Yes back on thread.

That picture always shocks me. I suppose its naivety on my part that sees me not assuming a solid colour guitar body as being one piece.

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No no and no

Of course they don't use veneer on solid color finishes (those where the wood isn't visible).

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

What amazed me the first time I saw that pic orv. was how many pieces of wood are glued together to make the blanks. The Mexico photo tour was interesting to see.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

my 2006 MIM standard has 4 pieces of alder
same as most MIA's

The fact that there are indeed snobs among us is evident to all (with you as a possible exception) and for you to twist that and imply that I wrote that "All MIA owners are snobs" thereby reducing me to someone who engages in stereotypes is either intellectually dishonest, or indicative of your lack of critical thinking skills.

I'm still waiting for a self described expert to say "I can turn my back and tell you if your axe is an MIA or an MIM!" Now THAT would impress me, and I'll trade my MIM tomorrow....
And, if you want to engage in a meaningful discussion about modern production line instruments then why not invite Ed Roman over? (and then prepare to REALLY get your feelings hurt-unlike the "expert" who went to some trouble to qualify himself and then said nothing, Roman tells it like it is-i.e. "Brad Paisley plays OLD Fenders and NEW Crook guitars! Brent Mason? VALLEY ARTS!", and so on....)

However uncomfy my post may have made some folks, I believe it was comprehensive and well reasoned. and it certainly warrants at least one honest reply from someone with experience about the subject at issue.

My position is simple: Some people have more money than talent, and they know the price of everything and the value of nothing. And, if they aren't careful they may just insult the intelligence of some other folks.

When I was 12 yrs old my "rival" introduced himself and said, "High I'm Kenny H. and I have a five hundred dollar Rickenbacker. WHAT KIND OF GUITAR DO YOU HAVE?" (I played a fifty dollar Airlines at the time) Later, he told my mother how much his London Fog overcoat cost, and he made a real impression on her, too. And, it was only a few months ago I was asked to play a restaurant gig with a guy who can't play, really, and he relies on recorded music for his gig. He began to explain the largely non existent virtues of his custom shop Strat to me, and it was clear that he uses his high priced equipment to compensate for his limited talent. So, you see, I have dealt with that mentality most of my life, and I see no reason to pull my punches when those types attempt compensate for a lack of talent and to feel good at the expense of others.

So, those who wish to trumpet the superior qualities of their axes may certainly do so, but, don't forget that anyone can build a world class instrument with after market components that will rival if not surpass any axes you or they may own, and for less money. "Mojo" is a religious belief, and has no place in a serious discussion.

So, while this is still a discussion board and not (yet) a cult, if you don't mind I'll write my posts and you write yours. okay?

now that's really funny!! and probably not a joke either

Hound, I can honestly tell you it wasn't my intention to play you off as the bad guy or insult you, although I understand your point of view. And no I don't justify myself as a know it all or a professional guitarist by any means.Just wanted to point out that we're not all bad, and I agree there are those out there that use money to compensate for some things. My apologies if you were offended as it was not my intention.

theres no trolling here pal. you just dont like what i have to say
so you label it trolling. anyone who reads my post can see i'm not
trolling i'm speaking the truth and you dont like it. your knowledge is
very limited and one sided. here it is in english i will not post any pictures
of my equipment or family members over the internet. beleve me pal if i say i have something i have it and alot more. i dont need to post pictures of my personal stuff to prove to you or anyone else that i have it. i am a retired guitarist/musician who did very well through the years and thats why i can sit on my butt today at age 47. have a nice day.

wow great banter on this subject i am new to these forums and i to have posted looking for info on this subject.
after reading further i did not know the depth of this debate.
i consider myself a hobbyist at best and have no delusions of going beyond that. having said that i do have plans to upgrade my gear and got some very good advice through these forums.
i think its a legit question for someone with my knowledge.
look forward to reading more.

Yeah, and I'm a 22 year old blond beautiful woman that wants to meet you alwaysstrat What a joke you are!! Pal!!

The truth of the matter is that both instruments have their merits and trheir failings. Now i used to work hard for my money, very hard. My MIM that i've owned for 14 years and is so played in its almost a part of me, goes everywhere with me. Not always in a case . Its a perfectly usable decent instrument, that has played plenty of gigs is recorded on 7 cd's and who knows how many singles from a previous band. Its never let me down and to this day remains my go to guitar.
My MIA sits in the case all day and only comes out at night, when the missus and kids are in bed. It plays superbly pretty much from new it felt perfect. It sounds great too. Is it worth the extra £1000 it cost me? A wise man of these forums once said 'you pay 100% more for a 10% rise in quality'. When i consider the £270 i spent on my MIM to improve it and the years of constant play wearing the neck of that guitar in (that are hard to put a price on) and mucking about experimenting with pots and caps. I'd have to say yes the extra £1000 is worth it. It certainly doesnt de-value my MIM infact it means more to me now than it did before i bought my MIA.
Why MIM owners feel the need to justify their purchases or why MIA owners feel the need to berate the humble MIM i will never know. You gain far more pleasure by appreciating both.

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No no and no

You are absolutely right in you thinking on this topic Niki!! Thanks for the voice of reason!

Its the musician and not the guitar.

Ever notice how a really good player can pick up that crappy old guitar you want to throw away and make it sing?

Maybe we should be debating something worth while like favorite colors.

I agree. Personally, I've never met a bad* strat! There are few problems that a good set up (or perhaps a refret for those well-worn friends) can't fix.

Color: I like white and sunbursts (2- and 3-tone fairly equally).


* where I define bad as not playable or usable for a gig.

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

I like all the red shades except candy cola.

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No no and no