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Post subject: One of the Last imported CIJ Jazzmasters...
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:49 am
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Ok, so I am posting this as an informative "Learning Experience" for you folks...

First of all, I've read so much about the CIJ/MIJ jazzmaster "differences" lately that it just boggles the mind... They are the same guitar. lol. Anyway, I bought the LAST CIJ Jazzmaster that Musician's Friend ever had, wayyyyy back in 1999, brand-spankin-new. I even still have the original box. ;) Anyway, I was taking the guitar apart tonight for a setup/shim in the neck pocket, and it dawned on me that my guitar has some unique features that may help put to rest this whole "CIJ is better than MIJ" debate. First of all, notice the date, NOV 98... yes, very late indeed. Next, notice the stamp JM-66. Note the lack of binding/block inlays, as this is still a '62 reissue. Finally, I would like to draw everyone's attention to the stamp in the neck pocket.. JM-EX, for EXPORT. The CIJ Jazzmasters were never meant to stay in Japan, these were export models as well. So, if you own an MIJ, don't "fret", as it's identical to mine, and there's no difference. Any further questions?


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Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2009 8:46 pm
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I've always been a bit hazy on the MIJ/CIJ deal although I've heard that it comes down to a contract obligation. I just ordered a 1966 Classic Jaguar LE and it's labled as MIJ so apparently FMIC is impporting them as MIJ again.


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Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 12:51 pm
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Actually, Fender imported the Q-Series Jazzmasters and Jaguars in limited quantities in 2003 and 2004 - half of them in Lake Placid Blue (like mine and my avatar) and half in Candy Apple Red. Also, there was another batch of different colored ones imported at the same time but I've forgotten in what quantities.


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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 3:18 pm
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stratmansteve wrote:
Actually, Fender imported the Q-Series Jazzmasters and Jaguars in limited quantities in 2003 and 2004 - half of them in Lake Placid Blue (like mine and my avatar) and half in Candy Apple Red. Also, there was another batch of different colored ones imported at the same time but I've forgotten in what quantities.


Exactly, but I'm not referring to limited runs... there's even the current 66 models that are CIJs. The only model I'm referring to are the original run Japanese ones that were superseded by the MIA AmVin Jazzmasters/Jaguars.

All are equally nice! :D

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Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 3:03 am
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I have a number of CIJ and MIJ Strats and I don't know why some people think that one is better than the other etc..

I think that they are both very well made instruments and totally enjoy them both. Just my $2 worth..lol.


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Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 3:05 am
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Is there a difference between a CIJ '62 Jaguar "made for export" to the US and those imported? Some people say the quality on the Q-Series, like the imported 2003-4's, are higher and that very limited numbers were shipped to the US. Any truth to it?

Like this guy alludes to : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clud2mXJy5o


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Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:11 pm
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lovemyjag wrote:
Is there a difference between a CIJ '62 Jaguar "made for export" to the US and those imported? Some people say the quality on the Q-Series, like the imported 2003-4's, are higher and that very limited numbers were shipped to the US. Any truth to it?

Like this guy alludes to : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clud2mXJy5o


Though I don't have first hand experience with the CIJ Jaguar, I don't believe there is any difference. They were all made in the same factory, FujiGen Gakki. I've heard Fender imported the CIJs because they had gotten popular and Fender USA didn't want to devote more production resources to these models.

Reviews of the Q-Series put them almost on par with the American-made Jazzmasters and Jaguars yet the CIJs were much lower in price compared to the American products. This may have attributed to the short-lived import program. They are great guitars but the pickups on the Jazzmaster are not wound the same way as the American-made ones. They are more Strat-like. One day I'll replace mine with SDs.

BTW - How did that guy in the video get his hair to do that?!


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Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 11:32 pm
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lovemyjag wrote:
Is there a difference between a CIJ '62 Jaguar "made for export" to the US and those imported? Some people say the quality on the Q-Series, like the imported 2003-4's, are higher and that very limited numbers were shipped to the US. Any truth to it?

Like this guy alludes to : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clud2mXJy5o


No difference. Same factory, same people, same days. The only dff is that Fender USA and Fender Japan sometimes request different options or colors, therefore some are for export, some are not.

By the way, CIJ isn't the greatest quality guitar I've played, I liked it, but none of the CIJ vintages are as good as the US models.

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Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 11:03 pm
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Thanks for your input guys.

lovemyjag wrote:
Is there a difference between a CIJ '62 Jaguar "made for export" to the US and those imported? Some people say the quality on the Q-Series, like the imported 2003-4's, are higher and that very limited numbers were shipped to the US. Any truth to it?


Quote:
No difference. Same factory, same people, same days. The only dff is that Fender USA and Fender Japan sometimes request different options or colors, therefore some are for export, some are not.

By the way, CIJ isn't the greatest quality guitar I've played, I liked it, but none of the CIJ vintages are as good as the US models.


Quote:
Though I don't have first hand experience with the CIJ Jaguar, I don't believe there is any difference. They were all made in the same factory, FujiGen Gakki. I've heard Fender imported the CIJs because they had gotten popular and Fender USA didn't want to devote more production resources to these models.

Reviews of the Q-Series put them almost on par with the American-made Jazzmasters and Jaguars yet the CIJs were much lower in price compared to the American products. This may have attributed to the short-lived import program. They are great guitars but the pickups on the Jazzmaster are not wound the same way as the American-made ones. They are more Strat-like. One day I'll replace mine with SDs.


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Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2010 6:23 pm
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What would it mean if it is stamped in the neck pocket JM - EX/GF? It also has JM-66 stamped on the heel of the neck.


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Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:52 am
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soonershane wrote:
What would it mean if it is stamped in the neck pocket JM - EX/GF? It also has JM-66 stamped on the heel of the neck.


It's difficult to decode some of these stamps and they tend to change fairly often. "JM" obviously refers to Jazzmaster while "66" indicates it was modelled after a 1966 Jazzmaster (but that doesn't necessarily make it a true reissue). I thought the "EX" might mean export, but I've seen it used to indicate a limited edition, also. No clue as to what the "GF" might mean.

You might get more info on the Fender Japan site:

http://www.fenderjapan.co.jp/fender/2008fender/new_jm60vsp.htm

Much of it is in Japanese, but as another Forum member pointed out to me you may get a bit of a translation in the lower left of your screen. My favorite CIJ Jazzer is the JM-66B with the block inlays. I loooove block inlays!


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Post subject:
Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 7:43 pm
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I just bought a Q series CIJ.The serial number is Q+0-5 digits,
which means it was made between 2002 and 2004.
According to everyone all CIJs ars supposed to have alder body
but the catalogue here in Greece said it's basswood.
What's going on with that?Is there a site where I can
enter the serial number and learn about the exact
specs?
Anyway it's a great guitar!


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