I've just bought one and am trying to find out more about them. Are they considered inferior to MIM and MIJ? The serial number is E then 7 digits but oddly I cant seem to find anything on the net about these guitars.

Anyone know more or how I might be able to find out more?

All help greatfuly received?

Hi shunter, welcome to the Forum.

"Inferior" is a very loaded word to use round here!

I'd say Korean Fenders are approximately on a par with most Mexican models - as the comparable pricing suggests.

I have a Korean Tele and like it very much. A couple of minor niggles with the fret dressing compared to my American guitars, which again is not surprising at the price and easily sorted.

On the other hand, the work of matching the timbers has been done really well: I got more than I paid for as far as that goes:


Nice, huh?

Enjoy your MIK...

Cheers - C

I had a MIK Squier Strat I never should have gotten rid of. It was a fabulous playing guitar.

_________________
Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
Authorized WD Music Products Dealer
F/A Official Southpaw Compliance Certification Tester http://faamps.com/

http://www.facebook.com/cafeathers


I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

i have a MIK fender special edition strat.
and its simply a Brilliant sounding/playing
strat. its highly praised by other musicians
and the craftmanship is on top of most MIA's
thers plenty of info on this strat. youtube/musicians friend/
american musical supply/sweet water/harmony central
and theres many more.
i paid $640 for mine brand new (no case)

mr.ceri very nice looking i have the strat
as far as them being inferior to the MIM/MIJ/MIA
no way! look what you get for $640 thats what i paid for mine
very well crafted and prouduces Brilliant tones.
i'm glad i got one befor they were discontinued.

HI

I have no experience with them, but here is my $.02:

If a guitar coming out of Korea is $400-$650, it should be a very high quality version and the equivalent of a guitar from USA costing at least 2x that.

When it comes to pricing of guitars with 1 being the most expensive, I would guess the regions rate like this with all other things equal:

America=1
Japan=2
Mexico=3
Korea=4
Indonesia=5

Please don't mistake this chart for quality, just costs. I have three guitars and two were MIJ one MIA. My MIJ have stood the test of time IMHO. Even the budget Ventura has been a great guitar. The easiest and fastest playing guitar my hands have graced and many have agreed that its action is amazing. The MIA is still new and I do love it but I can't see anything about it is superior to the MIJ ESP neck thru. Maybe the finish

_________________
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

the craftmanship and tone on this baby is fantastic!
i have read and was told the same thing you just said
by others that paying $640 for this MIK strat is the equivalent
of paying $1,200 for it if it was a MIA thats how good the MIK's are.

I just posted an article and link thats in MSN Money today over on the Lounge Fender is mentioned in it heres what they said in the article. It about ten big companies that haven't quit on the U.S.

Quote;
When Bruce Springsteen reaches for his main ax to go on stage, he grabs a Fender -- and not just any Fender. He uses one of Leo Fender's originals, a guitar born in the USA. The Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters played by dozens of other guitar greats, including rockers such as Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Mark Knopfler and Keith Richards, are also made here.

Fender Musical Instruments does make versions of Strats and Teles -- its two most popular lines -- in Mexico and Asia. And those foreign models cost less. But even aspiring musicians who don't earn rock-star pay opt for Fenders from the company's U.S. plant in Cordova, Calif., whenever they can afford them.

They prize the craftsmanship at Fender's U.S. plant, which all but guarantees an instrument that will play better and hold up longer. U.S.-made guitars also do a superior job of bringing out the signature Fender sparkle and growl, which define the spirit of rock 'n' roll for so many musicians and fans alike. It's a case study in why businesses don't always opt for cheaper labor
End Quote Link below
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/In ... -number=10

_________________
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

Lite ash, huh?
kinda great actually....I'm glad the korean equiped with Seymour Duncans so they sounds better than MIMs

i take it you have one of these beauty's

well folks its late at night and i just went all
52 reviews at harmony central on the fender
MIK lite ash strat. its overall rating is a 9
this strat has more 9 and 10's rateing's
than the american standard and highway one
combined the body/neck/pu's and tremolo all
top qaulity the body is a 3 piece ash. after reading
all the reviews i do understand now what a real jem
i have. to thoes who have this guitar i suggest you
go over to harmony central and read the reviews.
nothing but mostly positive and for thoes who dont
have one you ever come across one grab it.