I have a 2008 mim strat. I read that during the ladder part of 2008 the mim's moved the serial number from the front to the back of the headstock but what other changes (upgrades) did they make to the guitars? Thanks for any input on this subject.

It depends on what month it was made. I have a '08 MIM as well and I was told it was completed July 30th and mine has the serial numbers on the front of the headstock I think the '09 models had the serial numbers on the back of the headstock. : Upgraded in 1/2006 with internal cavity shielding, a higher mass bridge block, switch from Vintage to Medium Jumbo frets and the inclusion of a Standard Gig Bag, The other updates I think you can find if you go to consumerrelations@fender.com and give them your serial number etc. They should point you in the right direction

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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

My bad. My serial starts with MZ8 so I assumed it was a 2008 model. It does have the new logo with the serial number on the back. I thought I read somewhere on the net that the swich happened in 2008 and if I find that article I'll post it as a follow up. I saw on the fender site these things you have listed above plus new features include a tinted neck, parchment pickguard and control knobs, and a ’70s-style logo a few minutes ago. Thanks for the help.

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America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.

I took your advice Trauma and this is what Fender sent me back. It looks like the switch with the serial number to the back occured 11/2008 so mine is a 2008 model just early in the new run of guitars.

Model Name: Standard Stratocaster
Date: 12/12/2008
INTRODUCED: 11/2008
Upgraded in 11/2008 with tinted neck, parchment plastic parts and pickguard and transition logo and switch to 014 part number prefix. Price raised $100.

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America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.

Told ya they could be helpful.....

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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