Fender Strat
# 1
Status! :D
But seriously, you should post this in the Gear Discussion forum. This one's for reviewing the pros & cons of gear you have purchased. (The mods'll get after ya!)
But seriously, you should post this in the Gear Discussion forum. This one's for reviewing the pros & cons of gear you have purchased. (The mods'll get after ya!)
...so ever since then, I always hang on to the buckle.
# 2
Yea, this thread will probably get moved, but here is my two cents on the difference. I do own both American and Mexi Strats.
Yea the American ones are a bit more expensive and the beginner my be better off leaning to the Mexican mades for that reason.
But, If you are a serious about playing and have the cash, the American made ones are better quality IMO.
The fret board for starters. The Mexican strat I have had to have the frets filed down and evened out. The edges of the frets were sharp and the heights were off. This caused my fingers to get chewed up by the frets and the strings would "fret out" or hit against/rattle against frets further up the neck, especially during bends. I had to pay a tech to fix that for me. The American Strat was smooth and propper. 2: The Pickups. Generally, the Mexican ones usually come with the cheaper pickups that to a tone snob like me really sounded kind of flat and cheap. I spent a few hundred bucks more and put in some nice custom ones. The American Strat came with some nice Texas Specials. The electronics in the Mexican strat were cheaper quality and more haistaly hooked up with no shielding. I spent a bit of time and money changing/ rewiring and shielding the guts of the Mexi. The American one was a bit better off. 3. Cosmetics: On close examination, you can tell the difference in quality and workmanship. The Mexican one had some glue residue on the fretboard/nut, some file marks (prior to the tech filing down the frets) on the fretboard and some other parts. The Mexi has some kind of Polly Laquer, where the American has the more expensive Nitro laquer. 4. The wood, sound, and feel: The American strat just felt better, more comfortable which leads to easier playing. Im not sure what wood the mexican strat is made of, but the kind of wood can effect your tone. I like the fuller sound of the American one better. Lastly the overall feel... that one is hard to describe. But its like when you play it, especially before you plug in, you can hear/feel the difference in resonance in the wood, which too, can effect your tone and sustain.
So really the Mexi strat cost me about 500 less than the American one did off the shelf. But, after the setup/fret work, new pickups and electronics, shielding and stuff I probably spent at least 500 more on the Mexi to get it to where I wanted it, probably more, and am left with less than perfect cosmetics. So for me the American Strat was a better deal over all, not to mention it comes with a HArdshell case the Mexi does not (another 150 bucks).
If you are a beginner on a budget, I am sure the Mexi would be just fine after a $50.00 set up. Then if you want down the road, you can start upgrading the parts as you see fit.
If you are a more experienced player, or have the cash, the American Strat is worth the extra money in my opinion. I would suggest going to the music store and try out a mexi and an American one and see if you can see, feel, hear a difference and if that difference is worth the extra dough to you.
Hope this helps!
Rock on |..|,
Yea the American ones are a bit more expensive and the beginner my be better off leaning to the Mexican mades for that reason.
But, If you are a serious about playing and have the cash, the American made ones are better quality IMO.
The fret board for starters. The Mexican strat I have had to have the frets filed down and evened out. The edges of the frets were sharp and the heights were off. This caused my fingers to get chewed up by the frets and the strings would "fret out" or hit against/rattle against frets further up the neck, especially during bends. I had to pay a tech to fix that for me. The American Strat was smooth and propper. 2: The Pickups. Generally, the Mexican ones usually come with the cheaper pickups that to a tone snob like me really sounded kind of flat and cheap. I spent a few hundred bucks more and put in some nice custom ones. The American Strat came with some nice Texas Specials. The electronics in the Mexican strat were cheaper quality and more haistaly hooked up with no shielding. I spent a bit of time and money changing/ rewiring and shielding the guts of the Mexi. The American one was a bit better off. 3. Cosmetics: On close examination, you can tell the difference in quality and workmanship. The Mexican one had some glue residue on the fretboard/nut, some file marks (prior to the tech filing down the frets) on the fretboard and some other parts. The Mexi has some kind of Polly Laquer, where the American has the more expensive Nitro laquer. 4. The wood, sound, and feel: The American strat just felt better, more comfortable which leads to easier playing. Im not sure what wood the mexican strat is made of, but the kind of wood can effect your tone. I like the fuller sound of the American one better. Lastly the overall feel... that one is hard to describe. But its like when you play it, especially before you plug in, you can hear/feel the difference in resonance in the wood, which too, can effect your tone and sustain.
So really the Mexi strat cost me about 500 less than the American one did off the shelf. But, after the setup/fret work, new pickups and electronics, shielding and stuff I probably spent at least 500 more on the Mexi to get it to where I wanted it, probably more, and am left with less than perfect cosmetics. So for me the American Strat was a better deal over all, not to mention it comes with a HArdshell case the Mexi does not (another 150 bucks).
If you are a beginner on a budget, I am sure the Mexi would be just fine after a $50.00 set up. Then if you want down the road, you can start upgrading the parts as you see fit.
If you are a more experienced player, or have the cash, the American Strat is worth the extra money in my opinion. I would suggest going to the music store and try out a mexi and an American one and see if you can see, feel, hear a difference and if that difference is worth the extra dough to you.
Hope this helps!
Rock on |..|,
# 3
Hey, Infinite-T, that was interesting to hear from someone who has both to compare them. (I have a Squire Strat, that's it.) I am frankly surprised you found the quality of the MIM's to be so lacking. I have heard different reasons (or opinions) regarding the two, so it's nice to have this viewpoint to add.
One thing I would ask is between your two Strats, is one or both Standard, or Deluxe? From what I've read, it would not be fair to compare a deluxe to a standard model. The deluxe seems to have all kinds of nice extras, like rolled fingerboard and such.
One thing I would ask is between your two Strats, is one or both Standard, or Deluxe? From what I've read, it would not be fair to compare a deluxe to a standard model. The deluxe seems to have all kinds of nice extras, like rolled fingerboard and such.
...so ever since then, I always hang on to the buckle.
# 4
Hey Raz, and everyone. It wasnt that the MiM (Mexican) strat was junk or anything I was just compairing the details between the two over the time I have been playing them.
The MiM strat was what they call the Fender 50's Strat. It is the two tone sunburst color. The only important issue I had with this was the sharp and uneven frets. The rest were just upgrades and tweeks I made just to suit myself.
The American strat I have is the American Deluxe V neck. I play it and love it as is. The only thing i did was put on a custom pickguard. ;)
You are probably right that it being the "deluxe" has something to do with the overall quality as well.
I just remembered a buddy of mine has a MiM Strat and asked him about it. He said it did require a set up and a little adjusting when he bought it but other than that he is happy with it. He said he has noticed some few minor cosmetic blemishes and he did his own sheilding. He also said he was going to put in some new Pups someday.
As I was saying, they are far from crap, but as you grow as a player you are more than likely going to want to upgrade some of the parts and pieces. :)
Laters
The MiM strat was what they call the Fender 50's Strat. It is the two tone sunburst color. The only important issue I had with this was the sharp and uneven frets. The rest were just upgrades and tweeks I made just to suit myself.
The American strat I have is the American Deluxe V neck. I play it and love it as is. The only thing i did was put on a custom pickguard. ;)
You are probably right that it being the "deluxe" has something to do with the overall quality as well.
I just remembered a buddy of mine has a MiM Strat and asked him about it. He said it did require a set up and a little adjusting when he bought it but other than that he is happy with it. He said he has noticed some few minor cosmetic blemishes and he did his own sheilding. He also said he was going to put in some new Pups someday.
As I was saying, they are far from crap, but as you grow as a player you are more than likely going to want to upgrade some of the parts and pieces. :)
Laters
# 5
Wow, Interesting post..
I have a MiM Tele.. The only problem I had is the selector switch knob was loose. I found that on both the demo guitar I was using at the store and the one I purchased. I am by no means a guitarist, just a guitar nut.. The only criteria was the color. The price was affordable because my wife paid half as a birthday present. It came with a jig bag and we upgrade to a hardshell case. Got a guitar stand and extended warranty (per wife). All for around $500 including tax. As of this date I have replaced one string. I have no tone problems as far as I know. I do get buzz when playing thru my line 6 pod.. Only in cetain selection. The finish is still like new. I don't know what type of finish it is, but what ever it is, it stands up..
Well, If I ever get around to getting a Strat, I know what to look for..
Thank for your 2 cents worth Infinite-T..
Compart1
I have a MiM Tele.. The only problem I had is the selector switch knob was loose. I found that on both the demo guitar I was using at the store and the one I purchased. I am by no means a guitarist, just a guitar nut.. The only criteria was the color. The price was affordable because my wife paid half as a birthday present. It came with a jig bag and we upgrade to a hardshell case. Got a guitar stand and extended warranty (per wife). All for around $500 including tax. As of this date I have replaced one string. I have no tone problems as far as I know. I do get buzz when playing thru my line 6 pod.. Only in cetain selection. The finish is still like new. I don't know what type of finish it is, but what ever it is, it stands up..
Well, If I ever get around to getting a Strat, I know what to look for..
Thank for your 2 cents worth Infinite-T..
Compart1
# 6
I have a MIM Strat and am very pleased with it. I'm green when it comes to playing and was looking at a Gibson Studio but thought that spending that much on my first Electric was probably not the best idea. I did some research and after deciding on the MIM Strat I went to my local Guitar Center and looked at just about everyone they had. I took an experienced player with me who actually suggested the guitar and he helped me pick one that was in very good shape. The store threw in a free set up as well. Cost me around $400.00. I am very happy with it but as Infinite-T pointed out I will probably want to upgrade when I get good enough to learn how a great guitar should sound.
I hope this helps
I hope this helps
# 7
Just wanted to add that nearly every guitar player wants to make adjustments to a guitar not matter the guitar or value. When I had my '68 Les Paul, a great playing instrument, I still fiddled with it all the time. Same when I got my Kramer American Baretta in '89...loved them both but always fiddling with them...Same with my current ES333 and Strat...New pick ups yadda, yadda.
So, the point, if it plays well, whether or not it's a MIM or American, then no big issue with the place of manufacture. A good guitar is a good guitar. Sure, the may be slight workmanship differences and perhaps a few materials that are of better quality with the American but not so much that it really affect the enjoyment of playing.
Factoring the fiddling factor that all guitar players eventually, a few minor adjustments comes with the territory anyway.
So, the point, if it plays well, whether or not it's a MIM or American, then no big issue with the place of manufacture. A good guitar is a good guitar. Sure, the may be slight workmanship differences and perhaps a few materials that are of better quality with the American but not so much that it really affect the enjoyment of playing.
Factoring the fiddling factor that all guitar players eventually, a few minor adjustments comes with the territory anyway.
# 8
Yea That is true also. Some of us, like myself, are always tweeking, changing and fiddling with everything in our endless quest to get it just right :)
Dont get me wrong, the MiMs arent crap, far from it. I was just trying to explain the differences of what I noticed having them side by side, playing them back to back and using them over the years. Maybe I could explain it like this. It might be like the difference between the standard V6 mustang and a Mustang GT Premium? Both are mustangs, both are great, but for the price the GT is going to be a little more souped up and with more appointments?
I also have a Gibson SG Diablo Custom, I couldnt even begin to compair it to the Strats in some areas. They all have their place in my arsinal and hopefully some day i'll be good enough to use them to their potential ;)
Dont get me wrong, the MiMs arent crap, far from it. I was just trying to explain the differences of what I noticed having them side by side, playing them back to back and using them over the years. Maybe I could explain it like this. It might be like the difference between the standard V6 mustang and a Mustang GT Premium? Both are mustangs, both are great, but for the price the GT is going to be a little more souped up and with more appointments?
I also have a Gibson SG Diablo Custom, I couldnt even begin to compair it to the Strats in some areas. They all have their place in my arsinal and hopefully some day i'll be good enough to use them to their potential ;)
# 9
This thread is not a review; its a discussion. My bad for leaving it so long in the wrong forum section.
Carry on.
# 10
On topic, the only Strat I ever met that I just had to take home with me was a 1986 MIJ '62 Re-issue.
I tore out the trem, milled a brass block that snugly fit into the hole through the body, and screwed the bridge down solidly. Turned a very nice guitar into a great one.
The more you play, the more you will develop your own set of opinions on what works for you and what doesn't. Realisiticly, a new guitar is only the closest thing you were able to find. There will always be something you want to adjust, remove, or replace. Sometimes the whole guitar gets swapped out, right? :)
I tore out the trem, milled a brass block that snugly fit into the hole through the body, and screwed the bridge down solidly. Turned a very nice guitar into a great one.
The more you play, the more you will develop your own set of opinions on what works for you and what doesn't. Realisiticly, a new guitar is only the closest thing you were able to find. There will always be something you want to adjust, remove, or replace. Sometimes the whole guitar gets swapped out, right? :)
# 11
Originally Posted by: Lordathestrings
I tore out the trem, milled a brass block that snugly fit into the hole through the body, and screwed the bridge down solidly. Turned a very nice guitar into a great one.
On a slightly divergent note, what is the deal with Fender and tremolos? I rarely see a picture of one that has the tremolo arm in use, and 99% of posts (here, there and everywhere) speak of incapacitating the trem to varying degrees (from snug fitting brass blocks, to adding 5 springs and throwing away the arm). My old buddy for the music store says hardtails wer ethe best Fender's ever made...
Why does Fender not make hardtails more available and/or why do retailers not order them? I never see ads for hardtails...
Love the moving van btw heheheh :D
...so ever since then, I always hang on to the buckle.
# 12
Originally Posted by: RazboOn a slightly divergent note, what is the deal with Fender and tremolos? ... My old buddy for the music store says hardtails wer ethe best Fender's ever made...Thanks to PRSPlaya for the design.
Why does Fender not make hardtails more available and/or why do retailers not order them? I never see ads for hardtails...[/QUOTE]There's a lot less work involved in making a hardtail, so I would expect them to be less expensive. Maybe young buyers are under the impression that a hardtail is 'missing something' and they want their Strats 'fully loaded'. I was amazed at how much detail had been missing before I pressed that big brass slug into the body. It was soooo much better!
[QUOTE=Razbo]Love the moving van btw heheheh :D
# 13
My brother has owned a mex strat for a number of years and its playability is OK but the tone is weak and is better for a beginner. As a beginner guitar you are going to get beginner tones and that's not gonna change by changing out the pickups. The tone comes from the wood type used, the wiring, pickups, bridge and its always important but often overlooked but good tone also comes from good tuning pegs. The guitar has to stay in tune for there to be good tone.
I have a 62 Hot Rod Stratocaster that is the best guitar I have ever played. I bought a brand new Gibson Les Paul Studio recently that is total junk. It sounds like crap when I plug it in and it only gets worse as I play it. Gibson quality is not what it used to be apparently. Fender has done a great job with keeping the costs down for the consumer. If you want a quality guitar from Gibson you have to pay around $3000.00 for it. My Fender Strat is half that and is simply the best guitar I have played for 20 years.
My advice is spend a little more money and get a good quality Strat, but play all the strats your local guitar store has until you find the right one. A friend of mine bought the exact guitar I bought and his guitar doesn't have the same tone as my Strat, IMO.
I have a 62 Hot Rod Stratocaster that is the best guitar I have ever played. I bought a brand new Gibson Les Paul Studio recently that is total junk. It sounds like crap when I plug it in and it only gets worse as I play it. Gibson quality is not what it used to be apparently. Fender has done a great job with keeping the costs down for the consumer. If you want a quality guitar from Gibson you have to pay around $3000.00 for it. My Fender Strat is half that and is simply the best guitar I have played for 20 years.
My advice is spend a little more money and get a good quality Strat, but play all the strats your local guitar store has until you find the right one. A friend of mine bought the exact guitar I bought and his guitar doesn't have the same tone as my Strat, IMO.
# 14
