Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

[SheDoesntDoIt4Me]

Im looking to buy a strat now, Ive always had LPs or humbucker types. But I want that strat sound for something different. Questions are....What are the differences in MIM, MIJ, and American? I mean, woodwise not so much electrics, I can change that. What are the MIMs made of? Id like a good guitar, but am uneasy about spending the $ for a MIA. Anything you can tell me that would make me a educated buyer would be appreciatted. Thanks

 

[GuitarGuy503]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

The MIM strat bodys last time I checked were made of poplar. I've heard alot of good things about the New Fender Highway 1 Strats so you may wanna check them out. They are American made and about 200 bucks cheaper than an original Fender American Standard Strat. You may even be able to save more money if you buy a Fender Highway 1 Strat used on ebay. I personally would go with a Fender Highway 1 over a MIM Strat. I used to own a MIM and when I did pickup upgrades, I couldnt believe the poor quality of work under the pickguard. There was like this glue **** all over the bottom of the pickups. When I saw that it made me wonder what else on the guitar was poor quality and just garbage.

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

...no they're both alder. Fender doesn't make poplar guitars anymore

 

[SheDoesntDoIt4Me]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

Thanks...Positive they are alder? How can I tell, I really want the body to be quality, I may even build one. But I want an alder body.

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

absolutely positive, i just checked the fender catalog for 2004

if you go to the fender website it tells you what guitars are made of what kind of wood.

if you plan on building your own body, i'd get a MIM, because american's biggest thing IMO is having a single cut body, but if you make your own, it doesn't matter

 

[GuitarGuy503]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

alder now? thats new to me.... :smack:

 

[bearballz]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

Both the MIA and MIM or good guitars for the cash. Really the only difference is the MIA strats have better wood quality, the bridge is the 2 point style and the pickups are better (although I replaced them with Texas specials). I own both an MIA and MIM and the MIM is a very good quality guitar. I did replace the pickups with Fender Noisless pups and it plays and sounds very well.

Saying that my MIA does have a better feel and tone and the all around playability is better. Depending on your cash situation either guitar is a good choice.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

I actually prefer the vintage 6 hole trems vs the 2 pt for tuning stability. The main difference between the MIA and the MIM is the neck. MIM has 21 vintage style frets, MIA has 22 medium jumbo frets. The detailing on the fret edges is also generally superior on the MIA's, but I've heard good reports on some MIM's also.

In my opinion, electronics are suspect on both, but generally the MIA's are of higher quality....especially in the pots, caps and switches. There are some who actually prefer the MIM's pups to the MIA's.....I think that both need to be replaced, at least the bridge pup.

IMO the Hwy 1 strat is the best value for the $$ right now. Nice 22 fret medium jumbo with rolled finger board edges, pups are actually decent save the bridge position, and the thin lacquer finish really lets the sound of the wood resonate, unlike the thick poly finishes on the MIM and MIA.

That's my opinin for what it's worth.

 

[SheDoesntDoIt4Me]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

 

[beandip]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

Either a HWY 1 strat, or a MIM Classic strat are your best bets. The HWY is more modern, kinda like a vintage strat with modern appointments, and the MIM Classic is for your classic strat tone and feel, without having to pay the AV price. I would go with a HWY 1. Probably one with a bucker in the bridge, so you can atleast be in familiar territory.

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

im building my guitars from now on. I dont care about resale value or any of that stuff, i want my guitars to play well not sell high. Warmoth all the way!

 

[sgstrat]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

One more Strat to consider is the Jimmie Vaughan signature model. It's M.I.M. but has better hardware including a traditional bridge, 9.5" radius neck with a great V-shape and medium jumbo frets. It also has Tex-Mex pickups, which are better than the usual M.I.M. equipment plus wiring with tone control for the bridge pickup rather that the middle. Check it out.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

i like those jimmie vaughans too, only 21 frets but still a cool guitar. i think its one of the best mexicans ive played

 

[Jonny R]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

If you're prepared to look at 'Strats' from other brands these are great guitars for the money (G&L - still by Leo Fender):

http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/images16000-16999/ugb16611-gl-legacy/index.html

http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/images15000-15999/ugb15598-gl-legacy/index.html

 

[Simon_F]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

One more Strat to consider is the Jimmie Vaughan signature model. It's M.I.M. but has better hardware including a traditional bridge, 9.5" radius neck with a great V-shape and medium jumbo frets. It also has Tex-Mex pickups, which are better than the usual M.I.M. equipment plus wiring with tone control for the bridge pickup rather that the middle. Check it out.

i like those jimmie vaughans too, only 21 frets but still a cool guitar. i think its one of the best mexicans ive played

Thanks very much guys. Now you've got me gassin' for a Jimmie Vaughan Strat. :banghead:

In white. :naughty:

 

[Bludave]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

I have a MIJ Tele. It was given to me by a friend about 6 months ago. I couldn't really play it until this week. The PUPs were very microphonic. Friday night I took them out and wax potted them. I took a hard look at the wiring and componants, and IMO that is the main difference. The swicth in this guitar is really poor. When I resoldered all the wires, and was testing it by tapping on the PUP, the switch was "bleeding". It didn't effect it from a playing point of view, but it made my check the wiring several times. I will eventyully replace the switch. It sounds and plays fine now!! Nice Guitar

 

[JimiHWannaBe]

Re: Need some info on Strats...Thanks in advance!

one thing to be weary of if your considering getting a highway 1 strat the ones ive played had 3 or 4 piece bodys