LeftyBassist.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/372129482894367/permalink/1456489801124991/?sale_post_id=1456489801124991

I know there is a difference between Made in Japan and Crafted in Japan, I forget the details but believe Crafted in Japan is more desired.

"Made in Japan" is considered favorable to "Crafted in Japan" (in terms of older being better)- except after 2007:

The most sought after/ collectable Japanese Fenders are the JV series (1982 -1984). Next would be the SQ (original Japan Squire) series. Beyond that, the general school of thought is that the 1980's stuff (the earlier the year, the better) is the best bet. I don't have a JV, but I know at least one guy here does. I do have an early 80's E , and it definitely feels more like an actual vintage Fender to me than the the more recent reissue stuff (which is also very nice in its own right).

For Japanese Fenders, the letter code indicates year of manufacture, as follows:

"Made in Japan" era:
JV + 5 digits 1982 - 1984
SQ + 5 digits 1983 - 1984
E + 6 digits 1984 - 1987
A + 6 digits 1985 - 1986
B + 6 digits 1985 - 1986
C + 6 digits 1985 - 1986
F + 6 digits 1986 - 1987
G + 6 digits 1987 - 1988
H + 6 digits 1988 - 1989
I + 6 digits 1989 - 1990
J + 6 digits 1989 - 1990
K + 6 digits 1990 - 1991
J + 6 digits 1990 - 1991
K + 6 digits 1990 - 1991
L + 6 digits 1991 - 1992
M + 6 digits 1992 - 1993
N + 6 digits 1993 - 1994
O + 6 digits 1993 - 1994
P + 6 digits 1993 - 1994
Q + 6 digits 1993 - 1994
S + 6 digits 1994 - 1995
T + 6 digits 1994 - 1995
U + 6 digits 1995 - 1996
N + 5 digits 1995 - 1996
V + 6 digits 1996 - 1997

"Crafted in Japan" Serial Numbers

In 1997, Fender changed the "Made in Japan" decal to say "Crafted in Japan.
"Crafted in Japan" era:
A + 6 digits 1997 - 1998
O + 6 digits 1997 - 2000
P + 6 digits 1999 - 2002
Q + 6 digits 2002 - 2004
R + 6 digits 2004 - 2005
S + 6 digits 2006 - 2008
T + 6 digits 2007 - 2008

However- just to confuse matters further, after 2007 Fender Japan switched back to marking Fenders as "Made in Japan" though for a few years instruments with both decals were made. Serial numbers since that transition have continued the same sequence as the "CIJ" era.

I have an E series '87 MIJ Strat, a '68 RI. Extra large headstock and vintage white finish, just like Jimi's. I will never part with it. It's the best Strat I've ever played/owned. Many people have come up to me asking the vintage, since it really looks like a relic from the 60's.

I'm pretty sure Carmine is referring to me I picked up a near mint condition 1983 Vintage White JV P bass when I was in Tokyo in February. It's amazing. Light, playable, great tone, etc. It was relatively expensive but worth it... and cheaper than a 'comparable' true 50s/60s vintage or custom shop alternative. I even called Carmine to ask him about it when I was considering the purchase. Carmine truly is such a great resource for us. The man is a walking encyclopedia AND museum curator for lefty (and, shhhhh, righty!) stuff. Amazing dude. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with this community! (Sorry for the post topic derailment...)

And it sold on Facebook, hopefully to someone here.

Yep, was indeed referring to you, Richard- and thanks so much for the kind words- there are a lot of amazing dudes on this board, including yourself - I'm just happy to be here and able to hang out among them! Glad the JV worked out as we thought it would (now I'm sure folks wanna see some pics...)

i gotta say, my '92 P-Bass that I got from Carmine here is the best p i've ever played, so if this one is anything close to what mine is, the buyer just got a killer bass.

(Carmine, thanks again )