MIJ Strats - What are the Pros and Cons?

[cvansickle]

This past weekend, I happened upon a consignment piece in a local store. It was a blue MIJ Stratocaster, rosewood board. It was set up perfectly for my liking and played beautifully. The dealer said it had Fralins (all singles) but didn't know the model. I don't know the exact model or year of the guitar either.

So, what are the general opinions of MIJ Strats? Is this guitar worth the $750 (or there abouts) the seller is asking? Are there any known issues with certain years or specific things to avoid?

Thanks in advance.

[clothwiring]

Anything that was before the CIJ years is pretty good. The 80s ones are generally nice. Since it's not all original you should talk them down a bit on the price. Sure, nice pickups, but not original and devalues it a tad. If it plays, sounds and feels good pick it up. If it's an older 80s/early 90s model it should be a good guitar for you.

[440gtx6pak]

With a new American Standard now @ $999 and you can do 15% better if you deal, that sounds like a lot. IMHO

[weezy]

$750 sounds too high to me for a MIJ, even if it's all original. I think somewhere around $600 is more like it.

[Alpedra]

What model is it? It we´re talking about the lower end ones, with basswood bodies, I think it´s not worth it. But if that model is one of the high end MIJ (or CIJ) ones, with alder body (some of them are even nitro finished) and with the fralin pickups, it could be a very good buy.

[Alister]

I;m gonna have to beg to differ a little bit.

In my experience, the problem with MIJ/CIJ's is not with the wood or whether they're "all original"; it's with the electronics. Actually, the woods and finish work is usually fabulous. Even the basswoods sound fabulous to me, esp.in the Teles.

The electronics, on the other hand, and often incl. the pickups, are usually Shit. This has always confused me, b/c we're talking about a Japanese-made product. What's the advantage, whether it's "not for export" or otherwise, in scrimping on 75 cents worth of switch here, 50 cents worth of pot there?

Well, in any case, I would more inclined to think one would be more likely worth $750 if it had a new wiring harness and Fralins, than if it was original.

[Shugaboy]

agree with Alister, the electronics are their only weakness in my experience. I also bought my two MIJ strats for less than $400 each, around two years ago

[1973Marshall]

Originally Posted by Alister

I;m gonna have to beg to differ a little bit.

In my experience, the problem with MIJ/CIJ's is not with the wood or whether they're "all original"; it's with the electronics. Actually, the woods and finish work is usually fabulous. Even the basswoods sound fabulous to me, esp.in the Teles.

The electronics, on the other hand, and often incl. the pickups, are usually Shit. This has always confused me, b/c we're talking about a Japanese-made product. What's the advantage, whether it's "not for export" or otherwise, in scrimping on 75 cents worth of switch here, 50 cents worth of pot there?

Well, in any case, I would more inclined to think one would be more likely worth $750 if it had a new wiring harness and Fralins, than if it was original.

+1

Also, understand that as the years went on into the 2000's right before they stopped export, the CIJ's got very accurate.

I have owned 3 CIJ's and currently retain 2! They are gigging machines! One, my friend bought online, and I pestered him for years to sell it, until he finally did. I love it. It is so finely crafted, even my guitar techs (reputed ones in LA) were really impressed. Slapped some Duncans or Dimarzios in and I have taken them around the country!

Many people will agree you should also look into a bridge upgrade, but that's your choice. I like them as is.

BTW, I have never paid more than $550. With the dollar fluctuating and export discontinued it was strange to see prices went DOWN in LA on CL. People don't really understand them. I have seen CIJ Teles as low as $350 - $400 locally.

Since you can get the Fralins, value that into the deal, and bargain down!

[rogwerks]

dont like the basswood, soundz kinda weird...

i have had a ton of these MIJ's in the last year, sold em' all...

agree wit 73 Marshall, In LA/OC MIJ'z as low as $350.00...

i just don't dig Basswood...

[mischultz]

Without being totally untoward, I have one that you might be interested in, especially if the shop's not coming off that price. It's a 95/96 MIJ 57RI with the Anniversary medallion. Dimarzio True Velvets, Callaham block, nicely resonant. I'd be happy to hook up in town for you to check it out if you're inclined, and I'm looking for $600.

M

Originally Posted by cvansickle

This past weekend, I happened upon a consignment piece in a local store. It was a blue MIJ Stratocaster, rosewood board. It was set up perfectly for my liking and played beautifully. The dealer said it had Fralins (all singles) but didn't know the model. I don't know the exact model or year of the guitar either.

So, what are the general opinions of MIJ Strats? Is this guitar worth the $750 (or there abouts) the seller is asking? Are there any known issues with certain years or specific things to avoid?

Thanks in advance.

[rogwerks]

LA craigslist JUST posted... $500.00 Sweet Photo Flame!!

Absoltley NO afilliation!!

just trying 2 help a BrOtHeR out!!!

[Austinrocks]

Originally Posted by weezy

$750 sounds too high to me for a MIJ, even if it's all original. I think somewhere around $600 is more like it.

my 1991 MIJ was $600, most sold for $500, mine was a GC special and its a two tone sunburst with flames vintage looking strat.

electronics had to be replaced in a few months. of course getting the screws back in really did not happen, double sided tape is holding mine together and the screws get glued when they fall out.

the finish is photo on basswood the neck is photo finished as well, there is a alder cap, mine does hold the screws so its useless as a gig guitar, or a playing guitar, it does look very cool on a stand, and I notice several people do that since it does look very cool on a stand

Trying to relic one is a major no no the photo will tear.

personally I would take one if you gave it to me.

$750 I would get an american standard not some one elses mistake.

[GuitarTone]

There are no cons, only pros.

Keep in mind, all CIJ Fenders have vintage specs, 7.25" radius and vintage frets.

Since 1997 Tokai have been making the CIJ guitars...it's impossible to make guitars better than Tokai makes them.

[johan]

rogwers - That's a photo flame right?

cvansickle -
Swap the electronics and pickups and you usually have a great guitar!
Let us know the model, year etc.
Pics + serial number , please!

[Austinrocks]

Originally Posted by GuitarTone

There are no cons, only pros.

Keep in mind, all CIJ Fenders have vintage specs, 7.25" radius and vintage frets.

Since 1997 Tokai have been making the CIJ guitars...it's impossible to make guitars better than Tokai makes them.

you still living in south africa guitartone.