Hi Guys ..

I'm thinking of purchasing a new or used MIM Strat and was wondering if anyone had any good advice to share on Mexican made Strats. I'd really like something that has single coils and a Rosewood fretboard. Is there a particular model and year I should look at? I also hear (from youtube) that they made particularly good machines in 1998 -1999, is that true? I'm not into messing with upgrades for 2 reasons, 1, I'm married and can't afford it and 2, it rather devalues the machine.

I don't want to start a huge debate on the pro's and con's of each year but I'm just looking for a general overall picture on what to look out for.

Music styles include the Eagles, Dire Straights, Clapton etc ..nothing too heavy ..

Thanks in advance guys and I enjoy reading the posts..

Shay

What is your budget? New MIM Standard Strats can be had for $500 and are of excellent quality and sound. Don't worry about devaluing them. There is nothing special about a MIM Strat compared to the higher end guitars. There are just too many of them and they are not that expensive to begin with. I have a 2009 MIM Standard Strat in Candy Apple Red that I have modded extensively and it sounds and plays great.

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Bill

I heard the peak quality for all MIM stuff was 2006-2008. Used stuff from those years could run you $250-$450 (from everything I've seen)

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

Whatever you do, you're not going to want to go to a store and try a bunch out... Actually that's exactly what you should do.

You're in luck though, the upgraded MIM standard (2007 on) is probably as good as the instrument has ever been. Maybe a nice Lake Placid Blue w/ rosewood number?

Also dont write off the Squier Classic Vibe series. These are insanely beautiful players and even more bang for the buck than the MIMs imo.

No matter which route you choose you can't go wrong.

Good luck!

Thanks guys I appreciate the input.

On the post 2007 machines, can you tell me what pickup's they use? Are they comparible to their American counterpart?

I'll keep a lookout for a 98-99 or 2006-2008 or an after 2007 machine. That should narrow the field quite a bit. As for the Lake Placid blue.. It just ain't my color

Thanks guys !!

Everybody has their own opinion of what is going to be best for you. They are all wrong. The only one that say what is best for you is YOU!!

Go out to as many Guitar Stores as you can and play as many Strats as you can. The RIGHT ONE will find you!!
Do not settle for something that you THINK will be OK with some mods.

Oh, and, DO NOT RUSH YOUR DECISION. Take your time, be relaxed, and informed.

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Chet Feathers

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

I think they use standard ceramics. Look for ones with upgraded pickups.

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2006-Fender-Sta ... _625wt_952

Something like this? Shipping isn't too bad either.

Also, this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Standard ... 726wt_1139 The neck is a bit worn on it.

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

As the other guys said; You're going have to do the leg work your-own-self, so make plans on playing a lot of guitars within the next few weeks.

Me? I have one of those 1998-1999 MIMs and I don't think that its any better or worse than any other year, except for the fact that the ceramic pickups sucked big-time. IMO, those ceramic pups are absolute garbage. The good thing is, MIMs are cheap, plentiful, easy to swap parts on and easy to adjust. You could pound a 1/2 dozen nails with that guitar without really hurting the playability.

Three years ago, I paid $300 for my MIM in absolutely Mint/Mint condition, plus a pro set-up and a cheap gig bag. In todays flooded market I would expect to pay less and in some markets, you can snag a nice MIM for as little as $100 in a private sale.

Since it sounds as if you don't know much about Strats, I'd suggest one of the Squire Classic Vibe Strats or Teles. Nice guitars, good pickups, a brand new one is cheaper than a new MIM and any one of em could last you for 20 years or more with a little care.

Oh... And buy a good amp. The amp is actually more important than the guitar and if you want your guitar to sound like a Fender, you cant beat a genuine Fender amp.

Ok, I have a '97 MiM 'Super Strat' the forunner of the current Deluxe Player, but loaded with excellent single coils rather than dull Vintage Noiseless PuPs, has push switch to add bridge PuP. One piece ash body, great neck, gold hardware (jury still out on that one) allegedly uses same hardware as the US vintages (don't quote me). IMHO far superior to the regular MiM and well worth hunting one down if you can.

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Standard Stratocaster w/mid-boost & Lace Sensors
Am. Standard Stratocaster FSR Daphne Blue
Tele-bration Mahogany Telecaster
Fender Pro Junior w/custom 2x10 tweed cab - nice!
Koch Twintone 2
The odd Parker and PRS

2006 or newer is the way to go.

+1

Those Super Strats were awesome -- I wish I'd grabbed one before they were discontinued. The "Fat Strat" single-coils definitely have plenty of beef. The only upgrade they really need is a steel trem block.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

Well.... this might not be the right place (and if it isn't I humbly apologise) but my Super Strat. isn't a keeper. If anyones interested........

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Standard Stratocaster w/mid-boost & Lace Sensors
Am. Standard Stratocaster FSR Daphne Blue
Tele-bration Mahogany Telecaster
Fender Pro Junior w/custom 2x10 tweed cab - nice!
Koch Twintone 2
The odd Parker and PRS

Since selling here isn't allowed, I'm assuming you're giving at away.

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

Of course thank you for reminding me, I had genuinly forgotten in the heat of an interesting discussion, please forget I even thought of mentioning it, if that is how it has been interpreted. No wish to cause any offence or break the forum rules.

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Standard Stratocaster w/mid-boost & Lace Sensors
Am. Standard Stratocaster FSR Daphne Blue
Tele-bration Mahogany Telecaster
Fender Pro Junior w/custom 2x10 tweed cab - nice!
Koch Twintone 2
The odd Parker and PRS