Are MIM FSR models held to a higher standard?

[Heisenberg]

By that I mean, are they made with better wood and more attention to detail being that they are "special run"? I've never heard any complaints about a Mexican FSR. I have the Black "Gilmour" FSR Strat and I can see two seams under the finish, indicating it's a 3 piece. It also had a body ground wire which is usually only on USA Strats. Otherwise that Strat is just a Standard with cosmetic changes.

So what do you think? Are FSR models "higher end" MIMs or still just luck of the draw?

 

[redcoats1976]

im thinking its luck of the draw.thats said,ive had 3 or 4 FSR fenders and there wasnt any fault to be found with any of them.

 

[Frankg11]

I am just uncertain. I think that the probability of getting a great one or a bad one is just as likely as getting a bad one or a good one.

 

[BEACHBUM]

Other than "Custom Shop" no Fender guitar no matter what the price range is held to a "higher standard". Not to say that Fenders standards in general aren't high, they are but, at the end of the day they are all production line guitars and Fender makes no claims to using select woods or applying higher QC specs to any of them. The term "Factory Special Run" is a marketing tool created stir up buyer interest and has absolutely nothing to do with how "special" the guitar itself is.

 

[Comanche]

It's just a different color or a couple changes are added for a particular store.
I have a FSR Telecaster, I liked it because the color is butterscotch.

 

[wwit]

I am just uncertain. I think that the probability of getting a great one or a bad one is just as likely as getting a bad one or a good one.

Other than "Custom Shop" no Fender guitar no matter what the price range is held to a "higher standard". Not to say that Fenders standards in general aren't high, they are but, at the end of the day they are all production line guitars and Fender makes no claims to using select woods or applying higher QC specs to any of them. The term "Factory Special Run" is a marketing tool created stir up buyer interest and has absolutely nothing to do with how "special" the guitar itself is.

It's just a different color or a couple changes are added for a particular store.
I have a FSR Telecaster, I liked it because the color is butterscotch.

Yep, what these guys said ^^^^^^^^^

FSR isn't held to any higher standard then any other production line guitar.

FSR are just a Special Run built to 1 stores particular spec. Sometimes its just a certain color. Or maybe a certain non traditional neck or pickup is used or a combination of parts spec'd. Special runs have a minimum vendor order they have to commit to. More they order at once the cheaper they get. Gives the retailer that sells them a 1 off special where they can set and hold the price without fear that every mom'n'pop or mega store will undercut the price.

 

[coldengray]

Same parts being used in factories that are 200 miles away. I personally think MIM Strats are fantastic value.

 

[Heisenberg]

Same parts being used in factories that are 200 miles away. I personally think MIM Strats are fantastic value.

It's true, MIM Fenders are the best value, bar none. I've got a USA Strat, USA Tele, and MIM Strat. I upgraded the MIM not because it was inferior (well, except for the pups and trem block) but because I was going for a somewhat authentic David Gilmour copy. After I swapped the pups and bridge it's equal to my USA Strat in terms of quality. The only perceivable differences are the rolled fretboard and Walnut truss rod plug (both USA). The MIM Strat even has a 3 piece Alder body.