USA vs Mexican

[Yetti62544]

Is an American Strat worth the price difference over the mexican's. What are the real differences or is it just labor cost. The specs on the size and shapes are the same on fender.com so I don't know here to start.

[AxeBlaster]

The labor cost are not only difference. American Strats have better wood, pickups, and fit and finish. I cannot say if one is better than the other based on price. Both are good for what you get. You just need to go out and play a bunch to see what one you like the best.

[Crazace2006]

Make sure you play all the ones in the store, some times you can get lucky and find the guitar with custom shops put it in. I've seen them in mexicans and standard americans stright from the factory at no extra cost.

[Ricardo_1]

I've heard that some of the Mexican Fenders were pretty good, too.

It's been a while since I went into a store and tried them out.

[FenderStrat12]

You should play the mexi's if you have a chance, they upgraded them for 2006 and they play even better.

[fendermojoman]

I own both actually. The MIM definitely has cheaper PUPs and the wood won't be as defined in the grain if it's a Sunburst. They also may be 3 piece bodies instead of two piece. Fit and finish wise? I think the MIM holds it's own. The American uses in most cases non Poly finishes but I prefer the MIM's vintage style trem over the 2 pole American trem. The 2006 and later MIMs have thick thick trem blocks and medium jumbo frets which make the playability much better. I changed out the PUPs in mine (Kinman Woodstocks) within 24 hours, added locking tuners and had it professionally set up. Most of the time the American 50th deluxe stays in the case. It's neck is superior but the Kinmans beat the SCN's hands down (IMHO). They are both great axes but if you're strapped for cash, don't sell the MIM short-it can hold it's own with little tweaking!

[mustang_steve]

Yep, in many cases it's how close to ideal it's built. At a point though, you go past any significantly noticable gains in playability or musicality and end up going for polish. It's up to you to figure out that point though.

For example, I'm not a very good player, so I draw the line at spending $500 for a guitar...I really can't tell any difference in my sound beyond a mexi....maybe as my skills (and possibly ears) improve I will though.