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MIM Strat ID help

Discussion in 'Stratocaster Discussion Forum' started by trey, Aug 24, 2020.

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  1. Aug 24, 2020 #1
    trey

    trey Tele-Meister Ad Free Member

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    I have a 2003 MIM Strat with what appear to be upgraded parts. The serial number lists it as MIM but as a Players Deluxe which I don't think it is.
    It has vintage style tuners, stamped saddles, full-size trem block. I'm hoping to pin down what it really is and what it might be worth.
    20200817_123157.jpg 20200817_123305.jpg 20200817_123350.jpg 20200817_123404.jpg 20200817_123436.jpg 20200817_123547.jpg 20200817_123615.jpg 20200817_123633.jpg 20200817_123645.jpg 20200817_170708.jpg

    Thanks for any help or advice.

    trey
     
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  2. Aug 24, 2020 #2
    Togman

    Togman Tele-Afflicted Silver Supporter

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    Sorry, I can't answer your question. But it sure looks a nice Guitar.
     
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  3. Aug 24, 2020 #3
    schmee

    schmee Doctor of Teleocity

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    That is in amazing shape.... yep the SN says 2003. Those are not original pickups I don't think ....IIRC they were still supplying ceramic bar magnets then. Wow like new! They are great guitars. My #1 is a 98 MIM. I play it far more than my US Strat.
     
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  4. Aug 24, 2020 #4
    trey

    trey Tele-Meister Ad Free Member

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    That's the year the serial number led to. I think I bought the guitar here about 10 years ago but, honestly can't remember. I was only using it while teaching.
     
  5. Aug 24, 2020 #5
    schmee

    schmee Doctor of Teleocity

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    Yeah I looked it up and changed my post. Very nice! I dont remember seeing that color much either.
     
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  6. Aug 24, 2020 #6
    sjtalon

    sjtalon Doctor of Teleocity Ad Free Member

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    Without a doubt, very nice.

    But a partscaster...................FWIW, and not that that's a bad thing really.

    I'm leaning toward the pups being Classic Series 50's-60's.

    Very nice 'ol school vintage tone. I call them the MIM 57/62's.
     
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  7. Aug 24, 2020 #7
    trey

    trey Tele-Meister Ad Free Member

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    I think that's what it boils down to. It had the 'upgrades' when I bought it.
    Thanks for your thoughts.
     
  8. Aug 24, 2020 #8
    jvin248

    jvin248 Doctor of Teleocity

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    .

    Those look like Fender Alnico MIM plastic bobbin pickups. I would have though at least one different wire color pair but they may not have.

    There was a 'hickup' year in the MIM Strat production where they used Alnico then went back to ceramic bars. Tele did too but that one lasted several years, I have one from 2000 with Alnico bobbins. So you might just be stock there. Worth digging a little more though. Solder blobs look original factory from the corner of the picture I can see.

    .
     
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  9. Aug 24, 2020 #9
    trey

    trey Tele-Meister Ad Free Member

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    The pickups are just a little hotter than old style.
    Thanks for your help.
    Btw, back in the early '70s I had a '60s Lake Placid Blue Strat just like this. Traded it for something. Worth a whole bunch nowadays but back then it was just a blue Fender and who knew...I try not to think about it.
     
  10. Aug 25, 2020 #10
    sjtalon

    sjtalon Doctor of Teleocity Ad Free Member

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    Never heard of that ??
     
  11. Aug 25, 2020 #11
    sjtalon

    sjtalon Doctor of Teleocity Ad Free Member

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    Could be Classic Series 70's then, can you post a resistance reading ?

    You are welcome.
     
  12. Aug 25, 2020 #12
    440mhz

    440mhz Tele-Meister

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    Just curious, but isn't that neck plate from an american made Tele?
     
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  13. Aug 25, 2020 #13
    trey

    trey Tele-Meister Ad Free Member

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    I don't know. Maybe someone can confirm?
     
  14. Aug 25, 2020 #14
    Dana Rudd

    Dana Rudd Tele-Holic

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    Nice looking guitar, can't help with identity though.
     
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  15. Aug 25, 2020 #15
    sjtalon

    sjtalon Doctor of Teleocity Ad Free Member

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    Yes, Corona, California. MIM's don't have anything stamped on them, bare plate.
     
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  16. Aug 26, 2020 #16
    Blue Bill

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    I would expect to pay $350-400 for it. It sure is in nice shape. The plastic truss rod insert indicates a MIM, which, like it or not, makes it worth half of what an American partser would be. It looks like a sweet Strat.
     
    Last edited: Aug 26, 2020
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  17. Aug 26, 2020 #17
    trey

    trey Tele-Meister Ad Free Member

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    Thank you all. This has been a great help.
     
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