I don't really understand this strat..

[Mallowpuff]

So, I was in GC earlier today and saw a nice looking used strat for 499$. Right away I was thinking that it must be an overpriced MIM strat, but on the back of the headstock it says Made in America.

On the tag it says "1997 Candy apple red California series MIA strat". It seemed kinda unbelievable that it was a "Like-New" MIA strat for 499$ so I wrote down the serial # and when I got home, plugged it into the "guitardaterproject" and on there, it says "Assembled in Mexico with American parts"

My question is, is it the same quality as a "true" MIA strat, and is it worth 500$?(I only have that much if it's an amazing deal. )

Also, how can they put a MIA stamp on it, if it's not MIA?



Thanks!

 

[zenmindbeginner]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

It's my impression that the American Special and Highway One series were assembled in Mexico, finished and then driven back up to California. Assembly by an American will cost you an extra $200 or so.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

The California Series was an attempt to fill a market niche, balancing quality and price. Some corners have been cut. These show but they are not fatal - especially if you were already minded to customise.

The same could be said of the H1 and Am Spl. For the most part, I have found the compromises in the H1 series acceptable but found the American Special disappointing. They never quite resonate as nicely as the American Standard, Deluxe American and American Vintage Re-Issue stuff.

A good Fender electric guitar manages to be more than the sum of its parts. If the notion of assembly in Mexico troubles you, strip the guitar right down and re-assemble it in yo' all-American home to yo' standards.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

 

[Mallowpuff]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

The California Series was an attempt to fill a market niche, balancing quality and price. Some corners have been cut. These show but they are not fatal - especially if you were already minded to customise.

The same could be said of the H1 and Am Spl. For the most part, I have found the compromises in the H1 series acceptable but found the American Special disappointing. They never quite resonate as nicely as the American Standard, Deluxe American and American Vintage Re-Issue stuff.

A good Fender electric guitar manages to be more than the sum of its parts. If the notion of assembly in Mexico troubles you, strip the guitar right down and re-assemble it in yo' all-American home to yo' standards.

Thanks!

Being assembled in Mexico troubles me not. I don't really see why people would pay more to get it assembled by an "American". Doesn't make much sense too me..

Uhh,

"Thanks!"?

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

A good Fender electric guitar manages to be more than the sum of its parts. If the notion of assembly in Mexico troubles you, strip the guitar right down and re-assemble it in yo' all-American home to yo' standards.

Reference.
That cracked me up!

Did the guitar "feel" worth $500?
Seems like an OK deal,if so...

 

[GilmourD]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

It does seem a bit pricy for a California Series Fender, but not terrible. They didn't sell for THAT much more than an MIM Standard back then. You could probably talk them down a bit.

 

[Mallowpuff]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

Reference.
That cracked me up!

Did the guitar "feel" worth $500?
Seems like an OK deal,if so...

It does seem a bit pricy for a California Series Fender, but not terrible. They didn't sell for THAT much more than an MIM Standard back then. You could probably talk them down a bit.

Yeah, It's not exactly what I'm looking for so I think I'll hold on to my money.

If it was 350$ cheaper and was really beat up with most of the finish scraped off, I'd be on it.

 

[GilmourD]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

Yeah, It's not exactly what I'm looking for so I think I'll hold on to my money.

If it was 350$ cheaper and was really beat up with most of the finish scraped off, I'd be on it.

I'd hit it for $400-425.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

Probably plays on par with a MIM
I'd pass
Used MIM are around $300

*(Sent from my durned phone!)*

 

[GilmourD]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

Probably plays on par with a MIM
I'd pass
Used MIM are around $300

*(Sent from my durned phone!)*

If I recall, these things also had US-spec hardware and much better pickups (didn't say electronics because the MIM Standards even have CTS pots and CRL switches). The better Gotoh Klusons, too, rather than the old Ping Klusons, if I remember correctly, too.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

Probably plays on par with a MIM
I'd pass
Used MIM are around $300

*(Sent from my durned phone!)*

Man, remember when new MIMs were $299? Every time I see a price hike on MIMs I cringe. Still a great guitar though.

 

[Snake Aces]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

If I remember right, one of my high school girlfriends had that guitar. It was pretty nice and good looking. It's too bad she never really learned how to play.

 

[Snake Aces]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

Man, remember when new MIMs were $299? Every time I see a price hike on MIMs I cringe. Still a great guitar though.

Yeah, I remember those days. I even bought one at about that price.

 

[GilmourD]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

Man, remember when new MIMs were $299? Every time I see a price hike on MIMs I cringe. Still a great guitar though.

I got my first MIM Standard Strat (from Rondo when they were still B&M in Union, NJ) for $285 in 1995.

Considering other factors which have gone on to raise prices of other stuff much more significantly, the MIM Standards aren't actually far off from inflation.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

Man, remember when new MIMs were $299? Every time I see a price hike on MIMs I cringe. Still a great guitar though.

Just read the other day that Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars Ep1 was arrested in a high speed chase. And is now 26 years old. That made me cringe . . . while realizing that I am old as **** .

 

[candyman]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

Man, remember when new MIMs were $299? Every time I see a price hike on MIMs I cringe. Still a great guitar though.

Haha man...thats a good price for a MIM fender...but then again i live in norway( freakin' 800$ for a new MIM)

 

[Mr. B]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

"This is not the speeding driver you were looking for, move along..."

 

[Mallowpuff]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

Another one that interested me,

A close to like-new Gibson Les Paul Studio for $549.99

Seemed like a nice deal.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: I don't really understand this strat..

The same could be said of the H1 and Am Spl. For the most part, I have found the compromises in the H1 series acceptable but found the American Special disappointing. They never quite resonate as nicely as the American Standard, Deluxe American and American Vintage Re-Issue stuff.

I've never played an American Special but I was very pleased with the Highway 1 Strat I had.