Fender Japan ST-68-TX Stratocaster
2015 Fender ST-68-TX
In the late 1970s, Fender was facing competition from lower-priced Japanese-made guitars. Higher priced Fenders were made in the United States and were struggling to compete directly with Japanese-made Fender copies. In Japan, Fender was also losing sales to Japanese guitar brands like Tōkai, Greco and Fernandes. Since Japanese labor and production costs were substantially lower than in the U.S., Fender decided to move their lower-priced Fender guitar production to Japan and began negotiations with several Japanese musical instrument distributors.
In March 1982, Fender Japan, Ltd. was officially established as a joint venture between Fender, Kanda Shokai, Yamano Gakki and Fujigen Gakki as the major share holders. The new partnership was responsible for making Fender licensed guitars for the Japan market and also special lines made for import.
Fender ended the joint venture in of March of 2015 and launched Fender Music Corporation (Japan) taking over the Japanese business effective in April 2015 with a Fender-manufactured product line.
Fender’s U.S.A. made guitars are generally considered their “top of the line” with the Custom Shop and Masterbuilt instruments being the pinnacle. Variations of those guitars made in Japan are thought of as the next best, followed by guitars made in Mexico and then the more affordable Squire guitars made in Indonesia and China. The ranking is based on the quality of materials used to make the guitar and the time spent in the building and finishing process.
I’ve spoken with many players that feel guitars made in Japan by Fender are every bit as good as the U.S.A. made versions. After playing the guitar featured here, I can see their point. This Fender Stratocaster 1968 reissue was made in the November of 2015, just after the formation of FMC Japan. It’s referred to as the ST-68 TX. The “ST” stands for Stratocaster. “68” for 1968 reissue and “TX” for the Texas Special pickups that were offered in the guitar.
It’s built true to the 1968 Stratocaster specs. Similar to one that Hendrix played at Woodstock, but with a black finish instead of white. The guitar features a slim maple cap, C shaped neck with 7.25 “ radius and a large headstock. Truss rod adjustment is at the base of the neck where the neck joins the body. This Strat came with the same high end electronics and hardware that were being used on U.S.A. models like the Texas special pickups and vintage style tremolo.
It came new from the factory set up with 9’s and has by far the lightest action that I’ve ever felt on a guitar. The fit and finish is flawless. The vintage frets are done perfectly. The staggered pole Texas special pickups sound excellent through a Deluxe Reverb. They put out true single coil, vintage Strat tone with bell like cleans and a nice break up when the amp volume is turned up past 5.
If there is one thing about this guitar that I’m not crazy about is it’s thin neck. To some players, that’s a plus, but I personally find it a bit too narrow. Japanese made Fenders in general are known for having slimmer neck profiles, however this guitar being made to 1968 specs features a nut width that is close to the “A spec” necks used in the mid to late 60’s. (about) 40mm(1.57 inches)
Kudos to the Fender Japan team for their focus on quality and attention to detail. These are very well made guitars and more affordable than their U.S.A. made counterparts. Especially on the used market.