At the local GC yesterday, I saw an '08 model MIM Strat, HSS configuration, tortoise shell pickguard, and what I believe is a cherry burst finish. I hadn't seen this finish as an option for the MIM standard in Fender's product page... The sales guy said Fender made them as a special order for GC and the guitar was an upgrade over a standard MIM Strat but I don't know... He mentioned it was an ash body which might be the case since I guess Fender uses ash for finishes like this...

I suspect it was a standard HSS MIM Strat. The pickups seemed to be generic MIM pickups and I didn't see anything to make me think it was anything other than a standard Strat in a special-order finish. Anyone know if GC had a special run made of standard MIM Strats in cherry burst?

It very well could be a FSR (factory special run) for GC. I haven't seen that finish on them, but have seen them in ash.

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Hi oldguy101: I believe you have it right in every particular. I've read several times on this Forum about that GC FSR guitar - I think it's officially a Sienna Sunburst finish, which Fender always seem to put on ash, not alder.

I have a MIA HSS in Sienna with a maple 'board - so I'm pre-programmed to think it a very nice look!

Are you tempted to buy it?

Cheers - C

Ceri, I think you're right about it being Sienna Sunburst instead of Cherry. I'm tempted 'cause the grain and finish looks really nice. I'd like to have a MIM Strat to mod, basically so I can learn more about modding and setting up a Strat, and that one would be a bit unique.

But, right now, they've got it priced at $599 which is pretty high all things considered. For example, I can pick up an '09 MIM standard Strat at my local dealer for $419 and that's got the heavier trem block, etc. And, as a closer comparison, the local dealer has a couple of '08 MIM Strats priced as clearance items at $329! So, while its tempting, I think I'll keep my eye on the Sienna Sunburst and see if the price comes down some...

Maybe I should stop spending lunch time browsing through GC... Its not like a need another guitar right now since, at long last, I'll be picking up my Am Deluxe off of layway next week..

Ah! Well you left the best till last. And in which case the rest is kinda surplus to requirements, isn't it?

Can't wait to see that MIA Deluxe!

- C

Yeah, I don't really NEED another guitar but I'd really like to have one that I'd feel comfortable opening up, modding, etc. I've got a MIJ that I'm just gonna leave stock (except maybe refinish the body) and no way I'm gonna mess with the Am Deluxe. Plus, in August, I'll be picking up my CP 50's off of layaway... I didn't plan to buy both those guitars but the deals were so good I couldn't resist -- $1400 for both, new, purchased from the local Fender dealer... With that pair, I figure I'll have a "modern" HSS rosewood fretboard Strat and a more classic SSS maple neck Strat. But I don't have any desire to mod either of them or the MIJ. So.... that's where a standard MIM would come in...

I think I need a 12-step program for this Fender addiction...

Well, for modding surely a nicely wrecked and very cheap MIM Standard on Ebay is the way to go? Then you can mess with it to your heart's content, refin, the lot - and feel you did it a favor...

Cheers - C

Oldguy you better stay out of GC as I can see you still have that GAS attack going. I am glad you are getting your std and that you decided to refinish your MIJ instead of swapping the neck with a MIM,and as Ceri said ebay is the way to go for $100 you can get a good guitar to mod up.

Yeah, I'm glad I decided to leave the MIJ intact. It plays so nice I hate to change anything on it... Besides, it really belongs to my wife

In regard to staying away from GC, what I really need to do is stay away from the local Fender dealer here close to home. He's always got such tempting deals there... That kind of G.A.S. leads to things like having to pay on TWO layaways at a time... then, there's a Nashville Deluxe Tele in there on clearance.... see what I mean?..

Thanks for the advice on rescuing an ebayed MIM. Seems like the right thing to do... I hadn't really checked them out on eBay and I'm surprised you can get them that cheap..