Fender - import or domestic? - Page 2

KevWind · #16 03-15-2018, 08:10 AM

In very general sense even today in our Walmart world, you still get what you pay for.

That said there can be reasonably good values in all price ranges.

So the best tactic may be decide on a realistic comfortable budget range first, then shop

RustyAxe · #17 03-15-2018, 08:42 AM

There's the old saying "You can buy MIM Fenders built in Mexico by Mexicans, or can buy MIA Fenders built in California ... by Mexicans". My MIM Fender Jazz Bass is my main gigging axe, to the exclusion of other MIA basses I've owned in the past. I see no reason to pay hundred$ more for the American built models.

Orphan · #18 03-15-2018, 09:05 AM

I've owned 2 MIM Strats and 1 American Deluxe and I couldn't hear or feel any difference. I currently have a 2017 MIM Strat and I'm very satisfied with it.

MIGAS79 · #19 03-15-2018, 01:26 PM

Thank you all for your input.

While I find I am a big shorter scale guy, a Strat HSS is incredibly intriguing to me. I suppose testing the waters on a MIM at a good price has no real risk. I am a big fan of used at a good price for longer term demo-ing.

frenchie · #20 03-15-2018, 02:29 PM

The MIM "Baja"Tele's and Classic player Strats, are all you need, in my opinion.

MIGAS79 · #21 03-15-2018, 04:25 PM

The Baja Teles sure do produce a wide range of tone. There is a reasonably priced one currently for sale right by me...

clintj · #22 03-15-2018, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muscmp

i have no statistics but it seems that if you buy an american "standardish"(sorry, couldn't help myself), you leave it alone, whereas with the MIM and MIA, you change the pickups.

play music!

That's my experience. I have a MIM Standard Strat that had new pickups installed very soon after buying, now I love it. My MIA Standard Telecaster is still box stock except the strings.

Steel and wood · #23 03-15-2018, 05:24 PM

Either way, with Fender on the headstock, you are virtually guaranteed of getting a great guitar is my experience.

Up to you then to decide on a maple/rosewood fingerboard, comfortable neck profile and potentially the sound of the pickups).

LouieAtienza · #24 03-15-2018, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mich Novice

Thank you all for your input.

While I find I am a big shorter scale guy, a Strat HSS is incredibly intriguing to me. I suppose testing the waters on a MIM at a good price has no real risk. I am a big fan of used at a good price for longer term demo-ing.

Warmoth, among others, makes a replacement short-scale (Gibson) neck that fits directly onto Strat bodies...

jwguitar · #25 03-16-2018, 11:17 AM

I prefer the Japan made Fenders. They seem to be, in general, of a higher quality. That is if you can find one. Some of the pawnshop hollowbody guitars were really good and not too pricery.

RP · #26 03-16-2018, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steel and wood

The cost of making a Stratocaster/Telecaster in Mexico is cheaper than making one in the USA which Fender passes on to the buyer.

The build/quality difference between US and Mexican guitars is mostly overstated. (I've found even their stock pickups to be pretty good).

My opinion of course.

I’ve owned both and agree with your opinion. Get a good amp, and the guitar’s birthplace becomes much less apparent....

Dru Edwards · #27 03-16-2018, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muscmp

i have no statistics but it seems that if you buy an american "standardish"(sorry, couldn't help myself), you leave it alone, whereas with the MIM and MIA, you change the pickups.

play music!

+1. I installed a Vinham custom humbucker pickup in my MIM Strat (HSS) because the bridge pickup was too harsh. Much better now. Of course, I also installed Hot Rails in the neck/bridge of my American Standard Strat so go figure.

jwguitar · #28 03-17-2018, 06:43 AM

I like the Japanese Fenders personally if I were to choose. They seem to be better instruments than there American counterparts in many ways.

rwmct · #29 03-17-2018, 01:04 PM

I have a mid 90s MIM Tele. It does have the toploader bridge configuration, which most deem less desirable than through body. I like it quite a bit. Several times I have checked out U.S. made models thinking if they appeared to be a lot better I would get one. I have not seen one that, to me, felt much better. I am sure there are some with better pickups, but the stock ones on this seem OK by me.

ChrisN · #30 03-17-2018, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwmct

I have a mid 90s MIM Tele. It does have the toploader bridge configuration, which most deem less desirable than through body.

The '59 toploader configuration appeals to those who want easier/better string bends:

I note that Leo Fender developed his "saddlelock" bridge when he opened G&L because he considered it an improvement over the string-through bridge.