MIM Fender Strats.....from Poplar to Alder?

[Metaled1020]

If i`m correct,during the 90`s the MIM`s bodies were being made from Poplar. Does anyone know when they changed to Alder?

[Norton]

2003 afaik.

[Bengal]

I don't know for sure but I know an easy way to check if it's poplar on a sunburst model. Look in the back stomach cutaway, if it's black all the way through that cutaway like the one below, chances are it's poplar with an alder veneer...

http://www.morganmusic.com/webpics/electrics/MIM%20lefty%20collage.jpg

I know that's a Squier but MIM Fenders were the same way for a while. This actually started in the late '80's with MIA Strats. The changeover came for the MIA's in 1999 or 2000, whenever they modified the line with the rolled fingerboard edges and the staggered polepieces and whatnot. So I'd assume the switch for MIM Strats to be around the same time...

I personally avoid Strats with the cutaway like the one above. But my friend has one and loves it. To each his own...

[Metaled1020]

Yeah,i did find out the MIM`s switched from poplar to alder in 2000!!! And for anyone who might want to know.....the MIM guitars bodies and necks were made in Fender`s USA (Corona,Ca.) factory until at least 2001 if not beyond that!

[GWARGHOUL]

No they weren't.

Only the Highway One series were built like that.

[thebisch]

No they weren't.

Only the Highway One series were built like that.

No, Metaled is right. Maybe the date is wrong, I can't remember.

[Metaled1020]

No they weren't.

Only the Highway One series were built like that.

Here ya go!!!!!!!

http://www.guitarstop.com/tour/guitar.htm