I need the Low-Down on MIA Strat

[jonnymangia]

I went to a GC yesterday and was blown away by the MIA Standard Strat. It was SOOO alive and I felt like it ran circles around the Jimmie Vaughan model I own. As I am not as familiar with the Strat line as I am with Gibson's, can you explain where the Standard strat falls in their product line, and how it compares to other strats like the 57 re-issue and the 62 re-issue (which were recommended by a buddy)? Also, are their artist models like the Cray, Beck, etc head and shoulders above the standard?

 

[ErikH]

Re: I need the Low-Down on MIA Strat

The Standards, as in Made in Mexico, are damn nice guitars. IMO, you can't go wrong there. The wood choices/hardware/electronics are better in the MIA line. The American Standard Strat is to Fender as the Les Paul Standard is to Gibson. Forget price, I'm just going by what the flagship is to each.

Then you have the Classics and the Deluxes and the sig models and so on. The Reissues used to be made in Japan, not sure if they still are. The Classics are made in Mexico I believe.

The Artist models, it depends. Some have a MIM counterpart to the American-made model. In some cases, those MIM Artist models are darn nice but since there's the MIA "big brother", they're just a Standard Strat with the artists name associated with it and won't have the same bells and whistles either.

Of the sig Strat models, the SRV, Eric Johnson and Clapton models are my favorites. The JV model you have is nice, I just couldn't get as comfortable with it as the others when I was playing some. Maybe it was that particular one, I dunno.

IMO, you can't go wrong with either a MIM or a MIA Strat. In the end it boils down to what you can afford based on new model prices. Looking at used, I'd go after an American Standard every time.

 

[Curly]

Re: I need the Low-Down on MIA Strat

the main differences, playing wise, are that the vintage models have a 7.25" neck radius and 21 frets; the MIAs are 22 fret, 9.5" necks with medium jumbo frets. The MIAs also have modern tuners, bridges, and wiring scheme.

I like the 57s, but it seems like you need a little higher action to avoid fretting out when bending.

nowadays, I like a 9.5" neck with medium jumbo frets, but vintage style hardware --- the Clapton strat is an example of a guitar with this kind of mix of modern & vintage features.

however, all that said, most people will tell you that when it comes to strats, they vary so much individually that you need to play a bunch to find the one that clicks for you.

 

[big_black]

Re: I need the Low-Down on MIA Strat

MIA Strats also have the rolled fingerboard edges, which make the neck very comfortable. It's not that difficult to roll the edges of an MIM though.

Most of the old MIM Fenders use polar wood instead of alder, and probably many pieces as well. MIA is always alder and two-three pieces of wood are used. If the poly is thin enough, you can make you the glues lines.

 

[Ivan]

Re: I need the Low-Down on MIA Strat

Keep in mind the price. The higher the price you can assume its better. Now i agree thats not always the case, but alot of the times it is as Fender needs to justify charging that price.
Its up to you to decide which model is better value for money.

The American vintages are the best for definite. They have vintage features which depending who you talk to is either better or worse for a guitar in this day. The quality is consistant and they are the most resonant when unplugged (but i think its Fenders way to justify the price). Electronics are good quality with specialised pickups that are very nice. the wiring is very neat and professional.
You dont generally get any problems major or minor with these guitars.

Signatures? i would put them in the same class as the American Vintage.

The American Standards are high quality models...Great guitars that should last you forever. Compared to the Vintage and Signatures you probably will spot some flaws, but in mind the price difference.
However in my opinion, i would stay away from the standards. If i want an amazing guitar i would spend the money on an American Vitnage. If i want a good quality guitar but for less money. i wouldnt buy the American standard but a Mexican for the reasons below.

Mexicans.... i feel the quality varies from model to model. Not all are great so be sure to try before you buy.
No huge problems with these models, just that sometimes the guitar may have a loose tuner, improper set up or extreme cases a low nut slot.
However in my experiences if you can find a good mexican model, its usually as good as the American standard AND its cheaper.
For this reason alone i feel the Mexican classics are probably the best value for money guitars (if you find a good one).

 

[jonnymangia]

Re: I need the Low-Down on MIA Strat

Is it true that the vintage strats (which I'm taking would be the '57 and '62 re-issue models) don't come with a 5-way pickup selector?

 

[Curly]

Re: I need the Low-Down on MIA Strat

they are wired true to vintage, with a 3 way switch, but a 5-Way switch is included.

 

[Ivan]

Re: I need the Low-Down on MIA Strat

yea the guitar has a three way. a five way included in the case but its no biggie if you dont want to mod it. You can select the two extra sounds vintage style! but it may be a problem live.

 

[cmacalpine]

Re: I need the Low-Down on MIA Strat

Just a clarification, there have been no American Standards for about 5-6 years now. They are "American Series". I am a proud owner of one. Great guitars, like the others have said above, they fall somewhere in the middle, but as with anything else, so much of it is what you want in a Strat. Do you want modern feel/vintage hardware, modern feel/modern hardware or vintage all the way around?

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: I need the Low-Down on MIA Strat

It sounds like you found a killer MIA strat. They are out there for sure. If it feels and plays the way you say, you need to pick it up. Guitars that speak to you like that should not get away.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I need the Low-Down on MIA Strat

I have a 1996 "American Standard" Stratocaster that I bought new in 96 - It has the same characteristics as you described, very alive, resonant, beautiful, awesome, :laugh2:

I have a bunch of guitars and I ALWAYS go back to that one. ALWAYS. If you have an axe that calls your name, I say pick it up and thank yourself 10 years from now (and all along the way) like in my case.