Besides that these guitars are made in different regions of the world and the price difference- are there any other differences?

I was considering buying The Stratocaster 58
http://www.ishibashi-webshop.jp/shop/g/g310166500/

I am looking to play mostly Eric Claptop and Jimi Hendrix tunes.

Most differences are fairly minor.

The biggest is the Japanese stuff is most likely using metric measurements, for screws and such.

The bridge widths will vary from region to region. The source for electronics could vary too.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Thank you for your quick reply. Could you please be so kind to ellaborate on the source of electronics. Would the pickups be different or are you refering to the wiring of the guitar? Thank you again for your quick reply. I always thought of current Japanese manufacturing standards to be very competent. Is that correct with MIJ/CIJ guitars?

I hear nothing but good about CIJ/MIJ guitars.

You need to hear from guys like Ceri, and a few others who own them. they can fill you in on specifics.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Hi snowlion, welcome to the Forum.

It's a nice price - that's around US$799. I wonder how much more it will be by the time it arrives with you?

I recently bought a Fender Japan '57 Reissue. About £100/$165 had been added in shipping, import tax and of course the local shop's cut by the time it got to me in the UK. I thought that reasonable - don't know how you'd feel.

Far as mine's concerned - I can't fault it. Nice workmanship including in the places that don't show, like the body cavities, soldering and cleanly drilled screw holes:



Enjoy your CIJ!

Cheers - C

Thank you for the replies. I am moving to HK. As of what I am aware, I would not pay any import tax. I would only pay for shipping. I just sold by Gibson SG and would use that money for a new Guitar. But I am having trouble seeing if there are any other differences between CIJ/MIJs vs MIAs. For me it seems as they are more or less the same.

Ooo - you're going to have fun! Lot of other good stuff to buy in Hong Kong too. Japanese cameras, RayBans for a fraction of the domestic price, yadda yadda.

Just be careful of those fake Rolex's Kowloon side! The weight is a clue - and if it says Bolex on the face, well that's a hint too!

Kindly post us a pic of you with your CIJ rocking out on The Peak!

Cheers - C

Snowlion have no fear, Japanese fender's are considered every bit the equal of their American cousins, if that was your worry.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Thank you Twelvebar and Ceri. I keep reading Ceri as Cheri ><.

Ceri I see you know Hong Kong quite well =).

I think it is Kee-ree

Hopefully he'll illuminate us!

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Yes, Cheri is one that has followed me around all my life. Or some people try to call me Serry. Or Cherry. Or Carry. Or...

Thanks, dad...

In fact, it's pronounced Kerry. An Irish name - with a Welsh spelling. What can you do?

And yes, I spent three months in Hong Kong one time. Wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life there, but it sure was a stack of fun! Very intense.

I wonder if Harry Ramsden's fish & chip shop is still there...?

Good luck - C