Agreed. Have no problem playing out with the 2007 Standard...as is not even changing pickups.

There is such a thing as a "modern Strat" IMO. Still strat but less of the snap more "solid" sounding. Others might even say "more boxy sounding" but I'm not a vintage purist. The American Deluxe with the SCM's is like that IMO...

Yes and yes.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

I own several MIA's and my son owns an MIM. Yes they sound different (it's most noticeable when you play them clean through a good amp). Not to say the MIM sounds "bad", but the pickups aren't as sweet, it doesn't ring out as nicely, nor does it sutain as long.

The MIM's are good guitars for the price but they aren't in the same class as the MIA's. If they were, there would be no point in making and charging more for the MIA instruments.

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"Life is like eating jalapenos. What you do today may burn your arse tomorrow"

What gets neglected in setting up MIM's IMO is neck resonance which IS easier to find in the Classic Series and MIA's BUT and this is my preference with MIM's (the upgrades) you can get that wih less string tension and the trem not screwed down and the pu's not too close to the strings/ People after high gain and even distortion playing can take a different approach...

Every guitar and bass that comes into my home gets a professional setup to ensure that it's done correctly so that isn't the difference. As I said, the MIM's are fine instruments but there are tonal differences between them and the MIA's (due mainly I think to the electronic components used in them).

Most MIM owners that I personally know, buy them for the lower price point and then (as cash flow permits) modify them to improve the sound.

I'm not slamming the MIM's in any way. I'm just saying that they do sound different.

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"Life is like eating jalapenos. What you do today may burn your arse tomorrow"

I guess I'm qualified to respond. I own a 07 MIM Classic 50, 07 MIA 57 Am Vintage Hot Rod, 08 MIA 57 Am Vintage RI. These three strats are pretty much the same guitars (slightly different flavors). All three are two tone sunburst.

I've tried to set up the guitars the same. The MIM and MIA 57 AVRI both had WCR SR pickups installed.

I can pick up any of these guitars with my eyes closed and know exactly which guitar it is by feel.

Here's how I see the difference:

1) American Hardware is nicer: Bridge, Saddles, Tuners
2) American pups (50 Classic vs 57 AVRI) are much nicer
3) MIM necks are a smige smaller, w sharper angles (I happen to like the MIM neck a little better).
4) MIA bodies feel slightly lighter in weight and tone.
5) I've had less issues from the factory with the MIM guitars. Peronally I think the craftman ship (necks and body joints) are better in the MIA, but the assembly (solder, pickguard istallation, etc) is better on the MIM.

IMHO

2 years ago I was out to buy a white Fender Strat because my wife bought me an engraved gold plated pick guard (wedding gift) and I specifically wanted a white strat for it. Price was not really an issue so I tried both. The store had a used 2001 MIA and there was a HUGE difference in the neck. Personally, I hate narrow fret wire. so, MIA 1 MIM 0. I essentially did the "blind fold taste test" and the MIA was so much better in so many ways. That being said, I have played a MIM tele that I absolutely loved but that MIA strat was just a reminder that sometimes you need to shell out the cash to get a really good guitar. Ever time I play that guitar, I'm so glad I bought it. Don't settle. BUT, if you find a MIM that feels better than an MIA, buy it. You can play 2 of the same guitar and they will feel different.

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Live guitars: 2009 LTD Truckster, 1989 Strat Plus, 2001 Am Standard Strat, 1996 MIJ Jaguar, 2007 Gibson Explorer 76 reissue, 1999 Ibanez RG7621, LTD MH-301, LTD FM400, 1999 Jackson Kelly, Mystery Les Paul, Hamer Chaparel, Fender FM 62SCE A/E Mandolin

I've owned Both and this is BY FAR My Favorite Strat i've Ever had. A Strat that stay's in tune = priceless!

Why do we always see this kind of thread? Haven't these issues been beaten to death by now? Hey, I got a new question ... and it's original, too ... Rosewood or Maple?

1) It's never too late to turn someone to the true faith of MIA guitars!

2) Rosewood on my Strats

Maple on my Tele

Why? Because I just like the way it looks

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"Life is like eating jalapenos. What you do today may burn your arse tomorrow"

Hi Niki

Why do you gig with Mexican Fenders? Is it simply because it's less potentially financially catastrophic to expose those to possible damage/loss that could occur, rather than risk your more expensive guiitars?

If that's the case it's definately sound reasoning. It's much easier to tolerate the theft or destruction of a less expensive instrument.

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"Life is like eating jalapenos. What you do today may burn your arse tomorrow"

I recently bought a beated up 2002 mexican strat, for 200$.

I played both one after the other, and i can barely tell the difference in the sound. But i can clearly see a difference in the quality of the finish, a Amercain strat will age nicely.

So if you don't care about the finish and the details, a Mexican will do the job right, cause it sounds great! But i think the new Mexican are really improved in the quality. So both is a great buy.