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Post subject: Is this a true MIM?
Posted: Tue May 14, 2019 3:41 pm
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Well I seem to be one of many using this forum for help on identifying a Stratocaster. haha.

I am VERY new to guitar playing and have no background on guitars. But I do know there are many Fenders out there on the open market that claim to be "this" when they are indeed "that."

So without any further-ado, can you guys and/or gals help me with this one? What throws me off is the serial number after MN4 is not aligned and elevated. Also, is this too clean for a 1994? Obviously it would be beneficial to start taking apart the guitar to determine markings etc. but do people really try to clone/ fab a MIM model?

Thanks to all in advance for the help.

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Post subject: Re: Is this a true MIM?
Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 12:52 am
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I don't know

Made in mexico missing on the décal
String T look in wrong place

http://www.alston-family.co.uk/MIM%20SS ... mimsss.php


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Post subject: Re: Is this a true MIM?
Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 1:59 am
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Then again, the serial number database brings a MIM Standard (no pic, though) as a result, and those two pics don't show the usual fake marks. How's the backside?

Maybe check the serial with Fender Consumer Relations, that'll give you the specs for a guitar built with that number for comparison.
And for original/modded you need to do an autopsy.


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Post subject: Re: Is this a true MIM?
Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 3:26 am
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The lack of MADE IN MEXICO under STRATOCASTER raises my suspicions. Both legends should be there in upper case.
The MN4 bit is decal, and the serial is inked on, so the two parts not aligning up is not unusual.
The string tree placement is odd - it should be below and between the 5th and 4th string tuning posts.

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Post subject: Re: Is this a true MIM?
Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 3:34 am
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The 12 fret markers look too close together to me.

Also the PUPs and switch bolts are countersunk.

I'm thinking fake...even though it doesn't have all the normal fake markers.

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After all this time I should be better.


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Post subject: Re: Is this a true MIM?
Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 3:38 am
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Did you bought the guitar ?
No ; don't do it. Look not a real MIM
Yes ; :( How much did you pay ?

Yes some people may clone a MIM from a part-caster to get more money from few dollars' decal


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Post subject: Re: Is this a true MIM?
Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 6:43 am
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Trouble with the pictures? need a little help?

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Post subject: Re: Is this a true MIM?
Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 6:44 am
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stratele52 wrote:
Did you bought the guitar ?
No ; don't do it. Look not a real MIM
Yes ; :( How much did you pay ?

Yes some people may clone a MIM from a part-caster to get more money from few dollars' decal


+1


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Post subject: Re: Is this a true MIM?
Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 6:45 am
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John Sims wrote:
The 12 fret markers look too close together to me.

Also the PUPs and switch bolts are countersunk.

I'm thinking fake...even though it doesn't have all the normal fake markers.


Indeed, these details look suspicious.


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Post subject: Re: Is this a true MIM?
Posted: Tue Jun 04, 2019 1:44 pm
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Just wanted to give anyone an update if they were curious. I asked the seller a few questions and he did not know much about the guitar. He said he was not the original owner, had never taken apart the guitar, nor had it been to a luthier that might have pointed out a few things/ discrepancies. To help me out with validation, he said he would take apart the guitar and take pictures for me. However, that evening someone on Reverb ended up buying it before he could do so. I just chalked it up as not meant to be and just decided to consider it a fake that I wont cry over losing (to ease my own mind! lol). Thank you to all who responded to my initial post. I truly appreciate the feedback and feel better about letting this one get away.
-David.


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Post subject: Re: Is this a true MIM?
Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 7:26 am
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djandrade wrote:
To help me out with validation, he said he would take apart the guitar and take pictures for me. However, that evening someone on Reverb ended up buying it before he could do so.

what odd timing, eh?


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Post subject: Re: Is this a true MIM?
Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 12:04 pm
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Quote:
I just chalked it up as not meant to be
That's the best way to look at it, whether it be houses, cars or guitars!

After all, there are a few Strats out there, and finding one with no issues isn't difficult...

Cheers - Peter.


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