Quick Guide to Buying MIJ Instruments From Japan

Looks a lot like Fami’s bass

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That’s a very cool Woodline but it’s basically just purple oil, not a kyozakura top. Still, hers looks like an awesome bass and I would personally prefer it over a J/J Sakura.

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Looks like Deviser is making a very small number of Sakuras across all their product lines. The Telecasters look incredible.

These are some cool picks too:

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I think they do that every year, with a different “design” each time. Mine is from the 2017 run.

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I am still so glad you got it :slight_smile:

You’re right BTW, they even have an anthology page up in English:

Some beauties in there. Dayum:

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I watched it so I can find it again and they made me an offer on it. Sheesh like I need it

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Well, whatever is going on in Japan, it just cost me a lot of money… stocks plummeting all over the world during Friday… in part triggered by the Nikkei taking a hit… :cry: :astonished:

No buying basses right now :laughing:

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Yep, the Yen has dropped 10% in the last 30 days.

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Good lesson on why to be wary of ebay sellers, the same SBV for six different prices:

None of these sellers are the owner.

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@howard thanks so much for being you brother. I love how I spouted off about Japanese bands and instantly I had someone in Japan responding. Might be an all time fav online encounter.

I really love the insight you add to the forum!

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:heart:

just wait until you see me being colossally wrong :rofl:

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Nothing to be wary about.
This is very standard in Japan and I’ve bought two so far this way.
The owner contracts with dealers (sellers) a profit amount and they all try to get the best price, which means you can negotiate across them all.
Does it seem cagey? - Yes.
Is it? - No.
very respectable sellers with great comms.

The watch out is none of them know anything about the instrument other then the pictures, so you are going by pics only. The item is usually with the owner until sold, however, if you purchase the seller will review condition and answer questions before shipping. They don’t want the hassle of a return as much as you don’t.

Got my J2 this way.

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But @howard is never wrong. Oh, except about the Beatles. He’s definitely wrong about the Beatles.
:wink:

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Yeah I get that these are just brokers and that part is fine. I just meant - be wary of the first price you see as the same bass is likely listed many times :slight_smile:

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