NGD: So I bit the bullet - MIJ Strat

[C-Martin]

I ended up making to trip to try this MIJ E series ST57 Strat. Talked to the guy for a while while trying it, he was a pretty cool guy and told me his history with the guitar. He’s been holding on to it since the 80s, he even remembers it being very white when buying it. You can see the original white on some of the blemishes like the belt buckle rash. Was going to be passed to his kids but they didn’t seem too interested in playing, so he put it up for sale. He gave me a good deal and was glad it was going to someone who was going to play it.

I’ve yet to clean it up, do a setup (hasn’t ever been setup), and I’m also going to open it up and see what’s in it, and check the neck pocket for the exact year.

Here’s a few quick phone pics:

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: NGD: So I bit the bullet - MIJ Strat

Nice. Did you have another thread leading up to getting it?

[C-Martin]

Re: NGD: So I bit the bullet - MIJ Strat

Nice. Did you have another thread leading up to getting it?

I did, I asked for some help a while ago because I had no experience with MIJ Fenders. I had heard great things about them but never could find one to try myself.

[Kac]

Re: NGD: So I bit the bullet - MIJ Strat

That thing is freakin' gorgeous! Get some good pics when you take it apart!

[C-Martin]

Re: NGD: So I bit the bullet - MIJ Strat

That thing is freakin' gorgeous! Get some good pics when you take it apart!

Will do! And yeah, when I first saw the add pop up I couldn’t resist checking it out. After much research, I negotiated the price and I went for it. I wasn’t even looking to buy another guitar. Damn that sneaky GAS.

One thing I like that I don’t see much except maybe some old vintage Strats is the smoother edges at the back of the neck. It’s a minor detail, it’s not like my other Strats bother me with the sharper edges, but it’s a nice touch.

[Lewguitar]

Re: NGD: So I bit the bullet - MIJ Strat

He shoots... He SCORES!

Count me as a fan of those MIJ Fenders from that era. They do usually benefit from a pickup upgrade tho.

[C-Martin]

Re: NGD: So I bit the bullet - MIJ Strat

Seems it's a 1987 instead of the 85 the guy thought it was. Here's some pics:

[C-Martin]

Re: NGD: So I bit the bullet - MIJ Strat

He shoots... He SCORES!

Count me as a fan of those MIJ Fenders from that era. They do usually benefit from a pickup upgrade tho.

Yeah the hot rail is interesting, but the other 2 pickups aren't doing it for me. Since it's a 57 RI, I'll most likely get vintage output single coils instead, I already have other hot rodded Strats. Not sure what I'd put in it yet though.

[Jeff_H]

Re: NGD: So I bit the bullet - MIJ Strat

Very nice. It's a 1957 model (or reissue) from 1987.....that is a score. I love the color and everything. Congrats on a nice grab.

Hell, in 1987 I was in my 2nd year of College worried about staying on the golf team, getting my annual ski pass to Crested Butte and chasing girls. I had a friend (Anne Marie) who was a Resident Advisor. In the fall of 87' as a Junior I was eligible to be an RA. My first assignment was as the night RA in the freshmen and sophomore girls only dorm. I worked the office from usually 7pm until 2am. THAT was a fun year!!

No, this really has nothing to do with the thread.... it just made me remember.

[muttznmongrelz]

Re: NGD: So I bit the bullet - MIJ Strat

Classic, Classy & Cool. Congratulations.