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Post subject: 2006 American Std or New MIM
Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 1:58 pm
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Hello Fender Forum -

New member here and hope to be a Strat owner soon. Been a life long humbucker guy and play mainly PRS and Ibanez. Lately I've been getting into Knopfler, Gilmour, etc. and even with coil splitting on the PRS I'm not going to get that 2/4 position tone that the strat gets. I've been doing a lot of reading of reviews, understanding the different models and have played a handful of strats over the past month so I have a good idea of what I want.

My first choice in a strat is black body, black pickguard/knobs, etc., and maple neck. I was pleasantly surprised with the new MIM Standards. I thought they played well and when I compared them to a new MIA I didn't feel the MIA was worth the difference in price. Was is better? Sure, somewhat but not enough to justify the 2 - 2 1/2 x's increase in price over the MIM. I can get an all Black MIM Standard SSS from Sweetwater for $585.

But... I ran across a guy selling a 2006 American strat (3 color Sunburst, white pickguard, etc.) for $700. The guitar looks great in the pics but I haven't seen it in person yet. While it's not the Black I wanted, I could always change out the pickup covers, pickguard, etc., and it will be close.

My question is what would you do? The guy seems firm on $700 so probably not much room there. Aside from the cost, do I go with my first choice and get a brand new MIM because it's the black/maple that I really, really want, or do I ease up on my color requirement and go with an 11 year old Standard because it's a USA? While some people don't necessarily care about the looks of the guitar, to me that's almost as important as playability so I do care about that. I spent a few months hunting down the exact PRS I wanted. The reason I’m considering the MIA is because of the 2-point bridge and slightly better pups – but is that enough to forgo the all black MIM? Especially considering that a swap to noiseless pups might be something I do in the future. No matter which one I get the first thing I’m going to do is put in locking tuners.

I should note that the seller gave me the s/n and I sent it to Fender Customer Service so I won't buy until I hear back from them. I'm also pretty comfortable at being able to spot a fake and from what I can tell so far it looks legit.

Thanks for your input. Bob

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Post subject: Re: 2006 American Std or New MIM
Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 5:27 pm
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Tell him to throw in a hardshell case or take it off the price. Could be a great deal!

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Post subject: Re: 2006 American Std or New MIM
Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 7:23 pm
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Ask yourself, am I really going to like this MIA even though it's not really what I was looking for? You said you would eventually change out pups and tuners. The pickups are probably the main difference except the MIM is brand new and the flavor you want and the MIA is several years old (fret wear, etc) and not exactly your choice of color and neck. Also, the necks will be a little different in radius and width.

Play both types before you decide. Either would be a good guitar.


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Post subject: Re: 2006 American Std or New MIM
Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 2:24 am
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There is such a vast selection of Strats out there that I wouldn't limit yourself to just those two. And you definitely need to play them as Country of origin isn't enough to make a choice and you need to know what Series the guitar is.

My mate has a cheap MiM and it is horrible but my my MiM 60s Roadworn might well be my favourite Strat (I have 5) even though it was the cheapest to buy, it was second hand.

So, in short, MiM or MiA isn't enough to make a decision. If you can play them that will be far better. If you can't then get the new guitar from Sweetwater. You can always return it if you don't like it and you will have much greater protection as a buyer. There will be no question of fret wear, set up or damage issues you may have with a second hand guitar.

Once you have one Strat you will be more atuned to what you like and don't like about that guitar which will give you a wealth of knowledge in choosing your next Strat ;-).

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Post subject: Re: 2006 American Std or New MIM
Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 3:32 am
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You must play the guitars before buying.

Buy the one you can play and you like ( color ) ; MIM

I alway's go to MIA guitars, but it is me.


Last edited by stratele52 on Sat Nov 18, 2017 8:24 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: 2006 American Std or New MIM
Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 8:21 am
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Quote:
My question is what would you do?
To that simple question - IF the MIA's in good nick (no/little fretwear), I'd buy that. I have 2 x 2006's and am happy with both.

And I'd keep it bog standard. There's nothing wrong with the 2006 pickups - you can get all the necessary tones out of them! Although in the States I understand from a previous thread that you had staggered pole pieces in those years, whereas in GB we didn't. I prefer flats, so that suits me fine. I've even replaced Fat 50's with the noughties AmStd pickups. Something only you can judge.

But if you plain don't want sunburst, and it'll always annoy you, that's a different matter. Black MIA's aren't difficult to find, of course, if you're set on that colour...

Cheers - Peter.


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Post subject: Re: 2006 American Std or New MIM
Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 9:03 am
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When it’s pretty close in terms of money like than, only 100 bucks or so difference, it’s a no brainer if you ask me. The only question would be if you can live with the colour. Nobody can answer that but you.

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Post subject: Re: 2006 American Std or New MIM
Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 9:16 am
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Thanks all for the feedback so far. I won't be able to play the Black strat prior to purchase because I'm buying it online. I normally wouldn't do that with a guitar, however, I've purchased from Sweetwater before and their customer service is second to none so I really have no concerns about that. I did play quite a few at some local music stores and some were really good while others were ok. So if I get an OK one from SW I'll simply exchange it.

As far as the 2006 I'll definitely play before I buy. While I was originally interested in that because of the 2 point trem (as pups) I've been reading that Fender has had some issues with the wood splitting with these trems. What's confusing is some people say they see it a lot while others say they never see it. Is this something I can check just by looking or do I need to take the pickguard off to see?

Thanks!

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Post subject: Re: 2006 American Std or New MIM
Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 11:17 am
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kraftybob wrote:
Thanks all for the feedback so far. I won't be able to play the Black strat prior to purchase because I'm buying it online. I normally wouldn't do that with a guitar, however, I've purchased from Sweetwater before and their customer service is second to none so I really have no concerns about that. I did play quite a few at some local music stores and some were really good while others were ok. So if I get an OK one from SW I'll simply exchange it.

As far as the 2006 I'll definitely play before I buy. While I was originally interested in that because of the 2 point trem (as pups) I've been reading that Fender has had some issues with the wood splitting with these trems. What's confusing is some people say they see it a lot while others say they never see it. Is this something I can check just by looking or do I need to take the pickguard off to see?

Thanks!
I've never heard of problems with the 2 point trem. I prefer it over the vintage for no particular reason. It seems like a better design, but that's just opinion. There are so many Strats on the market. That's why I went for new with an exchange or money back policy. I wasn't disappointed.


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Post subject: Re: 2006 American Std or New MIM
Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 12:11 pm
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LawFlow wrote:
kraftybob wrote:
Thanks all for the feedback so far. I won't be able to play the Black strat prior to purchase because I'm buying it online. I normally wouldn't do that with a guitar, however, I've purchased from Sweetwater before and their customer service is second to none so I really have no concerns about that. I did play quite a few at some local music stores and some were really good while others were ok. So if I get an OK one from SW I'll simply exchange it.

As far as the 2006 I'll definitely play before I buy. While I was originally interested in that because of the 2 point trem (as pups) I've been reading that Fender has had some issues with the wood splitting with these trems. What's confusing is some people say they see it a lot while others say they never see it. Is this something I can check just by looking or do I need to take the pickguard off to see?

Thanks!
I've never heard of problems with the 2 point trem. I prefer it over the vintage for no particular reason. It seems like a better design, but that's just opinion. There are so many Strats on the market. That's why I went for new with an exchange or money back policy. I wasn't disappointed.


I think it is down to the timber of the body (well obviously Duh!) I was quite surprised by a picture in another thread of an older screw in post. When you see how little timber there is to retain the posts, and noting the area is short grain, I find it a surprise there aren't more issues with two post trems failing.

I was of a view a few years back that only a two post trem would satisfy me and it must have block saddles. I have subsequently come to the conclusion that Leo's original design is probably better (for me as I deck my trems) and I would always now go for a vintage trem or hard tail.

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Post subject: Re: 2006 American Std or New MIM
Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2017 5:29 am
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Quote:
While I was originally interested in that because of the 2 point trem (as pups) I've been reading that Fender has had some issues with the wood splitting with these trems. What's confusing is some people say they see it a lot while others say they never see it. Is this something I can check just by looking or do I need to take the pickguard off to see?
Yes, I've had trouble with this - the wood splitting just in front of the post inserts - but only on 90's Strats (two, to be exact). No problems with anything from 2000 onwards, though.

Generally, if there is such a problem, you can see the bridge post(s) leaning towards the neck; also the whole bridge will look wonky in the worst cases. Intonation is impossible on those, of course. To be really sure, yes, you need to lift the back of the scratchplate and inspect the paint/wood. You can usually do this just by taking a few screws out, not dismantling / removing strings etc. But I'd be surprised if you had any such problems with a 2006.

Like John, I now favour the 6-screw over the 2-post (and my trems float), but I actually only have one 6-screw Strat. The others are fine, though - I just like the look of the 6-screw! And any engineer would have to admit that spreading the load across 6 screws is better than 2, but you've got to speak as you find, haven't you?

Cheers - Peter.


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Post subject: Re: 2006 American Std or New MIM
Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2017 1:37 pm
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Here is my take on it. The used MIA has already taken the depreciation while the MIM hasn't. I love both my MIA and MIM Strats. Both are excellent guitars but once you buy the new MIM it will become a $350 guitar on the second hand market. The MIA has already taken the depreciation. Buy what you like but I would either buy the MIA or look for a used Standard. There are plenty of great deals on both. Check your local Craigslist there are usually several for sale. You can also buy used guitars online from Guitar Center. They have a huge selection of used Strats. Good luck.


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Post subject: Re: 2006 American Std or New MIM
Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2017 6:56 am
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Quote:
There are so many Strats on the market. That's why I went for new with an exchange or money back policy. I wasn't disappointed.
I'm pretty much the same way. I don't mind buying 'new' on line, because my favorite gear site offers 45 day "No Hassle" return policy with paid shipping (travel to UPS store is on your time and your dime).
To kraftybob: I'm a little different than most (just preference)...I have tried USA made Strats and even bought one...but never really could find the "love" for them that I have for my two Mexican Strats. Not sure if it's 'feel', 'sound', 'weight', 'looks', 'playability', 'price', 'mojo', or a combination of some and/or all those things. But the two Mexican Strats I have, have given me more pleasure than anything should ever be allowed to.
The 2012 is stock (except for the string trees---which I swapped for USA "T's" and added a second one), and I blocked the trem to hardtail it. The 2015 is moded with a steel trem block (which I float), roller saddles, a Graph Tech TUSQ self lubricating nut, and a single roller string tree---set up to "whammy" without going out of tune.
Brand new, the two guitars were identical (aside from color); set up the way I have them, they are two totally different guitars that do two totally diferent things. And the two together (mods included) were still less than one American Special Strat. AND, I got the colors I wanted.

Obviously; there is a place in this world for every guitar ever made, regardless of where it's made, because everyone has different tastes. If you're anything like me, you have to "feel" the love as much as any other sense has its roll.


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Post subject: Re: 2006 American Std or New MIM
Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2017 8:29 am
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Thanks for all your feedback! I played one of the used American Standards I was looking at and while it was a nice guitar, setup well, etc., it just didn't do it for me. The guy was firm on $700 (no case or gig bag) and even at that price it didn't seem worth the extra $100+ to get a used MIA and not the color I wanted. Also, I think I'm in the Vintage trem camp as the two-point bridge to me was meh.

With that when I get back in town I'm going to order the black MIM from Sweetwater. Their Standard comes with white pups & accessories, but I'm also ordering the black accessories and they are switching it over for me.

I'll update when I get it and let you know if I made a good decision or not :D

Happy Thanksgiving.

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Post subject: Re: 2006 American Std or New MIM
Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 1:23 pm
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Update:

Got the all black MIM last week. Played it for a while, did a little adjustment to the neck/action and it plays great. Very happy with the guitar and glad I went with the all black.

Thanks to all for your feedback. Happy to be a new member of the Fender family!

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