Quick Guide to Buying MIJ Instruments From Japan

uh oh. I’ll be on a flight then if I do end up going. I should know by Tuesday.

1 Like

I used chrome translate before they added English, and that worked well. It occurs to me that they may be relying on Reverb for their international market as the shop there seems more extensive than it used to.

1 Like

Could be.

1 Like

USA folks - FYI
Customs recently upped import duty from 3.8% to 4.9% on instruments over $800.
No duty for below.

6 Likes

The ENG translation now it’s at the bottom of the page, marked by a Google Translator icon on the bottom left side.

1 Like

Ahh yep! They moved it to the bottom. Good eye.

2 Likes

Is this 4.9% of total value or value over $800?

1 Like

Total

1 Like

Well, after talking with someone I know who had a very successful experience buying a pbass directly from japan, I made a inquiry at Ikebe Gakki website for a MIJ Fender PBass (Fender Made in Japan Traditional 50s Precision Bass (2-Color Sunburst) |イケベ楽器店) and the price, including the VTA/taxes is still very very interesting. Compared to what I can buy directly in France.

So I’m really close to buy it ahah.

I am just wondering something about the neck. On this model it seems to be a “U”, is it something that I must be concerned about compared to US/MIM models (which have C necks it seems) ? Are all the MIJ equiped with U neck or is this specific to some models ? (cause the 70s version for sale on their website have also a U neck). Maybe U necks from Japan are differents from the US ones ?

If anyone know more about this I’ll be happy to know.

Thank you !

3 Likes

A U is an old-school, fatter neck. Some people prefer it. I prefer the Modern C or D myself. The U is not Japan only (and in fact is unusual here I think).

A more modern Fender MIJ P-bass line is the Hybrid II P-bass. I owned one of these and it was awesome. Extremely well made instrument, pretty sure it was made by Fujigen for Fender.

2 Likes

Thank you (again) @howard for your feedback. :slight_smile:

2 Likes

Happy to help!

1 Like

I have ordered a MIJ Bass from Ikebe, and it has the U-style neck. It’s a chunky mofo! I love it, but perhaps not for everyone. This is what I ordered from them.

Very fast shipping, It went from Kyoto to my door in 2.5 days! Hope this info helps!

4 Likes

This is the model I was referring to. I had a blue one with maple fretboard but this is closer to the Traditional 50’s you were looking at I think.

1 Like

Very nice ! Thanks for the feedback :slight_smile:

Thanks ! Ikebe Gakki shared it also by email, they also explained the main differences between the two models :

・Traditional 50s PB
For those looking for a cost-effective, relatively lightweight Fender.
Softer sound for pop and oldies.
*Video not available.

・Hybrid II PB
Uses alder, just like the USA model, but has been upgraded to make it easier to play in modern settings.
We recommend this model for those who play a variety of songs or are looking for the so-called “Fender tone.”
For the actual sound, please refer to the following : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGeS2SuA_zk

“Just” need to choose now ahah …

1 Like

Oh cool, sounds like they are being very helpful.

The Hybrid II also has body contours, which are nice; the Trad 50’s will likely be a slab body.

2 Likes

Just as a FYI the BOJ just announced quantitative tightening to get the exchange rate under control and it is dropping fast.

Buy Now! :slight_smile:

2 Likes

Buy yen :wink:

1 Like

FFS… I was loooking at AtelierZ basses yesterday… shoo… go away topic!

3 Likes

Buy fast :slight_smile:

1 Like