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Post subject: What did I just buy...Fender Standard Stratocaster...MIA???
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 9:42 am
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I'm a little confused and excited at the same time...

I finally purchased my first electric guitar... a Used Fender Stratocaster. I was told by the sales person at Guitar Center that it was an early 90's Standard Stratocaster (MIA). This is where the confusion begins :shock:

My research on the internet lead me to the following:

The “odd” serial numbers on the chart below exist somewhat outside the more well-known Fender serial number schemes. If you have what you consider an odd serial number, it might appear here.

FN(XXXXXX) U.S.-made guitars and basses destined for export market. Some may have stayed in the U.S. or found their way back (made to Standard Stratocaster specs; dating unclear)

From http://www.fender.com/support/articles/u-s-instruments-product-dating/


The serial number for the guitar I purchased is FN207836. Used Price: $799.99

Can you please help to clarify what guitar this is and any details you may have on the original guitar shipped from Fender?

I just want to make sure I am getting my money's worth. Otherwise, I might return it and purchase a new Standard Stratocaster (MIM) at a more cost effective price point.

PS - This post http://en.allexperts.com/q/Electric-Guitars-3419/2009/3/Value-1995-Strat.htm makes this guitar sound like a gem :wink:


Last edited by ThinkADRIAN on Mon Jul 14, 2014 8:06 pm, edited 2 times in total.

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Post subject: Re: What did I just buy... Fender Stratocaster MIA??? FN(XXX
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 9:51 am
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I vote to see some pictures of this beast ... By the way, how does it play? Did you get a Fender HSC with it?

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Post subject: Re: What did I just buy... Fender Stratocaster MIA??? FN(XXX
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 10:07 am
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It plays amazing... At least with my modest skills. It did come with a Fender Red Label Molded Case.

Image

I will attach real images as soon as I get home :)


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Post subject: Re: What did I just buy... Fender Stratocaster MIA??? FN(XXX
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 10:24 am
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Just got off the phone with Fender Customer Service.

Here are the high-level details they emailed to me:

1993 or More Likely 1994 Standard Stratocaster (MIA)- MSRP: $500

US made guitar made to Mexico Standard Strat specifications and for the export market. Early versions of these models have a serial number that begins with N, later versions begin with FN. Some remained and were sold in the US.


I would still love to hear some insights from the community :idea:

Side Note: They only made this guitar for one year. So it is definitely a rare find... Although I'm not sure if that is a good or bad thing :?

Plus... I paid $299 over MSRP :shock:

What should I do???

Detailed Specifications from Fender Database:

Model Name: Standard Stratocaster®
Serial Number: FN207836
Manufactured: 05/1994
Model Name: Standard Stratocaster
Model Number: 014-0200-706
Series: Traditional Series
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple (Std. Truss Rod)
Fingerboard: Rosewood (p/n 014-0200) or Maple (p/n 014-0202), 9.5” Radius (241mm)
Frets: 21 Vintage
Scale Length: 25.5” (648 mm)
Width @ Nut: 1.650” (42 mm)

Hardware: Chrome
Machine Heads: Standard (Stamped Covered)
Bridge: Standard Strat Tremolo (Cast Saddles)
Pickguard: 3-Ply White
Pickups: 3 Single Coils (Ceramic Magnets)
Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade:
Position 1. Bridge Pickup
Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup
Position 3. Middle Pickup
Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup
Position 5. Neck Pickup

Controls: Master Volume, Tone (Neck), Tone (Mid)
Colors: (706) Black,
Strings: Fender Super 250L’s (.009 to .042) Nickel Plated Steel pn# 073-0250-003
Source: CORONA (U.S.)
Accessories: None
U.S. MSRP: around $500.00
INTRODUCED: 1993
DISCONTINUED: 7/1994

COMMENTS: US made guitar made to Mexico Standard Strat specifications and for the export market. Early versions of these models have a serial number that begins with N, later versions begin with FN. Some remained and were sold in the US.
NOTICE: Product Prices, Features, Specifications and Availability Are Subject To Change Without Notice


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Post subject: Re: What did I just buy... Fender Stratocaster MIA??? FN(XXX
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 11:15 am
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Because of the price I would take it back. You thought you were getting a US quality instrument, what you got is a lower grade instrument bolted together in the US for marketing purposes.

Take the info you've gotten from fender with you. Although they didn't lie when they said it was a US std strat, it's a long, long, long, long way away from what we now call an American std.


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Post subject: Re: What did I just buy... Fender Stratocaster MIA??? FN(XXX
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 11:43 am
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"ThinkADRIAN" write ;

" Plus... I paid $299 over MSRP " :shock:

What should I do???


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You pay $500 +$299 = $799 Toooooo expensive :(


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Post subject: Re: What did I just buy... Fender Stratocaster MIA??? FN(XXX
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 12:26 pm
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Here are the images of the guitar i purchased:

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image


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Post subject: Re: What did I just buy... Fender Stratocaster MIA??? FN(XXX
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 12:57 pm
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Hi Adrian

You wrote
Quote:
It plays amazing...


Well there's part of your answer, if you feel ripped off, take it back, get a refund, and hope you get a guitar you like just as much.

On the other hand if the price you paid isn't too much of a "burden" keep it, enjoy it and a few months down the line you wont even be bothered by the price. Its how you feel that's important.


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Post subject: Re: What did I just buy... Fender Stratocaster MIA??? FN(XXX
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 1:12 pm
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If you pay lots of money for it but it play amazing , that's maybe this guitar worth this money ?

If you enjoy the guitar , you 'll forget the cost .


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Post subject: Re: What did I just buy... Fender Stratocaster MIA??? FN(XXX
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 1:31 pm
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Take it back and try to renegotiate, the least....

It happens that they don't check used stuff and just sell it as what they think it is. They told

you that you're buying an Am Std and it's not, so go back clear it up with them and they

should lower the price.


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Post subject: Re: What did I just buy... Fender Stratocaster MIA??? FN(XXX
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 1:34 pm
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Sev Grey wrote:
Take it back and try to renegotiate, the least....

It happens that they don't check used stuff and just sell it as what they think it is. They told

you that you're buying an Am Std and it's not, so go back clear it up with them and they

should lower the price.


+1000


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Post subject: Re: What did I just buy... Fender Stratocaster MIA??? FN(XXX
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 2:42 pm
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The fine point is that GC told you it is an MIA Standard Strat, which you may have heard or understood to mean it is the same thing as an American Standard, but it is not. If you want to show some more detailed photos, especially of the pick guard removed and the details of the trem/bridge etc, lots of people on this board will point out to you how it differs from an Am Std.

I have a 1989 USA made Strat to similar (export) specs, although yours has nicer tuners. You can upgrade your guitar close to Am Std specs by adding aftermarket alnico pups like Rose Mariposas etc for not a lot more money, but you will have overpaid in the current market and still not have a real factory-spec American Standard, which you should easily be able to find for what you paid.

The neck and body of these guitars were made in the USA and apparently enough labor was done in USA to qualify for the Made in USA designation, so don't let that point get overlooked.

Since you are dealing with GC, who is good with returns, I suggest also that you return it. Even if you keep it, you will suffer if you ever go to sell it. Lots of prospective buyers will be unfamiliar with the specs of your guitar, and you will have to provide copies of the information from Fender to prove it is a genuine USA Fender. If you try to sell on eBay, some people will (for example) say the plain neck plate means it is really a Squier with Fender decal on the neck. Your spec sheet also says you have the cast saddles, that is another thing that will be pointed to as not "American Standard". To honestly advertise it, you will have to point out it is NOT an Am Std, and buyers will want to beat you down for that. You will have to overcome the widespread ignorance that Fender made Strats in this period that were USA built, and not Am Std spec, but are not counterfeit or bogus guitars.

Take advantage of GC's return policy and go back and get at least a credit, and then carefully shop their used guitar section for one offered at any of their stores nationwide that appeals to you. Maybe you can get your original store to pick up the shipping to your local store since they have made a serious error in your sale. I have found GC to be very helpful in trying to rectify mistakes, but maybe I am the only one.


Last edited by Michael7 on Mon Jul 14, 2014 4:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: What did I just buy... Fender Stratocaster MIA??? FN(XXX
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 3:42 pm
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I think it is kind of cool being you don't see many of those. I never saw one. But is is legit, just not quite an American Standard. If you really like the guitar maybe they will give you a partial refund for the misinformation and then you can keep it. I myself would not want to pay more then $500 with the case and that is if it is in excellent condition and plays like a dream.

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Post subject: Re: What did I just buy... Fender Stratocaster MIA??? FN(XXX
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 4:07 pm
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ThinkADRIAN wrote:

Plus... I paid $299 over MSRP :shock:



That MSRP was in 1993, 21 years ago. I took a quick look on ebay for 1993 strats and I don't think you got riped off.

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Post subject: Re: What did I just buy... Fender Stratocaster MIA??? FN(XXX
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 5:17 pm
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omar59 wrote:
ThinkADRIAN wrote:

Plus... I paid $299 over MSRP :shock:



That MSRP was in 1993, 21 years ago. I took a quick look on ebay for 1993 strats and I don't think you got riped off.


That may be true but this is not a real American Standard. It is a MIA/Mexican Strat. Considering an MIM from 20 years ago is worth 250-300 I can't see this guitar being worth $800. However I do think it is rare and unique enough to worth more then an MIM standard and should increase in value over time...but not in just 21 years. I also don't really think he got ripped off per say being a retailer is always going to jack up the prices, but "IF" it was sold under false pretenses as an American Standard then that should be taken into consideration. For example the pups, electronics, bridge, neck, body... none of it is USA.

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