+1 -- These are some words of widsom. The beauty of the MIM standard - to me - is that it is a closer resemblance to a 60s vintage Strat than an MIA Standard is (21 frets, vintage trem, standard tone controls , etc.). This is no knock on MIAs though; MIAs are fabulous instruments.

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Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I have a desperate plan ...

Finally, someone who agrees with me!!!

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You dig?

I wasn't terribly impressed with the MIM Standards, but that goes for a majority of $400 guitars I play. The Mexican Deluxe and Classic series, though, I find are very nice guitars. The issue I had with the Standards was primarily the pickups. There wasn't enough change over my Squier to justify buying one.

I got an amazing deal of $200 for an HSS 2007 model. It plays great (especially for a back up guitar!). However, it does not have the sustain of my 2008 MIA..that guitar just sings. The pickups aren't too bad either, I just wanna get rid of the humbucker..

Here is my Blue Beauty. Love it! Welcome to the club!

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Your Fender HSS Standard Stratocaster in Electron Blue was made at the Fender Ensenada Plant in Mexico in the Year: 2008.
Final Assembly Date: July 30th, 2008
Model Number: 013 4700 587
Serial # MZ8031252