USA Strat vs. Mexico Strat

[ActionFletch]

Originally Posted by big-daddy-59

new to guitar in general? Don't know how to play yet? Don't worry so much about the quality of the guitar. Buy one of the nicer Squier models,get it professionally setup, buy a decent small amp and then spend the rest of the $1200 or so that you would spend on a MIA strat on lessons.

Or spend the rest on a great tube amp, where 75% of your sound will come from! The other 20% coming from the pickups!

[nadzab]

Originally Posted by VerySlowHand

The Classic 50's and 60's guitars are really nice guitars...

Agreed, re: the Classic Series in general. My 70s Classic is one of my favorite Strats. I also have the 50s Classic Esquire, and the fit, finish and playability on both is outstanding:

[VAByrd]

Originally Posted by mseals

I agree.... there IS something reassuring about the word "Fender" on the guitar.... not "Squier"

But that's me... it will be interesting to see what you settle on.

Mike in Kuwait

That's part of the deal. There are two issues here. Strats from a utility point of view (playing) and a collector point of view, for lack of a better term. I've always been a believer that "price is what you pay, value is what you get". Which explains why I prefer to buy antique furniture rather than something from a big box.

For instance, at Musicians Friend a USA Standard Model is $1,200. MIM Standard Model is $500. Sure, I'm aware that their may be "deals" elsewhere, but just consider it for comparison reasons. My question is this:

What is gained from the extra $700? Some of it has to be the stigma between being built in the US and Mexico. But does that account for the entire $700??

[peskypesky]

Originally Posted by ActionFletch

Or spend the rest on a great tube amp, where 75% of your sound will come from! The other 20% coming from the pickups!

55% fingers, 30% amp, 10% pickups, 5% wood.

[Strat-Man-Do]

I have to say I still own a highly modified Classic Vibe 60 Squier. I have owned several MIM Strats over the years and still have my main MIA Strats.

But I came across an All-Parts vintage 60 Slab Board neck with a 12 radius and jumbo frets. Also very nicely tinted. I decided to build a Strat around this neck. Nice and chunky with an unreal fret-job. I immediatly added the Fender Split-Top TMs. And the begain my search for the body.

Well to make a long story short I bought a Classic Vibe 60 Strat for a couple reasons. First the guitar was a 2-piece not 3 like most are. The Alder was highly figured and very well finished. The guitar was resonate and projected better than my MIA favorite Strat. Then to top it all off the entire guitar was under 7lbs. I could NOT find a body as nice as this one and I looked for a year at HWY-1s, RI bodys, Standard MIA bodys. I bought the entire guitar for the body. And the stock neck was actually pretty darn good, just to thin for me. But it sold in one day on ebay. I used the Squier Alnico V pups on a Jay Turser Strat I have around and they actually sound pretty darn good.

I have never owned a MIM Standard Strat that I've spoke of like this. I have owned a Classic Player 60 that was also a VERY NICE 2006 in Tri Burst. But I picked ONE out of 6 that were just being taken out of the box's at Guitar Center.

I used very little of the CV-60 basically just the body. But the guitar is a keeper and one of my favorite playing Strats.

I recently looked at two CV Telecasters and was very impressed with Both. I wouldn't be so fast to dismiss the Classic Vibe Squiers. Mine complete now is under 7lbs. All aftermarket electronics, and CS pick-ups. A Fender Aged Pearliod PG, The All-Parts neck with a Bone nut, All Steel Trem unit and Steel saddles, And one hell of a CV-60 Body

Just Sayin!

[Goodkat]

What I like about MIM Strats is that there are some really nice ideas behind several of them. I mean no disrespect or anything but most of the MIA Strats seem kinda generic to me. They just look like good products, which is not a 'bad' thing, but ... they should look like 'great' musical instruments, so it's probably not a very good thing either. Once again, I'm in no way stating any kind of disrespect for MIA Strats, but I really don't think that by buying an MIA Strat are you buying a 'piece of legend' or 'music history'. Not to mention I've seen some flaws on them that should probably be considered unacceptable on guitars costing four times less.

These are two MIM Strats that are especially nice:

- Kenny Wayne Shepherd Strat. Judging by the specs I figured this is pretty much what I want from a Stratocaster in terms of features.
- Jimmie Vaughan Stratocaster. Considered by some a flagship model of Ensenada factory.

IMO, these two are what Strat should look/sound/feel like.

Classic and Classic Player series are also very, very nice.

[Strat-Man-Do]

In my past experience ALL the ARTIST Strats seem to HAVE much attention to detail to them. I've Owned 2-SRVs, a JV, a EC a Robert Cray MIM and a Tom DeLonge.

I bought all of then in person and passed twice, once on a EC I thought was was to heavy and on a SRV that just didn't seem to have the Alder body figure I was looking for. I eventually did find the one I was searching for. But those particular Strats were just not mu cup of tea.

But I could easliy see where th KWS would be a big contendor. And the Muddy Waters telecaster has alswys been a favorite of Tele players.

[nadzab]

Originally Posted by VAByrd

...What is gained from the extra $700?

In my opinion, the MIA Standard's neck is superior to the MIM Standard, in feel, quality of fit & finish and fretwork. The fretboard edges are lightly rolled on the MIA, and if the board is rosewood, it's nicely polished. The MIA's peghead face has a gloss finish (the back of the neck remains satin), and it comes with staggered tuners. To me, the neck is where the MIA really beats out the MIM.

I think the wiring & pots may be slightly higher quality on the MIA as well, and some would say the pickups are better...in the six Fenders I currently own, there's only one stock pickup (the bridge unit in my FSR Tele) remaining, so I'm not a big fan of the stock pickup in the Standards, MIA or MIA.

As far as the bodies, I think MIA and MIM Standards are equivalent; The 2-point MIA trem unit is nice, but the MIM unit is perfectly serviceable. I think you get more color choices with the MIA.

These are the major differences that spring to mind; once you move up from the MIM Standard (say to the Classic Series), I think the MIMs are pretty much on par with the MIAs.

Whether the differences are worth the extra cash, I guess that's a matter of personal opinion.

[Goodkat]

Originally Posted by Strat-Man-Do

... And the Muddy Waters telecaster has alswys been a favorite of Tele players.

This is a bit of a surprise. Could it really be true?

Originally Posted by nadzab

In my opinion, the MIA Standard's neck is superior to the MIM Standard, in feel, quality of fit & finish and fretwork. The fretboard edges are lightly rolled on the MIA, and if the board is rosewood, it's nicely polished. The MIA's peghead face has a gloss finish (the back of the neck remains satin), and it comes with staggered tuners. To me, the neck is where the MIA really beats out the MIM...

This is a fair assessment. I find pretty much all the Strat necks currently produced to be thin though, but the quality of MIA necks is somewhat better.

Originally Posted by nadzab

... I think the wiring & pots may be slightly higher quality on the MIA as well...

I think they use the same pots and switches. Couple of years ago I studied those assembly diagrams you can get from fender.com and they all state the same part numbers (both for MIA and MIM Strats). There are however models with specific wiring (different from the standard SSS) but I guess we're not talking about those.

[Namelyguitar]

MIA?

MIM changes in 2006 were called upgrades. These have been discussed in many posts, however, the pre-2006 MIM Strats have some differences, below.
-Neck on pre-2006 is equipped with smaller vintage frets;
-Tremolo block is smaller, lighter on pre-2006;
-Internal cavity shielding (improved on 2006 and later models).

2009 MIM Strats feature a different Fender logo on the headstock, and a darker (tint) neck, and darker tint on maple fretboards, too!

[Tyger7406]

Hi,
I am sure I am opening a whole can of worms when I say this but I will not own a MIM guitar. I feel that the one thing our country, the good ol USA still makes with pride and quaity is our GUITARS!!! We set the world standard, and the USA Fender Strat and Tele series guitars are that standard. I am very prideful of the fact that it is the USA that made the whold world rock with our USA FENDER GUITARS! I own four strats a 1983 USA ELITE, a 1957 -2007 Fender Mary Kaye a 1989 Fender USA Strat and my self build "Aeril" that is made from 100% USA Fender Parts. You can truly tell the difference in feel, playability and quality in MIM guitars from USA made ones. and as far as "road worn" guitars go I could never understand the concept of buying a new guitar that was pre beat up. The real joy and "Mojo" comes through years of work, sweat and playing that makes the guitar special, not and imitation of one that comes from the factory cold and "looks" worn. I am sorry about getting on a soap box about this but I am very proud of the USA and our heritage with our guitars.

[VAByrd]

I have to say I agree 100%. After looking at a few, Im a little tired of the "its just like the real thing" and "you're not good enough to tell the difference yet". Well, any bozo can spot workmanship and its easy to spell U-S-A

IT IS WHAT IT IS

[Tyger7406]

Thanks VA Byrd
I appreciate your support. I feel that USA quality will always stand the test of time where as others willl not. I guess that is why all real players want a pre CBS USA Fender. Have a nice day everyone and keep playing!!!!

[cornbread]

my mim strat has great quality. it build is top notch and i have a american strat to side by side them. the neck on the mim is birdseye and it is beautiful and has a great feel. the pickups and all electronics are american and it sounds great. i use it and perfer the feel and sound over my american

[Boris Bubbanov]

Originally Posted by peskypesky

55% fingers, 30% amp, 10% pickups, 5% wood.

I submit there is just no point in factoring in the "human element" because the EXTENT to which a players fingers matter depends entirely on the player.

Example One: Django Reinhardt;

Example Two: I have an acquaintance who I will be very vague about, who is great for trying out guitars and amps with. Why? Because he sounds like "nothing in particular, Mr. Vanilla Bean". I can judge the guitar, the amp and the speakers with this guy WAY better because (hate to say it) he brings almost no character with the way he plays. He is definitely not 55% of what I hear, maybe 5%. He is a far better technical player than me, btw.

[Boris Bubbanov]

Originally Posted by VAByrd

I have to say I agree 100%. After looking at a few, Im a little tired of the "its just like the real thing" and "you're not good enough to tell the difference yet". Well, any bozo can spot workmanship and its easy to spell U-S-A

IT IS WHAT IT IS

Originally Posted by Tyger7406

Thanks VA Byrd
I appreciate your support. I feel that USA quality will always stand the test of time where as others willl not. I guess that is why all real players want a pre CBS USA Fender. Have a nice day everyone and keep playing!!!!

Corona is counting on you guys. I just hope they wake up every morning with fierce determination not to disappoint either one of ya'll, and also that they actually succeed in making the best instrument they can.

They have better facilities, and they have people with more training and they should be able to get help easier from the Big Dogs both in production and in the Custom Shop, if they have issues.

I have 3 MIM Strats, 4 MIA Strats;

I have 13 MIM Teles, and 18 MIA Teles. So I do buy the Corona product. But any blanket statement that one is great and the other is not, nah. Nah.

I guess the best advice is, do the buying yourself. Let you senses decide, not some fool salesguy in a store and not even us guys on the Board, either. You gotta pay for the guitar, and you have to look at it and play it. We don't.
Don't give an inordinate amount of service to "resales value" since we don't know what the future brings and above all else don't buy the "model" alone. Sure you can hone in on 2-3 models with the features you want but you're buying one, not 20, right? Get the "special" sounding and playing one unless you are offered a true once in a lifetime deal, in which case a darned good one will do.

[Paulbiz]

This looks like a really good deal. Used MIA Strat, spend another $100 and replace the tremolo bar, get her restrung and set up::

FENDER® AMERICAN SERIES STRATOCASTER®...ly Instruments

[ghostwolf]

as for squiers just not having the "feel" that the fenders do, consider: if you owned a guitar store, would you want the low end guitars to feel and play as well as the expensive ones? myself, i would, but then, i build my own, and to me, if it quacks like a duck..... guitar center, on the other hand, makes a lot more profit on selling a high end fender than they do on a squier cv strat. essentially the same guitar, huge difference in their cost.
so why would they want to set the squier up to it's full potential? that would mean they sell more squiers, and lose sales on the fenders.

[cornbread]

i have to agree. any guitar i own i play and bought it for that reason. my mexican strat has a better feeling neck to me but it is only because it doesnt feel as sticky in a muggy room or with sweat. as far as sound goes i can play the mexican or american and nobody will ever tell the difference and to me they sound very close but each has its own personality. the american is tuned to Eb and mexican is standard. but the next week it is the other way around. just luck of the draw and i play both but like i said if it is hot or muggy the mexican gets most of the attention. setup is a major role in how well a guitar plays. lets face it a comfortable guitar will bring out your best over one that make you work and yes you can hear the difference between a comfortable guitar and a poorly setup guitar.

EVH had a guitar made of spare parts and seconds bodys that were imperfect and he has almost destroyed it many times and look what it has done. he made it comfortable for him and people fell in love with it and the music he played with it. he even said it cost under 200.00 bucks but how much do you think it would sell for.

price and place of origin make no difference, it is how it plays and speaks to you. good equipment is a must but i have never been on the bandwagon of the most expensive everything. i buy what i can afford and what i think sounds good to me.

people should be less worried trying to sound like someone else and try to find their own sound. if your sound is a squire and a line6 then go for it and be you. if your happy then your playing will show it and the sound will to

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by Tyger7406

Thanks VA Byrd
I appreciate your support. I feel that USA quality will always stand the test of time where as others willl not. I guess that is why all real players want a pre CBS USA Fender. Have a nice day everyone and keep playing!!!!

Well you talk about The quality of USA Fenders and then you mention CBS, which is generally looked upon as the worst period of QC in Fender's History. Those guitars were still made in the USA, which goes to say "Made in The USA" does not always automatically superior craftsmanship. The Japanese guitars of the same era are much more consistently good then the CBS 3 bolts.

[nadzab]

Originally Posted by Yogi

Well you talk about The quality of USA Fenders and then you mention CBS, which is generally looked upon as the worst period of QC in Fender's History. Those guitars were still made in the USA, which goes to say "Made in The USA" does not always automatically superior craftsmanship. The Japanese guitars of the same era are much more consistently good then the CBS 3 bolts.

Actually, he wrote pre CBS Fenders...thought by many to be the holy grail.

But I would disagree with the statement that "all real players want a pre CBS USA Fender."

[nadzab]

Originally Posted by Boris Bubbanov

Example One: Django Reinhardt;

Good point.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by nadzab

Actually, he wrote pre CBS Fenders...thought by many to be the holy grail.

But I would disagree with the statement that "all real players want a pre CBS USA Fender."

I know he said Pre-CBS, but he also mentioned that USA was where the best quality always was, skirting over the CBS period. I was just using that as an example to show that USA is also capable of producing rubbish just like every other country. I have a CBS Bullet Deluxe that I love though, but some of the strats from that era are just God-Awful.

[Tyger7406]

Wow!!!
Did not mean to stir up so much controversy. I guess I just feel that our value system as a whole has really slipped and I am proud that the USA made the standard that every one tries to imiatate. As a veteran of the US military I still feel a lot of pride in my country and as a guitarist I am proud that we make the best guitars in the world. I dont buy USA made because they are the most expensive, I buy them because they are the best. I mean they are built right here in California by Americans. And as for pre CBS not being the holy grail that every one wants then why are they selling for thousands and thousands of dollars? Right now I am trying to raise $38 thousand for a pre CBS myself. Now I know a few of you will say that there is a fool born every minute but I know that a lot of people feel the same way I do. If you just want a guitar then there is all sort of factories that make decent instruments to choose from but if you want an iconic piece of American culture and heritage then USA Fender is the only choice. I sort of thought I would get more "Amens" from you die hard lot on here for support of the home team.
Have a blessed day,
tyger

[ratman]

Since my playing skill is pretty low , my American Deluxe is a bit of overkill , I am a hack no matter what I play .

A ~PLAYER~ can pick up a wal mart hunk of crap and blow your mind .

with that said , I wouldn't hesitate to buy my MIA again, it SUITS me , thats the reason i pick it up and play it ( however badly )

And I feel better knowing I put dinner on the table for an american by buying it

[Boris Bubbanov]

Originally Posted by Paulbiz

This looks like a really good deal. Used MIA Strat, spend another $100 and replace the tremolo bar, get her restrung and set up::

FENDER® AMERICAN SERIES STRATOCASTER®...ly Instruments

Not too bad.

Note this comes with a NEW version SKB FS6 case, probably less than a year old, and the case is already "smashed". Elderly's Words.

These new Chinese SKB cases are absolutely terrible - and the USA/MEX ones (of which I have a ton) were so nice. Same price. What a crime. Are they saving $ 1.50 per case making them in China? Stupid.

[Tyger7406]

Hi,
Now your talking ratman glad to see someone else on board with a little pride
thanks
tyger7406

[TexBiker]

I mean they are built right here in California by Americans.

Just so you know, many of the MIM's are built by the same guys.

I'm a proud American and a veteran, but I base my spending on the product, not it's origin.

I've played plenty of crappy Strats from the US, Mexico and overseas. Simply having "Made in USA" on the headstock doesn't guarantee a good guitar. I buy the one that feels and sounds best to me...regardless of the factory location.

I apply the same to everything I buy. Give me the best product at a fair price (not necessarily the lowest price...) and I'll give you my money. Otherwise, there is no motivation for US manufacturers to actually improve their products and quality control.

Don't get me wrong, I wish the US consistently made the highest quality vehicles, appliances, and electronics as we once did. But sadly, it just isn't the case anymore. I have two great MIA strats, but I had to search pretty hard and put up with a few MIA duds before I found them. My primary guitar is a '98 MIM with a few mods that plays better than either of them.

Regarding the price of pre-CBS guitars, don't confuse rarity and collector value with quality.

[fatstratdeluxed]

Originally Posted by TexBiker

Just so you know, many of the MIM's are built by the same guys.

I'm a proud American and a veteran, but I base my spending on the product, not it's origin.

I've played plenty of crappy Strats from the US, Mexico and overseas. Simply having "Made in USA" on the headstock doesn't guarantee a good guitar. I buy the one that feels and sounds best to me...regardless of the factory location.

I apply the same to everything I buy. Give me the best product at a fair price (not necessarily the lowest price...) and I'll give you my money. Otherwise, there is no motivation for US manufacturers to actually improve their products and quality control.

Don't get me wrong, I wish the US consistently made the highest quality vehicles, appliances, and electronics as we once did. But sadly, it just isn't the case anymore. I have two great MIA strats, but I had to search pretty hard and put up with a few MIA duds before I found them.

Regarding the price of pre-CBS guitars, don't confuse rarity and collector value with quality.

I completely agree with you. The reason I got my Strat (and I got my MIA Deluxe Strat used for $450) is that I played it, and fell in love with it instantly. Definitely spoke to me, it said something like this, "Deven... let me be your sexy guitar... I'll do whatever it takes." that's pretty much how me and my guitar's wonderful affair came about.

[jefsummers]

I'd point out the picture of John Mayall with a Squier strat on the back of the Stories CD. If the guitar plays well, the electronics can always be upgraded. I just changed to SCN pickups tonight on my MIM strat and I challenge anyone to tell it from a USA deluxe.

[chuckdup]

Partscasters is fun but if you dont own and electric you'll prob still need to have it set up by a pro....laters....chuck

[VerySlowHand]

Mexican vs American is like Volkswagen group.

VW make a range of vehicles, of varying specifications (note I don't say varying quality). Some with a VW badge and a higher perceived value, some with a Skoda badge, offering excellent value for money.

This gives the VW group the greatest possible market coverage without devaluing the VW brand.

The people that put these cars together are doing so, not to different QUALITY standards, they are doing it to different SPECIFICATIONS.

All of this is exactly what Fender are doing.

[ghostwolf]

tyger- you say built in america by americans means mia strats are better. ever seen the inside of fender's usa factory? habla espanol?

[no1fenderfan]

as a serious player i wouldnt touch a standard mexican fender, but the special editions or the reissues are excellent quality for money. the mex pickups dont seem to have the tone, or finish quality. if you want playability sound and value get a us highway 1 model. they play as good as any other us models.
thats my humble opinion

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by no1fenderfan

as a serious player i wouldnt touch a standard mexican fender, but the special editions or the reissues are excellent quality for money. the mex pickups dont seem to have the tone, or finish quality. if you want playability sound and value get a us highway 1 model. they play as good as any other us models.
thats my humble opinion

The newer Mexican Standards are on par if not better than highway one, which is hodge podge of MExican/American Origin anyway. MIMs have come a long way. Pop a set of CS pickups in a mexi and you are ready to go

[johnner72]

Originally Posted by Tyger7406

Thanks VA Byrd
I appreciate your support. I feel that USA quality will always stand the test of time where as others willl not. I guess that is why all real players want a pre CBS USA Fender. Have a nice day everyone and keep playing!!!!

Pre CBS Fenders were assembled with precision & care from a sizeable Hispanic workforce.

[sonicland59]

Originally Posted by THSea

If you can, buy one you can play first. No model guarantees you a great guitar, there's plenty of lemons in the orange tree (Fruit Analogy's FTW)

+1

[Boris Bubbanov]

Originally Posted by no1fenderfan

as a serious player i wouldnt touch a standard mexican fender, but the special editions or the reissues are excellent quality for money. the mex pickups dont seem to have the tone, or finish quality. if you want playability sound and value get a us highway 1 model. they play as good as any other us models.
thats my humble opinion

I encourage you to try out a good number of the new (2009 and forward) version Standards, both Teles and Strats, and find out what many others have already learned, that FMIC really hit a home run with the new Standards. They are every bit as sweet as some of those FSRs you refer to - and there's so many of them to choose amongst in inventory, against a really tiny number of "reissues", that you're more likely to find a real sweetheart amongst them.

In many ways, your opinion, in 2007 I would've pretty much agreed with you, yeah.



Everyone has had mixed opinions about the new Road Worms, and they'll end up being discontinued probably or heavily reinvented, but meanwhile this new MIM Standard is growing and growing and growing in reputation as people stoop down and play one.

[Sarge]

One of the best strats I own is a beat to death Mexi I got used for 250$, stock everything, I love the tones and the way it plays so much that I don't want to change anything on it, because it would affect the tones and feel, suprised the hek out of me when I picked it up and it was better than all the USA they had, funny how that works sometimes

[peskypesky]

Originally Posted by Boris Bubbanov

I have 3 MIM Strats, 4 MIA Strats;

I have 13 MIM Teles, and 18 MIA Teles.

WTF??!??!?