The History of the Fujigen Produced FenderStratocaster
The History of the Fujigen Produced Fender Stratocaster
(and where to buy Fujigen produced Strat style guitars in 2024)
In the late 1960s, Fender's reputation began to wane as CBS, the conglomerate that had taken over the company in 1965, focused on mass production over quality craftsmanship. This period saw declining quality control in many of Fender’s iconic models, including the beloved Stratocaster. By the early 1980s, Fender needed a solution to restore its former glory. That solution came from an unlikely place—Japan.
Fujigen Gakki, a Japanese guitar manufacturer established in 1960, had already made a name for itself by producing high-quality instruments for brands like Ibanez and Greco. At the time, Japanese-made guitars were seen as affordable but inferior alternatives to American models. However, Fujigen’s craftsmanship was changing that perception, making it a perfect partner for Fender. In 1982, Fender approached Fujigen with an important task: to build Fender-branded Stratocasters and other models that could compete with both Japanese and international competitors.
This video is a blues instruction I produced during lockdown for my customers! (It was 3 parts and actually so you may enjoy them if you are interested in blues) but I HAD to use the FGN as I was so excited about their availability in the UK after many years absense.
The result was a new era for Fender, with Fujigen-produced "Made in Japan" (MIJ) Stratocasters quickly becoming synonymous with quality. These guitars not only helped Fender survive a competitive market but also restored faith in the brand's commitment to high standards. The MIJ Strats are now prized for their superior craftsmanship, and they hold a special place in guitar history as some of the best guitars Fender ever offered during a time of crisis.
Fujigen's influence extended far beyond Fender. Over the decades, they’ve built guitars for Ibanez, Epiphone, Gretsch, and other world-renowned brands. In fact, many of the Ibanez Prestige models and custom-shop guitars were also produced by Fujigen, further solidifying their reputation as a manufacturer of exceptional instruments.
This video isn't showing a Strat style either! Sorry! (They have only just become available again in pure Strat & Tele format hence why this blog is so exciting to tell you about) - but the guitar I was showing off was utterly out of this world and will give you a sense of quality to expect from them.
Getting Your Hands On a Fujigen "Strat Style" Guitar in 2024
Fast forward to today, Fujigen is still at the forefront of the highest-quality guitar production, continuing their tradition with their own FGN branded guitars.
The latest Fujigen Strat-style guitars are a testament to their enduring legacy, blending modern innovation with vintage inspiration. In the form of the Neoclassic series - 40 years after they first introduced the World to their exceptional standards - they contirnue to build guitars that you literally have to feel, hear and play to fully appreciate every single detail that separates them from the competition.
To explore these models, including prices and availability - click the link below
Buy Fujigen Strat Style Guitars
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