thinking about getting a MIM start. whats your guys opinion on them?
ive heard a lot of bad things and some good things about these.
which models should i look at and which ones should i avoid?

I own a few -- all '50s and '60s classic re-issues (in various colors). I think they're very good "bang for the buck" instruments. I've modded mine with US hardware and CS pickups. You could do a lot worse than a MIM IMO.

Arjay

cs pickups??

im just looking for something that sounds good, sweet to play,
and i dont have to worry about it getting banged up a good bit. lol

= "Custom Shop"

Id rather buy a used American standard for just a bit more. My MIMs dont hold a candle to my American strat. Just my opinion

I like mine. I have an '09 HSS, and I had swapped in Noiseless PUPs to try them out. Sounded good, played fine, and I like the 'new' look of the tinted neck (mine has great grain stripping) and cooler-looking headstock (with MIM on the back). It is/was great for bringing to lessons, on vacation etc. I just bought an American Stndrd so I put the MIM back to stock. Still sounds good, and still plays fine. Now that I have something to compare it directly to, I realize the sound is pretty similiar to the Am Stndrd, it has OK tone. The neck and body were very nice. Even with the American I will most-likely keep mine.


I looked at factory tour pictures when I got mine and it was pleasantly surprising to see the amount of hands-on craftsman-type work goes into them. The main issue would be a few SLIGHTLY inferior components - multi-part bodies, 'cheaper' high-mass trem block, string tree, etc., plus ceramic PUPs. But I wouldn't worry about Mexican workmanship.

These days I would likely go for an Amercian Special, especially to get the Texas Special pups, if I wanted to go 'cheaper' then an Am Stndrd, but if you want to save even more the MIM is a damn good choice, especially if you can get a good price.

Reissues are great. There are a few signature models as well that are a little more customized. Also, there is the deluxe series. Personally, I have a Deluxe Roadhouse with a Deluxe Lonestar neck. Other then vintage tremolo and 1 less fret, there is very little differences between that series of guitars and the American verisons.

_________________
"Epitaph on a blues musician’s tombstone: “I didn’t wake up this morning”" Davy Knowles


facebook.com/313DBC

MIMs are good VFM. Though MIA are better they're quite costly too. MIMs are affordable and good.

_________________
Ŧเгєรuקгค007

appears that im getting several diffrerent opinions on this.
i do know they arent the quality of MIA strats, but if i wanted a MIA i would
be focusing on those.
just looking for something that i can take out of the house and not have to worry if it get banged up a bit. something i can customize as i go even.

Then the MIM is what you want.

IMHO, MIM Strats are more so player guitars than MIA models in this sense: With a MIM, you can beat it up a bit and modify every component down to the screws and not feel a bit of remorse.

I've bought, sold, and traded around quite a few guitars, always hunting for that right guitar. However, I have never parted ways with my MIM and I don't intend to, especially now I've started to build it up.

_________________
2006 Fender AVRI 70s Stratocaster: Natural Ash | Sovtek MIG 60 & A No Name Cabinet | Pedals & Junk

i wan to put locking machine heads and noiseless pups on it to start.
i dont use the trem on my 50th so i dont expect to on my next strat either.
just looking for something customizable, feels good and sounds great,
that wont break the bank.

I'd also install a LSR roller nut in addition to the locking machine heads. This will elminate the need for any string trees and double your tuning stability because of the reduced friction.

So get on out there and grab yourself a MIM Strat already.

_________________
2006 Fender AVRI 70s Stratocaster: Natural Ash | Sovtek MIG 60 & A No Name Cabinet | Pedals & Junk

If you're not a "trem guy" and never expect to be, I'd recommend the Robert Cray hardtail. That model also features a 9½" radius fretboard and medium jumbo frets. Tuning stability is improved and they sustain better than a wammy-equipped Strat.

Arjay

im seriously thinking about it.
i need to go look at a few i think.

I have a 2009 MIM Standard Strat. I am very impressed with the build quality and tone. I have ordered Fender/Schaller Locking Tuners, and Fender SCN Pups which should be here tomorrow. Guess what I'll be doing over the holiday weekend.

_________________
Bill