Skywalk
Strat-Talk Member
Ok, all the answers convinced me, when it plays fine I buy this, then play a lot en learn to know the guitar. Then first thing is change the pups for ceramics. No experience, I hope this wil make a big change.
Check: Mim strat real?
- Thread starter Skywalk
- Start date
ButchA
Strat-Talker
Oops... That's right. 2003.
#1 mod: I would look into swapping the pickups for something a little better sounding.
I think it’s fake
Skywalk
Strat-Talk Member
I mean almico’s
Skywalk
Strat-Talk Member
Explain: you’re the first who says fake
Better sounding is subjective. I really like the MIM ceramic pickups. I have a MIM Strat with those pickups, and I have no plans to change them.
Nice looking guitar. Love rosewood on a burst
While the OP guitar looks legit I'll answer your question.
To what end?
IMHO, a MIM strat and the "real thing" would attract buyers with different levels of strat knowledge. Someone in the market for a MIM might be less likely to notice a fake. So a fake MIM would bring less profit but be easier to sell. That said, I agree, faking a MIM would be silly, but there are those instances where a MIM neck ends up on some other body. Never hurts to check.
It's Tug.
Don't feed the troll.
I would recommend a good set up and new strings, then spend some time playing.
That should be a solid guitar, as is.
It does come with ceramic pickups, which some consider "junk", but personally think are fine.
Welcome!
He has troll type tendencies
Just my 2c
Last edited:
DanielB
Strat-Talker
Hi glad everything worked out. It should be good to go. As to your other question, yes, there is a situation where some guitar manufacturers in China will take a real serial number from a Fender, Gibson, Ibanez or other high end manufacturer, build a copy cat guitar, but put on the head stock Gibson Les Paul, Ibanez JEM, Fender Stratocaster, etc. Then say "Made in the U.S.A.", then use the stolen serial number to make it seem real. These guitars are often referred to as Chibsons i.e. Chinese made Gibson, to reflect this fraud. I have also seen the term Chickenbacker, for a forged fake Rickenbacker. Have not seen the term Chender used, although there are some copy cat Strats. Basically though this is done to forge or copycat very high end guitars e.g. a Gibson Les Paul custom shop guitar, for example. If they were to do it with a Strat, it would be a Made in America Stratocaster, not an MIM Strat. I think you are good to go!
Skywalk
Strat-Talk Member
Update: I’ve bought the strat, in real life she’s a beauty! Thanx everyone for your help. What a warm welcome with my first thread, I like this place so I will stick around!
Haha... actually not.
This has been discussed for years.
Fender Ensenada and Corona use the same CNC machinery, yet the US models do not have the "crop circles"... not all of the Ensenada bodies have them, and there are differences in the layout and position of the smaller circles.
The only consistency seems to be the large one in the neck pocket and the large one under the pickguard.
Fender employees have said that the holes have nothing to do with the CNC process. They aren't hold-downs (they are on a vacuum table), and there is no need for them as references... otherwise they would be present on the US models.
Some have speculated that they are actually to identify the bodies as having been produced in Mexico. Stamps and serial numbers can easily be filled and concealed, but these holes, including the one in the bare wood in the neck pocket, would be impossible to fill and conceal in an attempt to pass the body off as being a US body.
Honestly, Fender employees have shared what they are not, but have not confirmed their actual purpose.
Anything more is speculation.
slowesthand
Senior Stratmaster
I agree with the others...
It is a solid, 100% legit MIM Strat from 2003. Made in Ensenada, Mexico with either a Poplar body or an Alder body, and basic alnico pickups.
Good guitar, but with an upgrade or two, it could be a serious kick a$$ guitar! Enjoy!
IIRC all MIM Standard Strats had ceramic pickups. From the picture shown in the original post those do appear to be MIM ceramic pickups, machined pole pieces with chamfers.
slowesthand
Senior Stratmaster
The early MIM Standards had a thin zinc trem block, in 2006 they changed to a full size zinc trem block.
As a first upgrade I would get a Callaham steel block. If you are on a really tight budget replace the early light block with a later, heavier zinc block.
dasherf17
Strat-Talker
If it's commissioned by Fender, it's a Fender...
