Fat Strat: MIM, USA, HWY1

[VTgreen81]

What are the real differences that a novice player would notice?

Feel of the neck?

Weight of the body?

Sound/tonal quality?

Length of sustain?

Residual value?


I've pretty much decided I want a Fat Strat, but can't decide if I should get a new MIM or a used USA. I'd rather have a new instrument, but if the MIM is gonna leave me wanting in a year or so, I'd go with a used guitar of better quality.

 

[Clive Hugh]

Personally I'd go for the US made instrument, I have one and it is a quality instrument. The only MIM I have tried had narrow fretwire and I was told they all come like that which put me off, but it is a personal thing, the only real option is to try several and get the one that grabs you the most.

 

[post.aux.fader]

I'd go with the American one for ethical reasons. I'd take a Mexican Fender over a Asian guitar anyday, I hear Fender treats their Mexican workers fairly (Or so they say.)

Yeah, you can hate me, I'm a liberal

 

[ROblows]

I'd go with the American one for ethical reasons. I'd take a Mexican Fender over a Asian guitar anyday, I hear Fender treats their Mexican workers fairly (Or so they say.)

If they treat them fairly, why wouldn't you buy a Mexican one?

If they treat them unfairly, why would you buy an American one?

I have an older American Strat and a newer American Ash Tele, but I've played a number of Mexican models and think they're great guitars for the price. I chose American, but if I a Mexican was all I could afford, I'd be pretty happy with that too. Can't help you specifically with the fat strat.

 

[mixmkr]

What are the real differences that a novice player would notice?

None...

......and I own both Amer and MiM Strats. Both are excellent values. The Highway1 I don't have much experience with, with except playing them in the stores. And...I still don't think you will notice major differences after a year either. Infact, after playing guitar for 40 years, I think the MiM Strat is a killer guitar. The "skinny" frets....or referred to as "vintage" frets have advantages and disadvantages. Personally I believe, if you are a decent guitar player, items like that can become a personal preference, but shouldn't limit your playing on whatever you play.

I would buy the guitar that says; "TAKE ME HOME"... at whatever price it is and is within your budget.

 

[ROblows]

I would buy the guitar that says; "TAKE ME HOME"... at whatever price it is and is within your budget.

That's really the best way to buy guitars.

 

[Gorty]

I've pretty much decided I want a Fat Strat, but can't decide if I should get a new MIM or a used USA. I'd rather have a new instrument, but if the MIM is gonna leave me wanting in a year or so, I'd go with a used guitar of better quality.

Go with the used USA, like you said if the MIM is going to leave you wanting!
If you go the USA I doubt very much you will be left wishing you bought a MIM.

 

[VTgreen81]

None...

......and I own both Amer and MiM Strats. Both are excellent values. The Highway1 I don't have much experience with, with except playing them in the stores. And...I still don't think you will notice major differences after a year either. Infact, after playing guitar for 40 years, I think the MiM Strat is a killer guitar. The "skinny" frets....or referred to as "vintage" frets have advantages and disadvantages. Personally I believe, if you are a decent guitar player, items like that can become a personal preference, but shouldn't limit your playing on whatever you play.

I would buy the guitar that says; "TAKE ME HOME"... at whatever price it is and is within your budget.

That sounds like the best advice to me, seems so obvious now

So I'm off to the music store to embarass myself out loud as I chunk out all three of the chords I know on as many axes as they have in my price range and a few high end instruments to see how an expensive guitar compares.

Thanks to all
VT