I have a '95 MIM special 50th Anniversary. It has the vintage tuning machines, which I love. My question is do the MIM strats use all the same parts when assembled in Mexico as the MIA? Or are they of lower quality. If the later is the case, would changing the tuners make a difference in tone. I'm just a gear hear and love to work on stuff. My guitar is no where near a Mexican as I've done so many mod's to it. I was told the wood (body and neck) are made in America, sent to Mexico for assembly, but the electronics are lower quality.

Thanks!

You were told wrong!!!!

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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

and.....? is everything MIM, or MIA and assembled in Mexico?

We have seen pics and videos of the bodies and necks being made in Mexico. There also have been pictures of the blanks in Mexico waiting to be process most are 5 to 7pieces of wood glue together. Very few parts used on MIM's are used on any MIA guitars except the HWY One's. There has been much debate over the matter and what amount can be used and still called Made in America to meet Federal standards set by the Federal trade commission. Companies can be held responsible for making misleading Made In U.S.A. claims.

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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, that helps explain much better than just "You were told wrong!!!!"

I've got a standard Strat that I just installed some Sperzel locking tuners on.
The tone did change a little lower and the sustain is longer. I like it and changing the strings is way easier. I'm keeping my guitar I love it-it's going to be my go to guitar. Not sure if it would lower the value on your special 50th anniversary model though.[/img]

I'm sure I totally changed any value my 50th had. I've made many mod's already. Changed the bridge to a '62 RI, block to a Callaham, and switched out the Tex-Mex pups with a set of CS Texas Blues. I love this setup, sweet sound! I would recommend if there was only one upgrade anyone would do for their MIM, put a Callaham block in it. Huge tone upgrade!!

I thought it was 2002 when the Mexico plant started cutting its own necks?

I bont know about bodies but a 95neck would be carved in america. Given a final sanding, fretjob, nut, tuners and lacquer in Mexico.

The American bit doesnt really hold much weight when you think about it like that.

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No no and no