I'm in a dilemma...

Over the past few years I've acquired three MIM Strats that are all different:
1) HSS MIM Standard Sunburst w/ rosewood.
2) HSS MIM Standard Arctic White w/ maple.
3) HH MIM Blactop Candy Red w/ maple.

Here's the dilemma: Should I keep the three MIM Strats all of which have different vibes and tones, or should I unload the MIM Strats and purchase one nice American Standard or Deluxe? I love the variety I have in the MIMs, but I would also like the tone and playbility of an American. Note: I'm on a budget so I don't think I can add the American w/out selling the MIMs... What would you do?

Hi, I´am the kind of guy that keep, if a guitar came to me, I keep it, only if it´s a total crap, I trade it or sale it. obviously, i try to get only good guitars.
I bought my first fender back in 1992 and I still have it now, in mint conditions if you want to know, so... keep what you have, because you have variety and when you can afford the American go for it.

i have a 2009 mim hss strat. i absolutely love this guitar, and have no desire to trade it for another.

if you like the guitars, keep 'em

Only you can answer that question. Your 3 strats have no value to me, so my opinion doesn't count.

Well, I can only say what I personally would do: sell all 3 and that should give you enough bucks to get 2 used USA ones!

I'm not trying to be a snob, it's just that after approx. 30 MiMs I've played (including 1 I own) I've decided not to play MiMs any further.
Even though my own MiM (= #30 I've tested AND bought afterwards) is not only of good quality but has a stunning beautyful clean sound, as soon as you get the slightest crunch or rock sound tuned in, the PUs are on their knees.

I'll keep it, but it will be completely modded.

Now, considering the prices of Mexicans plus the ALWAYS necessary modding/improvement, I will always prefer a beat up original MiA over a brand new MiM.
(1 good out of ca. 30 guitars = no good ratio)

Probably that's just me. I've REALLY given the Mexicans a lot of chances .... IMHO they don't even get close to any of my MiAs.

That said, I personally would get rid of the Mexicans if I were you ...... but since I am NOT you .....

Please think over it thoroughly because I have sold several guitars in the past and I regretted it most of the time!
Unless a guitar is REALLY a POS, you might rather wanna keep it and wait a little longer to get a MiA. Pretty difficult decision sometimes but asking us won't help you a bit. After all, they're YOUR GUITARS. Our personal opionion about keeping or selling shouldn't count.

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Kindest regards from Germany, Dee
My recordings --> http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_mu ... dID=564337
STRATS ROCK!!! but Teles and Firebirds, too!

If it were I, Keep them and get yourself a nice Standard or if you want to spend a bit more a Deluxe. I dig the Standards but I have a killer Deluxe. They are both cool. You might be sorry if you off the MIM ones you got now! I wish I never got rid of my MIJ F35 back around 1980. Don't be sorry keep them and save for your new one!

You have hit upon the true dilemma of a lot of Strat owners. The real question is What is the Guitar for? Are you a gigging pro that plays out or are in a band? Are you a fun player that just plays or records for yourself and the guitar never leaves the house? Or, are you a part time plunker who's guitars are for stress relief and spend more time as a decoration than being played?
If its all about the pedigree and collecting and saying "I have a MIA Strat" than by all means, clear out the guitar stands and narrow down to 1 MIA Strat. If you gig, dear god keep what you have. The first time your bass player knocks a chip out of your expensive guitar you will be seeing red. Best to let the MIMs take the punishment.
Me personally, I am like you. I have a MIM Fat Strat, That is fun to play, An older Squire II that plays like silk, and an LTD with a Floyd for my Thrashing moods. I record at home and play out. I wouldn't trade them for the most expensive Strat Fender Makes. Don't get suckered by "new guitar fever" It's kinda like new car fever but can cause divorce.

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TOO MANY GUITARS, TOO LITTLE TIME!

Current Stable:
Fender Stratocaster MIM 07
Squire II Stratocaster MIK 89?
ESP LTD MH-100QM
Jackson KE3 Kelly MIJ

I say either hang onto the MIM's until you get a MIA that is an upgrade to the particular character of a particular MIM. Then sell the guitar the MIA replaces... or sell 2 MIM's to help pay the cost of the MIA, but if you're a working musician or in a band that gigs and records, the more tonal options you have at your disposal the better.

I regreted selling every guitar I've ever sold. Didnt matter if it was the sound, feel, or just sentimental value.

As of 2008, I've not sold a single instrument. currently I have 2 Gibsons (SG and Les Paul), a American Deluxe Strat and a Gretsch Electromatic G5120.

The Les Paul and my Strat are my most prized instruments and I'd never sell them without replacing them with another strat or Les Paul of equal quality.

The gretsch is a Korean model but I was very particular when I picked out that guitar and lucky enough to find one that I felt was as good as other guitars twice it's cost.

And the SG is a Special Faded model - I love the tone but it's horrible at staying in tune. I might try putting locking tuners on it, but if that doesn't help I may consider selling it to trade up to an SG Standard. After all, what good is a nice sounding guitar if all you have to do is look at it and it goes out of tune.

IMHO, 3 MIMs for 1 MIA doesn't make sense. Yes, I understand you're on a budget...but whether you gig or play at home for enjoyment, I'd at least keep my favorite MIM.

You can even do what Clapton or Gilmour did: take the best parts from each MIM and make one heck of a guitar.

I think it'd be a mistake to sell 3 to get one...even IF its a MIA.

Honestly, most but not all MIAs are better than most MIMs...but some MIMs sound and feel as good or better (stock and modified).

I understand your "Guitar Fever"...but in the long-run you'll understand that delayed gratification paid off.

You can use your favorite MIM to gig with/ take out of the house etc...and leave your MIA at home to enjoy and even record with.

But overall, the best thing to do is to sell your 2 least favorite MIMs (especially if you're not someone who is able to disassemble and re-assemble Strats).

Good luck!

I did the same thing. I ended up accumulating some MIMs and a MIK over the years. I bought a MIA and none of the other Fenders got touched, so I traded them when the time came to thin the herd. I t would have been no different than if I would have sold them first for the MIA. I would rather have one guitar that I love than 3 pretty good guitars that I like.

add one in the "Keep 'em" column.
Set your sites on an MIA as an independent purchase.

I always enjoy reading threads like this. And a lot of what is being shared makes sense too. Here is one idea. Since you have 3 MIM Strats, choice the two you like the best and are most diversified. Sell of the other one (if indeed you are on a budge and need the money) and then buy a nice clean used USA Strat. If you keep you eye out and be patient, watch Craigslist, local music stores or ePay, and get a good deal for a clean one. If you end up not liking it, then sell it off for what you paid for it or even more. Just an idea.

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Xhefri's Guitars
www.xhefriguitars.com

i think i would sell one of the HSS and get a used american

I think you should be able to get about $300 each for your MIMs and I've seen MIAs go for as low as $500 each. So for about $100 bucks more you should be able to pick up two decent MIA strats on Ebay or Craigslist.

3 MIMs vs 2 MIAs, I would definitely go for the MIAs.

I'd get rid of the MIMs and get at least one American made Guitar. My first Strats were MIMs and they were great for what they were but after getting my first American made Strat, I've never been able to go back. The MIAs that I have owned have been superior to the MIMs in every way, this is my personal opinion. I like the action on my Guitars set super low and I can do this with the micro-tilt adjustment. The necks are better, the stock pickups are better and the electronics are better. The whole bridge/trem system is vastly superior. You can't go wrong with an American Standard to start with, or even an American Special. American Deluxes can be hit or miss. I see on a lot of posts here that people don't particularly like the pickups you get on the America Deluxes.

The other big question is do you play all three Guitars or do you play one more than the others. I believe in only owning one model of Guitar at any one time. I once had three Strats, two sat and gathered dust while my favourite was played all the time. Now I have one Strat, One Tele, one accoustic and a Gibson ES-335 on the way. I believe a Guitar should be played, if it isn't it should be moved on for something that will be played.

Lastly, MIMs do not hold their value and I've seen most drop more than 50% of their value in the first 5 years.

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2012 Fender American Standard Stratocaster
2013 Fender Pure Vintage 65 Stratocaster
2003 Gibson ES-355
2015 Gibson Les Paul Traditional
2002 Gretsch Duo Jet
1980 Rickenbacker 360/12 Fireglo
2014 Martin 000X1AE
2014 Fender Blues Junior III