Hi, I have been reading this forum for the last few days, and have now decided to post everyone seems so friendly and helpful!I'm from the U.K. by the way.

I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar.A few years ago i bought a rubbish classical guitar from a charity shop and tried to learn,but it was awful the action was like half an inch of the fretboard or something!so i didn't exactley give up on the idea but i put it on the back burner.

This christmas i recieved the John Mayer where the light is album(have always liked him, but this cd is awesome!)and the desire reared it's head again.

so having decided i wanted to play electric, i spent the last three weeks researching the subject and making trips to the local instrument shops i was thinking about one of the squier packs, but was advised that the standard squier was better, i then liked the look of the classic vibe.Ihave since decided I want a full blown strat!a couple more visits to the guitar shops and more internet researching as to whether i should get an mim or an mia, and i think i want an mia.The reason being if im going to spen all that money i may as well get something i will really love and want to pick up and learn/play, also there is nothing worse than buying something and feeling you should have brought something else.i will shop around and even if i have to get a second hand mia, i think i will be happier.

am i made for this decision,or does it make sense and i will benefit in the long run?

Thanks for reading
Drew

Congratulations on your decision to buy a Strat. I would agree with you that getting a Fender branded Strat as opposed to a Squire is a good decision. I wouldn't sell the MIM strats short. I don't have the greatest ear, but I can not tell much difference between my Deluxe Player's Strat (MIM) from an American Standard. The build quality on my guitar is outstanding, it comes with Vintage Noiseless pickups, same as the Clapton model, and also gives you the extra versatility of two extra pickup combinations not found on other Strats. I would recommend going to a good guitar store, and playing both models, or have one of the shope guys play some on both and see which sounds better to you. You'd save a little money with the MIM, but either way you can't go wrong.

Hello Drew_3,

Firstly welcome to the Forums.

You on the right track buddy,
do your homework before you buy,
If you can afford it and your taken with
the USA made product then I suggest that you
you go for it. Mexico made Fenders are fine guitars
and have no quality assurance issues so rest easy that
they are also a fundamentally sound investment & instrument.

Cheers.

i have been having the same debate but have also been considering an epiphone les paul because you can get them for less than a MIM strat here in the states. I am thinking that a cheaper model would be better to start (at least for me) because if I end up giving up on it (like you did the first time), I won't be out thousands of dollars for a guitar. If I end up being passionate about playing, I can always add a nice mia fender or gibson to my collection and will be able to appreciate the upgrade that much more. I kind of feel like I need to earn my stripes before buying a really nice axe.

just my .02

Buy a cheap vintage squier and also buy the american strat ...... you will have the cheap one to love during learning times and you will have the MIA to admire and play when you feel your playability deserves it lol

haha....i will quite happily pay out for an american model so im not on a budget as such, but it think thats pushing it!i like your style though!

Have you thought about the highway one strat? thats an outstanding guitar... and the most affordable american made one... also you can get one of those used relatively cheap on ebay

dude, do you feel the music in your soul? get a standard strat or a std epiphone lp either will be cool. do they have pawn shops in england? why not save some pounds and "adopt" one there? peace.. mia is not essentail or even preferred at this point in your evolution -- with the money you save, buy a tube amp!