LeftyBassist.com

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FENDER-JAPAN-JA ... 3f2bf13fbd

Promised I wouldn't as a bunch of rookie questions but...I have a question. Is that a ground wire from the bass pu to the bridge?

That's a beauty. Love the vintage white look.

You are correct, it is a grounding wire. Fender Japan does that to replicate the look of the original 1962 J. (Though I've always felt it's silly they replicate that yet fail to match original '62 Js spec for spec in many other areas). Fender didn't start routing the wire internally until a few years later ('65?), but you typically don't notice it on originals because the ashtray is covering it.

PJ, you mention that although it was supposed to replicate a '62, there were a number of areas they failed to replicate. Are there too many to list, or would you mind explaining the differences? Thanks, I'd appreciate it...

Bang for the buck those are amazing basses, I have one and love it. I agree with the comments about the ground wire being silly to have.

Sold! Alright, who got it?

Regarding the similarities/differences between MIJ '62 RIs and an original '62 J, here's a few off the top of my head. Note that the Japanese instruments can vary in specs over the years, with the earlier MIJ (Made in Japan) 80's models supposedly closer to originals and thus more desired than the CIJs (Crafted in Japan):

1. Basswood body vs alder original: Fender Japan's standard '62 RI is basswood, though they did/do? offer a high end alder model with US PUPs. The seller of this bass claimed the wood was alder, but who can tell based on that 1 little neck pocket photo he shows?

2. Tuners: tuners of originals were Kluson, notable for their longer shafts/buttons. Most Japanese basses have shorter tuners. Originals would also be nickel plated not chrome.

3. Bridge: bridge of originals would have had spiral saddles and slotted height adjustment saddle screws, not allen.

4. 12th fret dot inlays: would have been wider/further apart on original J. Also, inlays would have been clay dot, though that might be a tall order today.

5. Finish: Originals would have had nitro cellulose, not polyurethane. I'm not 100% sure, but Fender Japan may offer nitro finished Js in their upper range...but not lefties AFAIK.

6. No PUP covers: well if you're gonna expose the ground wire, then why don't these ship with covers, let alone pre-drilled holes?

Other thoughts:

- Fender logo: Something about the Fender logo always bugs me, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Thicker outline than originals? or maybe it's just the lack of patent numbers that makes it look "incomplete". I dunno.

- Garrish red pickguard: this is just my personal opinion. It's supposed to be period-correct, but I've yet to see an original tortoise shell pick guard that looks as bright red as the Japanese basses.

- Cloth wiring: nit picking here, but originals would have had cloth wiring, CTS pots, etc.

- Pickups: aside from the fact that they're Japanese vs. American, I've also heard that their PUP readings run hotter than originals. I can't confirm this across the whole line/MIJ history though. My '89 MIJ Strat is very accurate to the original '68 Strat specs, so it could vary year to year.

All that aside, I love the MIJs. Every one I've ever played felt and looked like a well broken in vintage instrument.

Agree w/ all the "not really an accurate RI" points.

Also agree these are great quality and value for the money, even with their increasing prices.

I own one and think I paid $400-ish used at GC Hollywood in 2009, this one sold for $650. Not a bad run rate over 5 years.

Was my go-to stage J from 2010 to 2012 and it went to Europe and back w/ no issue.

I broke a tuning key off w/ on stage antics and it's been retired since.

Replaced w/ a trans-white '74 that I will be more careful with

-JA

PJ, thank you for taking the time to list the differences for me. I appreciate the depth of knowledge that you and other forum members have, and always look to the forum before buying any bass... thanks!

Sold for $679 + $135 shipping = $814, which I think is about what I've seen MiJ's go far lately....

These are awesome basses. I have 2 from the early 80 s. one I've owned since new and one is a recent acquisition. The early 80s Japan basses say Made in Japan on the neck by the heel.... the later ones say Crafted in Japan. The really early ones have a nice darker tortoise shell guard....more of the brown/ red tort....once they get to the 90s they do get really bright red...pick em up kids.. Great value and super necks.

Just want to double-check that this is what you meant to say. My understanding is that the MIJ came before the CIJ? I'm not an expert..

Agree.

Thoughts on this one? Definitely looks like alder to me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Japan-Le ... 19e497fda6

Thanks for the answer and sharing your wealth with the rest of us. Nicely done and appreciated.

MiJ were definitely first. I've owned one since 84. Everything else that pj listed was spot on....a great reference for those that are interested in picking these up...there was one at the Philly guitar show this weekend. It was an E7 (roughly an 1987) Olympic white with good dark tort guard...couldn't tell you who the dealer was but it's out there... He wanted $500 no case. Broken nut.. All else looked good.

You're right, my mistake. MIJ's are earlier. I was typing quickly and ended up confusing myself.

I revised my original post in the event anyone wants to use it as a resource for future reference.

AFAIK, the sunbursts are alder, while the solid finishes are basswood. At least that's how they're offered today according to Fender Japan's specs on their site.

I had a mid-nineties sunburst one that was definitely basswood

My 87's (solid color) are real basswood, and they're FANTASTIC!

From what I have gathered, the older clear finished MIJ's were ALL alder and the solids were basswood OR alder, depending on your luck.

These days, they're all basswood.

Thoughts on this one? Definitely looks like alder to me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Japan-Le ... 19e497fda6

According to what I've read and learned, the above listed bass is a later '90's bass simply because the pick/tort guard is a bright red....

I have an 80's MIJ and it is one of the best basses I've ever owned. It has the thinnest neck of any Jazz I have ever handled, even more so than a Geddy. I've made a few slight modifications but other than a new bridge it is stock. My luthier told me it was definitely an alder body.

The prices of these have risen over the years but they are still very affordable and every bit as good as a MIA Fender.