A list of which factory build xxx brand in Japan

[zero-sss]

Hello guys!
I just got some information from my friend in Japan.

This is a list of which factory build xxx brand in Japan(mostly).
Not 100% sure but almost correct infomation I believe.

Fender Japan
1982-1997 Fujigen Factory(MIJ), Japan
1997- Dyna Gakki and Tokai Gakki(CIJ), Japan
(mostly Dyna Gakki)

Squire
1982-1997 Fujigen Factory
1997- Korea, China, Indonesia, India and Mexico factory

Ibanez
Prestage and J-Custom Fujigen Factory, Japan
Others Korea, China and Indonesia factory

ESP
ESP Factory in Sado, Japan

SHECTER
ESP Factory in Sado, Japan
Incheon Factory, Korea

Epiphone
Semi-Hollow models and LP custom - Samick, Korea
Others China Factory

Fernandes
Musicians Model and High Performance models - Kawai Gakki and Dyna Gakki,Japan
Others - Taiwan and China Factory

GRETSCH
199x - Terada Gakki, Japan
( I didn't know that almost all GRETSCH guitars are made in Japan!)
Still made in USA exist but just a little)

*Gakki means "Musical instrument" in Japanese

I attached some photos, these photos are "Dyna Gakki"(Fender Japan factory)





Fret Slotting Machine



Fernandes?
Fander Japan and Fernandes are manufactured by same factory!

[jwells393]

Cool. Good information. Thanks for posting.

[SackvilleDan]

So here's a question:

Are there different qualities of employees in the factory? I mean, did/do the Squiers get worked on by less experienced workers than the Fenders did? Or are the fit and finish of most of these guitars identical from each factory, and the only difference in the guitars the quality of components?

I know people LOVE the JV/SQ Squiers, but I hadn't heard that the 90's models were anywhere near "Fender Japan" quality.

Thoughts?

[mannym]

Originally Posted by SackvilleDan

So here's a question:

Are there different qualities of employees in the factory? I mean, did/do the Squiers get worked on by less experienced workers than the Fenders did? Or are the fit and finish of most of these guitars identical from each factory, and the only difference in the guitars the quality of components?

I know people LOVE the JV/SQ Squiers, but I hadn't heard that the 90's models were anywhere near "Fender Japan" quality.

Thoughts?

Hey guys,
I have a 1997 Squire Strat with a serial number that puts it in the Korean Factory. I upgraded the components. Wilkinson single coils and Vintage Trem Bridge, New electronics, shielded completely and she plays and sounds fantastic. The Squiers that start with the CN serial number are the post 97, or post Korean, built in China and the wood quality started going downhill - plywoods and laminated pines started getting used. If you wikipedia "Squier Serial Number" youll find the entire list of factories, dates and serial number series.

PS. Im getting very inspired and keen to start my first Tele Build. Im currently rebuilding a Bass. And have designed a double cut custom. But my 10 year old son who plays piano very very well, has taken up guitar with some pals at school and he's starting to finger pick really well...better than I ever will!!.

So....what perfect gift for Christmans than a custom Telecaster for my boy!. Ive started the templates and the neck build....will post pics soon.

Sorry to hijack the thread fellas.


Cheers,
Manny from Oz.

[zero-sss]

Fujigen Factory is very good factory and they have many skillful employees.

In 80s, Fujigen had made better guitars than Fender USA.(IMO)

This is a famous story in Japan.
In 90s, Fender USA told Fujigen, "Do Not make better guitars than Fender USA"
"Fender USA must be better than Fender Japan"

Fujigen didn't comply that offer.
Therefore they broke off a contract.

They have been making so many brands of guitars, such as Fender Japan, Greco, Ibanez, Yamaha, Orville by Gibson, Gretsch, Epiphone, G&L, etc...

IMO, I'm a big fan of Fender USA but I don't like late 80s and early 90s Fender USA regular line.

[mannym]

Originally Posted by zero-sss

Fujigen Factory is very good factory and they have many skillful employees.

In 80s, Fujigen had made better guitars than Fender USA.(IMO)

This is a famous story in Japan.
In 90s, Fender USA told Fujigen, "Do Not make better guitars than Fender USA"
"Fender USA must be better than Fender Japan"

Fujigen didn't comply that offer.
Therefore they broke off a contract.

They have been made so many brands of guitars, such as Fender Japan, Greco, Ibanez, Yamaha, Orville by Gibson, Gretsch, Epiphone, G&L, etc...

IMO, I'm a big fan of Fender USA but I don't like late 80s and early 90s Fender USA regular line.

May explain the demand for MIJ Fenders.

[Zmatko]

Originally Posted by zero-sss

IMO, I'm a big fan of Fender USA but I don't like late 80s and early 90s Fender USA regular line.

On the other end i like some vintage reissues from 88' to 95', dunno why.
But the biggest fart i ever admit to hearing was a 98 am std strat, i guess that's a subjective thing.

[joe desperado]

THis is one of the best guitar factories...regardless of location:

GRETSCH
199x - Terada Gakki, Japan

THe Gretsch guitars comming out of this factory are just about perfect in every way. Not all Gretsch's are made there though, just the pro versions. The Electromatics are made in CHina.

JD