back from Japan - good guitar times :)

[gwEm]

Just got back from a cool trip to Japan - I last went 5 years ago and it was good to get back there.

I can't say enough what a mecca the place is for guitar lovers. I must have gone to a music shop every day. The guitar area, as I mentioned a few years back, is a long street with many many high quality shops with old and new instruments at good prices. This time I also saw some cool fujigen stuff. Theres also a lot of Japanese-only models and colours you don't see over here.

This time what I really noticed as shortscale fender guitars are very much in vogue! Mustangs, Cyclones, Jaguars, Jagmasters, Musicmaster, and Duo Sonics are all readily available including (as I say) some very cool looking Japan only colours and models. I regret not picking one of them up, and am pondering doing an import.

Interestingly was a 24" scale version of the Swinger/Musiclander called a "Broken Arrow". The body shape was too small for me, but it was an amazing guitar.

Also the gig I was over there went very well, as did our version 'Kojo No Tsuki'.. though no one spotted the Scorpions reference.

[Philly Q]

I would love to visit Japanese guitar shops, there's so much awesome stuff they make for the domestic market (although getting it back to the UK would be a tricky process....)

Always liked that Musiclander shape!  :D

[gwEm]

I was all ready to buy that Musiclander until I tried it. It sounded great (nitro finish too!!), but the body was just abit smaller than my WezV Duo-Sonic, and I found it was just over the boundary for me (though I am rather tall).

I think it would be absolutely fine to bring one guitar back - you can get hardcases there relatively cheaply. Last time they were fine about taking off the tax in the shop too.

edit: I just KNEW you would like the Musiclander :D

edit 2: Another guitar that caught my eye, also in sea foam green!

[38thBeatle]

That must have been a great trip. I would love to go there and do what you have just done.

[dave_mc]

never been to japan but the pics i've seen of guitar shops there are just :o EDIT: oh and also the nice scenery, culture etc.  :lol:

I'm sure it was awesome :)

[Philly Q]

edit: I just KNEW you would like the Musiclander :D

Yeah, there's just something about it, the body is so tiny and you've got to admire Fender's cheek introducing a "new" model just to use up unwanted Bass V bodies.  :lol:

I'm not so keen on the arrow headstock, though, I'd probably just go with a Strat neck.