|
|
Post by TooManyWires on Jul 7, 2005 10:53:19 GMT -5
So when you buy a real strat, or a tele, you always hear where it was made. Mexico, Korea, Japan, whatever it is....American. My question is what's the big deal? Why would a Mexican strat be better (or worse) than a Korean strat? Quality of materials? Quality of labor? What is it? And which ones are considered the best? If you were going to buy a strat where would it be from?
|
|
|
|
Post by Trey on Jul 9, 2005 8:36:15 GMT -5
It has to do with materials used, quality control/build quality standards, how skilled the labor is etc. The general concensous is the American and Japanesse made axes are supieror to all others, but there are plenty of MIM Fenders that are just as good or superior to thier MIA and MIJ conterparts. The tricky part comes in when you factor in the price to quality ratio of the diffrent guitars. Sure a MIA Fender may be better than a MIM, but does it justify the enormous price increase of the MIA axe? That question can really only be answered by you, but the best way to find out is to play every Fender guitar you can get your grubby little hands on and compare them side by side.
I don't play strats and don't like strats, so I'm sure someone more knowledgeable than I will be able to answer your questions in more detail.
|
|
|
|
Post by mike on Jul 12, 2005 7:06:43 GMT -5
According to some research I did, all strat bodies are made from 4 to 7 pieces of wood, unless it's a special run. There are a variety of pick-ups, switches etc. to choose from. The finishs are many as well. Depending on what you know how to do you can turn any strat into a really decent guitar, even the Squier's (may favorite).
There is a lot of information out there on strats, start doing internet searches, and look for additional links on the pages you go to.
|
|
|
|
Post by RJB on Jul 13, 2005 7:36:25 GMT -5
Conventional wisdom is that the MIA and MIJ "F" products use the highest quality components, and have the best quality. The MIM products are second tier and the other asian products are below that.
However ther MIM bodies are fabricated in the same place as the MIA bodies, and it is believed that the best looking are selected for the MIAs.
In general the MIJ are a pretty good substitute for the really expensive MIAs, but many of the MIMs will rival these for quality and playability.
The other asians can also be very good, but they can also be very bad. CW is the pickups are lacking, the tuners slip, and nut and fret setup is marginal.
As with all thing guitar play it and see how it feels. My MIM Tele is factory stock and I have no plans for upgrades.
|
|
|
|
Post by bam on Jul 16, 2005 8:31:20 GMT -5
and in my experiences, the "try before buy" option is the best one to take, no matter wherever your guitar is made ..  |
|
|
|
Post by jdtogo on Jul 24, 2005 11:40:18 GMT -5
2nd that for sure .
|
|
|
|
Post by Ripper on Nov 7, 2005 22:45:51 GMT -5
I wanted a 70's Stratocaster. I like a thick U shaped neck, and I have always liked the large headstock. I was not willing to shell out the money Fender was asking for an American made Strat. I would have had to go to the custom shop and would be paying close to $3000 (CDN)
Sorry, that was NOT going to happen. I bought a new MIM white ala Hendrix Strat, took all of the guts out of it and replaced everything. Pups, pots, wiring, switches, the whole nine yards.
I now have a Stratocaster that makes my friends ( and enemies ) drool! It is simply the best sounding Strat I have ever played, and thats just not my humble opinion, the few that I have let play it say the same thing. I think the MIM Strats have one glitch...The electronics. Change them to your liking and you have an amazing guitar. The wood, the neck and construction are all great! I wish you could all come over to try her out!....ummm the guitar!
|
|
|
|
Post by bam on Nov 16, 2005 7:22:12 GMT -5
congrats then |
|
slimchance
Rookie Solder Flinger
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
|
Post by slimchance on Jan 2, 2006 18:33:44 GMT -5
I have really researched this issue, and I am convinced that the MIJ stuff is the best value available. The difference between MIJ and MIA in no way justifies the price difference. I'm just bummed that there are so few Fender MIJ products to choose from, without actually buying from Japan.
|
|
|
|
Post by bam on Jan 3, 2006 6:56:18 GMT -5
even those MIA/MIJ top-of-the-line sometimes has a factory defect .. and also, sometimes you can find a MIC (China) guitars that is neatly built. Really, "try before buy" IS the thing you shouldn't forget. That's why I never buy a guitar by internet/mail order.
|
|
|
|
Post by Runewalker on Jan 3, 2006 15:39:36 GMT -5
Seems like when I have A to Bed the MIA vs MIM strats the main feel differenece was larger frets in the MIA. Is that your experience?
The hardware is of course different.
RW
|
|
cband7
Rookie Solder Flinger
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
|
Post by cband7 on Jan 10, 2006 4:09:26 GMT -5
Ditto with DeepBlue: I LOVE cheap guitars because they have so much potential. At the risk of exposing my age (51) the cheap guitars available just about equal the near-top shelf stuff available 'back then'. People will always fall for 'designer' things just based on ego and 'keeping up with the Jone's'. It's far more fun to buy something, mod it into a freaking tone monster, double it's net worth and never break $300. If anything has someones name on it, I don't buy it (except Levi Strauss, of course......).
|
|
play all you can
