Far East Guitars, Fender Japan guitars for sale, new and used,

Stock Pages Updated 9 May 2008

A new batch of guitars arrived today... some real beauties. Check them out. Unfortunately, I've had to increase the cost of shipping via Royal Mail Special Delivery from £20 to £25, because I've been losing on every shipment for a while now. Any serious buyer living within range of Essex is welcome to come and try before they buy... and avoid the shipping charges, which I make nothing from.

Note that Fender Japan have increased prices of new guitars - which will eventually impact on used prices. Also the Yen remains very strong against the $ and £, and Japanese players are becoming even more aware of the quality of the guitars built there in the 70s and 80s (like the Grecos and Yamahas I'm bringing over)... which, again, is pushing prices up.

But lets face it, compared with guitars built elsewhere, Japanese instruments still have the edge on price, quality... or both!

Hi John

The Greco EG700 arrived fine the day before yesterday and I have just given it another damn good thrashing and it is superb. It's got character and a great vibe and whats more it's actually better feeling than the only Gibson I have ever played. It sounds just like a proper Lester so no wonder they tried to stop them. Great service and thanks very much...might have to have a look at a MIJ lawsuit 335 copy actually......oh dear.

Ta very much and please keep the sublime axes coming in to the UK
Regards Gareth

Hi John

Received the sonic blue 62 Strat yesterday first thing - cheers for all the case candy. Guitar in immaculate condition - not a scratch as per your description in the advert. To say I am pleased with my new guitar is an understatement. Yet again Fender Japan have come up with the goods - totally impressed with the build quality and the sound with the Texas Special p'ups is absolutely awesome. Having tried Mexican classics, highway one's and American standards in my quest to find a decent strat, anyone who doesn't buy Japanese must be mad!!

Anyway, thanks once again. John

John,
The Tele arrived safe and sound as promised on Wednesday. In the flesh it looks fantastic and it sounds absolutely amazing... to someone who is a Gibson lover primarily, and who's other guitars, even if not Gibson, have big, nasty ole humbuckers.... it's a revelation. I love the jangle from the bridge pickup, but the neck pickup is just so sweet....(I'm putting a Strat on the shopping list for sometime next year - I'll be sure to look you up before I go anywhere else). It's been a pleasure dealing with you... thanks for the excellent service, and super quick postage. I've bookmarked your site and will look in regulary to see what's on offer.
Have a great Christmas and thanks again.
Regards,
Darren

Hi John,
I have the Tele and it looks and plays even better than I had hoped. Have spent all weekend just playing and trying tones out. Move over, rest of my guitars, you've been usurped! :) Extremely well-packaged & promptly delivered. If I ever decide to get another Fender you'll be the first place I'll look.
Steve

Thanks guys, my pleasure. As I say to a lot of people who comment on my testimonials (that doesn't sound quite right!), I could have made them up... I don't of course. It's my aim to offer you guys the sort of service I'd like to receive (and often don't) whenever I buy something. Buying from a total stranger on the internet can be a stressful process... I try to make it as easy as possible. And remember, if you are a serious buyer and can get yourself to North Weald in Essex, you are welcome to come and try before you buy.

Why buy used? An easy question to answer... you get more guitar for your money. Your budget will stretch to a higher specification guitar.

Take basses for instance. I've seen grey-imported (which means unofficial, unsanctioned, and unsupported by the manufacturer) Jazz and P basses offered for sale at very little shy of £500. The pickups, described as 'Vintage', are Japanese and the bodies are basswood. There is nothing wrong with them, they are good instruments, but for considerably less than that, I've been selling P and Jazz basses with alder bodies and real 'Made in the USA' pickups.

Buy what you will from where you will, but probably the best advise I can give is ... buy the best specification your budget will allow. That could well mean buying used.

NON-UK readers please note that I am NOT shipping outside of the UK.

John Blackman - The Far East of Essex.

Some 5 or 6 years ago I bought a brand new Fender Japan Stratocaster and was immediately impressed with the build quality, finish and sound. But why was the legendary Stratocaster being made in Japan? I did a little research and built my Fender Stratocasters - Made in Japan website. You probably came here via that very site. The original idea was to provide readers with an overview of the different Stratocaster models exported by Fender Japan. By that time Fender Japan were no longer permitted to export to Europe and the US, but I soon found out that they are producing better guitars than ever. We just were not seeing them in the UK.

A handful of new Fender Japan guitars are now being imported privately and there are plenty of lower specification export model guitars floating about on the second-hand market. But, until now, there has never been any worthwhile source of used, high specification, non-export Fender Japan instruments in the UK. Now there is- a site dedicated to the source and supply of good used Fender Japan guitars and basses. Follow the links to the used stock lists and you will find that each listing takes you to a page devoted to that particular guitar or bass with full details and clear, sharp photos.

I'm in the UK (Essex) and can be contacted on 01992 523138 or via email. If you live close enough you are welcome to come and try any or all of the guitars I have for sale. However, if you just fancy a noodle to pass the time - go to your local guitar shop! If you do not live close enough to collect your purchase I can assure you it will be packed very securely indeed and shipped with full insurance.
John Blackman - The Far East of Essex.