Hi, this is my first time in here.

Seems like there are a lot of Strat experts so I'm giving it a shot.

Here it is, I just bought from Ebay a Mexican FSR (with that said, it seems that only a run of 831 were made).

My question is: Why is it a special run ? is there anything special about them ? Collector purpose ?
From the looks I got, it looks like my old 1993 Mex , maple neck and fretboard but 3 pickups instead of one Humbucker on the FSR.

Also the finish on the FSR is not gloss, it's flat.

I saw that there were many Special runs with different models (even Teles I think) , is there a place where I can get more infos on these special runs ?

Maybe this post is redudent, I've searched on the forum but saw little threads about them, sorry if i'm repeating the same question if it's the case.

Thanks !

Ray.

Hello!

These models were all Made in Mexico at the Encenada Plant.

These were distributed to smaller dealers, most were made in 06/07/08. Check the date code section for details.

Most were fitted with USA tuners, and a USA, Or Fender /PING tuners.

All are one piece maple necks, and they are very well done, and have a nicely rolled edge. Finished in Poly Satin as well.

The paint is satin black, or similar to the "Montego Black" Fender Stock paint. These are not Flat, they do have a semi-sheen to them. All finishes are a Poly Satin, None were done in Nitro....

Alder Bodies, usualy weigh in at around 4.5 lbs or less. Most were 3 Piece bodies, but some may have been 2 Piece. All were sanded, sealed, and nicely finished. Check for Blems before you buy. Satin has a good resistance to finger prints. With all the trim, they come in at about 7.5 Lbs total.

They all have the USA Atomic Spec Humbucker. They were probably used to close out that line of Pickups, as well as other USA parts.

I believe a 9 1/2 or 10' Radius? with a 42MM Nut. 25.5 Scale length. Plastic nut.

Medium Jumbo 21 Frets, although I wish it had 22. Nickel Silver Alloy. The industry standard.

Not sure of the POT used, but I'm thinking it's a 500k? I have not received mine yet as it is being setup, as I write this.

One Volume, No Tone, and a 3 Ply W/B/W Pickgaurd.

It appears that the bridges are stamped steel plates, "Same as the USA specd' Highway1 FAT, with the saddles also being done with stamped steel. Some say "Fender" while I've seen other with a non Fender stamp. Ask before buying to check. If they say Fender, they are USA Spec. The bridges use a standard block, which can be swaped for more sustain if needed. I'd leave the rest alone. More than likey, they are Magnesium Alloy, maybe brass covered, but I doubt it.

These, like most MIM strats have gone up in quality, and are great fit and finishes, but usually the necks and overall finishes are not as good as their american counterparts. If they were, we'd ALL be playing $2k guitar.

I believe these guitars are an Exceptional value, especially at or under $350 these days. I mean a really, really good deal!

For comparision, the MIM Jim Root model, is about $1200, and other than the pickup's, I see not too much difference.

Is it collectible? Probably not anytime soon.

Collectibility has to do with a guitar's history, and who played what when.

The fabled Jimi Hendrix "Creme" Strat was / is a simple off the shelf guitar, back in 68', why did it become such a huge item over time? Well he played it at Woodstock, and Monterey! And HE was prolific. That adds value. Or when it was created, IE...the very 1st guitar made by Fender. That is NOT the case with these one-off's, even if you own the very first one of the straight six's.

Just because, VAI, or Satch, Or EVH signed the guitar, does not mean that the guitar is instantly worth more, at least it means nothing to me. It's nice to look at, however, to become Iconic, it needs more than a signature on the guitar somwhere.

Or if LEO himself signed off on a guitar in the early days. hand made, wired, and dressed always cost more, as they should, and retain their value better over time. Rare, and has History at the same time.

And lastly, a guitar's true worth is simply as much a someone is willing to pay for it, like anything else.

I guess if anyone of a number of high profile players picked it up, and used it live, or on an album, it would increase over time, but that would be very rare indeed, as that player would have to be infamous. Not just a run of the mill Rock band these days.

Expect to pay no more than $300 used, in all cases. But time will tell if they go up.

Hope this helps....

A fun guitar to play great feel, My Son always picks mine up and says how much he likes the feel and says he would like to have one.
I bought mine from Elderly Instruments there where only a few dealers that commissioned them to be made for them to sell.

_________________
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

Thank you VERY MUCH !

That's a lot of infos !

So I made a great deal, I've paid 289$ CDN.
Same thing as the one on the picture.

Again, thanks and I'm glad to be part of this community.

Friendly,

Ray.

I just received it today !

Man I simply love it - It is close as my 1993 MIM I got (my beloved one).
The neck is very fast, satin feel, no frets hard edges.

I'll put 10's on it since I hate 9's, I'll get more beef from the HB.
I can't complain about it. The intonation is near perfect, the action will be fine when 10's will be on.

I've added 2 more springs (now total of 5) to keep it as a hardtail.
This gem is practically new, I got all the paperworks, tremolo bar, plastic film still on pickguard and back plate !

Serial # is MZ7325606 (2007). Is there a way to know what's the limited # of it with this serial ? I mean, there are a total of 831 guitars and I want to know is number production. maybe the 606th ?

For those of you who can put your hands on one, it is a very nice, well built MIM guitar that almost beat my '93 MIM. If u see one, go for it !

Here's a picture of my babies :


From left to right : '93 MIM - 2007 FSR - '98 MIA

Ray.

Hey Ray!

Nice Score, I'm sure she will give many happy years of Rockn'

So, what's the balance like, I have not received mine, and I'm curious as to the weight, and Neck Profile.

Do you like the Pickup? Warm Tone, or Screeching ? Or Both?

I'm thinking that with just a few small tweaks she will be every bit as good as the USA Standard. I plan on a New pickgaurd, colored Gold, or Pearl, with pearl tunning knobs, should be a smokin look! : )

Thanks for the Pics, and feedback!

Peace...

Hey TMO!

Yeah, well I guess i can help you out on this.

Neck balance is perfect, lightweight overall guitar.
Neck is a little thinner than my '93 MIM. Kinda shreddin' neck.
Definitly not a chunky neck but very comfortable.
I maybe wrong but it feels like a little narrower than the standard MIM neck. Maybe the nut is not the same.

I'm not that keen about humbucker (i'm a single coil guy) so maybe
a humbucker swap for a Dimarzio would be cool, dunno which one yet.

Yes, you read my mind ! I'm staring at it and I imagine another kinda pickguard (black would be killer since it's flat black with a black knob) to
give it "death" look.

The pickup sound is okay (with high gain), maybe a little screechy, I had to tweak the amp knob, definitly not the same thing as a 3 way single coil.
Remember, not tone knob and not switch, only one pickup!

On the clean channel, again it's a little too much harsh, i must lower the HIGHs on the amp.

Sooo! Maybe just a pickup swap for a better quality would solve this.
String tree for a MIA one (you know the ones with the round trees).
Add 2 more springs if u do a lot of bends like i do.

Hope this helps you out mate.

Ray.