Which Guitar Brands Do FGN (Fujigen) Currently Build Guitars For?

FGN (Fujigen), also known as FujiGen Gakki, is a highly respected Japanese guitar manufacturer known for its exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality guitars. Established in 1960, Fujigen has been involved in building guitars for numerous well-known brands over the decades, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. Today, FGN continues to produce guitars under its own brand as well as for several other brands. Here is a breakdown of some of the guitar brands that Fujigen is currently or has been known to build guitars for:

1. Ibanez

• Fujigen is perhaps most famous for its longstanding relationship with Ibanez, a brand owned by Hoshino Gakki. Fujigen was the primary manufacturer of Ibanez guitars from the 1970s through the 1990s, producing many of the iconic Ibanez RG, S, and JEM models.
• While Ibanez now produces many of its guitars in Indonesia and China, FGN still produces the high-end Ibanez Prestige and J. Custom models in Japan, known for their superior craftsmanship and build quality.

2. Fender Japan

• Fujigen was the original manufacturer for Fender Japan when it was established in 1982 as a joint venture between Fender and several Japanese distributors. Fujigen produced guitars under the Fender Japan label from 1982 until 1997, including some of the best-regarded Japanese Fender Stratocasters, Telecasters, and Jazzmasters.
• Although Fujigen is no longer the exclusive builder for Fender Japan, it has continued to be involved in producing certain models and custom orders.

3. Greco

• Fujigen has built guitars for Greco, a Japanese brand known for its high-quality replicas of Gibson and Fender guitars during the "lawsuit era" of the 1970s and 1980s. Greco guitars made by Fujigen during this time are highly regarded for their craftsmanship and attention to detail.
• Even today, many Greco guitars available in Japan are manufactured by Fujigen, especially the high-end models.

4. Orville by Gibson

• Fujigen was also involved in building guitars for Orville by Gibson, the Gibson-authorized Japanese brand. The factory produced Orville and Orville by Gibson guitars from the late 1980s to the early 1990s, which are well-regarded for their build quality and faithful replication of classic Gibson designs.

5. Epiphone Japan

• During the late 1970s and 1980s, Fujigen built guitars for Epiphone Japan, producing high-quality versions of classic Epiphone models. These guitars are now considered rare and collectible due to their exceptional craftsmanship.

6. Caparison Guitars

• FGN has also been involved in the production of Caparison Guitars, a Japanese high-end brand known for its meticulous attention to detail and custom specifications. Caparison is popular among metal and rock musicians for its unique designs and high build quality.

7. FGN Guitars (Own Brand)

• Fujigen produces guitars under its own brand name, FGN Guitars, which features several series such as the J-Standard, Expert, and Masterfield lines. These guitars are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, innovative Circle Fretting System (C.F.S.), and the use of premium materials. FGN guitars are becoming increasingly popular among players who seek Japanese-made instruments with exceptional value and quality.

8. History Guitars

• History is a Japanese brand under the Shimamura Music group, for which FGN manufactures guitars. These guitars are primarily sold in Japan and are noted for their quality construction and materials. History guitars are often compared to other high-end Japanese brands and have a strong following in their domestic market.

9. Bacchus Guitars (Past Association)

• Fujigen has been associated with Bacchus Guitars, another Japanese brand known for its custom shop instruments and replicas. While Bacchus currently has its own manufacturing facilities, there have been past collaborations between these two respected names in Japanese guitar-making.

Summary

Fujigen (FGN) remains a premier guitar manufacturer, producing high-quality instruments for several well-known brands and their own FGN line. They continue to play a significant role in the guitar industry, particularly for high-end models that require meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their association with brands like Ibanez, Fender Japan, Greco, and others has solidified their reputation as one of the top guitar manufacturers globally.