CP 60s Strat or Q series MIJ

Longtallronnie · September 2023

Still looking to pop my Strat cherry and two have popped up on my radar.

Having zero experience with strats I’d appreciate any input on these two models.

The CP is a 2007 sunburst with 12” radius.

The MIJ is a 93/4 refinished in daphne blue nitro with 7.25” radius.

The MIJ is a little more expensive but not much.
My head says the CP will be a better fit with the larger radius but the MIJ definitely looks cooler with the nitro finish.

Are MIJ guitars really that great? Are Mexican guitars really inferior?

I’ve no idea what years are seen as “good” or “bad” with Fender. For reference, I’ve had a couple of mex teles and one US one. The US (52AVRI) definitely felt like a better instrument but my Baja wasn’t far behind. The other one was a 72 Deluxe which was ok if a bit uninspiring.

I know the only real answer is to try them and see but I’d appreciate any info from you more informed people.

soma1975 · September 2023

So you have my first fender strat and the guitar i replaced it with there, well a 2006 model.

The CP60s is a wonderful guitar and I still have the neck off it on my partscaster. It stayed in tune with even the most violent trem abuse. My one's pickups were Abigail Yarra wound and I sold them for hundreds on ebay

I wish the neck wasn't so flat for all my hendrixy type stuff but it feels wonderful in the hand.

The MIJ had a much smaller neck but ultimately was a more characterful instrument and I quite fancy having one back again.

But remember they are a pain to upgrade hardware and stuff on because of the metric measurements.

Longtallronnie · September 2023

Thanks for that. I’m not really into swapping out parts much so I don’t see that being an issue.

Both guitars belong to the same seller so hopefully be able to compare them next week.

Is there anything in particular I should look out for on either model?

victorludorum · September 2023

I didn't know MIJ models from that time were finished in nitro. I thought a common complaint from MIJ owners was about the thick poly finish.

Longtallronnie · September 2023

victorludorum said:

I didn't know MIJ models from that time were finished in nitro. I thought a common complaint from MIJ owners was about the thick poly finish.

It’s been refinished in nitro.

victorludorum · September 2023

Longtallronnie said:

victorludorum said:

I didn't know MIJ models from that time were finished in nitro. I thought a common complaint from MIJ owners was about the thick poly finish.

It’s been refinished in nitro.

Sorry, I just re-read your original post.

Hopefully you'll get a chance to try them. The only thing that ever puts me off MIJ Fenders is the narrow nut width they seem to use a lot. 40mm seems very common.

noisepolluter · September 2023

I’ve had a Classic Player 60’s Tele for 5 or 6 years - a couple of years ago I got a Vintera Strat with relic nitro lake placid blue finish. Once I got over the novelty of the finish, I found that I never fully bonded with the guitar and I think the 7.25” radius was a definite factor as I’ve only ever played larger radii.

The roadworn Strat has recently been part-x’ed against a USA one with more modern spec (and poly finish), but I have no plans to sell the CP60’s tele.

Longtallronnie · September 2023

The MIJ is 42mm at the nut and 54mm at the bridge according to the ad which I think is similar to the Baja Tele I just sold?

I also found out it’s a Q series ST-62 which I guess is a 62 reissue?

tony99 · September 2023

I have a CP 60s right here, a wonderful thing. It's had its trem blocked off for a bit and I've only recently just put the arm back on and started using it again; as said above, stays in tune beautifully. Fender got it spot on with the classic player 60s strat - well almost, truss rod adjust could be a pain.

Longtallronnie · September 2023

Is the adjustment at the heel end? I’ve got one of these for that.

https://northwestguitars.co.uk/products/hosco-truss-rod-adjustment-tool-phillips-head?currency=GBP&variant=44980550828306&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=adf9520837bc&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjt-oBhDKARIsABVRB0wZJ9sx6qiN0t4kYDQU4d68b572CqnzfmCJ2EAlwWZf0ZyEASqBaYYaAtv-EALw_wcB

Although might not be as useful on a Strat as its not as easy to remove the pick guard as a Tele.

Longtallronnie · September 2023

Reading a lot of good things about the CP60, thought I was leaning towards the MIJ but not so sure now.

daveyh · October 2023

Longtallronnie said:

Is the adjustment at the heel end? I’ve got one of these for that.
https://northwestguitars.co.uk/products/hosco-truss-rod-adjustment-tool-phillips-head?currency=GBP&variant=44980550828306&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=adf9520837bc&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjt-oBhDKARIsABVRB0wZJ9sx6qiN0t4kYDQU4d68b572CqnzfmCJ2EAlwWZf0ZyEASqBaYYaAtv-EALw_wcB

Although might not be as useful on a Strat as it’s not as easy to remove the pick guard as a Tele.

I did not know that existed, never thought to look for one. It’s a bit of a game changer tbh. Feel a bit silly now ….. (ordered already :-) )

tony99 · October 2023

Longtallronnie said:

Reading a lot of good things about the CP60, thought I was leaning towards the MIJ but not so sure now.

Your location is miles from me matey but you'd be welcome to try mine.

marktheharp · October 2023

As already said . Try them both with your own amp.. see what feels best . Can always swap out pickups etc.. both great guitars only tried Japanese Squier teles. Still have a a silver series . Yes small frets/ neck but is a great characterful guitar

Dave_Mc · October 2023

Longtallronnie said:

Is the adjustment at the heel end? I’ve got one of these for that.
https://northwestguitars.co.uk/products/hosco-truss-rod-adjustment-tool-phillips-head?currency=GBP&variant=44980550828306&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=adf9520837bc&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjt-oBhDKARIsABVRB0wZJ9sx6qiN0t4kYDQU4d68b572CqnzfmCJ2EAlwWZf0ZyEASqBaYYaAtv-EALw_wcB

Although might not be as useful on a Strat as its not as easy to remove the pick guard as a Tele.

Oooh that's a good idea. As you said, not as handy on a Strat (it's arguably handier to take the neck off!) but pretty handy for a Tele. Also I have a couple of Charvels that have the heel adjuster... one of those doesn't have a pickguard.

Longtallronnie · October 2023

The CP’s been sold so just viewing the MIJ today.

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CP 60s Strat or Q series MIJ

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