Hi guys,

I'm considering getting a Japanese strat, and would like to know which ones come in nitro finish? I've read around the net that the higher ranged Japanese Fenders come in nitro, but which ones? I couldn't find anymore info besides that..

If anyone here could shed some light on which Japanese Fender models come in nitro finish it'd be great.

Thanks,
Richard

I have a "Premium Vintage" CIJ '65 re-issue Strat made in 2006. It's a very thin acrylic/poly Lake Placid Blue. I'm not sure that Fender-Japan has ever used any nitro finishes but I'll defer to any resident experts here.

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

limited release re-issue models come in Nitro- mainly either '54-59 or 62 models- you're correct they are higher priced, and they are hard to find- even in Japan. Ishibashi.co.jp will be your best option

_________________

Does that mean that none of these limited models are on the Fender Japan website? Or would these limited higher ranged models be the TX and VSP series Strats on the website?

They are/were a special run only, I have only ever seen a couple that were on the Ishibashi ubox site I dont think they will be listed on the site- then again, I havent looked lately. ever considered a roadworn strat?

_________________

Yes! The roadworns got me into the whole nitro craze in the first place And they are great guitars, but I'd very much prefer a NOS one to bash up myself if I could.

Also, I'm curious as a local dealer in Malaysia who brings in some 2ndhand Japanese Fenders has told me that he has a few 50's strats which are nitro finished. I'm still waiting for his reply on what the exact models are but was hoping I could get some information for myself to be sure.

Be careful mate- scams in Malay are rife, make sure you check it and see if its genuine before paying unless he is a good dealer. To be honest, I used to dream of owning something nitro years ago- but now, not so much. I prefer stronger urethane as although it does get scars and wounds, still prone to age/wear- its not going to look like its been dragged behind a bus in 30yrs time. Even if it were a CS instrument, (except for a time machine series) I'd still take the urethane. All finshes wear.

Also, the heat/humidity in Malaysia will do its own ageing prcess too

Its a matter of preference I guess.

I like the "closet" look, where only a few marks are enough for me- yet the trend has swung in the opposite direction.

_________________

Yeah, have to be on a look out for scams of those sort around Asia, but I'm pretty sure this guy is legit. He brings in a few vintage Japanese stuff once in a while.

I'd love for my guitar to look like it's been dragged behind a truck And yes the weather can be quite a chore to go through.

On a side note, the ishibashi site says that the VSP guitars have a lacquer topcoat! Which probably means there is a poly basecoat underneath again.. I guess the nitro finish is more of a cosmetic feature now since there's a poly basecoat on almost every Fender instrument.

Thanks for all your info on this, Blertles.

Good point, I think anything unless you want something Masterbuilt has a urethane basecoat. It doesnt mean to say it wont age though- like I said anything will age

Thanks, and you are one of the very few who spells my name correctly.

Thanks mate Keep us in the loop with what you buy & be sure to post pics here

_________________