When Were the Last MIJ Strats Made?

[Zaphod B]

There's a Craigslist ad in the Dallas area that is offering a "2005 Reissue 1957 Fender Stratocaster. Crafted in Japan."

I thought that MIJ Strats had not been made that recently.

Anyone know?

[Zaphod B]

Never mind - I just checked the Fender web site, and 2005 is the last year for the MIJs.

[daav]

Not Reliable:
I seem to recall that they still made some there on and off regularly, but they would be much smaller runs. Specific reissues like the one you note would make sense. Late 80's when i picked up a CIJ strat (less than $200 at the time!) they were plentiful.

Daav

[Outlaws]

Its 10:00am tomorrow right now over in Japan...from what the world clock on google tells me. So I guess they are probably in the process of making one right now.

Japan still makes Fenders.
http://translate.google.com/translat...ial%26hs%3DTsn

[Zaphod B]

I was basing my statement on the serial number information on the Fender.com web site, which lists numbers for Japan-manufactured guitars through 2005.

[Outlaws]

Originally Posted by Zaphod B

I was basing my statement on the serial number information on the Fender.com web site, which lists numbers for Japan-manufactured guitars through 2005.

Those are the ones that Fender USA brought over here. There are still Japanese Fenders that finding their way over here.

[pohaku]

There are Japanese made Fenders that are manufactured for the domestic Japanese market - not intended to be sold in the US. They often find their way here anyway. There are numerous Japanese e-bay sellers that appear to do a brisk trade in these units.

[cavedog101]

It is as Pohaku has said. The last import from Japan by Fender as a true Fender company authorized import was in 2005.
You can buy Fender Japan guitars through dealers on the net.

They play and look very much like the Pre-CBS Fenders that go for astronomical prices these days.

[MatchBookNotes]

got any names/links aside from egay?