Strat trem bridge question

[guitar1580]

I see that the new Mex. standard Strats are advertised as having a vintage style higher mass bridge / tailpiece. Does anyone know if this is an improvement? and does anyone know what year this started? as well as any other changes or upgrades. I'm looking at some used MIM models, and I'm trying to determine what has what, and which years may be more desirable. Any info. appreciated.

JP

[asc67]

Hi, and welcome !!!!

I'm sure one of the experts will chime in shortly.

[thaus]

I'm no expert but I did bring a small magnet with me on a recent trip to the local guitar place and the new MIM strat they had does seem to have a bigger block but it wasn't steel since the magnet would not stick. But that can be easily modified and changed; it's the necks that are so good on the MIM stock. I have a few and the necks are very very good on all my MIM Fenders.

[thaus]

Oh yeah, welcome to the forums!

[guitar1580]

Hey Thanks.....Seems that they started with that style in Jan 2006.
I have a super sweet 1979 Fender Lead II neck with rosewood board, which I'd like to combine with a newer Mex strat body & electonics (yet to be obtained), then I may customize it from there with different pickups, etc. The neck is nice and yellowed, with great frets and a sweet rosewood fingerboard. Would look nice on a sunburst body. The Mex & Japanese lighter weight bodies sound better than some of the heavier 70's and 80's strats. I think i can make a cool axe out of that old neck, and probably fetch a decent $ out of the leftover Mex neck. thx, JP