The end of great Japanese instruments?

The rumour out of last week's NAMM show is that Fujigen Gakki, the Japanese plant that makes product for Fender Japan and the Japanese part of the Ibanez line, is going to stop making guitar next year to concentrate on their automotive parts business. The reports also claim that Fender is looking for a new Japanese factory. This would tie in with the announcement that Ibanez Prestige instruments will now be made in Korea. Let us hope it doesn't mean the end of the amazing J Customs.

So anyone thinking about an Ishibashi bargain ought to act swiftly, it would appear.