Opinions on MIJ standard strats

[David S.]

I'm selling my Model 3 locally and recieved a trade offer for a clean looking 89 MIJ Strat, 3 single coils and a vintage trem. It looks like resale value wise they're in the same ballpark. I've been thinking about picking one up for some time but i've never played one. Can anybody out there share their personal opinions on the craftsmanship, the stock electronics, etc...?

Here's one of the pics.

[Blazer]

Go for it, those are first class instruments.

[triplehold]

Yeah- Go for it. Looks like a winner, don't sweat resale value. Strats always just seem to fit your hands and body just right but sometimes they need some minor upgrades or tweaking. You might miss those fat frets on your Model 3 but it is easy to adapt to vintage frets after a little playing time. Hey- an '89 MIJ Strat is a nice find.

[David S.]

You might miss those fat frets on your Model 3 but it is easy to adapt to vintage frets after a little playing time.

It'll be interesting, I still have my Model 4 and a 475

Looks like it's gonna happen, thanks for the push!

[DonP]

I guess strats just don't do it for me. I'd take the Model 3 over it. I have a beautiful 1996 MIM strat indigo blue with maple neck. Mint shape, it just sits in the closet. I can't stand vintage/low frets. And the neck isn't as thin as I like. I also have a HM Strat but that's not really a traditional strat.

But I guess if you have a Model 4 and a 475, you have the bases covered, so why not a little variety.

Can you post a picture of the Model 3?

[heartfielder]

I've never owned a Japanese "Strat" but I have friends who swear they're better than the American made ones. I have an HM Strat made in Japan that is fabulous and several HM Tele's. These are excellent guitars. I'd go for that trade in a minute !! Good luck !! Let us know what happens !!

[Rich#6]

I returned the one I had a few months ago due to no frets left, but the neck felt great. Best fender neck shape I had had my hands on.

[bibz]

Even jap squiers are great, definitely a sought after guitar

[David S.]

Can you post a picture of the Model 3?

Here's the family, the red m3 is the one i'm letting go of.

[DonP]

Tough call, so I'd say it's a fair trade.

Both red, rosewood fretboards. One has a locking trems, but some enjoy the V-Trem.

[David S.]

I just got the strat home, and after 10 minutes of playing I have absolutely zero regrets! There is a fingernail sized chip that exposes the wood on the back of the body and a flimsy 1 ply pickguard that i'll swap for a black 3 ply. other than that it's damn near mint. Not even any noticable fret wear.

I was originally thinking that if I hated the neck I could just sell it off on eBay and pick up a warmoth, but this thing is comfortable! A very easy player.

I'm also impressed with the tone assuming these are the original Jap pickups, but i'm sure i'll swap them out eventually.

A couple of tweaks and I think i've found me a keeper.

[DonP]

From what little I know, in 1989 Fender Japan was the only think heeping the company a float. My HM Strat is from 1989.

[jgcable]

Glad your happy, I do have to say that there is no comparison between the 2 guitars. The only real simularity between the 2 is that fact that they are electric guitars.
Singles vs hum
21 fret vs 22
locking vs v-trem

I will say that every guitar player should own a traditional 3 single stratocaster.
Congratz