Japanese Strats

[Terry B]

I've decided to purchase a Japanese '62 reissue Fender Strat. I can find only two firms currently importing into the UK - MIJ in Edinburgh & The Guitar Emporium in Staines. Has anyone had dealings with either of these people and can you recommend one or the other. I'd appreciate your comments before committed my hard earned funds!

[dave robinson]

I have had guitars from each of them and both were good to do business with, helpful and good communication.
I found more recently that MIJ had a more comprehensive selection of Strats from which to choose.

[BarryH]

Hi Terry,

I've had two strats from MIJ and been really pleased on both occasions.

I've also bought a strat from McGuitars in Ireland, these were the only ones at the time who had CIJ lefties available. Again. excellent service and most helpful.

http://www.mcguitars.co.uk/

Cheers
Barry

[LONGPLAYER09]

My brotherinlaw had a Jap Strat from MIJ & was/is very pleased with it. Transport/delivery to Kent, no problems.
Mick

[Terry B]

Thanks guys! Nothing to choose between them eh! It looks as if it'll come down to who gets them first at the best price!!

[Bill Bowley]

Terry,

They make some good guitars in Japan IMHO, I've a couple of CIJ's which I am very pleased with. Bought the first one in 'bits' on EBay, a very interesting 'construction kit' of sorts!

Here's two of the pieces.

[Rover]

Hi, I had a jap strat a few years ago. It wouldn't stay in tune, gave a poor tone and the middle pick up stopped working. I was glad to get rid of the thing. I then bought a Burns marquee which has been brilliant.
Rover

[Terry B]

Looking good! Score 4 - 1 at the moment to the Jap Strats. There's always an exception to the rule too - you just have to hope you don't get it!

Cheers guys!

[Stratpicker]

How strange, Rover!
I have a 2004 '57 MIJ Re-Issue from MIJ. It stays rock solid in tune, gives great tone from all pickups on Elixir 11s, has a lovely action. The neck is more of a D than a C is is very comfy for long use.
My ONLY crit is that after 4 years of constant use, the trem block thread is getting just a little slack.
Listen to latest sound file of The Savage on the soundfiles page for an example.
cheers
ian

[Bill Bowley]

G'Day Rover!

I had a Marquee for a short time, bought it to see how the new Burns stuff compared to my old '64 Marvin's, the Marquee didn't even make first base IMHO - (actually traded it in on another Jap Strat!). A good guitar, but not for me I'm afraid.

Terry,

Here's some pics of another Jap Strat to keep you thinking..............