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The Musician Forums => Guitar Central => Topic started by: skunkyfunk on January 10, 2010, 08:35:17 PM
Title: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: skunkyfunk on January 10, 2010, 08:35:17 PM
I am adding a clause here:
IF RESALE VALUE IS NOT AN ISSUE,
what Fender factory is best in the quality to price ratio? Consider upgrades (say most pickups in MIJs are usually 'ok') while US Fenders are more expensive.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: smartassplayingdumb on January 10, 2010, 08:44:03 PM
I think Japanese. Some of the older ones were very good and almost on par with American ones in terms of craftmanship. If it's a Japanese Fender, it's good.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: boogsy on January 11, 2010, 12:12:48 AM
Not all Japanese Fenders are good, I've tried some that sounded dull and lifeless (same for the other 2 factories). I guess its really hit or miss. However, in terms of quality to price ratio I'd have to say the Japanese made ones are ahead. This doesnt mean they are better instruments, it just means they are priced more accordingly to their craftsmanship - if not underpriced. I find that Mexican made ones aren't that consistent, and that most of the production US guitars are (on average including the CS) a bit overpriced.
Glad you raised this as a criteria for comparison bro, I believe what Leo Fender really wanted was to mass produce guitars that were affordable and modular in design. I doubt that's still the company goal now. Somehow I don't mind pouring a lot of money in for a well made LP but when it comes to strats I sometimes almost feel like it should only cost so much. That's probably just me though. I'm also less careful with my strats, parang pwede bastusin eh. (dont get me wrong, I love em)
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: AthanVai on January 11, 2010, 12:27:05 AM
I'm also less careful with my strats, parang pwede bastusin eh. (dont get me wrong, I love em)
dapat naman ganun i think with our strats eh... dapat bastusin talaga. the more you abuse it, better music comes out of it.
when i play them live, i really dig in deep. hot-drunken-sex dig in deep. :-)
On topic though, I would have to place my bet on Fender Japan. Although, they do still produce a few duds here and there, on average, their craftsmanship is really quite there, and relatively cheap compared to their US brothers.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: nathanmanansala on January 11, 2010, 12:27:32 AM
depende kung saang part nung range ka titingin, pero usually Fender Japan pa din.
If you compare the "standard" models, I'll take the MIM. Its about the same price as an MIJ "standard", has alder or poplar instead of basswood and the hardware will be easy to upgrade because the knobs and control plate will fit CTS pots and CRL switch. The Am. Std. will have alder but the pickups aren't really that much better the MIM's (IMO). and for the price you can get an MIM na lang AND pretty good pickups, pots, switch and saddle upgrades.
when you go higher up the model scale, the MIM gets left a little behind. You'll then be comparing an MIJ '52ri (swamp ash body with dimarzio or fender texas specials) to an MIA '52ri (swamp ash body with fender OV or nocaster pickups) to some upscale MIM model (meron nga ba?) and at this range, medyo malaki na yung price difference between an MIA and MIJ. You'll be able to antiquity pickups na for the price difference, callaham control assembly and glendale saddles na.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: ael_israel on January 11, 2010, 08:57:40 AM
fender jap all the way :-) craftmanship wise ah,, :wink:
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: echo_ikaw on January 12, 2010, 03:41:22 AM
fender jap all the way :-) craftmanship wise ah,, :wink:
i'v got a jaguar mij, and i have to upgrade the electronics to american parts and the pick ups to SD..pick ups we're not potted on mij, squeels a lot..but i like the feel of mij :-D
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: bryanarzaga on January 12, 2010, 04:05:52 AM
tried MIM, MIA,MIJ fenders...i feel sad i missed one chance on a MIM strat it was nice all around pickups were so so, dark sounding than i expected them to be..and also tried a MIA which felt similar..im not much of a fender guy but that means somethin..
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: katayama on January 12, 2010, 04:36:10 AM
MIJ has the craftsmanship of a MIA fenders if not better but the choice of wood on the MIA though in my opinion is better than the MIJs, some MIJs are bass wood bodied. MIM wood is exactly the same as MIA but the choice of cuts and all are second grade to the MIA. MIM electronics and pick ups i feel are better than the MIJ. MIA has the best ones in terms of hardware and all this sorts. I have all three but the best sounding for me now is my MIJ with new TEXAS specials PUPS and upgraded US electronics it beats my 2009 MIA standard hands down and the MIM sounds crap compared to the two. THis is based on my personal experience owning all three but dont trust me I might dont know what im saying here :-D
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: bryanarzaga on January 12, 2010, 05:09:40 AM
i like basswood :-) but it shouldnt be an expensive guitar..
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: mikomiko on January 12, 2010, 05:22:10 AM
One fender jap me me happy 8-) a JV strat in terms of pricing mura yung jap versions as per pinoy market,,, and pinoy market makes american fenders sooo untouchable
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: ael_israel on January 12, 2010, 10:06:31 AM
One fender jap me me happy 8-) a JV strat in terms of pricing mura yung jap versions as per pinoy market,,, and pinoy market makes american fenders sooo untouchable
hahahahah MISMO TUMBOK MO :lol:
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: bryvincent on January 12, 2010, 10:26:43 AM
not any of the 3 but still technically a Fender, in my opinion, the Squier Classic Vibe Series has the best quality-to-price ratio these days. don't let the Squier name or 'Crafted in China' put you off, these are quality guitars. you don't even have to change the pups on these.
checkout this clip:
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: bryanarzaga on January 12, 2010, 11:15:51 PM
not any of the 3 but still technically a Fender, in my opinion, the Squier Classic Vibe Series has the best quality-to-price ratio these days. don't let the Squier name or 'Crafted in China' put you off, these are quality guitars. you don't even have to change the pups on these.
checkout this clip:
maybe their strat and tele's but that duo sonic still has crappy hardware and pickups..
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: bryvincent on January 12, 2010, 11:42:35 PM
maybe their strat and tele's but that duo sonic still has crappy hardware and pickups..
maybe because they have a different supplier for the duosonic pickups. theres a rumor that the pups on the CV strats and teles are actually Tonerider Pickups(good quality made in china aftermarket pups). Tonerider doesn't offer duosonic pups so it might be a different supplier. but you can always change the pups and its still a good buy.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: AthanVai on January 12, 2010, 11:53:31 PM
not any of the 3 but still technically a Fender, in my opinion, the Squier Classic Vibe Series has the best quality-to-price ratio these days. don't let the Squier name or 'Crafted in China' put you off, these are quality guitars. you don't even have to change the pups on these.
checkout this clip:
nice tonez! 8-)
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: bryanarzaga on January 12, 2010, 11:56:40 PM
maybe because they have a different supplier for the duosonic pickups. theres a rumor that the pups on the CV strats and teles are actually Tonerider Pickups(good quality made in china aftermarket pups). Tonerider doesn't offer duosonic pups so it might be a different supplier. but you can always change the pups and its still a good buy.
$349? its probably better to get em used but for the duo sonic..for 349..i can think of other stuff that i can get that are of better quality for 299..
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: bryvincent on January 13, 2010, 12:25:47 AM
$349? its probably better to get em used but for the duo sonic..for 349..i can think of other stuff that i can get that are of better quality for 299..
i mean, if you actually want a new duosonic it is still a good buy. but if you're not really looking for a particular model, i agree there are other good buys too.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: bryanarzaga on January 13, 2010, 02:08:17 AM
i mean, if you actually want a new duosonic it is still a good buy. but if you're not really looking for a particular model, i agree there are other good buys too.
well $349 for a squire duo sonic that needs upgrades for it to be working right is not right for me, if it was 199 thats ok,
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: mikomiko on January 13, 2010, 04:21:20 AM
$349? its probably better to get em used but for the duo sonic..for 349..i can think of other stuff that i can get that are of better quality for 299..
I made a choice err like almost a year ago if i would get a duo sonic/or a $250 squier but got an MIC ESP eclipse instead i think its too pricey for $349
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: bryanarzaga on January 13, 2010, 05:59:09 AM
I made a choice err like almost a year ago if i would get a duo sonic/or a $250 squier but got an MIC ESP eclipse instead i think its too pricey for $349
OT: i was looking for a maple fretboard guitar and at that time tested the CV strats ,tele's and duo sonic, i tried them with an amp what i already had(Blackstar) so to get more familiar feel to it. the CV tele's and strats were ok, but was on a budget of $220-ish so when they pulled up the MIC ESP LTD mh103 to me its was a great feel to it. especially the fretting and how the frets were dressed..im looking forward to another MIC Esp LTD this year with a maple fretboard but not a carved top//
IT: if that wasnt available id go for a used MIM Fender for 299..
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: vhunter on January 13, 2010, 10:07:00 AM
Japan is nowhere near as good as mexico starting 08. IF your buying an 07 and below.. yeah.. a MIJ should be better in fit and finish but MIM guitars are usually lighter (on an average but not the rule). Its the source of the wood. Lat 07, the custom shop visited mexico and fixed their production lines giving birth to the road worn series. After that visit MIM guitars exceeded MIA guitars in fit and finish. Jap guitars have always been known for having excellent fit and finish but the new MIM guitars have that custom shop touch that youll feel when you play it.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: blacktele on January 20, 2011, 12:00:26 AM
Fender USA is out of the equation in terms of quality to price ratio, their expense suggest that they use parts that are way expensive than the other two makers.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: felixrocks on January 20, 2011, 12:18:16 AM
Fender MIJ- craftsmanship
Fender USA- expensive
They're both good in terms of sounds and hardwares.. :evil:
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: kurtcobainer on January 20, 2011, 01:26:40 AM
Haven't tried a US Fender strat, but I owned an MIM and a CIJ and the Japanese strat wins in all points. Craftsmanship, sound/tone and hardwares.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: Al_Librero on January 20, 2011, 01:31:23 AM
Japan is nowhere near as good as mexico starting 08. IF your buying an 07 and below.. yeah.. a MIJ should be better in fit and finish but MIM guitars are usually lighter (on an average but not the rule). Its the source of the wood. Lat 07, the custom shop visited mexico and fixed their production lines giving birth to the road worn series. After that visit MIM guitars exceeded MIA guitars in fit and finish. Jap guitars have always been known for having excellent fit and finish but the new MIM guitars have that custom shop touch that youll feel when you play it.
it's an interesting observation. if one takes a long look at the paths taken by these areas of production, Fender Mexico and Squier have taken progressive approaches. on the other hand, while not a knock on craftsmanship, Fender Japan has so far largely stuck with traditional models and designs - almost always vintage reissues outside the Aerodynes and what few signature models they produce. i honestly think they're stagnating.
so, i guess it makes sense for MIM to stand shoulder to shoulder with MIA's and MIJ's soon, if not already. with that said, i'd probably be looking at MIM's first if i ever look to buy a new Fender guitar.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: Mardk on January 20, 2011, 01:41:27 AM
I'd go for MIJs. Because I have one. Bias. Hahaha.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: bryanarzaga on January 20, 2011, 05:05:31 AM
lol @ me i forgot i bought a MIM last year whew time flies when you like guitars
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: micr0chimp on January 20, 2011, 05:55:05 AM
Yes, I also think the new MIMs are getting really good. I try them out against each other in music stores whenever possible and end up impressed with the MIMs most of the time. Which might mean their level of consistency is better.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: johnbrown on January 20, 2011, 08:00:57 AM
Indeed MIM very impressive nowadays!.... Especially the Road Worn Series!
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: teleclem on January 20, 2011, 09:35:57 AM
Dami na ring choices sa mim :-) I think they'll be more interesting because of the variety. If I'll buy new, I'll definitely look into them.
When it comes to buying used stuff, decent na rin ang prices for all (including mia). Limited nga lang kasi nasa pinas tayo (not that many guitars to start with or some guitars tend to be passed around lang - not a good sign).
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: maxi_musikero on January 20, 2011, 10:09:58 AM
interesting info! to think i was pretty deadset on a new MIJ if and when i get a new strat. definitely something to think about.
and i didn't know na MIM ang mga road-worn series.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: pitongjerome on January 20, 2011, 11:42:39 AM
the mij 57 strat i got was real good. the neck fits the pocket PERFECTLY. and it has texas special pickups.
when it comes to 2nd hand guitars, i'd definitely go MIJ.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: coolaxer on January 20, 2011, 12:32:13 PM
MIA.. of course MIJ.. ozawa craftmanship is cool. ive tried lots of em from my boss and it feels very great :) MIM...hindi pa ko nakakahawak neto so..
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: toybitz on January 20, 2011, 02:26:36 PM
craftsmanship of the lower and models of MIA..like neck, PUs etc...its a 15-20K disparity against MIM's standards...the MIM standard gets my vote.
in between lies MIJ reissues.
I'd say, I'd go for the MIJ.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: toybitz on January 21, 2011, 12:33:45 PM
OT
pero all in all.. best quality-to-price ratio... G&L MIA ako.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: joshnerez on January 21, 2011, 06:47:44 PM
Fender USA is out of the equation in terms of quality to price ratio, their expense suggest that they use parts that are way expensive than the other two makers.
imho, i dont think that they use "expensive" parts, as much as i want to give them credit on their pricing. i think they charge so much because of the labor. :-D
btw, id go for MIJ from '99 down. i have never really tried an MIA higher than the standard. but what i have heard from other musicians that i met and having felt, played, and listened to their standard strats, imho, it most sounded like crap. they too cost so much rather than mij guitars.
mij craftmanship is better even for its low models(i dont think they consider lower models, since they are indeed GREAT at their craft). just my two cents. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: caloyburger on January 21, 2011, 07:41:51 PM
All three factories can churn out excellent as well as substandrd instruments. That being said and considering quality-to-price ratio if I had to to choose between the best each factory can put out I'd go for Mexican. The newer Mexican Fenders don't only show excellent workmanship but their electronics and hardware are equal to their US counterparts and at a price that rivals Fender Japan. My beef with CIJ/MIJ is that they fall short in the electronics department despite their flawless craftsmanship and attention to detail. I've had a couple of CIJ's the past few years and they had tiny pots and flimsy switches. The current reissue MIM strat and tele models have full sizes CTS pots, better switch and heavier plated hardware.
But then another model stirs the pot...The Made in China Squier Classic Vibe. I've got a CV 50's tele and all I can say is that fit, finish, and overall feel are top notch. It can run circles around my HWY1. Only downside is that the hardware plating tends to dull faster than I'd like. Electronics wise I'm not changing a thing. It's got full sized Alpha pots and pickups that are rumored to be made at the Tonerider factory. The controls cavities are shielded too! Plus it's cheaper than the MIM Standard series.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: Ryn on January 22, 2011, 05:41:36 AM
Here is my take on this:
For Reissues I'd say the MIJ gets my vote
For Standard series I'd go for Mexico
For peace of mind I'd go for a MIA hehe
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: mandoytz on January 22, 2011, 06:59:18 AM
But then another model stirs the pot...The Made in China Squier Classic Vibe. I've got a CV 50's tele and all I can say is that fit, finish, and overall feel are top notch. It can run circles around my HWY1. Only downside is that the hardware plating tends to dull faster than I'd like. Electronics wise I'm not changing a thing. It's got full sized Alpha pots and pickups that are rumored to be made at the Tonerider factory. The controls cavities are shielded too! Plus it's cheaper than the MIM Standard series.
+1 on the classic vibe. I'd take that over the mim standard :-)
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: Rmansh on January 22, 2011, 05:20:33 PM
^ +1 Classic Vibe
i was lucky to grab one this year, they sell so fast in a week they're sold out. Here in CN.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: joshnerez on January 23, 2011, 10:55:51 AM
i dont think not all MIA FMIC strats delivers you this. there are standard series that sound, touch, feel like ____. imho :-D
yes bro you are right, there are also some Fender MIA that are sub-par especially during the 80's. but fender MIA has continually improved/consistent with their current builds
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: joshnerez on January 23, 2011, 03:56:48 PM
yes bro you are right, there are also some Fender MIA that are sub-par especially during the 80's. but fender MIA has continually improved/consistent with their current builds
:-D no doubt for almost all CS products.
IT: btw, hmm, almost all players who posted in these thread favors the other. hehehe!
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: teleclem on January 23, 2011, 05:10:38 PM
I think it's because it's hit and miss talaga. There are good mim, mij, & mia Fenders. There are bad ones from each too. Tsambahan nalang kung ok yung matry mo ng mim/j/a na guitar. :-)
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: Boski on October 15, 2012, 01:54:22 AM
Generally, here are my observations about these Fenders:
1. The best Fenders during 1983 up to about 1989 are Japanese Fenders.
2. The best Fenders before and after the said period are US Fenders.
3. Mexico, in my opinion is a strong 3rd among them nowadays.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: treblinkalovescene on October 15, 2012, 06:47:01 AM
I have a very good impression of Fender Mexico. More or less, the same parts that get thrown on US-made guitars. I mean, still CTS and Switchcraft, right? At least for Classic Player? I have a Mexican-made Jazzmaster and it's really resonant. Doesn't feel dead like a fair amount of MIJs I've tried.
My impression:
MIA: Expensive MIM: Hit-or-miss, but okay electronics, MIA parts drop in! MIJ: Okay quality, some really good ones but a fair amount of dogs and crap electronics (daw)
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: ritchieblackmore on October 15, 2012, 08:19:00 AM
Early Japanese Fender models were GREAT...Wood, craftmanship, pickups, hardwares and accessories, specially the sound, everything youre looking and expecting for a Fender guitar for a reasonable price. Actually Im still keeping one with me since 1992.
Unfortunately a couple of years ago, Ive got a Japanese Fender strat from a trade, but this time a newer edition..I was surprised..Im not expecting that body were already made in Plyood, and the craftmanship, its mediocre, sounds awful and I cant get along playing on its fretboard..I sold it immediately.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: tonwins11 on October 15, 2012, 09:02:37 AM
To my knowledge, production of MIMs are still continuing today right?
Yup. Their upcoming high-profile production run is for the (Foo Fighters') Chris Shiflett signature Telecaster and Nate Mendell signature P-bass.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: firemodel55 on October 15, 2012, 06:00:01 PM
I would be a bit left of center here... But for some reason the two MIA guitars that I picked are so way above any Asian or Mexican that I consider them exceptions among other Fender USA.
So far, I am really having problems finding magical sounding Japanese guitars these days. So, in terms of value, sulit Kung may mahanap ka.
Title: Re: Fender Japan vs. Fender USA vs. Fender Mexico: best quality-to-price ratio
Post by: treblinkalovescene on October 15, 2012, 06:08:37 PM
I would be a bit left of center here... But for some reason the two MIA guitars that I picked are so way above any Asian or Mexican that I consider them exceptions among other Fender USA.
So far, I am really having problems finding magical sounding Japanese guitars these days. So, in terms of value, sulit Kung may mahanap ka.
Do you have an opinion regarding MIM Fenders? I mean, they're close enough to the US and they do use a lot of the same parts (I could be wrong). How do you feel about them?