Well, this thread is taking a turn for the worse. Ok then, here is my ideas on the matter. First off, let's all take a breath. Ah, that's better, feels pretty good eh.
Well, I will say I did some fairly prudent research on these guitars and did indeed find a few from online Japan dealers (very few, most of them were sold). If I recall correctly, they would have been about 650-750 US, plus shipping, so 750-850ish, which was a little cheaper than what I paid. But, of course, into the equation is that I have no idea how to speak Japanese in which case I am not at all comfortable in that situation. As far as finding these in the USA without dealing with overseas dealers...next to impossible. So, although I know I did not get a "steal" on these guitars, I do think they were fairly priced considering the free shipping and the ease of communication.
I highly respect SJ's opinion and knowledge on these guitars, however, I have yet to find a new bst-62 or srv. It seems to me all the new strat-style guitars coming out of bacchus are the 02, 04, 05G guitars such as these:
http://www.deviser.co.jp/bacchus/guitars/gstudio/05gpla/index.html
They seem to have changed their headstock slightly as well as the way the neck connects to the body. I am not at all saying that they don't make the bst-62 or SRV anymore, just that I could not find any from online Japan dealers (I only looked for a week or so). I am sure in Japan things may be different, here these guitars are tough to come by. Also, these guitars from MIJ came in very, very, good condition, I would say they are basically mint. Just my opinion, but I think I got a square deal.
Now, sneaky did say he was mistaken for the dealer comment, and did seem genuine in his comment to such. I don't think he was trying so much to disrespect MIJ as MIJ seems to think. As far as Santa, who knows, but I am sure I saw a red-nosed reindeer flying overhead tonight.... Hope he brings me a Bacchus.
And by the way sneaky, if you are interested in selling any of your Bacchus guitars or want to be Santa this X-mas, I will give you a good deal and probably pay a few hundred more than the $458 you can get them for.
Peace,
Brock
P.S. Did I mention I have a MOON on the way, supposed to arrive the day after XMAS. Now that one did seem to be a great deal at $530, but who knows, for information on these in English is even harder to come by than the bacchus. Hope she is in good shape, the pictures were rough.