USED FENDER JAPAN / KATANA [03]

The KATANA: One of Fender’s Most Unconventional Models.

We’ve just received a used, ultra-rare 1980s Fender Japan KATANA with an unconventional design! And this one comes in a striking black finish.

“Is this really a Fender?” You might find yourself asking that—but it’s a truly unique model from the 1980s, released under the genuine Fender brand.

The year was 1985. It was a time of major transition for Fender; guitar production wasn’t taking place at Fender USA at the time, and Japan was handling the production of Fender-branded guitars. It was right in the midst of this turmoil and transformation that the KATANA made its debut.Its bold, unconventional body shape—unlike anything Fender had done before—was born in response to the rise of ’80s hard rock, heavy metal, and technical playing styles. However, the KATANA’s appeal lies not only in its “unusual shape” but also in its thoroughly unconventional specifications.

“It’s a Fender, yet it feels quite like a Gibson.” The first things that catch the eye are the 24.75-inch scale, set neck, and angled headstock. It also features small triangular inlays and even a truss rod cover on the headstock—a feature rarely seen on Fender guitars. It is precisely this strange sense of incongruity that makes the KATANA so appealing.

“Going head-to-head with Floyd Rose?” It’s equipped with the Fender System 1 Tremolo, which Fender developed independently at the time. Featuring a fine-tuning mechanism and capable of handling intense whammy bar use, it’s a true, authentic ’80s-style tremolo. While early KATANA models used a locking nut, there’s a theory that later models omitted it because the angled headstock ensured sufficient string tension.

Basic Specifications
Body: Basswood
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale: 24.75 inches
Neck Joint: Set-in
Bridge: Fender System 1 Tremolo
Pickups: 2 humbuckers
Controls: 1 Volume / 1 Tone
Selector Switch: 3-Way
Production Years: 1985–1986

Note that while the original specification called for two uncovered humbuckers, the front pickup on this particular guitar has been replaced with a blade-type pickup, and the set screws on the tuning peg backplate, the strap pin, and one of the tremolo springs have also been replaced.

Fortunately, it comes with the original “Custom Fit Hard Case” designed exclusively for the KATANA, as well as a rare genuine tremolo arm. * The tremolo arm is mounted by removing the back panel and securing it with hex screws.

・Condition
It’s in good condition considering its age. Overall, it shows normal wear and tear for its age—small dents, paint chips, and scuffs are visible in various places—but there is no major damage, and it appears to be well-maintained.

We highly recommend this to anyone who wants to fully experience the 80s. Don’t miss this opportunity!

* Please note that due to the nature of this product, we are unable to transfer it between stores.

Item Grade: B+: Some scratches are present, but they do not affect normal use

Serial Number: C003997
Year of Manufacture: 1985–1986
Country of Manufacture: Japan
Case: Genuine hard case
Accessories: Genuine tonearm
Weight: 3.81 kg
Truss Rod: Note: Tested up to 60 degrees to the left and right with no issues (some play remaining)
Fret Wear: Within normal range; fret height is sufficient for playing
String Height (Low-E String Side): 2.0 mm at the 12th fret
String action (treble side): 1.5 mm at the 12th fret
Nut width: 43.1 mm
Neck thickness near the 1st fret: 21.3 mm
Neck thickness near the 12th fret: 23.5 mm
Scale: 628 mm (24.75")
RADIUS: 254 mm (10")
Strings at Setup: ERNIE BALL 2223 / .009-.042 set
Modifications: Front pickup, tuning pegs, set screws on the backplate, one tremolo spring, strap pins
Repairs and Maintenance: Cleaning, string replacement, truss rod/octave/string height adjustment, fretting surface dressing, strap pin replacement

* As this is a used item, there may be scratches, dents, or other imperfections that are not clearly visible in the photos or not listed here. Please be aware of this in advance.

* Any specifications listed regarding the truss rod, remaining fret height, string height, etc., were measured by our staff during setup and are subject to change due to environmental factors such as climate and humidity.
These measurements are intended as a reference at the time of purchase; we cannot guarantee that the measurements will be identical when the item arrives.

* This item is a one-of-a-kind product, and we are listing it simultaneously on multiple marketplaces, including our in-store display. We strive to promptly remove product listings once an item is sold, but updates may not always be in real time.
We sincerely apologize in the unlikely event that the item is sold out after you place your order, and we ask for your understanding.