Telecaster Guitar Forum - View Single Post - Fender Japan

Joel Terry · June 6th, 2003, 02:48 PM

but I can honestly say that you now have as fine a Telecaster as can be had anywhere or anytime--including the originals from the '50s. (Yes, this might seem like hyperbole, but it is my honest opinion.) No quality issues come to mind; the MIJ Fenders of the '80s are amazingly good instruments in every aspect.

The truss rod adjustment nut at the body end of the neck shouldn't pose few, if any, problems, adjustment-wise. Just loosen your neck bolts a bit and lift the neck out of its recess to turn the nut, or take your pickguard off. Maybe others think this is a hassle, but I don't. Since the Tele is a mid-80s MIJ, it'll either have a hex nut or the standard, classic Phillips nut. I prefer either of these over the small truss rod adjustment nut recessed up at the headstock, found on the Fender MIM Standard offerings, which has a tendency to strip much too easily.

The new Fenders coming out of Mexico are top-notch; to that end, I'd say the mid-80s Japanese Fenders are definitely just as good, if not better, than these new MIMs. Both certainly offer great value for the money, but, like I said, I'm a bit biased toward the MIJs/CIJs, because I've owned several of them throughout the years, and have yet to find anything consistently better in sound, looks, feel, and craftsmanship.

I hope you enjoy your new Tele for many, many years to come in good health and happiness, Stephen.

Joel :)

June 6th, 2003, 02:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
Joel Terry Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Old Hickory (Nashville), Tennessee, USA Age: 40 Posts: 4,405 17 Photos	Stephen, bear in mind that I'm partial to MIJ/CIJ Fenders... but I can honestly say that you now have as fine a Telecaster as can be had anywhere or anytime--including the originals from the '50s. (Yes, this might seem like hyperbole, but it is my honest opinion.) No quality issues come to mind; the MIJ Fenders of the '80s are amazingly good instruments in every aspect. The truss rod adjustment nut at the body end of the neck shouldn't pose few, if any, problems, adjustment-wise. Just loosen your neck bolts a bit and lift the neck out of its recess to turn the nut, or take your pickguard off. Maybe others think this is a hassle, but I don't. Since the Tele is a mid-80s MIJ, it'll either have a hex nut or the standard, classic Phillips nut. I prefer either of these over the small truss rod adjustment nut recessed up at the headstock, found on the Fender MIM Standard offerings, which has a tendency to strip much too easily. The new Fenders coming out of Mexico are top-notch; to that end, I'd say the mid-80s Japanese Fenders are definitely just as good, if not better, than these new MIMs. Both certainly offer great value for the money, but, like I said, I'm a bit biased toward the MIJs/CIJs, because I've owned several of them throughout the years, and have yet to find anything consistently better in sound, looks, feel, and craftsmanship. I hope you enjoy your new Tele for many, many years to come in good health and happiness, Stephen. Joel :) __________________ Jesus saves--and He passes the savings on to YOU! ASPCA "Well...."