Anyone tried anything from the Fender MIJ Hybrid II Series?

Alun

Basically, I've been contemplating upgrades to my MIM Player Strat for a little while now, but noticed that you can get a Fender Japan version of what I'm trying to build that seems to tick most of the boxes. So I'm wondering whether I should just sell the Mexican Strat and pick up the Japanese one or stick with what I've got and switch out some parts. Thought there would be demos aplenty on YouTube but so far only found a couple of the HSS configuration and just wondered if anyone here had owned or played one at any point and could speak to their quality vs the Player series?

Here's the one I've been eyeing up: https://www.fairdealmusic.co.uk/products/fender-limited-edition-made-in-japan-hybrid-ii-stratocaster-roasted-shell-pink

Philly_Q

I haven't tried any of them, but just looking at the picture it struck me that it's very similar to one of the Schecter Nick Johnston models, which is a couple of hundred quid cheaper.  Might be worth considering?

This one has a rosewood board, but there seems to be a maple option too, although maybe not in the pink colour.

Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS in Atomic Coral - Andertons Music Co.

Offset

I do think those MIJ Strats look good, but "...Roasted Maple necks not only have a distinctive look, but the dried wood also produces a clearer tone..." - really?  I challenge anyone to tell the difference in a(nother) blindfold test :-)

The Nick Johnston Schecters are extremely good VFM, the pink looks very cool indeed and I like the position of the jack socket plus the simplified controls.  If I was considering another Strat and didn't want to pay MIA £, this would be a strong contender. 

barnstorm

Haven't played a Hybrid II, but the first series was great.

However, a large part of the appeal of MIJ Fenders for me is just that they're generally assembled and set up with greater care. If your Player is well sorted, the difference in that respect might not be compelling at all.

If you're thinking at all about resale down the road, you'll be better off selling the Player in unmodified condition and then buying something else.

Would also suggest looking hard at the Schecter if you don't mind the flatter fretboard. If you decide Hybrid II is the way to go, keep an eye on the used stock at Whitstable Guitars.

Pete.R

In case it doesn't have to be Fender, there are some nice MiJ options out

https://www.andertons.co.uk/search?search=FGN Odyssey

Alun

Thanks for all the input folks - I did wonder about the Nick Johnston Schecter and had also been looking at Shijie. I’d like to stick to shell pink ideally, absolutely in love with the colour on my player Strat. Basically just thought I’d better think through the options before dropping cash on modding up my original Strat and plenty to think about here. 

Alun

barnstorm said:

Haven't played a Hybrid II, but the first series was great.

However, a large part of the appeal of MIJ Fenders for me is just that they're generally assembled and set up with greater care. If your Player is well sorted, the difference in that respect might not be compelling at all.

If you're thinking at all about resale down the road, you'll be better off selling the Player in unmodified condition and then buying something else.

Would also suggest looking hard at the Schecter if you don't mind the flatter fretboard. If you decide Hybrid II is the way to go, keep an eye on the used stock at Whitstable Guitars.

Thanks for the note about Whitstable Guitars - haven’t heard of them before but very cool to see a specialist in Japanese guitars, will be keeping an eye on them!

percypenn

I recently bought a Hybrid II Strat made in japan from one of those online sellers (zenmarket). I was a little hesitant for fear of getting scammed or the guitar getting damaged in shipping. Thankfully the guitar arrived without any issues and I was glad I made the purchase. It was the best sounding strat I ever used and the setup was just perfect - action, trussrod, intonation, no fret buzz even in bending strings...those japanese guys really know how to make a guitar. Now I'm selling my MIM strat so I will only have this new guitar for many years to come.
If you are in the market for a new fender guitar, I suggest trying these japanese-made guitars. IMO they are at par with US-made ones and will only cost you half as much.

Esoterick

I have the Jazz Bass from this line, to me they feel like slightly cheaper made American Pro 2s, but given they can be imported for just over half the retail price of an American Pro I would say that is pretty good.

I think the Nick Johnston Schecters are better value, but I also don't really like the pickups they come with so I would factor in replacing them.

Alun

Holy thread resurrection, Batman! Appreciate the extra insights. Tried out some AmPro 2's last year as a sort of tester and honestly, I was kind of gobsmacked at how much I didn't like them. Much closer in feel to my Player Strat than I was expecting. Still on the journey to find the right S-type but I'm pretty sure it won't have Fender on the headstock.