I like the sunbursts as well but ended up with a sonic blue because I liked the way that particular guitar played. Although, I'm sure I would be a much better player if it were a sunburst.

+10 for this. This issue gets heated because people seem to forget that we are mostly talking about what could be determined subtle differences.

I have both and theres a difference in the necks. The MIA Strat neck is better in my opinion.

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I like the Lake Placid blue ones with a maple neck!

Everyone that states that MIM craftsmanship is comparable to MIA, please give me specifics. Just looking at the two, particularily the sunbursts, I can see a big difference immediately. Please define craftmanship...

Do MIM have rolled fingerboards? Do they have staggared tuing posts or use another tree to correct the wrong string angle inherent to many Fenders. The paint job on the Sunburst is clearly superior to me on the MIA. Look how the Burst actually fades from one color to the next on the Three tone MIA. The MIM, looks more like just three different solid colors, its fade into the next color, or the blending is not the same. Also, the clear coat is not as deep and glossy looking. I have also heard that the MIM laminates the body on the sunburst, to hide the lower grade alder being used. Does anyone know if the MIM sunburst is laminated?

Look at the neck where the truss rod adjustment is made, is there a piece of walnut there, or some kind of composite material?

What about the pickups craftsmanship? alnico vs ceramic magnets, overwound or not? ect. The no load delta tone knob, is that there on the MIM?

I see many differences in Craftsmanship that I cannot see how anyone that has a clue would say they are equal.

Have any of you seen the differences between #3 and #2 or #1 wood grades? How about the price differences? Go to a hardware or Hardwood store and check it out.

Now, does any of this mean better tone, or playability? not necessarily. Does all this equal the difference in prices between MIM or MIA? Probably not, but to say the craftmanship is equal is way off, unless you define craftsmanship different than me.

Remember though, with Guitars, a 10% improvement can equal a 100% cost increase.

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Guitars:
1. mid 70's Ventura MIJ Gibson l6-s clone (Pre-lawsuit) in Black with Rosewood FB and EMG 81 BR/ 85 Neck
2. ESP KH2 Neck Thru
3. 2008 Am Std Strat in 3 tone sunburst

A wise man you are nik. Sad how it was driven off topic it the direction of the MINE IS BETTER THEN YOUR IS! I NO MORE THEN YOU DO! It's like dealing with Child that just won't let it rest in peace. Bringing it back up in such a manner if that is not Trolling I will Quote;

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.

End Quote

Thats a Troll. And talk about limited. The last person like this started posting pics he was getting off photobucket saying they where his. Then there was Highwayoneplayer he ran ran off in a huff then was band from the board. This is all DeJa Vu is it not. Since Allw. been on the Forum under this name you have done nothing but Trolled. People state there opinion and why and you come back with no your wrong. Then you never state one fact why but that you no more so you must be right. And then you tell people they are annoying and limited on several of your post (troll)
Thats an intellegent way to make your point. If you want to tell people you are a Famous Musician and retired at 47 and they have to believe you because you said so. Well that cool knock yourself out. And fhop is a hot Blonde who wants you.
Oh ya yesterday you said you where done I guess we should have believed that to. And you say your not Trolling?

Go in Peace and start over and be Friend and Respectable Forum Member as most here are. Everyone is always Welcome here.

P.S firststrat you gave a great and intelegent desciption. Well said!

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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

I am going to look at some MIAs this weekend!

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1994 Standard Strat, Blue
2000 Standard Strat, Black, with GFS block, and GFS Lil Killer pickup.
2004 Standard Telecaster, Black
1971 Gibson SG
1985 Kramer Baretta
1986 Kramer Vangard
Carvin X60B
Marshall 50 watt 2x12 combo

I can understand people not wanting to post pictures on the net. I do post pics of gear but keep them as non-descript as possible or if details are required i try to zoom in on the particular area that requires attention. There are too many people around with downright malevolent intentions to leave yourself wide open.
I do see these 'which is better' threads as a whole load of wasted time. Not because of the endless arguaments they cause but because they will never change anyones mind. We can keep throwing things backwards and forwards in heated debate, what will it acheive other than to raise blood pressure.

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No no and no

Makes me just have to poor a shot or two

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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

Hey Fellow Stratheads-

WOW- What a discussion. Things are really coming to blows around here. I own a beautiful Midnight Wine 2000 MiM SSS Strat. It was A Christmas gift from my wife and it was all we could afford at the time I love it and I am glad that fender chose to make some quality guitars that are affordable to us common folk.
- Now after 8 yrs of playing and 2 yrs of gigs, I am ready to get another Strat as a back-up or perhaps more for a gritty Lead Guitar. I am seriously looking at getting and SRV because I like how it feels and as a tribute to my guitar hero. So, like many of us...there are reasons for our purchase- more then whether it was made on this side or that side of the border- Just be glad that Fender as a company choose to make high quality instruments - to fit any budget.

As Players, we cant help but get emotional about our instruments. They are a part of us and help us to express some of our deepest feelings through music. Nobody want to hear someone bash their instrument as being inferior - we will become defensive- it is as if you were insulting a member of our family. Let us all consider that when we discuss the issue of MIA and MiM - That goes for the 32 yr veteran of hard core touring with 14 strats AND the newbe who is just excited he got a Strat and learned the chords to "Sweet Home Alabama"- We are all Fender owners and as such we are family (Dysfunctional as we may be)-

Peace Brothers

The Freeze

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There's Always Room For MELLOW !!!!

2000 MIM Stratocaster, Midnight Wine W/Texas Specials
2000 Fender Hot Rod Deluxe
1969 Fender Vibro Champ

A real good post The Freeze!!

A good stock of liquid refreshment is always advised when engaging in heated debate.

The Freeze.
You may find a MIM more suited for gigging than a MIA, depending on how you will feel when something goes wrong. Something always goes bad atleast once in your gigging life. My Hotrod doesnt leave the house these days after a few near misses.

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No no and no

Hey Nik-

You know....you may really be on to something I hadn't thought about. I just might get to anal in protecting my investment that I would only play it wraped in Bubble Wrap....

I would definatly purchase another MiM - No Problem

Thanks for the advice-

The Freeze

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There's Always Room For MELLOW !!!!

2000 MIM Stratocaster, Midnight Wine W/Texas Specials
2000 Fender Hot Rod Deluxe
1969 Fender Vibro Champ

hahaha no pictures famouse musician your a a idiot just like i said you were.
i wont post pictures so you have doubts who cares what you think.
its clear to me you cant think. this site is one way. and i dont play the one way game. just because you feel the amd std is a better guitar and i dont agree with you, well to bad me and thousands of others dont agree with you. look at the post on here the same thing over and over again. CV you dont know who i am. i'm someone you always wanted to be. and someone you will never be. have a nice day!

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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