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Post subject: Pros/cons of '94 MIM Strat versus new Standard?
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 3:41 pm
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Very new to Strats (and playing in general), so I'm looking for more informed opinions than my own on this. I have a chance to get a nice '94 MIM standard Strat in the low $200s (and in the color I want), but thought I'd check with the board members first to see whether a new one is a better guitar and worth the extra $300 or so.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Chris


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Post subject: Re: Pros/cons of '94 MIM Strat versus new Standard?
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:40 pm
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CChris wrote:
Very new to Strats (and playing in general), so I'm looking for more informed opinions than my own on this. I have a chance to get a nice '94 MIM standard Strat in the low $200s (and in the color I want), but thought I'd check with the board members first to see whether a new one is a better guitar and worth the extra $300 or so.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Chris


I don't know that a new MIM is necessarily a "better" guitar, but there are some differences such as:

* Fret wire: I believe a '94 would have smaller frets similar to a vintage Strat. You may or may not like medium jumbo frets on the new MIM's, but you'll have to make that determination for yourself. One isn't intrinsically better than the other.

* Tremolo block: in this regard, a new MIM likely has an advantage as the size of the bock is bigger vs. the older blocks. The guitar should have better sustain and sound a little better BUT.....you can easily replace the block or even the entire bridge on that '94 with a minimal investment of $$$.

Having said that; I'd check out that '94 Standard Strat for sure. They are good guitars and a price tag in the low $200's certainly is attractive.


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Post subject: Re: Pros/cons of '94 MIM Strat versus new Standard?
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 7:23 pm
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93greenstrat wrote:
CChris wrote:
Very new to Strats (and playing in general), so I'm looking for more informed opinions than my own on this. I have a chance to get a nice '94 MIM standard Strat in the low $200s (and in the color I want), but thought I'd check with the board members first to see whether a new one is a better guitar and worth the extra $300 or so.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Chris


I don't know that a new MIM is necessarily a "better" guitar, but there are some differences such as:

* Fret wire: I believe a '94 would have smaller frets similar to a vintage Strat. You may or may not like medium jumbo frets on the new MIM's, but you'll have to make that determination for yourself. One isn't intrinsically better than the other.

* Tremolo block: in this regard, a new MIM likely has an advantage as the size of the bock is bigger vs. the older blocks. The guitar should have better sustain and sound a little better BUT.....you can easily replace the block or even the entire bridge on that '94 with a minimal investment of $$$.

Having said that; I'd check out that '94 Standard Strat for sure. They are good guitars and a price tag in the low $200's certainly is attractive.


I'd have to agree with all of greenstrats post. Since you are new to strats, the $200 dollar range is attractive, particularly for a trial period. My advice would be to play it 1st before making the choice (if possible). I myself would not buy an instrument I hadn't tried out, especially a used one. Wouldn't wanna be buying someone elses mistakes.


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Post subject: Re: Pros/cons of '94 MIM Strat versus new Standard?
Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 10:46 am
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I agree with the advice you've been given, try the $200 mim if the frets and fretboards not worn out and you like it I'd get it and replace the block. But thats just my opinion.

JimJ


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Post subject: Re: Pros/cons of '94 MIM Strat versus new Standard?
Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:21 am
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The older MIM's had the smaller pots and alpha switch I believe. The 2006? maybe 2008 and newer are the same as the USA strat. In the $250 to $300 range you can get a newer (2008 forward) MIM standard. Remember go for feel and playability over color. I wanted a red strat but own a black and a sunburst.

All of that being said if you can get this one for $200 and the neck is good and frets are fine then it would be a great platform to make it your own.

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Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding. It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore, trust the physician and drink his remedy in silence and tranquility.-Khalil Gibran


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Post subject: Re: Pros/cons of '94 MIM Strat versus new Standard?
Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 9:24 pm
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$200 vs. $500 dollars....hmmm.

Depends on your budget. Aside from some minor changes over the years, they are pretty much the same. If I could find a $200 Stratocaster in good condition, I would jump on that quicker than you can blink. I hate to say this but all my guitars go through some sort of modification. My American Standard is virtually stock except for the locking tuners. The rest more than just tuners.

I played a 1994 used Stratocaster that the store was asking $350. I though it was a nice guitar, but not worth that price + upgrading.

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2007 Fender Highway 1
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1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
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Post subject: Re: Pros/cons of '94 MIM Strat versus new Standard?
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:05 pm
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Thanks for the comments everyone. I went to take a look at the "mint" used Strat as it was described on-line and it was actually pretty beat-up. On top of it, the seller who had it posted on craigslist like he was a private seller, turned out to be a resale shop. He new nothing about the guitar and the biggest turnoff was the huge crack across the back - supposedly only in the finish. Funny, that part wasn't in any of the photos or the description. I made a trip to the local GC while I was out that day, though, and played a bunch of stuff, including the current MIM standard as well as the new Blacktop. I like them both, but I prefer the satin finish on the back of the neck of the standard. I may bite the bullet and buy one of the new standards - time to do a little comparison shopping.

Later,
Chris


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