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Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 8:57 am
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01GT eibach wrote:
66musicmaster wrote:
I am still looking for objectiveness, if there is any to be had.

Okay, here is your objectivity:

1) Body: Both are alder. However, I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that the Strat is going to get a higher quality wood-set, made with fewer pieces.
2) Neck: The neck on the MIM will be more finished and higher quality from a workmanship standpoint. The MIM Strat necks are actually quite nice.
3) Tuners: The Strat comes with nice tuners. The Squier's tuners will be lesser than the Strat. Don't confuse the Squier tuners with the Vintage ones sold on Strats (they are not the same). If you plan to upgrade tuners for the Squier, then just buy the MIM Strat now.
4) Tailpiece: I bet these are the same. However, the MIM Strat went to a larger tremblock in 06+. If it is the same tailpiece and the Squier has the older small tremblock (which I bet is the case) you can upgrade a small tremblock for the bigger one (easy and cheap).
5) Pups: Probably a wash. The Squier has alnico-5's and the MIM has the ceramics. The Strats are quite good. The Squires are an upgrade for this model, so they are likely pretty decent, too (but different). This comes down to personal preference. You have to play them.

So... what are you thinking you will do?


Thanks guys, this is what I'm looking for. As for #1, I saw the woodpile in another thread here. I'm not sure how one can get many more piece in to a body set. That pile is supposed to be the MIM pallet.

Others: Yes this is what I'm thinking also. I agree with this assesment.
On the tuners, I realize they are goingt o be "vintage styled", which means a cheap copy, imo. Iread on another Fender forum that the block is lighter, but not a big deal to change. However the players there said it is pretty good as is.

And yes, I feel like the Squier is upgradeable if I get the itch. I'm really disappointed by the MIM bodies, though. That is my main thing. In my range, there are only multi-pieced bodies. My old strat clone is such a nice looking body, only two pieces in it. No veneers or anything like that. I have no idea what kind of wood it is though. It's pretty. Hows that for shallow.

Thanks guys, that is exactly what I was looking for.

Randy


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Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 10:29 am
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Ceri, Thanks for your input also. These are the things that need to be considered. A lot of the crudeness you pointed out is not easily seen in the pretty pics you see and often not noticed til you get it home and are really taking it in.

I'm already figuring that whatever I get, will get a $5 bone nut. It made a tremendous difference in my old guitar. Bridge work can be done as necessary, as can other upgrades. Not sure what to think about frets. The ends can be cleaned up to suit me, fairly easily. Other than that, the fret action was fine, I guess, for a new guitar. I was looking at my old guitars and I guess they have worn down to a comfortable point. They certainly aren't as tall as the new guitars I played.

Do you have any idea what series the Squier was you were playing? From what I've seen the higher end versions arejust that, you get the improvements in the critical playing and mechanical areas.

I'm pretty sure I'm going with the Classic Vibe Squier. I don;t mind the MIM price, really, but being the tightwad cheapskate that I am, I also don;t want to spend that extra $100 if I can get close with a Squier. I can spend it down the road modifying the Squier to suit me better, just as I have done with my old clone. It's darn near perfect now. To me anyway and that's who I have to please.

Thanks for your input. I think I'm going to order and not look back.
Randy


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Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 11:45 am
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I've played both types, MIM and the Squier.

You CAN find pearls among both, but you gotta really look.

To anybody out there, if you have the opportunity to A/B them, that's the best option.

All I would say is, don't look at the finish, or what label is on the headstock, or what color fretboard it is...play it.

First, check for common "problem spot" in strats of all kinds.

Namely, make SURE there's NO "finish cracks" ANYWHERE around where the neck joins the body.

They may try to say, "Oh, that's just a finish crack...it won't affect the guitar...I have a bridge for sale...etc"

As Reverend Bob Marley said, "Don' let 'em fool yuh..."

If you see anything like that, expect trouble with tuning, and all kinds of structural issues, don't waste any more time on that one.
Move on.


Second, try it acoustically, see how resonant it is, and whether you hear any "squeaks" or gives in the unamplified tone.

Third, how does the neck FEEL? Is it easy to play? Are the strings too close, or too high? What works best for you is subjective.

Fourth, plug it in. Play it quiet. Play it loud.
(Remember, Stairway , Smoke on The Water, Enter Sandman, and Eruption are denied. Unless you're the guy who wrote it.)

I've played through MANY MIM's, Americans, and, yes, Squiers too.

Guess what? 2 of the ones I own are Squiers.

They play and sound great, are easy on the shoulder/back, and with just a few tweaks, I'd put them up against some American ones I've played.


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Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 12:00 pm
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I have more of a "bass player finger" so they are all too close.... :D

Good points to consider. That's what I am looking for.

But thanks for that.
Randy


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