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Post subject: MIM vs. MIA Strat Necks???
Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 4:32 pm
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I just played a highway 1 and an upgraded model (2007?) of a MIM Strat.

Neck-wise, I liked the MIM Strat better. I've played my own 2005 MIM Strat for years, but wanted to upgrade to the medium-jumbo frets that are on the current MIM's (mine has vintage). The pick-ups are getting switched out in either, so it doesn't really matter which guitar I buy.

On the Fender site, the specs for the MIM and Highway 1 both say that these guitars have a C-shape neck, with a 9.5 radius. My old MIM has a 7.25.

I was curious as to why the upgraded MIM neck feels smaller and less flat than the Highway 1...I mean they both have a 9.5 radius, right? The upgraded MIM neck actually felt almost identical to my current 7.25 neck. I know the MIM strats have a 2mm smaller width at the nut...would that be making the difference b/n the MIM and Highway 1?

I just want to figure it out b/f I go and order my next sweet Strat, b/c I didn't entirely fall in love with the feel of the Highway 1 neck and I don't want to end up with it on the MIM...Thanks for the help!


Last edited by scpa105 on Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:11 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: MIM vs. MIA Strat Necks???
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 6:34 am
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scpa105 wrote:
...I was curious as to why the upgraded MIM neck feels smaller and less flat than the Highway 1...The upgraded MIM neck actually felt almost identical to my current 7.25 neck. I know the MIM strats have a 2mm smaller width at the nut...would that be making the difference b/n the MIM and Highway 1.


Having played only 7.25 neck Strats for so many years, I agree with your observations. I found the new Mexican model necks instantly familiar whereas the the newer American model ones I play having the wider nut and 22nd fret, feel totally different. And even though the frets on both models are touted, "medium jumbo", the frets on the MIM necks are smaller and ultimately, just right (IMO) for these more traditional feeling necks. As to the newer US models, to me, although the quality and playability are surely there, upon many tries, I simply can't bond with them as being that of what I've always known to be, part of a Strat's identity.

As always, YMMV.


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Post subject: Re: MIM vs. MIA Strat Necks???
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:10 am
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Having played only 7.25 neck Strats for so many years, I agree with your observations. I found the new Mexican model necks instantly familiar whereas the the newer American model ones I play having the wider nut and 22nd fret, feel totally different...as to the newer US models, to me, although the quality and playability are surely there, upon many tries, I simply can't bond with them as being that of what I've always known to be, part of a Strat's identity.

As always, YMMV.[/quote]

Agreed! It's funny, b/c I honestly have the dough for basically any strat I want, but I and my average-sized hands keep going back to the MIM b/c of the necks. With the 7.25's, I feel like the guitar becomes part of me...with the 9.5's, I feel like I have to conform a little and end up becoming part of the guitar...that's probably the best way I can sum up the difference.

Also, though the neck is more narrow, I feel, for whatever reason, that there's a little more neck wood in the palm of my hand when I play with the 7.25. I know it doesn't make much sense - maybe it's just based on the curvature of the fretboard, how that relates to the neck, and how my hand relates to all that.

One thing I do know is that I can't stand really flat fretboards and big radius necks. They might be great for shredding, but they just don't click with me.

Regards![/quote]


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