How can you tell a strat is MIM or MIA without seeing the headstock?

String spacing. If the strings are directly over the bridge pickup's pole pieces but not the neck or the middle's, then it's most likely MIM. If the strings aren't directly over the bridge pickups pole pieces but they are on the neck and middle, then it's most likely MIA. Seriously, that would probably work about 80% of the time. It wouldn't on certain models (Highway Ones are MIA with narrower string spacing, Jimmie Vaughan Strats are MIM with wide string spacing for example), but you'd be able to make an educated guess.

But why wouldn't you want to just look at the headstock?

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Because its a Ebay listing for a beautiful olympic white strat.
You just can't see if it says Made In Mexico or Made in America.

Hi telemaster: if it has 21 frets, a six-screw bridge with vintage type saddles, and an eleven hole three-ply pickguard... then there's still other things it could be. But it narrows it down a lot and a MIM Standard is high on the list of Strats with those specs.

Mind you, I wouldn't dream of buying a guitar without seeing the headstock. That trussrod access hole will tell you a fair bit more, for starters.

Without the headstock (and even with it) any of the above indicators could equally be found on the cheapest fakocaster.

Take care - C

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Ceri you can see the Headstock I just can't make out if it says Made Ijn Mexico or not.

Ask the guy to send you a picture of the headstock or just ask him where its made. You have the option to ask the seller questions. You can usually tell by the price, MIM`s are cheaper than MIA`s.

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OK, so is it a black plastic MIM trussrod entry hole or a walnut MIA one? A MIA or MIM logo? MIA or MIM stringtree?

Or, rather than doing "20 questions" why not just link to the Ebay page so we can take a look and tell you what we think about it? Lot's of people here like to tap into the power of the Forum knowledge base for their purchases...

Cheers - C

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Its gone now.

Also ... all Strats that have a truss-rod ring on the headstock will be walnut (if MIA) or black plastic (if MIM or Squier).

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