FENDER FSR MODELS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Here at PMT, we are committed to providing you the players, with answers to the most revised topics floating about the web. Today we are going to be talking about Fender FSR models, covering their origins and answering the most asked questions relating to this rather illusive range.
WHAT IS A FENDER FSR MODEL AND WHAT DOES FSR STAND FOR?
FSR stands for ‘Fender Special Run’, meaning instruments which are produced specifically to order by the request of individual retailers. Most people however, know these instruments as ‘the Japanese ones’.
Fender Japan Started in 1982 as a joint venture between the Fender Musical Instrument Corporation, Kanda Shokai and Yamano Gakki (Two large Japanese importers and distributors of musical instruments).
This business venture provided the production of Fender Instruments for the Japanese market. The idea came to pass when Fenders higher priced USA guitars could no longer compete with the cheaper instruments being produced in Japan.
In 2015 Fender took over these businesses with the ‘Fender-Manufactured’ product line, now referred to as the Japan Exclusive Series. FSR models are effectively Japanese Built Fenders made available to US and European markets by demand.
HOW DOES A FENDER FSR MODEL COMPARE TO A MEXICAN OR USA BUILT INSTRUMENT?
Before We can answer that question, let’s explore the secrets as to what makes a Fender guitar so consistent in its quality. Fenders construction methods are clever, really clever.
The easiest part of Fenders manufacturing process is the assembly, but what does that have to do with FSR, Mexican and USA guitars?
Well imagine it like this: A Gibson Les Paul as an example has a complicated set neck which requires both a master craftsman to assemble and precious man hours to spare, whereas a Fender is assembled by utilizing a bolt-on design.
Basically if a guitar body is correctly cut and a neck is correctly made, a numskull can bolt the two together and produce the same results that Fender otherwise would have.
There are so many universal Fender parts (pickups, necks, bodies, electronics etc) that there are simply thousands of combinations to be achieved.
What the FSR models really serve as, are experiments to try out on a niche market when Fender feel they may not sell as many to a US or European market.
The parts are usually selected USA parts, imported into Japan and thrown together in new exciting combinations.
Let’s return to the question of how they compare to US or Mexican made instruments. Japan have a worldwide reputation for product quality and reliability, from cars to electronics to instruments.
In short these instruments are bloody fantastic, properly put together, unique and sometimes incredibly sought after. They just aren’t as readily available as their US and Mexican counterparts. If you see one you fancy, then snatch it up! Sometimes a price really doesn’t reflect quality.
That is absolutely accurate when referring to the Fender FSR line which are considered by many enthusiasts to be the best guitars that Fender actually make.
WHERE CAN I BUY A FENDER FSR INSTRUMENT?
Well, right here at Professional Music Technology of course! Listed below are a few FSR models currently in stock at PMT. Have a look and expand your knowledge of what models are available. Be careful however, some of these fantastic guitars might have you running for your wallets unexpectedly.
*FSR Models change rather frequently so it’s always worth keeping an eye out to see if something special pops up. We can’t guarantee the models listed below will still be available by the time you read this article as they do turn over quickly!
1. FENDER FSR 72 TELECASTER CUSTOM MN BIGSBY SUNSET ORANGE
This great example of Fender FSR engineering takes a classic Telecaster Custom and adds a Bigsby vibrato bridge. The Gorgeous Sunset Orange finish is highly limited, so if you want this - get in quick.
A Wide Range Humbucker in the neck position alongside the single coil bridge pickup in the neck offers a world of tonality. For players that want that extra grunt and style, you can't go wrong with this! VIEW MORE
2. FENDER FSR AMERICAN PRO JAZZMASTER EB SILVERBURST
Another Great, Limited-Edition Fender FSR model from Japan. A fantastic Jazzmaster with Silverburst finish, featuring V-Mod Jazzmaster pickups as well as treble-bleed tone circuit. VIEW MORE
3. FENDER FSR LIMITED EDITION 59 AMERICAN VINTAGE STRATOCASTER, NATURAL
A classic Stratocaster design from the 50s gets an entirely new tonewood - a solid Pine body, yep Pine! We love these limited edition Fender FSR Limited Edition 59 American Vintage Stratocaster, Natural guitars as each model has its own characteristic wood grain and knotting.
Interestingly, each piece of wood was originally forested over 100 years ago and was purchased from the Buckstaff Furniture Company's inventory on Oshkosh, WI, USA. These guitars are completely unique and no two will look the same.
However, it's not all about the looks as the set of Vintage '59 single-coil Strat pickups will give you all that classic 50s style sound. Also available as a Telecaster and Jazzmaster. VIEW MORE.
4. FENDER FSR BLUES JR IV COMBO AMP SEAFOAM GREEN
The Fender FSR range also includes a host of amps too! This Fender FSR Blues Jr IV Combo Amp Seafoam Green takes the classic Blues Jr and wraps it in a lush surf-style Seafoam Green.
It features a preamp circuit that has been specially modified for increased fullness, is packed with a Celestion 12" A-Type speaker and it also includes a 1-button footswitch for FAT mid boost so you can get that massive Fender sound when you need it.
This isn't the only classic Fender amp that has been given the FSR treatment though, as there have been many over the years (such as the 68 Princeton Reverb in Surf Green) offering stylish new takes on classic designs.
We hope you have found this article interesting and now know more about the Fender FSR instruments. These models are just examples of what wonderful guitars are out there. Until next time, peace out, rock out, and thanks for reading.
Updated: 2020-06-25
