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Starshine · May 2nd, 2011, 06:15 PM

I saw a Strat online, a Mexican 50s reissue from '96. Seems pretty early to me. I don't think I've ever seen a Mexican reissue that old. Does anybody have thoughts on the quality of these early guitars?

Tomlin_Guitars · May 2nd, 2011, 06:24 PM

I have a 1999 and if my memory serves me well it is one of the earlier ones. My best guess would be around 1998??? It has been a nice solid guitar. Soft V shape neck. Around 8 lbs total. Not lightweight, but not heavy either. Thick poly coating has been practically bullet proof and has held up extremely well. Stock pickups left a little to be desired but after installing some Fralin Vintage Hots, this guitar has received more than its fair share of compliments.

rp1138 · May 2nd, 2011, 07:38 PM

'97 or '98, I think. It could be that it just has an older serial number decal. Fender has been known to keep using older decals in order to use them all up instead of tossing them, even with the s/n decals.

fraser · May 2nd, 2011, 07:46 PM

winter 97/98 i ordered a cij 60s strat from a local store- the salesman told me they would have the new mim version of the same thing in stock in a few weeks for the same price (599?)- and the cij would take two months to get- i held out for the cij, but i still remember that.

DOGMA Dunn · May 2nd, 2011, 11:43 PM

I understand they started the Classic Series 50s strats as well as the 60s and 70s some time in 1999. All were assembled in Mexico. Alot of the hardware back then was from the USA such as 3 bolt neck plate, tuners, some tremolo components, and some of the electronics and jacks. Parts may have changed more towards Mexico over the years.

Starshine · May 3rd, 2011, 10:49 AM

Thanks for the info guys. Unfortunately someone already snatched the guitar up. At $250 they got a steal. Would have liked to check it out myself, but oh well...

DOGMA Dunn · May 3rd, 2011, 11:43 AM

There is also a MIM powerhouse strat from the deluxe series that came out in 1998 and was produced up to 2008. It has the USA spec hardware and is similar to a 50s strat look, but with a modern c shaped neck, and a mid boost circuit like the clapton strat. They can be found used for a great value if you seek the MIM.

Happy Hunting.

richey88 · May 24th, 2011, 03:29 PM

Any excuse to post mine......

May 2nd, 2011, 06:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
Starshine Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 139	When did Fender start making 50s Strats in Mexico? I saw a Strat online, a Mexican 50s reissue from '96. Seems pretty early to me. I don't think I've ever seen a Mexican reissue that old. Does anybody have thoughts on the quality of these early guitars?

May 2nd, 2011, 07:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
rp1138 Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Sacramento, CA Age: 42 Posts: 257	'97 or '98, I think. It could be that it just has an older serial number decal. Fender has been known to keep using older decals in order to use them all up instead of tossing them, even with the s/n decals. __________________ 2011 Gretsch G5120 2009 Agile AL-2000 Bird TSB 2006 Fender Classic 50's Stratocaster (My #1) 1998 Epiphone EJ-200

May 2nd, 2011, 11:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
DOGMA Dunn Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Reno Posts: 4,274	I understand they started the Classic Series 50s strats as well as the 60s and 70s some time in 1999. All were assembled in Mexico. Alot of the hardware back then was from the USA such as 3 bolt neck plate, tuners, some tremolo components, and some of the electronics and jacks. Parts may have changed more towards Mexico over the years. __________________ Marriage is the leading cause of all divorce. Marriage also contributes to spouse abuse. .

May 3rd, 2011, 11:43 AM	#7 (permalink)
DOGMA Dunn Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Reno Posts: 4,274	There is also a MIM powerhouse strat from the deluxe series that came out in 1998 and was produced up to 2008. It has the USA spec hardware and is similar to a 50s strat look, but with a modern c shaped neck, and a mid boost circuit like the clapton strat. They can be found used for a great value if you seek the MIM. Happy Hunting. __________________ Marriage is the leading cause of all divorce. Marriage also contributes to spouse abuse. .

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May 2nd, 2011, 06:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tomlin_Guitars Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 151	I have a 1999 and if my memory serves me well it is one of the earlier ones. My best guess would be around 1998??? It has been a nice solid guitar. Soft V shape neck. Around 8 lbs total. Not lightweight, but not heavy either. Thick poly coating has been practically bullet proof and has held up extremely well. Stock pickups left a little to be desired but after installing some Fralin Vintage Hots, this guitar has received more than its fair share of compliments.

May 2nd, 2011, 07:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
fraser Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Age: 44 Posts: 556	winter 97/98 i ordered a cij 60s strat from a local store- the salesman told me they would have the new mim version of the same thing in stock in a few weeks for the same price (599?)- and the cij would take two months to get- i held out for the cij, but i still remember that.

May 3rd, 2011, 10:49 AM	#6 (permalink)
Starshine Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 139	Thanks for the info guys. Unfortunately someone already snatched the guitar up. At $250 they got a steal. Would have liked to check it out myself, but oh well...

May 24th, 2011, 03:29 PM	#8 (permalink)
richey88 Tele-Holic Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: philly suburbs Posts: 539	Any excuse to post mine......

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