Fender Telecasters Made in Japan? Are they worth it?

[@intheblues]

Find a Butterscotch Telecaster Here Get the best deal on this here: ► Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/95yde ► Thomann - bit.ly/3jM7T9A ►Sky Music - alnk.to/31loQ8M (Affiliate links) 0:00 - Unboxing (disclaimer) 0:52 - Jam Track 4:16 - Guitar Overview 6:19 - Isolated Guitar Tones 10:08 - My Review (Pros and Cons)

[@LeviBulger]

MIJ Fenders are my favorite Fenders, at least for rosewood neck guitars. They always have the most impeccable fretwork and flawless boards with a darker hue to the rosewood than even American made guitars. They always feel so great in the hands. The only con I would ever give a Japanese fender is that they almost always need better electronics. But that's never a problem for me as I always upgrade that stuff anyway. The luthiership on them is always impeccable where I've had some US made fenders that weren't always perfect. To anyone who thinks they hate vintage frets, play a MIJ with vintage frets and it'll be impossible to go back once you've gotten used to them. They're silky smooth and never fret out. They can handle way more abuse than Shane is assuming in this video. They're not super soft nickel like old school wiring was.

[@stephanematis]

My MIJ 72 Pawnshop has the silkiest rosewood neck. It set a bar so high ...

[@LeviBulger]

@@stephanematis "set a bar so high" - Exactly. It's a blessing and a curse lol

[@LeviBulger]

@Jon Oz Exactly what happened to me! Once you get used to it, you're like ahhh yeah can't have it any other way now. At least when it comes to Fenders.

[@micheleren1534]

I have recently purchased a MIJ Traditional 50'S Stratocaster and I am very happy with the quality of the instrument. It is very well assembled, unlike many MIM guitars, and it sounds fantastic even with the original pickups.

[@antonio.cappelli]

Great review Shane, I Will wait for a Stratocaster MIJ Traditional 60s review😉

[@hkkl1314]

Shorter frets = better intonation. If you listen carefully you will notice that chords sound a lot better with vintage frets, all things being equal. And moving up and down the neck feels a lot more natural. So glad Fender Japan doesn't follow the rest of the herd and put gigantic frets on everything. My MIM Jagstang also has the shorter frets, which I was happy to find out. There's a reason the old Jazzmasters, old Telecasters, old Fenders in general, sound 10x better... all the new ones have silly jumbo frets, and string nuts that sit way higher off of the fingerboard. There are other reasons too, but the jumbo fret trend is silly: When the string is pushed on the fret there is a tendency to over-bend the pitch, sharpening the note and making chords sound bad. This is audible even among pros who use jumbo frets. Open chords also tend to sound bad on these jumbo fretted guitars, because it makes it hard to intonate around the first few frets. Especially the G and b strings. Have a hard time getting enough pitch change when you're bending? Try heavier strings, moving your notes further away from the nut, and building up your finger strength. You'll probably never go back to 10's and jumbo frets again. Pitch accuracy is a wayyy higher priority than ease of bending imo. There will always be outliers who need the big frets for bends (SRV comes to mind) but most players are better served by the old school frets. Anyways, good playing, great overview. Really enjoyed the video.

[@gbfusion]

Nice review, Shane. My main guitar for years was a MIJ tele with vintage frets. When I later transitioned to a new guitar with jumbo frets, they felt like speedbumps for a while! Honestly, I still like vintage frets, but maybe vintage frets in stainless steel would be the way to go.

[@jeremykemp3782]

Definitely

[@stephenkennedy7347]

I bought the Japanese Hybrid '50s Tele - Ash body, American '58 Vintage Pickups, Medium Jumbo Frets, Satin finish on the back of the neck, locking but still vintage style tuners, slightly flatter radius and slightly wider nut in line with current Fender trends and a fourth position on the selector (both pickups in series - sort off Humbucker sounding and louder) plus the Blonde colour is slightly transparent to allow the grain of the ash body to marble through in a cool way. Had to spend an extra $175 but money well spent and this review motivated me to research the guitar. Oh and it has the '50s U profile maple neck.Thanks Shane.

[@pdcband22]

I like the vintage frets with the right action set to it, it is unbelievable how smooth it is I have a few American made telecasters but I still keep coming back to this made in Japan vintage fret telly .

[@jeremykemp3782]

I find the nut is a little on the narrow side, your thoughts?

[@changestrangers]

Interesting to discover that you like the pickups, which many see as the Achilles' Heel of these otherwise well-made Fender Japan guitars. Eagerly awaiting the comparison vid.

[@hlcotten6587]

This is for all you do, Shane. You have superb skills.💎💎💎

[@GuitarVeasel]

I’ve got a MIJ 50’s hybrid Tele, same fat neck but with medium jumbo frets a 9.5 radius and 4 way switching. Absolutely love it.

[@changestrangers]

I have one too and love it. Beautiful guitar. Here in Australia, the MIJ Hybrid series is about a grand cheaper than the MIA Professional II series, but just about its equal.

[@rveirano]

I've got the same one MIJ 50's hybrid Tele, it's fantastic. Shane should give it a try soon

[@cass2771]

Nice review, and yeh, looking forward to the review of the 3 Teles!

[@mikepj1025]

Still can’t replace my Baja Tele. I have the American Pro 1 and like it a lot but my Baja Tele is my go to. Really wish they made them in lefty so I can get your opinion.

[@davidmahoherrezuelo]

GREAT review! I love see a review of new Squier Telecaster Affinity butterscotch 2021...is a beauty!

[@paulmeier3462]

Am I crazy, but I prefer skinny frets. Maybe they don't last as long, but I much prefer playing them. I have a MIM Tele with jumbo frets and I don't really like it.

[@cameronlesley2428]

I’m with you on this one. I Own a 87 model power jazz bass and it’s been played every week since 2003 and is still perfect. People just assume what they want. The smart people know what they need

[@DennisJPolson]

What a bummer that they used those frets on this model. Overall, I’ve really liked the quality and craftsmanship of MIJ Fender & Squire guitars. Great playing and demo as always, Shane.

[@Gearjunkie35JasonBallou]

Shane...that ascending run at 3:10....and the walk back down.. Serious chops. Dude that was killer. Serious upgrade in the viewing experience lately. Not fanning out, when a lick makes me look up and Smile...thats the stuff brother. Well played.

[@uria702]

Japanese Fenders are my favorite. They are so much better than Mexican reissues and they’re even cheaper now

[@MrPhins]

Check out Mr. Fancy Pants with the slick B-roll and graphics. I feel like I should have dressed up for this. Well done as always, Shane. Unfortunately, as a lefty I'm allergic to Butterscotch Blonde teles.

[@rickhill6277]

Nice Review Shane! Love the Sound. Think you’re right about the Frets. Also, I know it’s to be a ‘50s Style Guitar but I HATE having to loosen or take the Neck off to adjust it. It looks like the upper adjustment hole is blocked. Please keep up the Good Work my Friend. Cheers from Salem, Ohio US.

[@jackjoseph3328]

How does this compare to the 2015/2016 American vintage 52' reissues?

[@dalepal]

I don't see many MIJ Fenders in the States but am very happy with the US made.

[@damienhick1647]

Shane I recall you doing the double esquire. A fair few other Teles but I don’t recall you doing a fender 70th anniversary Broadcaster from last year - just the base one not custom shop. Any chance Sky would have one? Would love a comparison between all your recents, the esquire and the 50’s versions. With blend control of course. Love the videos

[@wfm210]

Great job Shane excellent review

[@9909surfer1]

Looks and sounds amazing thanks for demonstrating not sure if it's as good as made in USA and if it's worth it to save $$ but I gusse it boils down to buget and preference thanks again

[@andrewmoran357]

Tokai have some killer looking teles at that range any chance of you reviewing one - cant find these n EU

[@thejeffersonlee]

Shane, if I ever win the lottery and get to go to luthier school, a left-handed blues machine made to your specifications is first on my build list.

[@intheblues]

haha thanks, mate! That would be too cool. :)

[@ChoppaWhoppa1]

I must try one of these. MIJ seems so well made. I had a Vintera Modified Tele in Butterscotch blonde and it was probably the worst guitar I've ever had. Loose parts, fret sprout, crooked bridge, badly matched figuring in the body wood... My third MIM actually, which had some serious issues. Lost faith in the Mexican made stuff unfortunately.

[@BenDewhirstMusic]

Mmmmm, love me some Japanese Fender. Sounds killer, as always!

[@intheblues]

Thanks, Ben! :)

[@thomasloveday1617]

I played a MIJ Hybrid Tele recently. Probably had the best sounding neck pickup I’ve encountered. Serious mojo. I don’t really like the baseball bat necks though, so ended up buying a Baja Tele in the end.

[@stephenkennedy7347]

Pity about the frets which is a dealbreaker for me as I have had personal experience of the vintage frets on my Japanese Strat - I don't play nearly as hard as you but I killed mine in months and never liked them the whole time. When I changed to Dunlop 6105's the guitar came to life for me! Looking forward to the 3 Tele' comparison.

[@mariano2961]

Hi from Argentina!! How would you position the fenders made in Japan in quality compared to the fenders made in America? I'm after a 2005 telecaster crafted in Japan but there is an American vintage that I like and I found a custom shop too. The difference that I can see is price but that is not a problem. Is it worth the difference in price?

[@DMSProduktions]

That's a GNARLY Tele Shane! \m/

[@davidhumphries853]

You didn't mention the radius. 7.25? I think narrow tall with 7.25 is better. Even better 7.25 compound to 9.5. I'm not sure why Fender keep on force feeding us 7.25 and vintage frets. Higher models and custom shop address this issue.

[@sh4969]

If you going to buy any fender Strat get ones MiJ 90s-early 2000 there made in the Tokai factory , or get early 90s mij by fujigen or cij by Dyna very collectable will go up in value. Better than squire and fender custom shop strats and modern JV.

[@Hammerman48]

Vintage radius neck 7.25 and thin frets….exactly as a 52 tele should be!

[@mike70s]

Low frets definitely a deal breaker, but MIJ still on my wish list

[@seanbear69]

I don't get it, Aren't the medium jumbo frets now the factory standard on these?

[@BladeDoomer86]

Woe, looks stunning, but those frets.... At that price it should come with a free fret job in the future! Kinda like a warranty

[@rkoz55]

I bet that pickguard stays flat being made in Japan. Replaced my MIM Baja with a black anodized aluminum one, bulges drove me nuts with only 5 screws. And the bridge screws aren't sticking out the top, nice!

[@dzungpham]

I played with this one today, the finish is astonishing, not like player series butterscotch blonde which is pale dark and ugly. The apperance of this one is perfect, except the fret is shallow, and the tone is thin, i suppose the tone is on par with Player series only. Turn down the tone knob and it loses it clarity, not like Vintera 50s or Performer series. Its a perfect alternative for Player series i suppose but the tone and playability it far behind the Vintera 50s.

[@TheMichaelseymour]

sounds very nice

[@KaddysJamKave]

I wanna see you review some WILD 'n POINTY guitar just for a laugh. Something like an LTD Arrow 1000 :D Wouldn't suit a blues player for sure but would look funny as hell :D

[@Mr.D34]

I also don't like the vintage frets. I have a telecaster with the same issue. It will probably have a fret job some time in the future 😀 I prefer the bridge pickup of this one compared to The American Professional II that you tested a few weeks ago but i gotta say that in general i don't like the classic bright tele sound. A pickup change is usually the case when i buy a telecaster 😀

[@dylanpardon9723]

Great sounding/looking guitar but if I was in the market for a black-guard Tele I would just buy the American Original '50s one

[@voiceofexperience]

🇯🇵 Perfection!

[@leedee4968]

Most excellent🤩

[@digadam]

How does the mij 50s hybrid compare? It’s got taller frets and USA pickups. Assume it’s better than this one

[@changestrangers]

I got myself an MIJ Hybrid 50s. Brilliant guitar. I hope Shane gets around to doing a comparison. The Hybrid II series is right around the corner too.

[@VinylOcelot]

Great video, Shane! I was wondering if you prefer the neck profile of the MIJ tele or your original 50's tele? (fellow original 50's tele owner here, so I was curious)

[@clarkster98]

Have the older hybrid 50s ones got bigger frets?

[@Roomfulofgear]

I reckon the fret size and the fact that they goofed up on the neck finish colour (how pale is that maple looking?) are the two reasons why I'd keep my money in my pocket. At the same time, I would also feel compelled to swap out the electronics for something more substantial, as well as the plain brass barrel saddles for Gotoh/Wilkinson compensated brass barrel saddles.

[@benallmark9671]

How much is this guitar worth and being in Canada can I order a Fender from Japan ? And is it worth paying all the duty and shipping costs or would you just be better off getting an American made one ?

[@cass2771]

I’m in Australia. On the Fender Aus website, the MIJ Teles are mixed up amongst all the other Ts, at average or better prices. Is that not the case in Canada? I quite like the quality of MIJ guitars, but won’t argue with Shane’s knowledge of the frets.

[@benallmark9671]

@@cass2771 not at all like that in Canada. No MIJ’s at all

[@cass2771]

@@benallmark9671 That's disappointing - the MIJs are a worthy addition to the line-up. Probably not a lot that the likes of you or I can do, but it may be worth a note to Fender Canada. Btw - I just LOVED my time (~4 weeks) in SW Canada 3 years ago. I hope Australia has the opportunity to provide that sort of welcome to you at some stage.

[@cass2771]

@@benallmark9671 Yeh, things could be better here, and I'm not betting on International travel anytime soon. But fingers crossed for some changes soon. Guitar folk have lots to talk about and exchange. I took the opportunity to develop an appreciation for Tragically Hip (yeh, I have a few years under my belt), and would love to show some Canadian Colleagues some Aussie musos.

[@cass2771]

@@benallmark9671 Kingston’s 4600 km east of where I was. I tearfully watched the film ‘Long time running’ on the flight to Van, and bought a red guitar strap (from ?Tony Lee guitar shop) with a white maple leaf as a souvenir. Was there an auto-correct in your last message?

[@MrZlic]

by any chance do you have a photography channel?

[@intheblues]

I have a tech channel that covers cameras, video, live switching, and podcasting :)

[@rhinovandriver]

Nice Jason figure

[@johnSmith-yn7dg]

Not impressed with this one. Looking forward to the Am pro 2 tele review.

[@nickolasecker9596]

MIJ>MiM, worth the extra ship times.

[@belo1971]

Love and had many Fender japan series.. awesome guitars but neck are Always THINNER than US ones ....🙄

[@calbrockocat8728]

Love that Tele sound. Shame about the frets, but fret not! It's still a Tele!!

[@ScottTheNews]

Ain’t nothin like a Tele against ya bellie

[@stevehanham9266]

Sorry Shane, but these come nowhere close to the Baja Telecaster. In fact, even the USA models struggle to complete with the Baja. With some of the great guitars coming out of the Mexican factory these days, I don't know why Fender bother to make guitars in Japan!