• From: BELGIUM
  • Registered: 2007-01-27
  • Posts: 3,403

Topic: TOPIC 1 = FENDER STRATOCASTER + TELECASTER & CRITICASTERS

Lovely title because there are more CRITICASTERS here than stratocasters and telecasters.
There have been already a lot of discussions about what is the best guitar, but most topics, threads and answers are SUBJECTIVE. So being aware of all topics concerning which is the best guitar a Fender MIM or MIA: I loved a more technical thread.
THIS QUESTION IS MORE A TECHNICAL QUESTION.
THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT A GUITAR ARE: PLAYABILITY + TONE +SOUND + KRAFTMANSHIP & STAYING IN TUNE.
But what are TECHNICALLY THE REAL differences?
THE MEXICAN WORKERS earn less, but I read that some parts are assembled in the USA and shipped to Mexico.
PRICES: (I took the NOT TOO expensive models.
- Fender American Stratocaster Electric Guitar MIA = 899$
- Fender Standard Stratocaster Electric Guitar MIM = 400$
I heard that a FENDER MIM stratocaster has improved pick-ups since end 90ties. The bridge seems to be. WHAT ABOUT THE FENDER STRATOCASTER HIGHWAY ONE?
- Fender Highway One Stratocaster Electric Guitar US made = 749$
We have 3 different Fender Stratocasters here. But what is the TECHNICAL difference?
And if you have a MEXICAN fender is it worth to UPGRADE this MIM?

About the used pick-ups and you want to change them, what are the best choices?

[color=blue]- GITAARDOCPHIL SAIS: TO CONQUER DEAD, YOU HAVE TO DIE[/color]   AND [color=blue] we are born to die[/color]
- MY GUITAR PLAYS EVERY STYLE = BLUES, ROCK, METAL, so I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY IT.
[color=blue]Civilization began the first time an angry person cast a word instead of a rock.[/color]

gitaardocphil's Website

  • From: Nottingham, UK
  • Registered: 2006-08-08
  • Posts: 690

Re: TOPIC 1 = FENDER STRATOCASTER + TELECASTER & CRITICASTERS

First off pickups Phil, really here there is no one best. You get the pickup for the sound you want. So the same strat could be loaded with Bare Knuckles Apache for a thin 60s instrumental (Shadows/Ventures) sound or it could be loaded with Texas specials for a Stevie Ray Vaughn sound. Both are fine pickups, just different tools for different jobs.

Second your question concerns build quality. To a degree I'd say neither MIM or MIA Fenders are as good as some makers such as Blade. Tried on of Levinson's Blade Tetra 'standard' basses and it was streets ahead of Fenders twice the price. Where Fender finishes can be sticky the Blade was milky smooth. Where Fender boards can be rough  with buzzy frets Blade was slick and always positive.

Really the answer is to get out to the shops and try some. Maybe that 'sticky' paint job is just certain colours, maybe they've fixed it with the 2008 range, maybe it's only stock exported to the UK. Only your hands will know.

'The sound of the city seems to disappear'