar shop to have it looked at and set up.

HABEEB

The Jaguar has arrived!

Actually, it arrived yesterday, but I wasn't at home, so I had to pick it up today at the post office. I'm impressed at how fast it got here; it shipped out from Japan on Monday (10/19) and arrived here on Thursday (10/22). From the outside it looks like it was packaged very well too. Now it's time for some fun! I'll take some pictures and give you some thoughts sometime soon.

Alex

Wow that was quick!

redman1401

Sounds about right for them. when I ordered my mustang years ago, I ordered it on a tuesday and it was here by the weekend.

HABEEB

O.K. There's a problem with the guitar!

I brought the guitar to a respected local guitar shop to have it inspected and set up. Today I received a call from the tech informing me that the lock system on the floating tremolo was built incorrectly and does not work. I didn't believe the guy until I drove over there and saw it myself. Before I go on, I have this page that will help you understand what I'm talking about: http://www.webrocker.de/jaguar/2007/05/12/setup-the-tremolo-system/ The lock is being physically prevented from moving far enough. The slot in which the lock moves is either too short or it was cut too far away. I suggest that if you're buying a guitar with this kind of tremolo system that you make sure it's tested. I sent an email to Ikebe-Gakki and am awaiting their response.

Alex

Doh! That's very strange as that is a milled tremelo part right? Not sure how they could mess up just one unless it was the wrong part all together.

I hope they do the right thing and refund you enough to pay for a replacement part at least.

HABEEB

I believe I stand corrected, guys. Some fine folk at offsetguitars.com let me know that the tremolo lock won't work without the tension of the strings.

After reading their comments I headed straight over to the guitar shop and had the tech put some strings on it and sure enough it worked. I should've tested it myself before bringing it in. Now to send a message to Ikebe-Gakki to apologize for wasting their time! 😲

Alex

Good to hear. I had assumed since it was a tech having problems he knew how it worked. Hope you're enjoying the guitar!

Bmce

Hello. I'm brand new to the forum.

I ordered the same guitar as you and it was an easy, flawless transaction. The guitar was superb. I'm going to shoot for a matching Jazzmaster now.