USA Strat vs. Mexico Strat

[VAByrd]

New to this site, and playing guitar in general, so if this subject has been beat to death, sorry. What is the difference between the USA model and MIM, other than the obvious and about +/- $700 in the used market? What kind of quality issues are there and differences in parts, etc?

I was trying to find an "apples to apples" comparison. If anyone wants to jump in or add a link, I would appreciate it. Looking for my first electric, and I cant see any other reason to buy anything else other than a Fender. Price point is not much of an issue for me, not that I've got stacks, but I don't mind spending more money for something of better quality (regardless of my inability to play). Plus, price is what you pay, value is what you get. A little collector value doesnt hurt either.

Thanks!

[AllroyPA]

Originally Posted by VAByrd

New to this site, and playing guitar in general, so if this subject has been beat to death, sorry. What is the difference between the USA model and MIM, other than the obvious and about +/- $700 in the used market? What kind of quality issues are there and differences in parts, etc?

I was trying to find an "apples to apples" comparison. If anyone wants to jump in or add a link, I would appreciate it. Looking for my first electric, and I cant see any other reason to buy anything else other than a Fender. Price point is not much of an issue for me, not that I've got stacks, but I don't mind spending more money for something of better quality (regardless of my inability to play). Plus, price is what you pay, value is what you get. A little collector value doesnt hurt either.

Thanks!

Hey you get what you pay for. New Fenders are all awesome. You cant go wrong no matter which one you choose. You get upgraded parts on US models. And more choices in finishes.

[sonny wolf]

It depends which specific models you are comparing.I own a few Mexican and U.S. strats and I find them all to be great guitars.The Mexican classic player 50s and 60s models are fantastic.They are custom shop designed.The workmanship is really nice,the wood is nicely contoured and playablity is great.The pickups are U.S. made and are also used in various U.S. made models so tonally these are the same quality.My favourite Mexican strats however are the Roadworn series.These really feel like older guitars with a wonderful woody resonance.After playing and sweating on thse for a few months,it is getting hard to tell the difference between these and a genuine vintage model.The U.S. models are really great too though not so much a superior guitar in my opinion...noy for the extra money anyways.Try a few out and determine which one suits your needs most.It's all about finding one that has a great vibe.I've learned not to judge a guitar by it's country of origin or price but rather on how it inspires me to play.

[VAByrd]

Originally Posted by AllroyPA

Hey you get what you pay for. New Fenders are all awesome. You cant go wrong no matter which one you choose. You get upgraded parts on US models. And more choices in finishes.

That's what I was wondering about, which parts were better and different if at all, again, not that it makes much difference for me. Just curious. As far as colors go, you mean there is something other than sunburst? That's about the only thing I'm sure of as far as what I want....

[AllroyPA]

Originally Posted by VAByrd

That's what I was wondering about, which parts were better and different if at all, again, not that it makes much difference for me. Just curious. As far as colors go, you mean there is something other than sunburst? That's about the only thing I'm sure of as far as what I want....

Well the choices of hardwood makes a sunburst finish !

[VAByrd]

Originally Posted by AllroyPA

Well the choices of hardwood makes a sunburst finish !

Now that sounds like some of the juicy stuff I was interested in. My guess is that Alder is preferred over Ash when it comes to sunburst?? Or do I even know what Im talking about?????

[thaus]

I actually prefer ash over alder for sunburst finishes (for the grain pattern). It's all very subjective. I too own MIM and MIA and MIJ strats; all have their strong points and weaknesses (all of which can be modded-up!). I find the best necks are the MIA; by best, I am talking nuts, fret-ends, rolled edges etc. They seem more consistantly good than MIM and MIJ. The CP series from Mexico are highly thought of along with the Jimmy Vaughan series. Most electronics in MIJ are their weak point as well as the pups. Finishes are good with all three, more options with MIA and MIJ. (from what I have seen). I really think it comes down to if the guitar works for you tone-wise and playability; then it really doesn't matter where it's made!! My most played strat lately has been the Chinese-made Squier CV60's.........

[rockonstrat1394]

Usa is always better because better pickups and stuff but cant also go wrong with the mexico but better buy the highway one becuse its just 699 USD the orignal price is around 1200 better get that I love the highway one

[dacop]

Check out the MIM before you dump the money on an American. These new MIM are excellent guitars.

[jerryo]

Check out the Highway 1 ....

The one I have is perfect craftmanship and i think the price is very low for them

lately

[dacop]

I also have the HW1, just purchased 2 months ago. They are excellent indeed. The pickups are great too, no need to change them. Great Strat tone.

[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.

[kraigeyroxx]

I have both MIM and USA and i love them both equally. I bought my MIM brand new in 1998 and it has been everywehre, on the road, in the studio and in the home and its still going strong and i have had zero problems with it other than the odd Intonation adjustment which is to be expected, Its very worn in an plays and sounds beautiful.

The USA i bought in Feb this year and its a great guitar, It sounds great, looks great and feels great. I have to say tho, i pick up my MIM more than i do the USA but i think thats down to me owning it for so long and becoming very attached to it.

MIM Top
USA Bottom

[peskypesky]

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.

I totally agree. For beginner and intermediate players, I recommend a Squier, a professional set-up, and a decent amp. That way you get the most bang for your buck.

And for people who get hung up on quality, believe me, today's Squiers are excellent guitars for the price. Here's the analogy I use: The existence of the $85,000 BMW 750i doesn't mean the $21,000 Honda Accord is not a good car.

[Kuroyama]

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.

I dont agree with this completely. I recommend you find someone (a friend, NOT a salesman) who knows guitars. Talk to them about what you listen to. What you want to learn to play. At this stage you DONT need the best guitar out there. That much is true. But if you get the cheapest guitar you can find, you will make the learning process less fun. The less you practice, the harder the whole thing is.

I had a riding mentor that told us to buy the most expensive helmet we could afford. The reason is that if the helmet is nicer, we are more willing to put it on and have our heads protected, even on a sweltering summer day.

You could say the same for running a marathon. If you buy low end shoes, you can still run the race, but if your feet hurt, then thats just one more degree of difficulty that you didnt need.

Ive got a quote from Jimi Hendrix on learning...: @You have to stick with it. Sometimes you are going to be so frustrated you want to give up the guitar. Youll hate the guitar. But all of this is just a part of learning, because if you stick with it, youre going to be rewarded. - From The Stratocaster Chronicles by Tom Wheeler.

A bad guitar will make it easier to quit. Thats no good for anyone. IMO the key thing is to learn what components you need. Find a guitar that has those things. Let the rest come down to what you WANT. From there aint nothin left but to practice!

[nadzab]

Originally Posted by Kuroyama

...A bad guitar will make it easier to quit...

True, for some...for those who are committed to playing, it will make them really appreciate the benefits of a better guitar. But no one's suggesting that the OP buy a "bad" guitar, just a decent Squier with a good setup...this makes a lot of sense to me. Then, while learning, play as many different models as possible, until you find what suits.

That said, if you have the disposable income and are pretty sure that you're going to stick with it, I wouldn't discourage anyone from buying the best guitar he can afford.

I bought my first guitar, a $40 Hofner with flatwound strings, from a pawn shop at age 13. I learned the basics on that Hofner, and learned about guitars at the same time, and moved on from there.

Of course, there was no internet then, so I didn't know that I should switch out the pickups, roll the fretboard edges, upgrade the bridge saddles, refinish with nitro and change the capacitors before I learned to play a lick...

[THSea]

I'm loving my MIM classic 60's, but for a beginner the Highway ones may be good. Nice big frets, plus the awesome (or tacky) headstock is nice for aesthetics. 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)

[d20rtu]

Here's my suggestion:

Fender MIM Deluxe Player
~ Loaded with 3 vintage noiseless single coil pickups
~ 7 different sounds instead of normal 5 sounds
~ Gold plated vintage hardwares
~ Great value for money & combines modern and vintage specs!

[kraigeyroxx]

Originally Posted by THSea

there's plenty of lemons in the orange tree (Fruit Analogy's FTW)

Thats a great way to put it

[Yogi]

Kuroyama, he didn't say buy a cheap guitar but a top of the line Squier. A guitar at the $350 price point is not really "cheap" but inexpensive, and the Squier Classic Vibes are especially nice, not only for the price, but nice regardless. If I had CV back when I got started I probably would have never bought another guitar.

I agree that a Good amp figures more into the equation than a guitar, but like a Kuroyama said, a bad guitar will make you not be interested in playing.

To me the big distinction between Mexican, Japanese, and American models is price point. If you compare guitars in similar price points i.e. American Standard, MIM Classic Player 60s, and The Japanese Reissues with MIA pickups, there really isn't that great of difference in quality.

The American and Japanese models tend to be more consistent in their Qc than the MIM models, but any factory can go awry at anytime so I'd take that assertion with a grain of salt. I have owned something like 20 guitars, and maybe about 10 different strats. I have had a couple of American, japanese, korean, and mexican strats. Some were greater than others, but the Americans weren't always head and shoulders above the others. My MIM CP 60s was better to me than the American standard, and my JM strat was better than the CP.

The best advice I can give you is to play them all and buy the one that speaks to you

[VAByrd]

Man, lots of good info..... Granted I'm not much of a player, but I would rather own something of value rather than a something I'll hate in 6 mos. I guess for comparison, you can buy a Remington 870 at Wal-mart for $250. It goes boom, but what a load of junk. I'd rather buy an older used model that has better wood and metal than that new mess they sell now. So any "gun" guys here get where I'm coming from. My current guitar is a Washburn D-10. No Martin by any stretch, but decent as far as I'm concerned. I thought for a solid top it was a good deal and I like the way it plays and sounds.

Sounds like quality may not be as big of an issue as I thought it would be. Clearly Fender is making guitars in Mexico to be at a certain price point, but it doesnt sound like there are many complaints. As for those Highway Ones, and Squiers, haven't really looked at them yet.

[Kuroyama]

Nadzab and Yogi

Just to be clear, Im not suggestinig that anyone here said to buy a "cheap" guitar. However, beginners may sometimes go that route. In 2009 there are MANY more strat options open to players than when I got my first in 1991. Unfortunately that American Standard Strat was NOT my first guitar. My first was a Peavey Tracer with non-locking tremolo. This was NOT the guitar to own when your guitar hero of the day was Eddie Van Halen. Tremolo dive bombs led straight to being very-out-of-tune!!

The only thing that guitar taught me was that buying a guitar solely on price point is a mistake.

These days you need to understand what hardware you need, THEN you can shop for price. I do agree that Squier puts out a nice product! but isnt there a Bullet, Affinity, and Standard? He should know what he needs before just buying a Squire right?

In the end, I think were all after the same thing here. Help this guy get into the guitar he needs. Not whatever some sales guy tries to push him into.

[TwoMartinMan]

I'm a "gun guy." I have a Remington 870 from 1969. That's when they were still great guns...so I know what you're saying.
There are so many nice, affordable guitars these days. I own MIM Fenders and a few Squires, too. For my money, if you only want to buy one, decent guitar that you can live with long-term to really check out if electric guitar is for you...try to get yourself a good, used MIM Standard Stratocaster. It will perform well and, if you ever decide it's not for you...or just get to a place where you are ready to try something else, you will probably get back close to what you put into it, price-wise.

[fenderkev]

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.

Again I agree totally here. Squiers are great guitars especially for beginners though I've been playing 37 years and have a Squier Affinity Precision Bass I'm very happy with. Over here the big rival to the Squier Strat, is the Yamaha Pacifica 112. Fantastic little guitars, and come set-up perfectly from the factory. They do have a humbucker at the bridge though.

[VAByrd]

Originally Posted by TwoMartinMan

I'm a "gun guy." I have a Remington 870 from 1969. That's when they were still great guns...so I know what you're saying.
There are so many nice, affordable guitars these days. I own MIM Fenders and a few Squires, too. For my money, if you only want to buy one, decent guitar that you can live with long-term to really check out if electric guitar is for you...try to get yourself a good, used MIM Standard Stratocaster. It will perform well and, if you ever decide it's not for you...or just get to a place where you are ready to try something else, you will probably get back close to what you put into it, price-wise.

Thats the route I'm thinking. MIM = Citori, MIA = Superposed.

MIM, unless I try to build a "Partscaster".....

Thats a whole other thread, and can of worms.....

[TwoMartinMan]

[quote=VAByrd;103070]Thats the route I'm thinking. MIM = Citori, MIA = Superposed.
QUOTE]

Be still my heart. Brings back memories.
I haven't shot a round of traps for alot of years. Been spending too much time with my MIM Strats.

[Boris Bubbanov]

Originally Posted by VAByrd

New to this site, and playing guitar in general, so if this subject has been beat to death, sorry. What is the difference between the USA model and MIM, other than the obvious and about +/- $700 in the used market? What kind of quality issues are there and differences in parts, etc?

I was trying to find an "apples to apples" comparison. If anyone wants to jump in or add a link, I would appreciate it. Looking for my first electric, and I cant see any other reason to buy anything else other than a Fender. Price point is not much of an issue for me, not that I've got stacks, but I don't mind spending more money for something of better quality (regardless of my inability to play). Plus, price is what you pay, value is what you get. A little collector value doesnt hurt either.

Thanks!

The difference in the MIM and MIA Fenders is more about Features than it is anything else.

Some models offer this set of features; another offers a different set.

You wanna go through and figure out which features you like first. I'm not sure how you do that if you don't play to a certain degree. Noiseless pickups? Modern Tuners, or vintage? Modern bridge, or vintage? Ginormous frets, medium ones, or small vintage ones? Hot, distortion friendly pickups or pickups that sound great clean? Guitars that sound good in a bedroom, or on a stage?

The safest bet right now is a MIM Standard. Or, you could order, on Friday, from Musicians Friend whichever Strat model they might (might) be giving away that day.

$ 699 is NOT that good a price for a Highway One. I just got 2 brand new Highway One Teles from Guitar Center in sunburst for $ 389.98 each. So be patient; horse around with the guitars in shops, get some lessons where the guitar is provided. Then, when the iron is hot, you can phone in for one of these Musicians Friend Fender Friday deals. Get a great enough bargain that if you lose interest you can sell it for near what you paid. The pressure will be off and you concentrate on playing your cool new Strat or Telecaster.

[VAByrd]

Thanks to all that replied, setting my sights on a used MIM.....This site is great, lots of good information here.

[Bundini]

Originally Posted by Kuroyama

Nadzab and Yogi

Just to be clear, Im not suggestinig that anyone here said to buy a "cheap" guitar. However, beginners may sometimes go that route. In 2009 there are MANY more strat options open to players than when I got my first in 1991. Unfortunately that American Standard Strat was NOT my first guitar. My first was a Peavey Tracer with non-locking tremolo. This was NOT the guitar to own when your guitar hero of the day was Eddie Van Halen. Tremolo dive bombs led straight to being very-out-of-tune!!

The only thing that guitar taught me was that buying a guitar solely on price point is a mistake.

These days you need to understand what hardware you need, THEN you can shop for price. I do agree that Squier puts out a nice product! but isnt there a Bullet, Affinity, and Standard? He should know what he needs before just buying a Squire right?

In the end, I think were all after the same thing here. Help this guy get into the guitar he needs. Not whatever some sales guy tries to push him into.

Yes I agree with Black Mountain Samma. Get decent equipment. Spend the rest on lessons.

What does it matter how sharp my sword is..
If my head lies next to my skilless body?"

Miyamoto Musashi

[Reverend Jim]

Originally Posted by VAByrd

Thanks to all that replied, setting my sights on a used MIM.....This site is great, lots of good information here.

You can't go wrong with a MIM Std, Jimmy Vaughan, Classic Series or Road Worn Strats. I would say the same thing about the new Squier Classic Vibe Strats, they're not just nice for a Squier, they're nice period. There's a very long list of Strats you could consider, but you should also be prepared to get a decent amp, tuner and lessons.
I recently selected an amp for my niece who started playing, I wanted an amp with a headphone jack, cd input, a few effects that are easy to set-up, light enough to pack but loud enough to practice with her friends. I ended up getting here a Roland Cube 40x, which is a really nice little amp IMO.

[VAByrd]

Actually heading out today to check a few out. Still have a thought about building one. Why the heck not? My brother build one about 20 years ago without much trouble. Doesn't compare to his PRS Custom 22, but then again, not much does.

[Reverend Jim]

I would suggest buying something you can play and focus on getting your chops. A good Squier or MIM Std to play, then take your time collecting parts if you really want to build one. It's easy to get caught up in modding and building guitars, I should know I'm much more talented at working on guitars than playing them. Here's some models to consider...

Fender MIM Std:
Buy Fender Standard Stratocaster Electric Guitar | Solid Body Electric Guitars | Musician's Friend

60's Classic Vibe:
Buy Squier by Fender Classic Vibe Stratocaster 60's Electric Guitar | Solid Body Electric Guitars | Musician's Friend

50's Classic Vibe:
Buy Squier by Fender Classic Vibe Stratocaster 50's Electric Guitar | Solid Body Electric Guitars | Musician's Friend

Squier Deluxe (another upper end Squier offering):
Buy Squier by Fender Deluxe Strat Electric Guitar | Solid Body Electric Guitars | Musician's Friend

Roland Cube 30x (this is the amp I mentioned buying for my niece, excellent practice amp thats gigable):
Buy Roland CUBE-30X Guitar Combo Amplifier | Solid State Combo Amps | Musician's Friend

Here's an example of what a good player can do with a Squier Deluxe Strat...

YouTube - Deluxe Stratocaster + VOX AC30(clean blues)

YouTube - Deluxe Stratocaster + VOX AC30(clean blues)

[VAByrd]

What's the story on Squier? My guess is they are made somewhere other than Mexico and lesser quality? That's just my guess based on price. There are so many variables that I figure a standard used MIM will keep me busy for a long time.

[Boris Bubbanov]

Originally Posted by VAByrd

What's the story on Squier? My guess is they are made somewhere other than Mexico and lesser quality? That's just my guess based on price. There are so many variables that I figure a standard used MIM will keep me busy for a long time.

A Fender "Squier Series" was made in Mexico a long time ago. Today's Squiers are made in Indonesia, China and India, etc. at a wide variety of "Contract" facilties; that is, plants owned and operated by others, not Fender.

Squier quality varies much more from guitar plant to guitar plant, model to model and guitar to guitar. Way easier to get a "throwaway Squier" than a "throwaway USA Fender" although tremendous improvements have been made in both cases and the distinctions are smaller all the time.

Some folks have tried to start on an overseas Peavey or some other sub standard guitar - but some brands have been luckier/more vigilant and their "cheap" guitars are actually often very good; good enough to start on and to keep.

To say, "don't try to learn on the cheap guitars" is begging the question, I submit. Maybe we should say: "Ok to start on an inexpensive guitar as long as it is a very nice example and is/ has been set up properly and all the lesser quality parts (nut, bridge parts, tuners) have been upgraded". If cheap just means crummy, I've seen enough crummy expensive guitars - at some point cheap means what?

[VAByrd]

Just got back from messing with a few. Whew, the MIA's are sweet, MIM's too, not too thrilled with the Squiers.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by VAByrd

Just got back from messing with a few. Whew, the MIA's are sweet, MIM's too, not too thrilled with the Squiers.

Well which Squiers did you play? Odds are if you went to a GC they didn't have any high end Squiers. If it was a bullet or affinity I understand your disappointment. Play A Squier Standard, Deluxe, or best of all the Classic Vibe.

The Classic Vibe is worlds apart from the Bottom of the rung bullet, just look at the two. You can tell just by looking at them that the CV is better quality:

CV50s


Bullet:

[Yogi]

The CV 50s is one of my favorite guitars, can't recommend it enough. Unless I'm going to just try to impress someone with my gear, usually the Fender's stay at home. This axe just kills.

YouTube - Squier Classic Vibe- Little Wing

YouTube - Squier Classic Vibe- Little Wing

[Revelwood]

I agree with d20rtu's suggestion:

MIM Deluxe Player strat. Great specs, and cheap. I got mine with case for 300 for a 2006 sparkling mint condition.

I love the 7 way pickup switching and the noiseless pickup sound.

[VerySlowHand]

The Classic 50's and 60's guitars are really nice guitars for the price, especially if you get one on eBay. 50's has a vintage tinted maple fretboard, which I really like and the 60's rosewood.

You'd be a proud owner of either... and I'm guessing that's part of the deal and why the Squier is ruled out... something reassuring about the little word 'Fender' on the headstock. Let us know what you end up with.



PS. Just realised I'm talking Tele's here, but I'm sure it applies to the Strats.

[mseals]

Originally Posted by VerySlowHand

The Classic 50's and 60's guitars are really nice guitars for the price, especially if you get one on eBay. 50's has a vintage tinted maple fretboard, which I really like and the 60's rosewood.

You'd be a proud owner of either... and I'm guessing that's part of the deal and why the Squier is ruled out... something reassuring about the little word 'Fender' on the headstock. Let us know what you end up with.



PS. Just realised I'm talking Tele's here, but I'm sure it applies to the Strats.

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