Fender Classic 70s, Made in Mexico

[byljer]

Hi y'all

I just wonder if any of you people here has got some experience with aforementioned Strats? They look very cool, but how do they compare to the American edition, qualitywise? Are there any difference in pu's, or are they the same? Playability?

I used to have an American made Classic 70s, but had to let it go a long time ago. Now I'm thinking of buying an Mexican made, Vintage White with rosewood neck.

Any help are very welcome

[gravy]

Originally Posted by byljer

Hi y'all

I just wonder if any of you people here has got some experience with aforementioned Strats? They look very cool, but how do they compare to the American edition, qualitywise? Are there any difference in pu's, or are they the same? Playability?

I used to have an American made Classic 70s, but had to let it go a long time ago. Now I'm thinking of buying an Mexican made, Vintage White with rosewood neck.

Any help are very welcome

Personally ,I hate the Mexican stuff. But I know most people on here disagree. Once in a while I see one that looks interesting,but upon closer inspection,they have cheap hardware,bad pickups,and just feel cheap overall.And that plastic finish? yuk!
I had a "70's RI Strat natural ash"(slightly different)......P.O.S.
I don't know,maybe these newer ones are better,but I sure wouldn't buy one without playing it first.

[needlespauls]

I don't really care for the standard MIM Fenders, but most of the Classic Player series MIM Fenders seemed to be quite nice. Not to hijack but the Squier Vintage Modified series is just awesome. I prefer them to the standard MIM lines believe it or not lol. Dudes are going BONKERS over the new Classic Vibe series. I wanna try the Tele or the 60's or 50's Strats.

[lexluthier]

What's the difference? Made in Mexico by Mexicans or Made in USA by Mexicans?

[overdriver]

To the poster: In reguard to the MIM70s
Not much at all, the pick ups and trem block are about it. The MIM classic series guitars are great. Even the stock pups sound good , not as good as custom shop 69s ,or other hand wound pups , but good. The 3 bolt neck is not something I like , that being said the MIM are built with closer tolerances than a lot of the old fender ones , tight neck pockets on them. The MIM classic 70s are built better IMO than the originals Same finish mayerial as used on the Fender from that era, etc. . IMO if you like the 70s get one they are great.

Also if you want one I think you better hurry I do not see them listed on the Fender site any more. Places may be offing them cheap ?? disscontinued?! The tuners on the 70s are Schaller the pots are CTS the switch CLR I think, the exact same ones as used in the MIA RIs.

[rodneyk915]

I've got one and it plays pretty darn good. I've had it for 7-8 years and no problems. I just changed the cap to a Vitamin Q .022 with a volume bleed kit and it REALLY improved the tone. I will probably change PU's one of these days but I'm in no hurry. You'll be happy with one of these.

[River]

I have no experience, but the folks on the Tele forum of which I'm a member overwhelmingly seem to think they are a very good "get-what-you-pay-for" value, at least of late. They usually replace the pickups, but that's about all. The quality is not about the ethnicity of the assemblers, it's parts, supervision, and quality control.

[overdriver]

Originally Posted by River

I have no experience, but the folks on the Tele forum of which I'm a member overwhelmingly seem to think they are a very good "get-what-you-pay-for" value, at least of late. They usually replace the pickups, but that's about all. The quality is not about the ethnicity of the assemblers, it's parts, supervision, and quality control.

You use the same user name on the tele forum ? cause I am a member there also user name fenson

[River]

Originally Posted by overdriver

You use the same user name on the tele forum ? cause I am a member there also user name fenson

Yessir, I do. Haven't been there in quite some time, when the Tele budget went to hell and this forum became so damned entertaining ah, er, I mean interesting. It's where I got the idea for posting all of my links to Ron Kirn's missive on Tone. See you there.

[overdriver]

Originally Posted by River

Yessir, I do. Haven't been there in quite some time, when the Tele budget went to hell and this forum became so damned entertaining ah, er, I mean interesting. It's where I got the idea for posting all of my links to Ron Kirn's missive on Tone. See you there.

[5F6-A]

A friend of mine has one that I've helped setting up a few times... nice enough but maybe just that.

[Yogi]

I've played a few, don't care for the neck profile. I would definitely play one before I bought it

[overdriver]

Originally Posted by 5F6-A

A friend of mine has one that I've helped setting up a few times... nice enough but maybe just that.

Can be said of any strat from any decade of build, good , bad and nice enough but maybe just that, made throughout all the years of manufacture.

Neck profile U shape, some love it, some don't.

[5F6-A]

Originally Posted by overdriver

Can be said of any strat from any decade of build, good , bad and nice enough but maybe just that, made throughout all the years of manufacture.

Neck profile U shape, some love it, some don't.

you might have a point there...

[overdriver]

Originally Posted by 5F6-A

you might have a point there...

Yes and thats why I wear a hat!

[5F6-A]

Lol

[LongBeach]

Personally, I dont think the MIM are bad guitars. (if your on a budget$)
The electronics SUCK (IMO)
The typical body & build of the guitars seem to be OK. But I would for sure rip anything electrical out and replace with quality hardware.

[overdriver]

Originally Posted by LongBeach

Personally, I dont think the MIM are bad guitars. (if your on a budget$)
The electronics SUCK (IMO)
The typical body & build of the guitars seem to be OK. But I would for sure rip anything electrical out and replace with quality hardware.

The classic electronics SUCK!, in the classic models ? They SUCK about as much as the MIA RIs cause they are the same. The pups are a little different yeah.

hardware that could be changed on them is only the trem block, they come with full size a vintage spec. one, but it is zinc and not steel. Cheap enough upgrade, or exspensive one, if you go with Callaham or others, which alot of MIA RI owners do as well. IMO the only two items a person would want to change are the pups & block, which are things some people change out on their MIA as well.

[LongBeach]

Originally Posted by overdriver

The classic electronics SUCK!, in the classic models ? They SUCK about as much as the MIA RIs cause they are the same. The pups are a little different yeah.

hardware that could be changed on them is only the trem block, they come with full size a vintage spec. one, but it is zinc and not steel. Cheap enough upgrade, or exspensive one, if you go with Callaham or others, which alot of MIA RI owners do as well. IMO the only two items a person would want to change are the pups & block, which are things some people change out on their MIA as well.

My point was mainly the pups, that's the only problem I've had.
The guitars themselves I like.

[overdriver]

Originally Posted by LongBeach

My point was mainly the pups, that's the only problem I've had.
The guitars themselves I like.

Yes indeed not everyone likes them, (pups)not everyone like the MIA 57/62 either. In my case I have changed out the pups for IMO nicer hand wound ones. Still a good deal those MIM classics, compared to the MIA RIs with pup & block change figured in price. For those wanting the 70s even better deal, Schaller tuners on them .The stock pups in them are different than the 50s, 60s classic and IMO sound better, but.