my son's guitar was stolen and i don't know a lot about them. what is mim, fmt, ect. I do know he wants a stratocaster . how do they rank squir,american stander,???? If anyone can help it would be greatly be appreciate! Thanks Pat

Welcome; from a fellow DAD! You've landed in the right spot as there is lots of help here.

Can you tell us what he was playing (the guitar that was stolen). MIM is a Made in Mexico Fender. Is that what he had?

Peace,
84

acello72,

First let me express me say I am sorry that your son's guitar was stolen. It is great that you are wanting to replace it for him.

The whole "better" thing is a personal choice and is limited by your budget.

Here is the run down on the on the cast-like system most people put on Fender guitars.

#1--Brands

The name on the Headstock from least to most desired:

Starcaster--Only one make so far
Squier--Many different models
Fender--Many different models

#2--Squier

The general concenous is (from least desired to most desired)

Bullet
Affinity
Standard
Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe are head to head on the best
Signature models

#3--Fender from least desired to most desired

Fender Standard (Made In Mexico) MIM
Fender Deluxe MIM
Fender Lone Star/Roadhouse
Fender Classic series
Fender Road Worn
Fender Highway 1 (starts Made in US) MIA
Fender American Sandard
Fender American Deluxe
Fender Signature models

Most people play what they can afford, what feels the best, and sounds the best for them. As your son had a Fender MIM Standard, I would go with that, unless you can afford more money. Then there is the whole Pickup configuration issue like:

Single Coil, Single Coil, Single Coil or SSS configuration
VS
Humbucker, Single coil, Single Coil or HSS.

A humbucker looks like two single coils side ny side usually near the bridge. The SSS models the pickup next to the bridge looks crooked compare to the other pickups (an ingenious design by Leo Fender).

You have to understand that these are the general opinions that I have noted since starting to play over 20 years ago. Some people's opinions are a little different.

I personally own a Highway 1 Stratocaster with a HSS configuration and a Squier Classic Vibe 60 with a SSS configuration.

Incidentally I chose the Squier Classic Vibe 60 over the MIM Fender Standard based on tone and playability. You may want to ask your son if he would consider playing a Squier vs Fender. Some people are what we call "Gear Snobs" and look down on Squier made guitars as inferior. This can play a major influence on the younger players.

These are just my opinions and this is a little longer read than I though it was going to be. There will be other people that will offer their opinions to this topic.

RK

Hello,

This info should give you a good starting grasp:

MIM simply stands for Made In Mexico.
MIA stands for Made In America, etc.

I'm not sure what FMT stands for. Hopefully someone else can elaborate on this.


Anyway, in general:
-Squire can be thought of as a lower branch Fender. Excellent for people just starting out, but you can definitely find some nice playing Squires.
-In terms of the quality of instrument, MIA Fenders rank a little higher than MIM's, and as such cost more.

You can think of an instrument rank like this:

Squire > MIM Fender > MIA Fender > Fender Custom Shop (MIA)

Each rank has a varying degree of quality within themselves. Some people argue that MIM Fenders are just as good as MIA's. I'm not going to go into detail with this. (Personally I'd say MIA's are 10% better, but you're looking at spending >2x the price of an MIM). MIM's have the best value for your dollar.

Another thing to consider is that guitars are like snowflakes. No two exact same guitars play exactly the same. One MIA Highway One strat might feel better than another Highway One strat. The important thing is to play a lot of guitars when shopping for one.

If your son has been playing a while I'd suggest having him try out a lot of MIM's, so that he can find the real "gem" of the group. But, ofcourse, this depends on how much you're looking to spend.

Hope this helps.

FMT stand for Flame Maple top. i think...

correct me if im wrong.

Arcello72: First of all, take into account your son's playing style and intentions of playing in the future. If you were involved in the initial purchase, you might have a reciept or something that can tip-off the classification of the original axe?

Second, with the above and knowing what you as a witness know of your son's progress as a musician, skill could be a factor in deciding what to get. Perhaps he started with a more budget conscious model, but he plays well and often enough that a step-up model would keep him in it? Conversely, there's not much use in buying a top of the line strat to sit in it's case. There are better investments than new guitars that don't get played!

Third and the best option IMO: Take your son with you to the music store after you've decided on a max price you are willing to pay. The best way for a musician to select a guitar he will love and cherish is for him to play as many of the model he is interested in and decide for himself on the best axe among the candidates he's considered. A guitar is not a thing you can pick off a hook and give to somebody; a lot of us find our instriments by them actually finding us; I have been immediately taken by certain models that I see at a glance! I always try to avoid them, but eventually I pull them down, try them out, make a comparison against similar models and if they still have that magnetism, they come home with me!

I hope the advice you've gotten in this thread is enough for you to go about the generous act of replacing your son's lost guitar. If done properly, the memory of that guitar will fade quickly as the enjoyment begins anew.

_________________
60th Anniversary AD Strat, Deluxe Nashville Tele, Player's P Bass. Mesa/Boogie Mk IV combo, Marshall JCM800, 1960A cab, Genz Benz El Diablo 60, Genz 2x12" cab, too many neat little practice amps and kit projects!

The best experience a young musician can have is when their parent takes an interest in their music. Take your son to a music store or three and let him pick the guitar he likes (within your budget of course). Not only will he treasure the guitar for many years, but he will treasure the time he spent with you!

_________________
Chet Feathers

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

THANK YOU !!!!! To everyone who responded. It really did help.

Or maybe like this:
Squire < MIM Fender < MIA Fender < Fender Custom Shop (MIA)

Peace,
84

It could happen.

My bad.

Captain Fantastic gave you a great rundown, bless him. Small detail as to country of origin..MIM's and MIA's speak for themselves. The Squiers are built overseas and you will generally find country of origin on the headstock. I've played some Squiers which were remarkably well finished and comfortable. You really have to audition those one by one. The Mexican Standard, for the money, is a great piece of work. Some prefer the MIM's to the US built Standard. When it comes to the Stratocaster, there are those of us here who remember when there was only one and, in the dollar of the day, cost a pretty penny.... $249 in 1958. Your son is fortunate that he has many options to still play a Fender.

Keep us posted on the outcome. Good holiday cheer to you and yours.

Doc.

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

Welcome to the Forum from another Fender Dad

MIA = Made in America
MIM = Made in Mexico
FMT = Flame Maple Top (looks nice and very fancy, usually cost more too)
FSR = Fender Special Run (limited numbers made)
Squier = Fenders Offshore Far East Operation

MIA's cost more and tend to be a bit nicer instrument in the fit, finish, and electronics.

MIM's are more affordable than the MIA's, they look great and play very well. They are sort of the "Fender for the masses" guitars.

Squiers usually cost less than the MIM's and are sort of Fender's "entry level" good guitars.

Stay away from the STARCASTER you don't want one for your son if he plays already.

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