Love at First Sight: Fender Japan Unveils the MIJ Hybrid II 2026 Collection with Stunning New Finishes
May 8, 2026, 9:15 a.m.
Fender Japan has officially launched its MIJ Hybrid II 2026 Collection, and it’s the striking finishes that immediately steal the spotlight.
Known for taking bold creative directions—just look at models like the Sakura Telecaster or the Starmaster—Fender Japan has opted this time for a more refined and minimalist aesthetic. Yet despite its subtlety, the collection carries undeniable visual appeal.
The lineup includes Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, and Jazz Bass models, all presented with eye-catching style. These guitars are available in Satin Thermophile and Misty Satin finishes, with color options such as Matte Phantom Black, Matte Champagne Mirage, Matte AeroBlue, and Matte Inferno Red across all models. Additional shades include Pink Mist, Yellow Mist, and Blue Mist.
Built around the concept of “love at first sight,” the collection blends vintage inspiration with modern performance, particularly through updated electronics.
Each instrument features a matte finish paired with black nickel hardware. At their core is a classic tonewood combination: alder bodies, maple necks, and rosewood fingerboards. The electric guitars are equipped with 22 narrow-tall frets, a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, and a modern C-shaped neck profile. Vintage-style locking tuners complete the setup.
Across the range, you’ll find Hybrid II Custom Voiced single-coil pickups designed to deliver a clear, balanced tone with increased output suitable for contemporary playing styles. The Telecaster includes a versatile four-way switch, allowing players to run pickups in series for a more powerful sound. Meanwhile, the Jazzmaster is fitted with P-90 pickups for a different tonal character.
Bridge configurations vary by model:
— the Stratocaster features a vintage-style two-point tremolo with a whammy bar
— the Telecaster sports a traditional bridge with angled brass saddles
— the Jazzmaster comes with a six-saddle vintage-style bridge and floating tremolo system
The Jazz Bass is offered as a four-string model only, with a 34-inch scale length, a four-saddle bridge, and Hybrid II Custom Voiced Jazz Bass pickups.
