Fender Strat. MIA vs. MIM

aubs1 · 2009-04-14T12:23:16+00:00

If you're a Strat fan and already own one, this may or may not interest you. If however, you are in the market for a Strat, this may be interesting. It's rea...

Fender Strat. MIA vs. MIM

aubs1

Before I got my MIA-Strat, I used to dice in my mind with which one to spend my money on. The more people I spoke to said there was very little or no diffs in quality, all you had to do was replace the pickups with Duncans or similar on the MIM-Strat. I personally like things in their original state if at all possible or if you did make changes, very minor. Replacing pickups to me was major! I have never played a MIM-Strat, so I cannot comment on it, just found that site very informative.

dee

While looking for my Strat, I've come across the 50's and 60's Classic Player series of Stratocasters. These are really nice instruments, made in Mexico, but designed and spec'd by two of Fender's Masterbuilders, and comes with some serious parts. I think it is about as good mix between MIA and MIM as you will get.

These are pretty good value, and worth taking a look at. I will definitely get one of these one day.

kayDUB

yeah, i been looking (read: dreaming) at strats a bit lately, my eye caught the '57 reissue in surf green.... mmmmmmm, but at like R25K? if I had it, i'd spend it! ?
Then I saw the 50's classic MIM, not quite the same but similar for a lot less. would love to try one. Anyone play one?

Ray

No, but someone advertized one on the forum a few weeks back with some or other coil splitter on it. Dont think he sold it yet - looking for R5000-00. Tell me, where does the Japanese Fender strat fit into the picture here? As I follow this I understand that MIA is great. MIM is not quite so great but still lekker. So how does the Japanese Fender fit into scheme?

aubs1

Re: Fender Strat. MIA vs. MIM
« Reply #9 on: Today at 04:47:04 pm »
Reply with quoteQuote
No, but someone advertized one on the forum a few weeks back with some or other coil splitter on it. Dont think he sold it yet - looking for R5000-00. Tell me, where does the Japanese Fender strat fit into the picture here? As I follow this I understand that MIA is great. MIM is not quite so great but still lekker. So how does the Japanese Fender fit into scheme?

Someone advertised a Jimi Hendrix Strat?

Yes, MIA's are great.
Yes, MIM's are quite lekker. (So they tell me, never tried one though, but seems like the guys who own them, a tweak here, a tweak there, are quite happy)
MIJ Strat, and Squires, the few guys I know who own them are sorry the got them, or was perhaps purely economics. Cannot comment though.

aubs1

Re: Fender Strat. MIA vs. MIM
« Reply #10 on: Today at 05:00:43 pm »
Reply with quoteQuote Modify messageModify
Quote

Re: Fender Strat. MIA vs. MIM
« Reply #9 on: Today at 04:47:04 pm »
Reply with quoteQuote
No, but someone advertized one on the forum a few weeks back with some or other coil splitter on it. Dont think he sold it yet - looking for R5000-00. Tell me, where does the Japanese Fender strat fit into the picture here? As I follow this I understand that MIA is great. MIM is not quite so great but still lekker. So how does the Japanese Fender fit into scheme?

Someone advertised a Jimi Hendrix Strat?

Sorry, crossed my wires there, I was following 2 threads at the same time.

kayDUB

Think it depends which MIJ strat you get...

AlanRatcliffe

The MIJ Fenders are for the most part excellent guitars - often needing upgraded pickups and wiring, but otherwise wonderful guitars. Fender do not allow many out of Japan (they are mostly made specifically for the Japanese market) as they are actually stiff competition for their other guitars. The models that they do let out are usually few and well chosen to compliment the lines from US and Mexico, rather than compete with them.

There was a time when the Japanese Fenders were better than the US models. They were one of the main reasons Fender ramped up quality on their other ranges. There was a guy who used to sell from Japan on Ebay (Ishibishi?), but he was shut down. Still a guy or two dealing in the Japanese models secondhand though.

aubs1

Re: Fender Strat. MIA vs. MIM
« Reply #12 on: Today at 05:16:19 pm »
Reply with quoteQuote
Think it depends which MIJ strat you get...

Probably does .................. I have a MIJ Ibanez JS1000, and boy, I love it. But that's about all I know about MIJ.

andrewjbryson

Ive played on a few Jap Strats and they are really nice.

Great craftmanship , and yes the pickups are the only thing that really needs to be swapped.

I often compare my Mexican and Jap Strat , and the Jap is more solid. (More attention to detail)

Doesnt Renesongs play on a Jap strat? And he seems happy with it....

And were talking about master Rene here...

Ray

OK, just to let y'all know why I'm asking. I see an ad for MIJ on Gumtree (JHB) for R4500-00. Fitted with Fender Lace pickups (whatever those are). It happens to have a natural finish, like you can see the wood, which grabs my fancy. The impression that I get from reading the original link provided above and further comments in this thread, is that you pay a helluva lot for the difference between MIA and MIM. Seems like a matter of prestige or status that they sell. Sorry if I upset anyone but you see that sort of thing in all industries. Lots of the time you pay for the labor cost anyway. Once again, sorry to upset anyone. It is not intended. And I may be way off anyway.

aubs1

Insert Quote
Ive played on a few Jap Strats and they are really nice.

Great craftmanship , and yes the pickups are the only thing that really needs to be swapped.

I often compare my Mexican and Jap Strat , and the Jap is more solid. (More attention to detail)

Doesnt Renesongs play on a Jap strat? And he seems happy with it....

And were talking about master Rene here...

That's rather interesting, I have personally never underestimated Japanese craftmanship, just commenting on my own experience and of course,
one of my first loves, The Fender Stratocaster, and articles I've read, and what people (or users) say. I think this is an interesting topic.

andrewjbryson

Hmmm , i saw that one...

I would go for any JAP strat thats under 5K, but only if they are in really good condition

And I would definately play it before buying it. (Thats the most important part)

aubs1

Re: Fender Strat. MIA vs. MIM
« Reply #16 on: Today at 05:42:20 pm »
Reply with quoteQuote
OK, just to let y'all know why I'm asking. I see an ad for MIJ on Gumtree (JHB) for R4500-00. Fitted with Fender Lace pickups (whatever those are). It happens to have a natural finish, like you can see the wood, which grabs my fancy. The impression that I get from reading the original link provided above and further comments in this thread, is that you pay a helluva lot for the difference between MIA and MIM. Seems like a matter of prestige or status that they sell. Sorry if I upset anyone but you see that sort of thing in all industries. Lots of the time you pay for the labor cost anyway. Once again, sorry to upset anyone. It is not intended. And I may be way off anyway.

Really no need to apologise to anyone Ray, I find these comments quite fascinating. And thanx for your input!
As you can see from my earlier post, I only prefer things in their original state. To buy something at a certain price, then spend RXXXX improving it, is a bit beyond my
comprehension. I wanna be happy with what I buy "Out of the Box". With exception of a good set-up, again, a very personal choice.

fender62

the Fender MIM standard strat went through a major upgrade
back in 2006

first off let's start off by saying the 2006 to present
MIM standard strat pretty much rivals most MIA strats.
the qaulity of craftmanship on the MIM IS A+
the bodys are a 3 piece select alder.
the neck are rock maple with jumbo frets.
the bodys are flawless smooth and no ruff cuts.
the necks same thing smooth and no ruff edges
on the frets.
the MIM is cut from the same alder and maple woods
that most MIA's are cut from.
the MIM and MIA strats both have state of the art factory's
and are both cut from the same type machines.
your $550 is basicaly paying for the body and neck on the MIM.
and its up to you to do the modds.
so if you have a 2006 to present MIM standard strat
you have a very well crafted guitar that will match most MIA's.
the saying that your strat has to be made in the usa for the
qaulity of craftmanship is simply not true anymore the MIM's
do give them a run for the money.

fender62

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: Better quality wood, two or (most likely) three piece body as opposed to a five to seven piece with a veneer to make it look decent. While the better quality components are no guarantee the US model will be better or that a Mex will be worse, your chances improve greatly.

Me? Give me a hand-selected, one or two piece slightly underweight body and a chunky maple neck with rosewood board for alder or maple (or pao ferro) board with ash and I know my chances are very good I'll get something good out. Unfortunately with the Fender name on the headstock that puts them in the way expensive price ranges.

read my post the MIM's from 2006 to presnt
are a 3 piece select alder body.

Garth-S

I really think we shouldn't count Squier out... You have to check out the Squier Vintage Modified Series guitars. A good friend of mine has a Squier Vintage Modified Thinline Tele (http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0301240544), with the standard duncan designed pickups, the finish quality and feel is outstanding! I would buy one of those over a mexican anyday. I have played a Vintage Modified Strat (http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0301200505), and was WAY impressed

nick

fender62 wrote: the Fender MIM standard strat went through a major upgrade
back in 2006

first off let's start off by saying the 2006 to present
MIM standard strat pretty much rivals most MIA strats.

and the old ones? '90-'05 for example?

aubs1

fender62 wrote: the Fender MIM standard strat went through a major upgrade
back in 2006and its up to you to do the modds.
so if you have a 2006 to present MIM standard strat
you have a very well crafted guitar that will match most MIA's.
the saying that your strat has to be made in the usa for the
qaulity of craftmanship is simply not true anymore the MIM's
do give them a run for the money.

Ok......here's a quote from the Fender website forum.......again just someone's opinion, and mine......referring to post 2006 MIM Strat.....

"as far as the quality of craftsmanship on the body and necks
as far as i'm concern there is none. the electronics, that's
a different story."

My problem is .....you still need to spend R2800-R4000 or more, and get a decent tech to put it on a par with MIA, . Now, if you are happy with the sound you're getting, that's cool. And if it still costs less than MIA......hey, that's cool too.... Like I said previously.....I don't have the patience to Fiddle and Faff, lotsa people do, that's cool too.....
I have a USA Strat and USA deluxe Tele because that's the sound I like and I want......If I wanted anything else, I'd go the MIM or MIJ route, and put on all the goodies I can lay my hands on. It'll probably... no,.... definitely sound FANTASTIC, but then it is (IMO), no longer what it was supposed to be in the first place!!!! But there's nothing wrong with that decision, just not mine. ? If you're happy with your Hyandai with a Ferrari engine in it........that's cool........ ?

Same goes for USA Gibson LP...etc etc etc..........! that's just my opinion.......stay 8)

Gearhead

Two more things to consider:
1. resale value: have a look around for second hand prices and calculate how much the owner dropped on having the thing for xx years;
2. don't try to play a guitar you cannot afford! As long as you can't tell the difference be happy with your unstable skew plywood-bodied kak-pupped uneven-fretted garage sale guit! Once you have played long enough and touch a guitar that's just one class up from the one you play, GAS is gonna hitcha.

Just to make sure: I'm not commenting on any of the Strats mentioned in terms of quality. I do think that if the MIM were on par with the MIA, there would be famous guitarists playing or even endorsing MIM?