[quote="GoldenRhino"]Har. Can someone tell me again why Japan has such a huge boner for Fender offsets? Pretty much all of the Delicious Label bands have rocked Jaguars, Mustangs, and Cyclones at one point in time. Manabe even played the oh-so-democratic Squier Jag HH for a time. Offsets aren't...cheaper in Japan...are they? I mean I guess a CIJ Jazzmaster and Jaguar are cheaper than the AVRIs... (but this preference should change, now that the modern-styled "Classic Player" Jazz/Jags exist now...

Anyone?[/quote]

Seems like a lot of bands in Delicious Label are copying the pillows guitar preference. I've heard that Mustangs were really popular back in the 80s in Japan. And they also sound good.

[quote="TJWX5"] I've heard that Mustangs were really popular back in the 80s in Japan. And they also sound good. [/quote]

The 80's thing may be true, but I'm not sure the general consensus is that "Mustangs sound good." From what I've read on the Jag-Stang offset forums...this is basically my understanding:

Clunk - Gretsch
Clank - Strat
Twang - Tele
Clink - Jaguar
Boink - Mustang

Mustangs, stock, are known to be pretty "weak" sounding and nasally. That's why so many Mustang players pretty much immediately buy Seymour Duncan JB pickups for them. I would guess that Manabe's Mustang tone comes largely from his pickups, effects, and amp, rather than some inherent godly nature of the Mustang. Can anyone confirm?

[quote="GoldenRhino"]Mustangs, stock, are known to be pretty "weak" sounding and nasally. That's why so many Mustang players pretty much immediately buy Seymour Duncan JB pickups for them. I would guess that Manabe's Mustang tone comes largely from his pickups, effects, and amp, rather than some inherent godly nature of the Mustang. Can anyone confirm?[/quote]

lo-fi boy plays a mustang so maybe he'll chime in. I agree that Manabe's tone has more to do with his amp and effects than any guitar he has played, though.

Because fender offsets are amazingly sexy guitars.

Manabe's mustang is my favorite he's had, but yeah, his amp and effects definitle do most of the work/ He's had a pretty extensive pedalboard in the past...

[quote="GoldenRhino"]Mustangs, stock, are known to be pretty "weak" sounding and nasally. That's why so many Mustang players pretty much immediately buy Seymour Duncan JB pickups for them. I would guess that Manabe's Mustang tone comes largely from his pickups, effects, and amp, rather than some inherent godly nature of the Mustang. Can anyone confirm?[/quote]

Everything plays a part in tone, the main part is the player, Manabe's tone comes from Manabe. The Mustang has a unique sound because of many factors, PU is only a part of the equation. Each guitar Manabe has had made a big difference in his tone.

I think Manabe only used the JB Jr. Mustang in studio on some tracks, I do not believe you can put a cover on the JB Jr. remember the MY FOOT era Gigs magazine where it showed both, the JB Jr. was not covered. And every live video I have seen with Manabe's Mustang, it is the stock one, both PUs covered.

When I said they sound good, I meant the Fender offsets in general. My favorite is Jazzmaster than Mustang.

[quote="TJWX5"]I think Manabe only used the JB Jr. Mustang in studio on some tracks, I do not believe you can put a cover on the JB Jr. remember the MY FOOT era Gigs magazine where it showed both, the JB Jr. was not covered. And every live video I have seen with Manabe's Mustang, it is the stock one, both PUs covered.
[/quote]
pretty much this.

Mustang stock PU's really ARE weak, low output things. Guess he just knew how to use his amp and pedals to overlook this, because his tone still absolutely reeked of the stock bridge pickup (in the best way)

[quote="ChubbyRaccoon"]He got 90's My Life signed as well.[/quote]
Another satisfied Mafu Mart customer! YEAH!

[quote="CajunBushi"][quote="ChubbyRaccoon"]He got 90's My Life signed as well.[/quote]
Another satisfied Mafu Mart customer! YEAH! [/quote]


Hello Mafu~
Incredibly satisfied.

We got an e-mail from Manabe this morning, still thanking the bf for the guitar:

"Hi Keith!!
What's up? How are you? We went back to safety!! Was it pleasant the night of NAP Tour? I am looking forward to the day which can meet again.
Keith!!! I can't forget your friendship and kindness!!! Thank you Keith! I will play a cool guitar once more and more!!!!
See you soon!
One love "

Made me go "D'awwww."

If you guys can zip up the pics and send them to my email, csquared99@gmail.com, that could work. Otherwise if you have them uploaded somewhere I can download them manually. Just give me a location!

Terra, send me a PM, how would you like me to credit ya?

Also, about mustangs, yes the pick ups are rather weak... was a little surprised to discover this after my purchase. Amp and pedal settings help. Manabe told me in '09 that he wanted a more unique sound, away from the many Japanese guitar players using mustangs... not sure what the obsession is but they LINE the music stores in Tokyo lol. I never saw that many mustangs before in my life.

It's probably because the Mustang is just a really sweet looking guitar. Second only to the Jazz/Jag. And Gretsch Howaito Farucon.

Ooo a Gretsch sounds great. We used one to record most of the second EP we did. Good natural tone.

That's too crazy about that email. So jealous with every new post!

Black pickguard on white would probably look a little better, but I don't think the gold on white looks bad at all. Also, don't like the finish on that blue tele at all.

The letter from Manabe is fucking fantastic, every time I hear more about Manabe I love that man more.

Manabe seems so nice.

[quote="Marekenshin"]Also, don't like the finish on that blue tele at all.[/quote]

You talkin trash bout my paintin skills!?

Yeah that letter from Manabe is sweet. I was thinking about it before, and after reading your experience I want to build a guitar to give to Manabe next tour, thinline I presume.