Hello. I was wondering if Mexican stratocasters are really all they are NOT cracked up to be compared to American Strats? Is it true that the wood, pickups, hardware and all that stuff a "B" grade compared to Americans. An are they really a poly by Gibson (I don't know if I believe that one)?If I were to get a strat which would be the better choice, A standard Mexican for 349$ or a U.S special highway one strat made in America for 599$? Input would be great.

There's cheaper labor in Mexico so they can keep the prices down. USA Strats are far better in quality as the wood,pickups,hardware etc are better. Check out G&L there's awesome. It's actually a real Fender designed by Leo Fender himself. I think they make them on the original equipment Leo used back in the 50's and up until he sold the compamy to CBS.

yeah, US fender materials are much better quality, as is the quality of workmanship. allegedly :evilgrin:
Japanese Fenders on the other hand, are just as well built as US fenders but are left slightly lacking in the electrics, which can be sorted with upgrading the controll pots, switch and pickups.

I'd never buy a Mex fender, not while a japanese one can be had for not much more money

I own a Mexican strat, and have played an American, and I have found no difference in sound/build quality at all. I've used my strat for years now with no failure/problems w/the electronics, and aside from a broken nut, no repairs have been made.

The only thing I like better about the American is how they've gone to the twin post tremolo. I've always thought that the original mounting method Fender used(six screws across) is the lamest thing I've ever seen.

thanks,
json

do they still make strats in japan? Someone told me theyd moved production to korea and the standards were lower. Ive had a jap strat for years and its still a joy to play.

You're thinking Squire.
Fender Japan is still making guitars

i have a mexican friend from mexico. he has a mexican strat its aweosome. he also has a real mariachi acoustic guitar, you know the ones made by the mexicans he bought it for $250 and it was appraised at upwards of $700. its aweosome. that was kind of topic .

I just got my first Fender..a MIM Lone Star Strat tonight and I love it..it looks, sounds and plays amazingly..and I am told , though the body came from Mexico (and I have no problem with it..it's very beautiful) the electronics(including Seymor Duncan humbuckers) were assembled in Texas..I'm a relatively new player, but I would say this MIM Strat is a fantastic value..lots of bells and whistles..for $ 599 plus tax!

I have a MIJ strat and an American Strat, my brother has an MIM Strat. His MIM is good. It is pretty much the same construction, sound and feel as my MIA.

Maybe the difference with the guitar is that my American Strat cost more than twice as much than the MIM.

The other difference is in re-sale value. MIM's are a dime a dozen on EBAY that sell below retail price. MIA's seem to hold there value a little better. If you just want a solid guitar, MIM's are fine.