Fender Standard Strat or Fender Japan from Ishibashi?
- Thread starter audio
- Start date
I have both, it depends on your preference.
This is my opinion and YMMV
Standard strat:-
Satin neck - This really makes it very much easier for me to play as my palms are sweaty
9.5" radius fingerboard - easier to bend without fretting out
Medium jumbo frets - Easier to fret
Ceramic pickups - Some say its crappy, but thats because it doesn't suit their style. It makes the pick attack more pronounced and is heavier than alnico pickups. It does quack, but also can do harder styles. I swapped them out for some alnico 5s for a really classic strat tone.
Fender Japan (without naming any specific model):-
7.5" neck radius - Easier to chord than 9.5" at the nut end but frets out easier
Glossy neck finish - my palms are sweaty, which is a turn off after 20 minutes of playing
Vintage frets (small) - Personally i prefer medium jumbo
Unpotted pickups (alnico) - Its really a toss up between the two types of pickups generally offered (USA vintage vs Texas Specials). If you try both and it doesn't suit your style, look to swap them out. There is a range of aftermarket pickups available that you can factor into your budget.
Maybe if you can give some input on your style of music, whats your preference in terms of neck shapes/radius. Maybe even a reference tone from a recording of a musician that would be great.
This is my opinion and YMMV
Standard strat:-
Satin neck - This really makes it very much easier for me to play as my palms are sweaty
9.5" radius fingerboard - easier to bend without fretting out
Medium jumbo frets - Easier to fret
Ceramic pickups - Some say its crappy, but thats because it doesn't suit their style. It makes the pick attack more pronounced and is heavier than alnico pickups. It does quack, but also can do harder styles. I swapped them out for some alnico 5s for a really classic strat tone.
Fender Japan (without naming any specific model):-
7.5" neck radius - Easier to chord than 9.5" at the nut end but frets out easier
Glossy neck finish - my palms are sweaty, which is a turn off after 20 minutes of playing
Vintage frets (small) - Personally i prefer medium jumbo
Unpotted pickups (alnico) - Its really a toss up between the two types of pickups generally offered (USA vintage vs Texas Specials). If you try both and it doesn't suit your style, look to swap them out. There is a range of aftermarket pickups available that you can factor into your budget.
Maybe if you can give some input on your style of music, whats your preference in terms of neck shapes/radius. Maybe even a reference tone from a recording of a musician that would be great.
bbryann
New member
I've got pictures of my fender japan strat here. http://soft.com.sg/forum/showthread.php?t=44826&page=5
It cost me about 52,000 Yen about SGD650 after tax rebate. Remember to bring your passport when you go buy it. Without the tax rebate, it costs 55,000+ Yen. I went to a shop in Ochanomizu, Tokyo and they threw in a gig bag, guitar stand, tuner, wires, two picks and another small fender bag. So it was pretty good.
The 1E string tends to fret out pretty easily. Other than that, its pretty good.
It cost me about 52,000 Yen about SGD650 after tax rebate. Remember to bring your passport when you go buy it. Without the tax rebate, it costs 55,000+ Yen. I went to a shop in Ochanomizu, Tokyo and they threw in a gig bag, guitar stand, tuner, wires, two picks and another small fender bag. So it was pretty good.
The 1E string tends to fret out pretty easily. Other than that, its pretty good.
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HarrisonYeo
New member
or a used MIA strat 
Whitestrat
New member
+1!!!
But make sure the one you get comes with the steel block and not the zinc ones...
No.
Its because its marketed by 2 'divisions' or so to speak.
Fender Japan = For local Japan market, not officially distributed elsewhere.
Fender = Exported worldwide where there is an official fender dealer.
The fender standard strat isn't expensive in the US, its around USD399.
Lets roughly calculate it out 400+50(shipping) = 450
That makes out to around SGD700 inclusive of GST.
Btw, the 2006/07 models for the standard strat is really a big improvement over previous years.
I wouldn't say that they are inferiorly made now, those you see at swee lee may be old stock prior to 06 version.
Please go and try both before you jump the gun.
Also look around for good 2nd hand deals on any strat type guitar. Doesn't have to be fender.
Drop by standard value and check out Mike's stuff out. He may have something that you're really after.
Not to mention he's a great guy.
khutubkhana
New member
i tink u should get the upgraded MIM fender standard. The PUs, bridge or tuning keys u can change in time to come.
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subversion
Moderator
whichever model you decide to buy, if these are available here, it's good to try them out rather than commit yourself to an online order for something you cannot inspect.
subversion
Moderator
i own a Squier, nothing hateful...
PatheinRaindropMoe
New member
elitist alert!
Mine had a fair amount of squealing, I had to repot them. =s
Did it for 2 guitars.
Maybe I'm unlucky?
edder
New member
wow... then you're unlucky i guess.... Most of the Fender Japan guitars that I come across using Fender Japan pickups are mostly decent but not great sounding esp Jazzmaster and Jaguar pickups does not sound authentic enough.
but there are versions with Fender USA pickups that are worth considering.
but there are versions with Fender USA pickups that are worth considering.
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