Opinions on the MIM classic player 60’s Fender Stratocaster

[pir8matt]

Before anyone tries to take me apart here, I used the search function and while I did find a few threads, I didn't get answers to my specific questions, so Im posting a new thread.

With that said, Im looking for opinions on the MIM classic players strat, the 60's one that is supposed to be designed by a CS builder and has the 69 pickups. It comes in sonic blue or sunburst, I think.



It has the vintage look I like, other than the two-pole trem (which I dont like, really), and seems to have a great price point. They're going used on eBay for about 6 bills.

I really like 60 and 62 reissues, love the vintage tuners and bridge, mint guards, and my fave colors are vwhite, fiesta red, and sonic or daphne blue. I was eyeballing MIJ 62 reissues when I started coming across these, which seem a little easier to get and are less expensive.

Obviously the price is right and people seem to like them, but I don't see a consensus on the neck. Some people say they're too thin, other people are saying they're boatneck thick. Obviously people have different sized hands, but it seems like some kind of definitive answer ought to be obtainable.

I've seen the specs on the various sites that sell them, but Im simply not one of those people that can see specs in inches or whatever and translate that to a decision on whether I'd like it or not. Basically I have average sized hands/fingers.

They (my hands) aren't crazy small, but they arent huge either, and I like slimmer necks, generally. In a les paul I play a 1960 reissue and that neck profile works great for me. Is this similar?

So - whats the consensus on the neck here, and any other feedback on these guitars you might have to offer? Thanks.

[gkoelling]

If I were in your shoes, I'd take a serious look at this.

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho...ighlight=strat

I have no affiliation with the seller.

[pir8matt]

I'd buy it in a second if it wasnt a burst - I prefer solid colors.

I know it shouldnt matter, but I like to look at them as much as I like to play 'em.

Originally Posted by gkoelling

If I were in your shoes, I'd take a serious look at this.

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho...ighlight=strat

I have no affiliation with the seller.

[gkoelling]

I understand. There are some colors I can do without too.

I'd still watch the Emporium. I've never been burned buying here and prices are usually very reasonable.


Good luck in your search.

EDIT: If the bridge on the MIM bothers you, look for something else. That's something that could bug you as long as you own it.

[Miles]

I think they are a great value and great gigging guitars. I have owned a couple MIM fenders and was very pleased. I had a classic 60s tele for a while.

The only disadvantage to 60's design fenders, for me, is the truss access at the base of the neck....really aggravating for setup, but not a deal breaker.

Apart from that, they are generally made very consistently, from the MIM 60's strats and teles I have seen, they sport some decent hardware and were really reliable.

The stock pickups on the strat are great IMO. I have a friend who put some fralins in his, and it didn't change the tone very much. Something doesn't have to be posh to be good.

I would play one first...always. I never buy guitars without at least seeing pics of the specific one in question. I've had awful experiences buying guitars on musiciansfriend. You just don't know what is going to be in the box.

Miles

[The P-Man]

Originally Posted by pir8matt

Before anyone tries to take me apart here, I used the search function and while I did find a few threads, I didn't get answers to my specific questions, so Im posting a new thread.

With that said, Im looking for opinions on the MIM classic players strat, the 60's one that is supposed to be designed by a CS builder and has the 69 pickups. It comes in sonic blue or sunburst, I think.



It has the vintage look I like, other than the two-pole trem (which I dont like, really), and seems to have a great price point. They're going used on eBay for about 6 bills.

I really like 60 and 62 reissues, love the vintage tuners and bridge, mint guards, and my fave colors are vwhite, fiesta red, and sonic or daphne blue. I was eyeballing MIJ 62 reissues when I started coming across these, which seem a little easier to get and are less expensive.

Obviously the price is right and people seem to like them, but I don't see a consensus on the neck. Some people say they're too thin, other people are saying they're boatneck thick. Obviously people have different sized hands, but it seems like some kind of definitive answer ought to be obtainable.

I've seen the specs on the various sites that sell them, but Im simply not one of those people that can see specs in inches or whatever and translate that to a decision on whether I'd like it or not. Basically I have average sized hands/fingers.

They (my hands) aren't crazy small, but they arent huge either, and I like slimmer necks, generally. In a les paul I play a 1960 reissue and that neck profile works great for me. Is this similar?

So - whats the consensus on the neck here, and any other feedback on these guitars you might have to offer? Thanks.

No experience wth the Classic Player Strats but if they're anything like the Baja Teles from the same line i'd recommend you try and play a few. Weight seems to vary considerably and I've played a few Bajas which range from amazing to average in terms of fit, finish, playability etc. I would imagine the same is true of the Strats.

[Thepilot]

I've got one of the classic 50's model.

It came with some setup issues, but was light and resonant. I like the pickups in it.

The workmanship was ok on it. Frets look good, the body still had manufacturing dust in the routes and one of the pickups wasn't soldered (at all). Fit and finish are good.

The 60s models that i played (just for curiosity's sake) all had HUGE necks on them- but that may be what you're after.

All in all they're a great platform at a good price.

[neastguy]

the neck is the favorite thing on mine, next the pickups.. I rewired mine so I can have a tone control on the bridge pickup.. I think its a good value form the money.. I got a blem so it was even more discounted.. I'm having some tuning issues.. but when I gigged with I didnt.. makes no sense...anyhow, I need to get some nut lube and I bet it clears up everything... heck who doesnt like nut lube... if you have any questions feel free to ask... I think I have a link in my sig of me playing it..

oops, no linky in sig.. but I can add it a bit later...

[pir8matt]

Just the opposite, actually. This is the disconnect I'm seeing. Some people describe the necks as thick, others say they're too small. Seems like there ought to be some consistency?

If the majority of them have big thick necks, then it ain't gonna be for me.

Originally Posted by Thepilot

The 60s models that i played (just for curiosity's sake) all had HUGE necks on them- but that may be what you're after.

[TattooedCarrot]

They have consistantly thick necks. I've played a bunch and owned a few. I just picked up a Classic Player 60's that is going to replace my Hot Rod 62. Of course the 62 is a better guitar, but I like the 69 pickups, then neck is fat, and it has a flatter 12" radius. Since I'm more of a Gibson guy the 60's is more appealing at the price than is my 62 Hot Rod. I also have a couple baja's and used to have a 50's and all have big necks from biggest to smallest = baja > 60's > 50's.

[neastguy]

my neck doesnt feel thick at all.. in fact it reminds me of an ebsilo neck I had..

[TattooedCarrot]

Originally Posted by neastguy

my neck doesnt feel thick at all.. in fact it reminds me of an ebsilo neck I had..

I bet its a perception thing. Measure it compared to a standard strat and I'm sure you'll find its quite a bit thicker.

[neastguy]

Originally Posted by TattooedCarrot

I bet its a perception thing. Measure it compared to a standard strat and I'm sure you'll find its quite a bit thicker.

you may be right.. I think the 15/8 nut throws things off... standard strat is wider

[Anthony M]

I have a sonic blue and I don't think the neck is all that fat either. That coming from a guy who does not like fat necks. It's really a good fit at 1 /58 and very comfy! The pickups are awesome, but on the noisy side. It's a great deal, especially if you can get one used.

[dougb415]

I have both the 50s & 60s CP Strats. Both units had setup issues, but that was taken care of by the retailer. The 60s was my fave Strat until my wife found the Strat Plus. I do not like the tuners tho - took me forever to swap strings.