Anyone recently purchased a steel from Japan ?

[Larry Lenhart]

I am not sure where to post this topic, so if its in the wrong place I hope the moderator will change it, and forgive me.

I have seen several really good steels for sale but they are in Japan, and I am afraid of all the tariffs and import duties and whatever else I might have to pay.

I am curious if anyone has recently purchased a guitar from Japan and what the experience was, so that I know what to expect. I am afraid to buy anything in fear that the extra fees could be exhorbitant.

Thanks for any advise or help.

[Bill McCloskey]

You should reach out to Steve Lipsey on the forum. He recently bought a guitar from japan.

[Steve Lipsey]

I did, but before the tariffs started...shipping was quite economical, Toshiyuki had found a good and reliable method. It didn't take long.

Check with him regarding what the current impact is, if any.

contact@shoji-workshop.com
-Steve

p.s. I'm loving my Shoji guitar...it is like a Formula 1 car compared to the more truck-like typical pedal steels...sound, playability, weight all are major steps in the right direction...I'm kinda' surprised that Bill McCloskey hasn't bought one yet...

[Bill McCloskey]

Actually I have an ETS coming Steve and a Benoit 8 string dobro owned by Reece. Should arrive Monday.

[BJ Burbach]

Please post a pic of the Benoit when it comes in.
BJ

[Toshiyuki Shoji]

I completely understand your concern about the increasing import duties and shipping costs.

Unfortunately, it’s true that both have become higher than they used to be. I really hope the situation improves soon.

If you find a steel guitar for sale at a shop in Japan that you’re interested in, please feel free to contact me. I might be able to help in some way.
Many guitar shops in Japan have very limited knowledge about steel guitars.

[Mike Christensen]

I have bought three from Japan in the last year, A Canopus, a 70"s stringmaster and a 90's MIJ Deluxe console All at great prices and as advertised no shipping charges. The Deluxe only took 5 days to get here, the other two 10 days or so. no troubles at all. got em through EBay Ebay says if it says no shipping charges it means no shipping charge. They are all in great shape and work perfectly. The Deluxe was purchased in the last 3 weeks. Will definitely do it again if something comes up.

[Anthony Parish]

I also bought a 90s Fender Japan Deluxe a few months ago and shipped it with no problems. I have imported many items from Japan over the years, including a JDM mini truck!* However, I have not imported anything since the tariffs were introduced this year. It is my understanding that tariffs would be applied if you import a guitar now.

*The mini truck had a 25% tariff that resulted from the chicken tax introduced by Congress in 1964 and never went away. That's not a typo.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_tax