I found a beautiful black w/ white pickguard MIM Strat, serial # MN8279290, I have found this to be a 1998-1999. What should I look for to make sure that it is not a Squire with a MIM neck? It has the Fender-engraved bridge but thats all I was able to see in the pics. I am hopefully looking at it soon, but this guy isn't the greatest at getting back to me quickly.

Here are a few pics he sent me.







-Mike

Have we really gotten to the stage where people will try to fake a MIM?

Does this really happen?

_________________

Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.

Well, I hope not. The reason I am skeptical is that the price is pretty great but if it turned out to be a Squire then I feel I would be overpaying. It's probably just me being paranoid but I would just feel better knowing what I have. Either way I want the guitar, I am just going offer less for it if the guitar turns out to be a Squire. For what the guy is asking I could purchase a brand spankin' new Squire from Guitar Center. I just want to get what I am paying for.

-Mike

The first thing to look for ... (always for me) ... is the truss-rod ring. An MIA will be made of walnut, a MIM will be made of cheap black plastic, and a Squier won't have one. Also the tuners should say "Fender" or have a Fender "F".

_________________
Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I have a desperate plan ...

it is a mim strat I own one and you can tell by how the switch looks and the pickups look like mine and if he swoped the neck he all so had to swop the bridge too but I don't think he did its lagit

Great! I hope this guy gets back to me soon! I am anxious to see it (AND PLAY IT)!

Thanks for all the help people!! I will dedicate my first guitar solo to you guys, LMAO!!!

-Mike

It looks like a legit MIM to me.

_________________
You dig?

You noticed there is a couple of screws missing in the pick guard near the bridge?

Ask him if he has owned it since brand new and ever taken the pick guard off.

If he says never. LIAR!

Well I guess the screws could have just fallen out

I could also add that the screws locations aren't the same on Squier and MIMs. I know I have both and you can't switch them unless you're drilling new holes.

The backplate is the same situation , on my MIM, the center screws are not aligned.
On the Squier, they are both at the same height.

The pickguard on my Squier is a cheap thick on ply (not 3 ply)
but the same thickness.

Tuners on Squier are really not the same (not ping).

I heard that the body contour aren't the same.
Can't really measure up this, from the look at both of them, they
are very alike.

I'm assuming all of this applies to almost all Squier, this is only my own observation from my guitar collection.

Hopes this help you out !

Ray.

_________________
1998 American Standard Strat MIA
2008 Fender Strat Road Worn 50's Sunburst
1993 Fender Standard Strat MIM (MY BABY)

Let us know how it works out..........

_________________
Your Fender HSS Standard Stratocaster in Electron Blue was made at the Fender Ensenada Plant in Mexico in the Year: 2008.
Final Assembly Date: July 30th, 2008
Model Number: 013 4700 587
Serial # MZ8031252

Oh man....it worked out GREAT! This guitar is amazing!! I have a Squire with Virtual Vintage pickups but for some reason, this MIM Strat blows it away!! It just feels SO good, sounds SO good, and looks SO good!!! I am in love all over again! I can't describe it more but coming from a Squire to this.....I get it. THANK YOU FENDER!!! All this greatness and I got a beautiful hardshell case, strap, and a stand...for $200! This is the greatest New Years Eve present to myself ever, LOL!! I still want to do a little housekeeping (i.e. replace the strings, clean it, and check the neck and pickup area) but for now I am just going to enjoy the honeymoon!

Here's a few pics. I gotta go, I wanna play!!!









-Mike

Hehe, always nice to see someone happy with his purchase as you !

200$ w/case - killer deal

Yes, she looks very nice, I got one exactly like yours except mine is
1993 ... this is the best MIM I played so far !

Have fun !

_________________
1998 American Standard Strat MIA
2008 Fender Strat Road Worn 50's Sunburst
1993 Fender Standard Strat MIM (MY BABY)

Glad it worked out your way Sonic. Enjoy your prize............. Mike

_________________
The blues ain't nothin but a good man feelin bad.

Yeah, sorry...I got so worked up with this being possible fraud that when it turned out to be legit it blew my mind! There is a night and day difference between the MIM and Squires. I can't even picture a MIA Strat being even better....does it really get better? Either way, I'm in love. Re-strung it, took it apart, checked the dates, born on October 23, 1998. Funny thing is that I am getting married on October 23, 2010...this guitar was a sign. It's never leaving my hands.

-Mike

Nice! Congrats on the coming wedding and Happy New Year....now play as much as you can 'cuz after the 23rd it's ALL OVER....

_________________
Your Fender HSS Standard Stratocaster in Electron Blue was made at the Fender Ensenada Plant in Mexico in the Year: 2008.
Final Assembly Date: July 30th, 2008
Model Number: 013 4700 587
Serial # MZ8031252