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Hello! I recently purchased a 2008 MIA Stratocaster, and still have my 1993 American Standard that is my main guitar. The biggest difference I noticed was the change in body contours. The 2008 is definitely more slimmed down, hugging your body like it really belongs there! Also, the neck is ever so slightly wider and thicker, giving it a more vintage feel. I cannot comment too much on the hardware and electronics, since I made extensive changes to each instrument; however, from an overall quality viewpoint, they are certainly equivalant. Unfortunately, I have yet to embrace the factory pickups on any Fender I have owned since my first Stratocaster in 1964; for me, they are always too harsh and brittle, and I end up changing them to DiMarzios or Seymour-Duncan equivalents. Hope some of this helps! Best regards, Dana