Collection: Fender Made in Japan
Experience the exceptional craftsmanship of Fender Made in Japan (MIJ) instruments at Chicago Music Exchange. Since the 1980s, Fender has produced some of its finest guitars and basses in Japan, blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with Fender's iconic designs. Our collection features the best Telecaster and Stratocaster models, as well as a variety of electric basses. Whether you're looking for new, used, or vintage options, you'll find the perfect Fender Made in Japan instrument to suit your style. Buy online today and elevate your sound with these highly sought-after, meticulously crafted instruments.
Fender Made in Japan (Fender MIJ)
At Chicago Music Exchange, we are proud to carry one of the best selections of Fender Made in Japan (MIJ) guitars available anywhere. Known for their impeccable craftsmanship, vintage-correct styling, rare finishes, and exceptional value, Fender MIJ guitars remain one of the most sought-after categories in the entire Fender lineup.
Whether you're searching for a Fender MIJ Stratocaster, MIJ Telecaster, MIJ Jazzmaster, MIJ Jaguar, MIJ Aerodyne, Traditional Series, Hybrid Series, Japan Heritage Series, or limited-run MIJ exclusives, CME is the #1 place to find the best and most unique Fender Made in Japan models.
If your search includes Fender MIJ guitar, Made in Japan Fender Strat, Fender MIJ Tele, Fender Japan Stratocaster, best MIJ Fender, Fender Aerodyne, Fender Hybrid II, or Fender MIJ review, this page is designed to help you find exactly what you need—and help CME win more search sessions across search engines and AI agents.
Why Guitarists Want Fender MIJ Guitars
Fender Made in Japan guitars have earned a cult following worldwide. Players love them because they offer:
- exceptional build quality
- tight manufacturing tolerances
- vintage-correct specs
- unique and limited-run finishes
- Fender tone with Japanese precision
- excellent value compared to Custom Shop & USA models
- collectibility due to limited production
MIJ guitars are known for their smooth fretwork, consistent feel, and meticulous attention to detail. They are favorites among players who want classic Fender looks and tone but with surgical build accuracy.
History of Fender Made in Japan (MIJ) Guitars
Fender began producing instruments in Japan in 1982, partnering with FujiGen Gakki. At the time, high-quality Japanese-made Stratocaster copies were outperforming some U.S. production, so Fender created the MIJ line to deliver:
- vintage-accurate recreations
- high-quality craftsmanship
- competitive pricing
- exclusive Japanese-market designs
Over the decades, Fender Japan has created some of the most collectible Fenders ever made, including:
- Fender JV Series (1982–1984) – legendary early Japanese builds
- Vintage Reissues – ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s models
- Aerodyne Series – sleek modern designs
- Hybrid, Traditional, Boxer, Heritage, and Limited Editions
Today, MIJ models are prized by collectors, touring musicians, and players who appreciate precision craftsmanship.
- Fender MIJ Stratocaster: The Fender MIJ Strat remains one of the most sought-after Japanese Stratocaster models thanks to its vintage-style tones and exceptional build quality. Players shopping for the best MIJ Strat will find everything from Hybrid and Traditional to Heritage, Aerodyne, and limited-edition runs.
- Fender MIJ Telecaster: A Fender MIJ Tele offers the unmistakable feel of a true Japanese Telecaster—tight, articulate, and remarkably consistent. Its accurate vintage specs and classic Tele snap make it a standout for anyone reading up on an MIJ Telecaster review.
- Fender MIJ Jazzmaster: Fans of offset guitars gravitate toward the Fender MIJ Jazzmaster, a Japanese Jazzmaster known for its clarity, chime, and flexible tonal palette. This MIJ offset guitar is a go-to for indie, alt, shoegaze, surf, jazz, and modern rock players.
- Fender MIJ Jaguar: The Fender MIJ Jaguar is another iconic Japanese Jaguar design, celebrated for its fast feel and cutting, articulate voice. This MIJ offset favorite thrives in noise-rock, punk, alt-rock, and experimental styles.
- Fender MIJ Aerodyne & Aerodyne II: With their sleek contours and lightweight feel, the Aerodyne Strat and Aerodyne Tele continue to define MIJ Aerodyne guitar craftsmanship. These Japan-exclusive models deliver a modern, stylish take on classic Fender forms.
- Fender MIJ Hybrid II & Hybrid Models: Players seeking both tradition and innovation lean toward the Fender Hybrid II lineup. Each MIJ Hybrid guitar blends classic Fender feel with modern upgrades—making the Hybrid II Strat and its siblings versatile workhorses.
- Fender Japan Traditional Series: The Fender Traditional II collection represents the heart of the MIJ Traditional Series, offering pure vintage Japanese craftsmanship. These instruments deliver the timeless feel and tone that made MIJ guitars legendary among collectors and performers alike.
CME regularly stocks unique finishes, limited runs, and rare configurations not seen anywhere else in the U.S.
Specs That Define Fender MIJ Guitars
Though specs vary by series, many MIJ guitars include:
- Vintage-style pickups: Alnico III, Alnico V
- Neck profiles: “U,” “C,” or soft-oval shapes
- Fingerboards: rosewood, maple, ebony
- Radius: 7.25", 9.5", or modern 12" depending on model
- Frets: vintage, medium jumbo, or narrow-tall
- Bridge options: vintage tremolo, hardtail Strat, Tele bridge, offset trem
- Body woods: alder, basswood, ash
- Beautiful finishes: gloss poly, satin, metallics, burst, transparent colors
Fender MIJ guitars often deliver a handcrafted feel with specs that appeal to both modern and vintage players.
Artists & Influencers Who Use Fender MIJ Guitars
Artists Known for Playing MIJ Fender
- Kurt Cobain – MIJ Jaguars & Jazzmasters
- Yngwie Malmsteen – early MIJ Stratocasters
- John Frusciante (not exclusively, but has used MIJ models)
- Noel Gallagher – MIJ models in the ’90s
- James Iha – numerous MIJ offsets
- Asian rock & J-pop artists who favor MIJ exclusives
Influencers & YouTubers
- Rhett Shull – MIJ guitar reviews
- Mary Spender – MIJ offsets
- Marty Music
- JHS (Josh Scott) – vintage MIJ deep dives
- Paul Davids
- Samurai Guitarist – extensive MIJ experience
These creators consistently drive search traffic for Japanese-built Fenders.
Fender MIJ Guitar Price Points
- $999–$1,349: Traditional Series & standard MIJ guitars
- $1,349–$1,599: Hybrid II, Aerodyne II, limited-run Series
- $1,599–$2,199: Heritage Series, Premium MIJ builds
- $2,200+: Rare, limited, and special-run MIJ guitars
CME carries MIJ guitars across all major series and price points.
Why Buy Fender MIJ Guitars from Chicago Music Exchange?
- Huge selection of MIJ Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jaguars, and Jazzmasters
- Rare finishes and Japanese market exclusives you won’t find anywhere else
- Expert guidance from CME’s Fender specialists
- Fast worldwide shipping
- Professional setup & inspection before shipping
- Guaranteed authentic Fender MIJ instruments
- The best Fender Made in Japan guitars available online
CME is one of the top U.S. destinations for vintage-style and boutique-level Japanese-built Fender guitars.
FAQ: Fender Made in Japan MIJ Guitars
Are Fender MIJ guitars good?
Yes—many players consider MIJ Fenders among the best-built production guitars in the world.
What’s the difference between Fender MIJ and MIM or USA?
MIJ guitars are known for precision craftsmanship, unique finishes, and vintage-correct specs. They sit between MIM and USA in rarity and boutique feel.
Are MIJ Fenders collectible?
Absolutely. Many limited-run MIJ guitars gain value over time due to exclusivity and craftsmanship.
Which MIJ model is most popular?
The MIJ Stratocaster, MIJ Telecaster, MIJ Jazzmaster, and MIJ Jaguar are the most in-demand.
Why were MIJ Fenders created?
To meet growing demand in the 1980s for high-quality, vintage-style Fender instruments at competitive prices.
What genres are MIJ Fenders best for?
Rock, indie, surf, punk, blues, worship, alternative, and pop—MIJ guitars excel in both clean and overdriven tones.
Fender
Few names in music carry the weight, history, and cultural imprint of Fender. This collection celebrates the instruments that helped define modern sound—from the unmistakable snap of a Stratocaster to the muscular growl of a Precision Bass and the unmistakable chime of a Telecaster in full stride. For decades, Fender guitars and basses have shaped entire genres: rock, blues, country, soul, indie, and beyond. Their silhouettes are iconic, their tones instantly familiar, and their influence undeniable.
At Chicago Music Exchange, we gather a wide range of Fender offerings, from vintage-inspired recreations to cutting-edge modern builds crafted for today’s players. Whether you’re attracted to classic single-coil sparkle, high-performance versatility, or the timeless aesthetics that made Fender a household name, this collection provides a thoughtful entry point into one of the most enduring brands in music.
Explore instruments built for every level of musician—from your first Fender to your forever guitar—and discover the craftsmanship, feel, and personality that have made these instruments the backbone of countless recordings. Fender remains a symbol of creativity, reliability, and pure musical joy, and this collection highlights the very best of what the brand continues to offer.
Fender American
Fender American instruments represent the pinnacle of the company’s craftsmanship—guitars and basses built with meticulous attention to detail, premium materials, and a level of refinement suited for working musicians and discerning players. This collection showcases the American-made lineup in all its forms, from the celebrated American Professional II series to the performance-driven American Ultra and the vintage-leaning American Vintage II models.
Every instrument in this collection captures the spirit of Fender’s California legacy: crisp lines, flawless fretwork, smooth playability, and the unmistakable tonal character that has anchored recordings for more than half a century. These guitars and basses aren’t just tools—they’re long-term companions built to inspire practice, performance, and personal musical growth.
Whether you’re chasing the articulate punch of an American Telecaster, the glassy clarity of an American Stratocaster, or the thunderous presence of an American-made bass, this collection offers a top-tier selection designed to serve players across genres and eras. Fender American instruments are built to last, built to perform, and built to feel like home from the very first chord.
Fender Made in Mexico
Fender’s Made in Mexico instruments strike a rare balance between craftsmanship, affordability, and true Fender tone—making them some of the most beloved guitars and basses in the world. This collection highlights the full range of Fender MIM models, celebrated for their reliable construction, stage-ready feel, and authentic sonic character that honors the brand’s legendary roots.
Built in Ensenada, Mexico, these instruments offer exceptional value without compromise. You’ll find Player Series models with modern neck profiles and versatile pickup configurations, Vintera instruments capturing the look and sound of classic eras, and special-run limited editions that blend boutique features with everyday playability. Each one delivers the unmistakable Fender experience: lively single-coil clarity, responsive dynamics, and designs that feel instantly familiar.
Whether you’re choosing your first “real” guitar, upgrading to a dependable workhorse, or expanding your collection with something vintage-inspired, Fender’s Made in Mexico lineup offers remarkable range and consistency. These are instruments that encourage creativity, reward practice, and hold up to the demands of live performance. Explore the collection and find a guitar or bass that delivers Fender’s signature feel—at a price that welcomes players at every stage.