I have an Epiphone Les Paul Custom that I put on the internet for trade and the two offers i am considering are a Fender MIM Deluxe Series HSS which is about 7 months old , I also have been offered a MIJ 1992 Squier stratocaster "Waynes World" edition, apparently there were a little over 200 of these guitars made. Now normally I would choose a Fender over a Squier anyday but I have heard some great things about these Japanese Squiers, I was wondering what you guys thought would be a better overall guitar and why, as I am not an expert on stratocasters. Thanks for your help!

I'd go with the Deluxe Hss. Used to own one and it was a sweet playing guitar. On the other hand limited edition is pritty cool though.

Flip a coin

this is gonna be a really tough decision...anyone else have any input?

I would take the Deluxe, aside from the novelty factor it is the better of the 2 guitars.

Assuming both guitars conform to an equal standard of playability, the only sensible choice is the Mexican Fender. Squiers may well be great guitars, and indeed many of the Japanese made models are excellent, but they don't retain value except in rare cases. MIM Fenders are fairly consistent, and while not exceptionally valuable instruments, will always fetch a fair price. Furthermore, the Deluxe is a particularly good instrument.

To be fair though, you can probably do a lot better for an Epi LP Custom. I traded mine straight up for a brand new Gretsch G5120 which in turn I recently unloaded, again straight up, for a 2004 Fender Highway One Strat. Those Epis are surprisingly valuable. The new Customs are in the $1000 range.

Exactly. The MIM is the far better guitar. If you're going to play it, the decision is clear.

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

Squier weren't that good at all in 92. They were sadly lacking the quality of the JV guitars. That golden period ended in 84. It wasn't until Yammaha released the Pacifica that the budget lines everywhere had to shape up or ship out.

_________________
No no and no

Personally I'd keep the Custom.

_________________
Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!

[quote="Vulkan"]To be fair though, you can probably do a lot better for an Epi LP Custom.quote]

Well id really love to get my hands on a CIJ Jaguar or Mustang but they are incredibly hard to find, and I dont know if my guitar is worth nearly as much as one of those, I will take what you said into consideration for sure.

If your guitar is anything like mine was, it is a fine instrument. I know that Epiphones are ridiculed by some, but I remain convinced that many of their models -- and particularly the higher end ones -- are on par with American Fenders in terms of quality. The LP Custom I had was a beautiful, stunning instrument. I regret selling it to this day, even though I got a beautiful new Hwy 1 Strat as the end result.

The one problem with the Epis is that they have become ubiquitous. Their value has diminished somewhat because of their prominence as mid-level guitars. Many, many people have them, and consequently many, many people try and sell them. You could always hang on to it, play it occasionally, and have a great guitar.

I know very little about CIJs, so I can't help you there. Good luck finding something though!

If I traded, and that's a maybe, I'd go for the MIM Deluxe. I'm a little suspicious as to why he is getting rid of a 7 month old guitar. It would be nice if you could try them out and inspect. I know that's probably not possible but just ask some questions, can't hurt.
Good luck on whatever you do!!

I though it would be a good idea to post links to each of the two guitars.

MIJ Squier Waynes World Edition: http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell ... Z201220838

MIM Deluxe Series: http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell ... Z200275546

I did recieve more picture of the MIM through email and it does look to be in very good shape, however I was curious about the black pots and black pickups, any information on that would be much appreciated because as I said I am not an expert on stratocasters.

True, but most weren't being produced in Japan, they had moved production to Korea at this point, and they were still getting their act together as far as guitar production went. Personally I'd go with the WW Squier. The MIM is just the run of the mill MIM, and honestly a limited edition Japanese Squier will be worth more in the long run, and probably will play better from my experience with MIJ Squier and MIM Fender. But its up to you