Members lank81 Posted February 11, 2011 Members Share Posted February 11, 2011 Hi Guys, I recently saw a really nice MIA 97 California Strat that I could pick up at a decent price but I am wondering if it's worth it? It feels good and plays nice but is it a step above my 07 MIM? I've upgraded the pickups, switch, jack, and pots. I mean, who doesn't want another guitar but is this really a better strat overall? I hear mixed reviews. Not so much about the quality of the guitar but the California Series guitar vs current MIM production. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DaleH Posted February 11, 2011 Members Share Posted February 11, 2011 Current MIMs 08 to present are pretty nice. For me through they still have the 1 5/8th nut that I just don't care for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members flummox Posted February 11, 2011 Members Share Posted February 11, 2011 The California Strats were great guitars. The pickups were Tex-Mex, IIRC the bodies and necks were MIA. The one I had had the tub rout typical of 90s US models. It had a vintage style bridge and did the "bell-like" thing very well. I stupidly traded it in for a Custom Shop strat that wasn't half as interesting or soulful. That said, I don't think they're worth the $600-$800 people want for them now. If you've got a good MIM Strat with a neck and pickups you like, you're 98% of the way to the California Series. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members kayd_mon Posted February 11, 2011 Members Share Posted February 11, 2011 I don't think you'd be trading up, really. But if you want to keep your MIM and buy another Strat (you can't have too many, you know), then go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members billybilly Posted February 11, 2011 Members Share Posted February 11, 2011 Two strats? I have 5 but if you really want another guitar and have limited funds, get something Les Paul like. Otherwise, I am all for two of the same, because they never are the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Hurtzher Posted February 11, 2011 Members Share Posted February 11, 2011 Of course this is just my opinion. But, I feel the California Series Strat is quite a bit better than today's MIM. Better bridge and better pickups. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Lonnie99 Posted February 11, 2011 Members Share Posted February 11, 2011 What are they asking? I got a mint one at Sam Ash last year for $500 and was very happy with it. Really nice neck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members The Downbeat Posted February 11, 2011 Members Share Posted February 11, 2011 I traded my Lite Ash for a California series strat...and it was a huge improvement for me. Something about the L.A. strat just didn't gel with me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Jarick Posted February 11, 2011 Members Share Posted February 11, 2011 Really dug my Cali Strat, aside from the pickups. I had to sell it to my mom for a loan (long story) but will buy it back soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members lank81 Posted February 12, 2011 Author Members Share Posted February 12, 2011 What are they asking? I got a mint one at Sam Ash last year for $500 and was very happy with it. Really nice neck. I'd be trading my Epi Casino straight up for it. I'm just wondering, do I need two strats? Right now I have an 07 w/ upgraded Pups/Electronics. Is it a big step forward? Again, I can use two strats I guess Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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