Difference between fenderUSA/fenderMIM/squier/80ssquier strat bodies?

StefanM

StefanM

New member
I'm rather curious as to the differences between the various strat bodies. Generally, what are the differences?

Are the current (cheapish) squiers laminates? Are they a slightly different shape? Likewise, how does an 80s Squier strat body compare to a current USA or MIM? Are USA & MIM the actual same bodies, just different labour/finishing/hardware?? I've often wondered!
 
Re: Difference between fenderUSA/fenderMIM/squier/80ssquier strat bodies?

according to http://www.allthingsstrat.com/strattable.htm

Before 2000, most MIMs were made with Poplar. After around 2000 all MIM Strats are Alder.

Sunburst models had a maple or birch veneer. Sunburst models have maple veneer on them that make them appear like one piece of wood. This was used because Poplar is not a suitable wood for transparent finishes. Poplar has a greenish hue and does not have the grain pattern of Alder.






Current MIAs are Alder.
Ash has been used on certain finishes like White Blonde and Natural. Some older MIAs are allegedly also made out of Poplar.

Older sunburst and transparent finshed models have veneer on them that make them appear like one piece of wood.


hope that helped,
benji
 
Re: Difference between fenderUSA/fenderMIM/squier/80ssquier strat bodies?

Thanks Benji. Didn't realise the MIM bodies were lamitated, quite surprised. I'm aware ofdifferent woods are used for different finishes on USA strats because of grain, looks etc.

I'm curious about the 80s squiers - great things are said about them, and I've heard that one difference btw them & USA models is that the wood on 2/3/whatever-piece guitars doesn't tend to be as well matched.

Does anyone know if current squiers ply laminates?

Great link BTW, I'm reading it now.
 
Re: Difference between fenderUSA/fenderMIM/squier/80ssquier strat bodies?

I personally think the major difference is the quality of the wood, and the parts that are used. Probably the USA strats are better cuts of wood, and the electronics are better made or something.
 
Re: Difference between fenderUSA/fenderMIM/squier/80ssquier strat bodies?

Some MIM bodies have as many as 7 pieces all glued together. That has to affect the tone somewhat, I would think, no matter what type of wood is used.
Lesser quality metal is used in MIM bridge/tremelo assemblies. The fret wires aren't as well groomed as, say, an American Strat.
The AllthingsStrat.com website is a great place to get an abundance of info about the differences, and Chuck is always eager to reply to any emailed questions.
IMO and if affordable (I was seriously considering buying a MIM Strat), a person is most definitely better off buying an Amer. or U.S. Strat over a MIM model due to the fact that by the time you've upgraded everything and had the neck smoothed up you could easily have bought an Amer./U.S. model. The stock pups in the higher end models aren't that bad, either, although I'm replacing mine with Antiquity's.
 
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