Fender Strat differences with regards to country origin

[Everdying]

MIA ones got quite a few diff models
but in general, all have 2-3 piece bodies.
for the MIA highway ones, the hardware and pickups are similar to the Classic series Strats that are MIM.
the electronics tho are still CTS pots.
quite a few MIA standard strat models from '90-97 had poplar bodies.
the old MIA traditional series are also poplar bodies.

MIM have anywhere from 5-7 piece bodies.
since 99/00 all MIM have stopped using poplar.
since then also the electronics have improved alot, with CTS pots etc.
pre '99 models also have swimming pool routs, later on they have the proper H-S-H rout.
so bottom line is, try to avoid any MIM made before '99

MIJ tho, the ones available for the jap market are more of a licensed fender product.
you may think of them as fenders, you may not.
all up to you

 

[Fruitwine]

the MIJ 1 is rather sharp n protruding (V-shape, i think), while the MIM 1 has sort of a C-shape profile, but not all MIJ strats have the V-shaped necks right?

yes, the mij strats (and teles) do have diffirent neck profiles, supposedly to emulate the era they are reissued for. I have a mij '62-'65 tele neck, its way fatter and somewhat rounder (fretboard radius wise) than a conventional C shaped strat neck nowadays (coincidentally, the mims are all made with C shaped necks arent they?) So, imo, mij might offer more in the way of choice.

 

[Guest]

My take is that it's mainly a difference in QC, aside from specs.

MIA: Fairly consistent quality
MIM: Huge variable between getting quality guitars and lemons. I've come across a few. Never buy sight unseen.
CIJ: Good balance between quality for the price and QC

But really the CIJ series are really in competition with the MIA reissue guitars given the CIJ vintage specs (tuners, bridge, vintage fretwire, v-neck) and as such are pretty good for people looking for vintage spec Fenders without breaking the bank.

If you're after more "modern" features like medium-jumbo frets and c-necks your choices are really limited to the MIA's and MIM's.

Don't think there should really be an issue with how "real" the strat tone is. I for one don't know what the definitive real strat tone is.

 

[noobastank]

actually how about MIK fender? got no idea about them, anyone who tried them or have them share with us?

 

[Everdying]

technically there were never any MIK fenders.
only squiers.
there were some MIK from early 90s with the big fender logo on the headstock, but even those had a small squier series logo near the rounded end of the headstock.
you'll see the same thing on some early 90s MIM strats.

 

[noobastank]

is it? i always tot lite ash telecaster/strat and the kao or something strat/tele is mik. maybe im wrong

 

[Everdying]

but those arent standard models right?
actually fall under special editions.
the koa is also a pretty dodgy model, basswood body with a koa laminate.

 

[noobastank]

icic i think i was mislead for a little, i thought that the threadstarter was comparing between mia, mij, mim strats. So thought that putting in the left over mik ones can help him for more option, beside the lite ash + bird eye fretboard does look appealing

 

[bin4christ]

i've seen MIK fenders, but they're all acoustics..

 

[XJAPAN]

Saw MIK fenders in SL, it is placed next to the drum stand at the entrance.

It didnt state "Squire" or any sort. Just Fender but MIK.

 

[Everdying]

the special editions ones i guess?
like previously mentioned, the lite ash and the dodgy koa models.

 

[eugen3]

eh you guys forgot the legendary CUSTOM SHOP series!

 

[penta-tonic]

so far tried MIA, MIJ and MIM strats. i guess if u want a good strat u have to look for it. ive tried some really good strats from each mentioned above. i dont really like the jap made ones as they come with vintage frets which are really small. dont think for a moment that just because a guitar says MIA its good. i tried a custom shop strat recently. couldnt even outdo a frens MIM strat. i guess as much as we can advise u best would be to go try some out and see which speaks to you. but if u asked me, id say MIM, but find a place with plenty of MIM and try the whole lot out to find a good piece.

 

[le_Doucereux]

I've got an MIJ Tele which I got from Japan (as opposed to buying it here) and there is a marked difference between the Jap Fenders you get here and the ones you get in Japan.. The Jap Tele I've got easily rivals my MIA Fenders in terms of build quality as well as feel and sound.. I may have gotten lucky with this one but the other guitars I tried in Japan were all very, very good..

Oh, I got the Tele for SG$700.. Ash body, rosewood fretboard, maple neck.. Sweeeet..

was it the one you got during your holiday? haha.. i saw your website.. quite cool.

Yep.. That's the one.. She's a real beauty..

 

[tany]

wah how i wish i can go japan and get one too! :lol:

 

[jeremyrozario]

wah how i wish i can go japan and get one too! :lol:

so upset, mi whole family going to tokyo for a holiday in 2 weeks, and i cant go coz its smack in the middle of mi term, i really wanted to get a mij strat frm there, its lyk dirt cheap lor...sumore come back confirm got a hardcase to sell lor....now juz pray dat mi dad feels a bit rich and juz buys 1 off the shelf for me for christmas......any1 will do, coz quality is impt to japs so they won't sell crap there

 

[tany]

haha anybody else going japan? lol

 

[musenut]

MIJ strats imo.

last time i went to japan i knew i HAD to get one. got one with a Fender hardcase for arnd 800SGD

had to look for the guitar shop in japan within an hour and managed to purchase it. oh gosh the language barrier.

though the pups are indeed lacking now.