Fender Japan

[Freuds_Cat]

I was aware of most of this info from various sources but thought you guys might be interested in this concise version of the story.
Interesting use of the Ingrish language 

http://www.music-trade.co.jp/Fenderjapanserial.html

[Pilgrim]

Japanese-English translations are often a source of amusement for me.

I remember in my 1971 240Z, the owner's manual said that to change the tire one must first "thoroughly destroy all lug nuts"...and in another spot it said in a masterpiece of understatement "If an accident should strain the seat belts, the seat belts should be replaced with new ones".  The irony is better understood if you know that the seat belts in that car were about 4" wide and close to racing belts.  Any accident bad enough to "strain" the belts would have destroyed the car to the point it was unrebuildable.

[chromium]

Thanks for that link.  I was having trouble understanding the MIJ and CIJ difference.  I just knew that I'd had pleasant and memorable encounters with the Japanese Fenders in stores over the years.

I do have several old Fujigen guitars and basses from the early 80s, and they are absolutely stunning players for the little money I gave.  I can understand why those "JV" serial models from that era might be sought out if the price is right.

[gearHed289]

Interesting read. Thanks. I certainly am enjoying my CIJ Geddy Lee Jazz Bass!

[lowend1]

Japanese-English translations are often a source of amusement for me.

I remember in my 1971 240Z, the owner's manual said that to change the tire one must first "thoroughly destroy all lug nuts"...and in another spot it said in a masterpiece of understatement "If an accident should strain the seat belts, the seat belts should be replaced with new ones".  The irony is better understood if you know that the seat belts in that car were about 4" wide and close to racing belts.  Any accident bad enough to "strain" the belts would have destroyed the car to the point it was unrebuildable.

Car and Driver did a "10 Best" on the subject of Jap>Eng translations several years back. One owners manual recommended adjusting the tuning of the radio if it "makes a 'shatz-shatz, julu-julu' sound or 'if the voice of a female announcer becomes husky".

[luve2fli]

I don't believe that CIJ vs. MIJ differentiation. I think I'll go with the original definition (ie: MIJ = entirely made in Japan, CIJ = assembled in Japan of Japanese and foreign parts) ....... makes more sense to me. Why would guitars and basses produced by a different manufacturer other than Fujigen Gakki be referred to as CIJ ....... ?