Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Zenmarket guitars from Japan. Old ones. Nice ones! But what are they? Let's have a wee look in this here video.
2 guitars that I bid on on Zenmarket a few months back are here in Scotland. 3 months surface mail from Japan.
As ever I have not checked the guitars out before the unboxing so I have no idea if they have arrived in one piece or if it's even the correct guitars!
Thanks as ever for watching.
Dunsy
#madeinjapan
#unboxing
#zenmarket
#importingguitars
Japanese guitar manufacturing has a rich history, evolving from producing affordable copies to rivaling and even surpassing the quality of some American-made instruments. Initially focused on copying popular American designs, Japanese factories, like Fujigen, gained a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, eventually leading to Fender partnering with them to produce "Fender Japan" guitars.
Here's a more detailed look:
Early Years (1960s-1970s):
Japanese guitar companies like Yamaha, Ibanez, and Greco started producing instruments, initially focusing on lower-priced copies of popular American models from Fender and Gibson. These guitars were often well-made with solid wood bodies and necks, and good quality electronics.
The "Lawsuit Era":
Japanese guitars became known for their high-quality copies, sometimes even surpassing the originals in terms of craftsmanship and attention to detail. This led to what is sometimes referred to as the "lawsuit era," where American companies faced competition from these well-made imports.
Fender Japan:
Fender, facing competition from these imports, partnered with Fujigen Gakki in 1982 to establish "Fender Japan". This joint venture saw Fujigen producing high-quality Fender guitars for the Japanese market and for export.
Fujigen's Role:
Fujigen Gakki played a significant role in the history of Japanese guitar manufacturing. They produced instruments for various brands, including Ibanez, Greco, and Fender Japan, and were known for their high-quality craftsmanship.
Beyond Copies:
While initially focused on copying, Japanese manufacturers eventually developed their own unique designs and innovations, with brands like Ibanez becoming known for their own distinctive guitar styles.
Continued Excellence:
Japanese guitar manufacturing continues to be a significant force in the global guitar market, with companies like Fujigen still producing high-quality instruments for various brands and their own FGN brand.
Zenmarket guitars from Japan. Old ones. Nice ones! But what are they? Let's have a wee look in this here video.
2 guitars that I bid on on Zenmarket a few months back are here in Scotland. 3 months surface mail from Japan.
As ever I have not checked the guitars out before the unboxing so I have no idea if they have arrived in one piece or if it's even the correct guitars!
Thanks as ever for watching.
Dunsy
#madeinjapan
#unboxing
#zenmarket
#importingguitars
Japanese guitar manufacturing has a rich history, evolving from producing affordable copies to rivaling and even surpassing the quality of some American-made instruments. Initially focused on copying popular American designs, Japanese factories, like Fujigen, gained a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, eventually leading to Fender partnering with them to produce "Fender Japan" guitars.
Here's a more detailed look:
Early Years (1960s-1970s):
Japanese guitar companies like Yamaha, Ibanez, and Greco started producing instruments, initially focusing on lower-priced copies of popular American models from Fender and Gibson. These guitars were often well-made with solid wood bodies and necks, and good quality electronics.
The "Lawsuit Era":
Japanese guitars became known for their high-quality copies, sometimes even surpassing the originals in terms of craftsmanship and attention to detail. This led to what is sometimes referred to as the "lawsuit era," where American companies faced competition from these well-made imports.
Fender Japan:
Fender, facing competition from these imports, partnered with Fujigen Gakki in 1982 to establish "Fender Japan". This joint venture saw Fujigen producing high-quality Fender guitars for the Japanese market and for export.
Fujigen's Role:
Fujigen Gakki played a significant role in the history of Japanese guitar manufacturing. They produced instruments for various brands, including Ibanez, Greco, and Fender Japan, and were known for their high-quality craftsmanship.
Beyond Copies:
While initially focused on copying, Japanese manufacturers eventually developed their own unique designs and innovations, with brands like Ibanez becoming known for their own distinctive guitar styles.
Continued Excellence:
Japanese guitar manufacturing continues to be a significant force in the global guitar market, with companies like Fujigen still producing high-quality instruments for various brands and their own FGN brand.
