Buying Fender?

Tamago · 2011-06-20T10:27:33+00:00

Hi there I am now moving away from that dreaded "beginner" stage and I definitely would need to look at a proper axe. As some know I am doing a massive IT project so guitar and lessons takes back seat until its done ☹ However I am looking around in the spare time I have... I was at Andy McGibbon's this weekend. I took in my IBanez to be sorted out (you might recall issues I mentioned in other posts), the neck had dried out horribly (I decided on Friday- screw this- I stripped it down completely and discovered a lot of problems) so they sorted it out for me very nicely. I put new strings on and they oiled the wood... truss rod is fine despite what Matt's music says. While I waited for the work to be done... I was busy shopping with my eyes. I asked for some opinion about the Fender Strat... and I was given some really interesting advice: Apparently the Mexican Standard is better than the American Standard in terms of playability... they had one in the shop, and yes, it played nice... Then, they let me try a Tokai... now THAT, I must confess that guitar plays like an absolute dream. That guitar, you play it and it actually sounds like Andy Summers playing (to me at least) and its so EFFORTLESS... that's the best way I can describe it... Then, my dad tells me yesterday to rather stick with reputable brand such as Fender. Of course now my wife agrees with Dad. And Dad and mine uncle used to have a band somewhere in the 60's so they know all about Fender, etc... I cannot justify spending almost R20k on a Fender American Standard (which I must admit, I seem to struggle to play on), but I am torn between the Mexican Standard (which is much cheaper and plays great) and the Tokai, which is like having (insert artist's name here) stepping into your body and playing the thing. I mean, I blew myself away.. I'd never been able to play stuff like that, so nicely before. But then I worry, about spending R8k on a Mexican standard and feeling I bought an over-priced Squier. Now, you guys (and girls) are experts. I want honest advice and opinions here. What should I be looking at?

BluJu

studmissile wrote You can only buy a fender by feel. But do yourself a favour try and track down a secondhand 80's Fender Strat 81-96 (Made in Japan) They priced inbetween a MIM and MIA depending on how old. Feel that first before you buy anything else.

+1 If I was buying now that is exactly what I would keep my eyes open for. I played an 80's 60's reissue strat with USA pups and it was one of the sweetest axes I have ever felt or heard.

MIKA-the-better-one

Hmmmm.... I dont know why someone would lie and say that Mex Fenders are better in terms of playability than USA Fenders..... You get good sounding mex fenders but in general USA sounds better and plays better hence the higher price.

And whoever said a USA was 20k was probably taking heroin or Crystal Meth..... I bought a John Mayer Signature strat NEW for way less...... I have never paid over 11K for a guitar and I have had....... Fender USA Deluxe strat, Deluxe Tele, MIA Jazzmster, 64 Fender Mustang, 50th anniversary deluxe Strat... all for less than 11K

Funny enough the guitar I remember sounding the best, and now I am really sad I sold it was my Partscaster USA/Deluxe strat.... It wiped the floor with every guitar I own, or have owned.

Then at the moment my modified MIJ jazzmaster DESTROYS my MIA..... which is bugging my quite a bit ☹

Dirk

Ive got a MIA and MIM and mostly enjoy playing the MIM more. It might be because it has a maple neck that I enjoy the feel and tone more, but I honestly don't think the price difference between the two justifies buying a MIA instead.

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