Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Crazy Gra on May 31, 2006, 03:13:26 AM

Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Crazy Gra on May 31, 2006, 03:13:26 AM
I'm hoping you guys can help me out a little. I have the Tele bug badly but I refuse to pay the silly prices dealers want in Australia for new ones.

I've seen a Jap Tele for sale which I've dated by the serial number as 1993-94. It's in absolutely mint condition and is a "Target burst" finish. It plays like a dream also and as far as I can see is hardly worn at all.


I believe Jap Fenders to be good quality instruments (and this one certainly fits the mold) but is the early 90's a "good" era for Jap Fenders? ie If I fall out of love with it later on will it be something that buyers want?

The owner wants 500 pounds for it, does that seem a fair price?

Please help me spend my $  :D
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: CaffeineJunkie on May 31, 2006, 03:16:40 AM
i have no idea, i just felt like typing :D sorry
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Searcher on May 31, 2006, 06:42:06 AM
I think the Jap Fenders have always been good quality, but £500 seems a bit steep, unless there's something extra special and/or collectable about it.  

You should be able to hunt a Japanese Tele down for that price in USD, let alone pounds.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: CaffeineJunkie on May 31, 2006, 06:43:16 AM
i think that might be australia money, however, i could be wrong-usually am
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Searcher on May 31, 2006, 06:57:16 AM
I know Gra is in Australia, but I'm talking in $US because it's a kinda common denominator for a lot of online shopping.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: CaffeineJunkie on May 31, 2006, 06:58:23 AM
cept there is a huu-U-uuge difference between US an AUS money .... i think
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Searcher on May 31, 2006, 07:03:58 AM
Quote from: CaffeineJunkie
cept there is a huu-U-uuge difference between US an AUS money .... i think


Yeah, Aussie dollars have more colours.  ;)


Actually, it's not nearly as huge as the gap between the AUD and the pound.   Anyways, I think Gra will understand what I was saying.  Though you never know, I've been unclear before.  In any case, Gra said that he was avoiding stuff from Oz, which means he'll most likely be shopping in USD or pounds.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: CaffeineJunkie on May 31, 2006, 07:05:17 AM
probably, he did mention pounds after all, and aussies use dollars, so ya neva know
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: 38thBeatle on May 31, 2006, 07:30:42 AM
If it is £ sterling then that does seem to be a lot- if it is Aus $ then seems good. I can't comment too much as I have not too much experience of Jap Tele's however I have a Jap Strat and it is extremely well put together and the hardware on it is good quality- certainly equal to my USA Strat.  I think the only weakness is the electrics- not so much the pups, but the pots and switches. If it is a good guitar then with a Tele you can fix any quirks by replacing those things.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Searcher on May 31, 2006, 07:37:51 AM
Here's one from the US for ya:

Tele (http://cgi.ebay.com/85-Fender-Japan-52-Telecaster-RI-MIJ-50s-Tele_W0QQitemZ7418477506QQcategoryZ38083QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

This guy has at least two up for sale right now.  Nice looking guitars.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Jp. on May 31, 2006, 08:11:40 AM
Geez Gra thats huge....

You can buy a second hand US one for that
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: mikeluke on May 31, 2006, 10:12:47 AM
I would agree that £500 (that is Pounds Sterling) is a lot to pay for a Jap Tele - they often fetch more than the Jap Strats though (rarer??) - I would have expected more in the £300-400 range - there is a nice cream one on eBay at the moment for £300 (buy it now price)
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Tellboy on May 31, 2006, 10:48:36 AM
I have a 50th Anniversary (1996) Jap Tele which I picked up in a local music shop for £325 including a Fender hard case. The guitar (and case) had definitely been gigged a lot and was not in pristine condition but I really like it. I've always been a Gibson player (Two SGs and a Les Paul) but there is something about a Tele. I have fitted a Boss set on it and it is amazing - so crude yet so versatile - can go from typical Tele country twang into almost humbucker territory with the Boss set (especially with a 4 way switch which gives a 'series' pickup position) and it's built like a tank - no worries about headstock or neck joint breaks like my SGs.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: jt on May 31, 2006, 11:57:38 AM
:D Jap Strats & Teles had a good reputation from the early 90`s. If you come across one  there worth getting. BUT £500 [$1000 US ] sterling is way way over the top. You should look to pay £250 to £300 sterling maybe a bit more but not much.

Check Ebay out.

 :D  8)
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Crazy Gra on May 31, 2006, 12:41:35 PM
Thanks guy's, I suspected it may have been over priced. He's rejected an offer of 425 quid ($1000 Aus) from someone else already. (I've been working the currency back to pounds from Aussie $). He will "accept" $1250 Aus (that's 500 quid). It seems 400 quid is more it's going rate, and that's top $.

But here's an example of Fender Australia's attempted GOUGING that I was talking about.

American Series Standard Tele.

To summarise and this is ALL IN US $

US street price $950
UK street price $1259
AUS "discounted" street price $1438 Or you can pay the Fender Australia GOUGING RRP of $1828.

Remember all of the above is in $US, so the playing field is level.

So I've got to spend almost $500 US more to get the same thing in Australia do I? How much is freight anyway and custom clearence (no duty anymore). And if I paid Fender Australia's ridiculous price I'd be shelling out $878 US more. I could probably buy TWO in the US for $1828 US!!!  :shock:

Fender Australia need a damn good booting  (Bart Simpson style)! And they can stick their Teles! I hope I can find a good s/h one!

Rant over and excuse me. Oh and thanks for the replies.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: PhilKing on May 31, 2006, 01:06:00 PM
Could you get one on ebay direct from Japan?  I have a japanese 62 custom (the candy apple red with body binding) and the neck feels just like my real late 61 neck.  If you can find one at a decent price buy it and then spring for a set of BK's later and you will have a great guitar that you can keep.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Crazy Gra on May 31, 2006, 02:32:58 PM
Phil,

Yes I considered e-bay and I realise many ppl have great success on e-bay but I'm not the type to take any sort of risks. I would only really feel comfortable if I get to try before I buy.

I think I'll surf the Aussie second hand dealers on the 'net (ones that have a satisfaction guarantee sort of deal).

The Jap one I saw was a real beauty though and even light weight too. It also had the binding. (Sniff, sob).
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: mikeluke on June 01, 2006, 08:41:25 AM
Have you thought of this one? Buying direct from Japan - don't know what the import duty would be if any but...

http://www.ishibashi-music.com/fenderjp/index.htm

Did a quick calc and a nice new Tele plus shipping to Australia works out at about AU$1000 - little more if you add a hard case. Bit better than AU$1800!
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: hunter on June 01, 2006, 01:25:11 PM
if it looks, feels and sounds great, what do you actually want from us? If it's worth 500quid to you, just buy it ... market value is irelevant if it is right for YOU
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: CaffeineJunkie on June 01, 2006, 02:21:59 PM
Quote from: hunter
if it looks, feels and sounds great, what do you actually want from us? If it's worth 500quid to you, just buy it ... market value is irelevant if it is right for YOU


he could be a preacher (and no, not jt's axe)
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: fps_dean on June 02, 2006, 01:03:10 AM
Quote from: Searcher
I think the Jap Fenders have always been good quality, but £500 seems a bit steep, unless there's something extra special and/or collectable about it.  

You should be able to hunt a Japanese Tele down for that price in USD, let alone pounds.


I think that's way higher than their original selling price.  $650usd was the max. selling price of a Jap Fender here in the US anyway.  The Japs don't hold their value either.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: jt on June 02, 2006, 02:36:58 AM
Quote from: CaffeineJunkie
Quote from: hunter
if it looks, feels and sounds great, what do you actually want from us? If it's worth 500quid to you, just buy it ... market value is irelevant if it is right for YOU


he could be a preacher (and no, not jt's axe)


 :D Agh Yes but does he give sermons once a week like my one !!

 :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

 :D  8)
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Git-art-ist on June 02, 2006, 03:54:37 AM
i have a fender jap strat. aorund 93-94. i love it. its the best strat ive played.

fender japs are great. I think they are better than american fenders.

i got mine for $550. your one osunds like a good deal . you should get it.
Title: And we brits think we're getting ripped off!
Post by: fatbob on June 02, 2006, 08:05:25 AM
Quote from: Crazy Gra
Thanks guy's, I suspected it may have been over priced. He's rejected an offer of 425 quid ($1000 Aus) from someone else already. (I've been working the currency back to pounds from Aussie $). He will "accept" $1250 Aus (that's 500 quid). It seems 400 quid is more it's going rate, and that's top $.

But here's an example of Fender Australia's attempted GOUGING that I was talking about.

American Series Standard Tele.

To summarise and this is ALL IN US $

US street price $950
UK street price $1259
AUS "discounted" street price $1438 Or you can pay the Fender Australia GOUGING RRP of $1828.

Remember all of the above is in $US, so the playing field is level.

So I've got to spend almost $500 US more to get the same thing in Australia do I? How much is freight anyway and custom clearence (no duty anymore). And if I paid Fender Australia's ridiculous price I'd be shelling out $878 US more. I could probably buy TWO in the US for $1828 US!!!  :shock:

Fender Australia need a damn good booting  (Bart Simpson style)! And they can stick their Teles! I hope I can find a good s/h one!

Rant over and excuse me. Oh and thanks for the replies.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Crazy Gra on June 02, 2006, 11:14:14 AM
Quote from: mikeluke
Have you thought of this one? Buying direct from Japan - don't know what the import duty would be if any but...

http://www.ishibashi-music.com/fenderjp/index.htm

Did a quick calc and a nice new Tele plus shipping to Australia works out at about AU$1000 - little more if you add a hard case. Bit better than AU$1800!


Yes I think another poster said a similar thing but I'm getting more interested!

I've been convinced after hearing what ppl have to say that Jap Fenders are a good thing quality wise, so I'm seriously thinking of shipping one in. I'm also now considering the G&L ASAT Korean line  (supposed to be excellent quality and less than $1000 Aus new ) I just have to check import duty from Japan for the Fender. $1900 Aus for an American std is ROBBERY and I bet it's hard to tell the difference. They have a good choice of models too.

Sweet and thanks to all.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: plastercaster on June 02, 2006, 11:37:51 AM
for the rrp you could probably fly to japan and pick it up yourself :!:
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Searcher on June 02, 2006, 05:20:49 PM
Quote from: plastercaster
for the rrp you could probably fly to japan and pick it up yourself :!:


You probably could for that price, but you'd have to swim back.
Title: Re: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: BleedMarshall on June 03, 2006, 09:16:53 PM
Quote from: Crazy Gra
I'm hoping you guys can help me out a little. I have the Tele bug badly but I refuse to pay the silly prices dealers want in Australia for new ones.

I've seen a Jap Tele for sale which I've dated by the serial number as 1993-94. It's in absolutely mint condition and is a "Target burst" finish. It plays like a dream also and as far as I can see is hardly worn at all.


I believe Jap Fenders to be good quality instruments (and this one certainly fits the mold) but is the early 90's a "good" era for Jap Fenders? ie If I fall out of love with it later on will it be something that buyers want?

The owner wants 500 pounds for it, does that seem a fair price?

Please help me spend my $  :D


Bear with me here, but that price seems a little high if I calculated the exchange rate right. Other than that, and I am sure you have played the guitar and checked all the areas of interest on it, I'd say buy it if you can get the shop to drop on the price.

As far as wheather or not a buyer will want it.....depends on the market and the buyer. Jap Fenders have never been big in the states here, but the Mexis are getting good reviews everywhere these days.

Were the 90's a good year for Jap Fenders? Not really from my experience, but again I am in the U.S. and only know those trends really, and thanks to a feqw friends across the pond here I am learning more about the buyers in Europe. But as a rule Fender did poorly as far as quality during that time period, so I advise a very good going over of the guitar before you buy it.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Louderthangod on June 05, 2006, 05:08:54 AM
I have a antigua reissue Tele that's CIJ that I love.  I did do some mod's to it...compensated, brass saddles, Lollar pickups (including a charlie christian in the neck) but they are very good guitars typically at least equal to the American but sometimes the pickups aren't that great and then sometimes they're quite nice.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Crazy Gra on June 07, 2006, 10:52:39 PM
Well thanks everyone. I've actually seen a US G&L ASAT S/Hollow that I've completely gone to pieces over. It's waaaay more money than I want to spend but I've fallen in love with it. The quality is just super dooper.

Finally read the fine print and re-sized the image to acceptable levels so here's the new baby.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: CaffeineJunkie on June 07, 2006, 10:53:52 PM
oooh, not sure bout the p/ups but still, oooh
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: BleedMarshall on June 14, 2006, 03:14:56 PM
Quote from: Crazy Gra
Well thanks everyone. I've actually seen a US G&L ASAT S/Hollow that I've completely gone to pieces over. It's waaaay more money than I want to spend but I've fallen in love with it. The quality is just super dooper.

Finally read the fine print and re-sized the image to acceptable levels so here's the new baby.


That is super sweet. Tell me you bought it. Lie if you have to. :lol: That is the ax to have if you want a Tele in my opinion. Much better to me than a Fender Tele.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Crazy Gra on June 29, 2006, 01:21:07 AM
BleedMarshall,

yep I bought it. I've had it for a couple of weeks now and it does sound very good indeed. I have no complaints, nothing, including pickups, needs changing.

It gives out a fat sound like the Faces and Stones on the neck and a Tele type twang on the bridge. The bridge itself is very comfortable for damping too. Build and finish is A1. Being swamp ash but semi-hollow it's light.

The tone control actually gives a good range of tones without sucking tone if you catch my drift.

No complaints at all and worth the money.

Sorry for the late reply.
Title: Fender Japanese Teles, Reputation? Any Good?
Post by: Jp. on June 29, 2006, 02:02:32 AM
Thought this thread died ages ago.

Anyway I'm glad you like the Guit.