The Steel Guitar Forum

What do you guys know about these?

Made in Japan?

Scotty ain't exactly givin' these things away...

http://www.scottysmusic.com/steellist02.htm

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Mark

I've heard about those but this is the first time I've even seen pictures of one. I wonder what they sound like. I'd be willin to bet that for that kind of money your probably better off lookin for a vintage one in decent shape.

Mark: I am not positive but I think the fender is made in Japan. It looks good but that is more than I would want to give. However, I am familiar with the Remington steel. The one on Scotty's post looks like a bargain to me. That is the way i would go if I was looking for another guitar. Jack

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I gasped when I saw the $2400 price tag.
That would be high, even for an original.
(at least for now)

I have one of the originals and would gladly sell it for $400.00 less that that.

After all, it is the least I could do...

Actually I spoke to them a few years ago about a new one and they would not sell in the USA. The guy said Fender would not let them. Maybe Scotty's got more clout.

I too believe it is a Fender Japan steel, but is much more expensive than they sell in Japan. DLX8 should be more or less $1400 in Japan. DLX6 should be $200 cheaper than DLX8. The photo below is Fender Japan steels.

Here is the Fender Japan page with Deluxes.
189,000 yen, that's about $1,600. Add shipping, import duty etc., and the tag goes higher. Plus Scotty has to make a few bucks for all his trouble . .

As Jack mentioned, that Remington Steelmaster is a pretty good deal. Hand built by an American legend, it's a MUCH nicer guitar than any Japanese (or Chinese) Fender.

Has anyone here had a chance to try out any of these Japanese Fender steels? Rick?<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 15 February 2006 at 03:18 PM.]</p></FONT>

Does Fender Japan sell any replacement parts? The import price for the new instruments is just too steep compared to the used market right now. But replacement parts at almost any price would be a Godsend for all of us with falling apart old instruments.

Also, how come all other Japanese made knockoffs are way cheaper than U.S. made instruments, but this one is not? Doesn't make good sense.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by David Doggett on 15 February 2006 at 04:20 PM.]</p></FONT>

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Made cheap? In the old days, yeah but not anymore. Compare the price of an Ibanez George Benson model guitar to a Gibson ES-175 sometime. And I hate to say it, but most people will tell you that these days, the Ibanez is better-made than the ES-175.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 15 February 2006 at 04:56 PM.]</p></FONT>

<SMALL>Has anyone here had a chance to try out any of these Japanese Fender steels? Rick?</SMALL>

I haven't tried the Japanese Fender, but I have one of the Chinese FS52s. Not good . .

<SMALL>Does Fender Japan sell any replacement parts?</SMALL>

They should, but they don't.

In the early 90's I had a ca.- 59 Deluxe 8. At the same time a local music store here ( a Fender dealer ) had these Japanese Stringmasters, they were just as good, soundwise and workmanship, as the original ones. Like brand new Stringmasters, except that the price was outrageous. I doubt anyone here bought them and I still wonder where they went.

Those Stringmasters look great. They look perfect in all details. It is nice to hear they sound that way as well. If they were about a $1000 less I would consider one. Maybe after a few more years of US inflation the $2,400 tag won't look so bad.

"that Remington Steelmaster is a pretty good deal. Hand built by an American legend, it's a MUCH nicer guitar than any Japanese (or Chinese) Fender."


"I haven't tried the Japanese Fender, but I have one of the Chinese FS52s. Not good."

Yes, I read of your disappointment with the Chinese Fender. However, a Chinese Fender is not a Japanese Fender.

I would expect some experience with the item should be a prerequisite to such statements.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 16 February 2006 at 02:38 PM.]</p></FONT>

In my experience , Fender japanese electric guitars have a great quality. Sorry, I don't know the quality of the steel guitars.

By the way, I was tryin to bid in this item. Maybe you'll find it very interesting: Auction on eBay.

Sorry Brad, I put a bad link before

<H6>Edited by Brad Bechtel to shorten the URL.</h6><font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Brad Bechtel on 16 February 2006 at 05:57 PM.]</p></FONT>

I was at Scotty's music 02/15/06 and checked out the steels.The fender s-8 is excellent.The Fender d-10 is nice,The Remington Steel is lacking in craftsmanship not so nice.

FYI The parts on the Japanese Stringmasters were left over lot after Fender ceased producing steel guitars. Fender if they want can build a stringmaster to meet the standards of those of yesterday. Dont count Fender out. Many have before and failed. Keep the faith, I know I beleive in Fender, always have and always will. Keep your eyes on Fender.

Jody

What I don't understand, and maybe Jody can shed some light on this...someone said they aren't available in the U.S...why won't Fender Japan sell their new Stringmasters in the U.S.A.? Wouldn't you think that would be the biggest market for them?

Is it that Fender will not export them to the U.S., or is it that the U.S. dealers are not interested and just won't stock or order them? Is Scotty testing the water for them, or did he just personally buy one in Japan, bring it back and put it up for sale?
<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 16 February 2006 at 07:06 PM.]</p></FONT>

I think the steel on ebay Mr. Fernandez mentioned is Arai Diamond (Aria Pro) made in Japan possibly during 60s. They no longer make any steels. Anyway, I am trying to get some information from Fender Japan.

<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Kunihiko Suzuki on 16 February 2006 at 10:10 PM.]</p></FONT>

Jim
I have wondered the same thing. I have no idea why Fender wont get invloved with steel guitar production at this point. I wished I had the answer. I know they have discussed it but no further info is available.

Thanks my friend

Jody

I have an 80s Fender Japan Telecaster that is superb in every respect. Their attention to detail - at least at that time - was excellent. I owned and sold a Remington Double-8. Besides not liking the tone of the George-L's on a lap steel, the white finsih with chrome and black always reminding me of a kitchen appliance ... "I'm now going to take a solo on the stove." That and the actual carving of the Remington body doesn't have the finese of a vintage Fender, IMHO.

I played the Deluxe 8 Japan Fender in a music store in Nagoya last September, and it had a fine tone. The finish was modern, a little thicker than old Fender finishes, and had a little orange peel. The hadware and workmanship was all top-notch.
I think it would be a fine guitar. I don't know how to describe the feel and tone except that it was "new". Hadn't had 50 years to age. But in 50 years, I bet it will feel and sound just like a 50 year old USA Fender.