Hi new to Forum but not Fender products. My question and maybe Brad the Moderator can address this. I have a Fender Vintage 57 Re-issue. Wasn't cheap and certainly not a Squier. Had locking tuners installed last week. Was shocked to find that the tuners once removed were stamped Japan.

I was under the impression that this was an all American made product and was dissapointed to find Japanese parts. Now I feel inclined to check the rest out especially the pickups!! Was a shocker to find that out.

Thanks Mark

Well there's Japanese vintage series strats too. And japanese crafted and made reissues. Post some pics and the serial number and you can find out more about what you have.

Bought it new at Sam Gash few years ago, Made in USA. Serial Number is V-145409. I am familiar with the early eighties Squiers made in Japan. This was a Made in USA guitar marketed as the Vintage 57 Re-issue. Tweed case and all the retro accessories.

Try to get photos of the tuners and the rest of it out by the end of the weekend. Was curious if others have experienced similar issues.

Yeah that should be an american reissue. Not sure who makes the tuners for those? If it's actually Fender or if they buy them from like gotoh.

You have a point on the Gotoh Tuners, could be the case. Will contact Fender and diplomatically inquire about it. BTW, I do have a 1983 Fender Japanese Squier I purchased in 1987 with Fender hardshell case for $80.00. Been in storage all these years, after reading up on them, I may get it out, re-string, set up and play it. Could be a decent guitar and worth more than $80.00!!

Gotoh are a Japanese company. I honestly dont see a problem here. If you want a guitar thats 100% domestic you need to make it yourself, in your backyard. With components youve made yourself, and trees grown on your own soil.

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^I disagree completely. These guitars are advertised as made in the USA - not "assembled in the USA" from components obtained elsewhere. Not to say those parts aren't 100% as good as parts made here. However, when paying a premium for an American Series guitar most would expect that means the entire instrument was made here.

So a Japanese company has to ship manufacture to America. I wonder about the timber, where did that come from? What about the wire in the pickups or the magnets.
Why use Gotoh? Why not Kluson? Easy answer, their far superior and consistent.

What about Schaller? Their German.
I'm sorry this level of national pride borders on xenophobia and is wholy misguided. Fender use these products because their the best quality at a price they want.

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I'm really glad my customshop guitar has Brazilian rosewood on it.

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All of that is fine. Just don't advertise it as made in the USA. I have lots of gear made overseas so no xenophobia here. I go for the best bang for the buck regardless of origin.

I asked the question about the source of the alder and other woods but haven't gotten an answer yet.Are the Gotoh tuners the only vintage repros that are made in Japan?
I didn't think Klusons were made in the USA anymore.

Ok so because neither Gibson, Fender, PRS, Washburn or any of the rest of the multitude of guitar/amp builders can accurately source the origins of the timber they use, they cant use the Made in USA slogan?(as proved by Gibson's recent woes) How about the lead in the solder?

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You're missing the point - no one is talking about timber for one thing. I also don't care what other manufacturers do or claim in regards to this thread.

I think your the one who's missing the point. You bought a guitar that was made in America. You didnt buy a set of tuners.

I can promise you now that the days of domestic manufacture are numbered.

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what a silly thing to spend more than 2 seconds thinking about