I'm looking to buy a new nice stratocaster. I can't decide if i shud just get a new MIA strat or save up the big bucks and go all out for a JM strat. Is it worth the extra money?

_________________
"If you are the big tree, we are the small axe. Sharpened to cut you down, ready to cut you down"

Have you played both extensively? I really like the feel of both guitars. I would play them back to back to see which one you like more. I like the feel of the jumbo frets on the JM so the American Standard felt a little different with the smaller frets, but it would not deter me from getting that guitar.

my problem is i cant find a JM strat in my area so i havent been able to play one. I'm going purely on reputation.

_________________
"If you are the big tree, we are the small axe. Sharpened to cut you down, ready to cut you down"

if you can find a highway one in your area to play, it is similar since it uses the same jumbo frets. The neck is a little bit thicker on the JM though. I really like the feel of the JM neck and fret combo. I guess the best way i can describe it is a combo of my higway one, fret wise, and my classic player 60's strat, neck wise.

The pickups are quite unique since they are only offered on the JM strat. If I got the Am Std I might swap out to noiseless ones eventually.

Go with the JM. you'll get your money's worth, and it will hold its value longer than an Am. Standard. you'll get used to the 9.5 radius. plus the back of the neck is a satin finish, so your hand will glide much smoother. I love both of my JMs!

_________________
http://www.twitter.com/CAE_Music

Correct me if i am wrong, but i think the American Standard has both the 9.5 radius and the satin finish on the back of the neck.I believe the JM has dunlop frets though.

MIA's have the 9.5 neck too, and have for a long time.

But the newer MIA's have a glossier neck which makes my hand stick a bit when I'm sliding on it. I don't like that at all. For some people, it makes their hands slide more. That was the one thing I hated about the new MIA when I picked it up. I'd rather get a used MIA a few years old for that reason.

You are correct sir. They both have satin finish on the back of the neck with a 9.5" radius. The JM as the Jumo frets where the MIA has medium jumbo

The Mayer wins hands down in my book. Never go wrong with vintage tone and styling.

_________________
Custom Shop '59 Strat with John Cruz Master Design Pickups
Vibro King
Fulltone Clyde>Deja-Vibe>TS-808>TS-9>Boss Tuner

I'd just go for the big bucks, I was in the same position with a American Deluxe and a 1962 Stratocaster. I'd never played a 1962, so I too was going off reputation. I just got my 1962 2 days ago, and I'm very impressed. So just go for the JM.

_________________
Registered Street Pharmacist.