New '69 Relic Strat with reverse headstock

[yladrd61]

MIJ

[yngwie308]

Go over to the Fender Forum and ask Mike Eldred personally, he answers all the posts:
http://www.fender.com/community/forums/ ... 659d4f6dac" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
yngwie308

[badfinger]

Hi, I picked up one of the non export CIJ 69 strats about 5 years ago, great guitar, new, got it from the guitar emporium, at a fairly decent price.

Last year I imported one myself direct from Ishibashi in Japan, and it was a little cheaper going direct. Ishibashi allocated an English speaking sales person who dealt directly with me through the whole process.

Only issues with the Japanese 69s are the thin necks, and the poly finish, but they sound excellent, and play very good.

I also have a 69, custom shop team built strat, the fit, finish and fretwork is beyond reproach, costs a little more than the Japanese ones, but well worth the extra. Like it so much tempted to sell the 2 japs to fund another custom shop.

[yngwie308]

Hi, I picked up one of the non export CIJ 69 strats about 5 years ago, great guitar, new, got it from the guitar emporium, at a fairly decent price.

Last year I imported one myself direct from Ishibashi in Japan, and it was a little cheaper going direct. Ishibashi allocated an English speaking sales person who dealt directly with me through the whole process.

Only issues with the Japanese 69s are the thin necks, and the poly finish, but they sound excellent, and play very good.

I also have a 69, custom shop team built strat, the fit, finish and fretwork is beyond reproach, costs a little more than the Japanese ones, but well worth the extra. Like it so much tempted to sell the 2 japs to fund another custom shop.

There is a long wait here in the States for the Fender Custom Shop even Teambuilt ones.
Unfortunately they make it next to impossible for the MIJ's to be exported to the States.
In the UK you are more fortunate, probably paying less for the MIJ's whereas the USA Custom Shop are much more expensive for you I assume.
The Japanese built Fenders have always rivaled or for a period of time surpassed the USA variants, this is pre-Custom Shop, ie; the official one starting back in 1982 with the MIJ Vintage Reissue, '57 and '62 Stratocasters, They had the correct 12 fret dot inlays placed correctly whereas the US built ones of that era 1983-1985 had them too close together.
I have played real '68's and a 1969. I did order a poly 2004 YJM Strat and that finish sort of kills the resonance of the guitar somewhat, I know modern Fender even top coats some nitro finishes with poly, but just not a finish I got on with.
You were fortunate to be able to import your own guitar.
yngwie308

[badfinger]

Hello Yngwie

It was a lot easier, at least in the UK, getting hold of a new guitar from Ishibashi than I expected, and i must say the service was first class. I was a little lucky as I avoided import duty, though still had to pay a hefty VAT bill.

I would agree the poly finish on the Japanese guitars does take away a little of the magic, even just on a purely cosmetic basis. Side by side, the custom shops nitro finish is beautiful. I waited 5 months for the CS 69 strat, and added a quarter sawn neck, otherwise it's vintage spec. I can't remember the exact price I paid, but it was all in, all duties and delivery to my door, as such I think it was a great buy. It's definatley a level up from the USA vintage reissues. One day I will order onother.