Are all current model MIJ Strats available for "legitimate" purchase in the US? I know some models such as the 12-string Strat are only MIJ and are available at local US dealers but I don't know if Fender has a policy about selling other MIJ Strats that might compete with MIA and MIM Strats in the US market...

Hi oldguy101: Fender have withdrawn all Japanese Fenders from import into the US and Europe - with the exception of a small number of models that aren't currently made in Corona or Ensenada.

As you said, I think that includes the 12-string Strat, perhaps the Aerodyne (?) and I think one or two other things like certain Jazzmaster models and such.

Other than that Fender Japan appears to only produce for their domestic market now - or perhaps some other Asian markets as well, I don't know.

There are one or two regular sellers on Ebay who appear to be based in the US but sell Fenders that come direct from Japan. Presumably they have some sort of deal going with a shop in Japan to ship them out. Judging by the number of sales and feedback I presume they are doing trustworthy business - but you must pursue that further for yourself. I have no direct experience of them.

Cheers - C

Also the Blue Flower and the Pink Paisley are made in Japan for sale in the U.S.

_________________
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

Ah right, yes. And one or two others, I bet.

Boy, I'm glad I snapped up my MIJ '75 RI Jazz Bass when I did. The US version is near twice the price! (Though I like the black neck binding and inlays better on the US one than the cream on mine...)

Cheers - C

Old Guy.Here are 3 power sellers on ebay that deal with fender Japan exclusively they are very good ookini55 and seikosuru2003. You should find what your looking for through these guys.Hey just how old are you oldguy I mean I dont think your that old with you still rockin that Fender.

Straycat, I just turned 58... same age as Tom Petty. I figure if he can still do it, there's hope for all of us... Funny how you get older but you don't feel old inside... Strummin' a Strat is like getting into a time machine and goin' back to the sixties or seventies (that would be 1960 or 1970)....

Older guy Cmon your noy old and you summed it up by saying how you feel inside thats what counts.I am 47 and have friends in there 60s and in there 30s it is all a state of mind.You know when your young you want everyone to not treat you like a kid and go out of your way to prove your an adult,then as you get older the opposite happens you want everyone to think your still young and hip-aint that a $@!&*

I own and love a couple of MIJ Strats and they do compare favorably to the MIA Strats I have played. FMIC doesn't want the competition from Fender Japan, and this likely will not change in the near future. I have heard of difficulties obtaining MIJ products, so I would be careful who you send your money to. I believe some forum users can attest to this.