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What are the exact differences between the American, Japanese and Mexican made Fender Stratocasters? Which one offers the best value? Is the American Strat worth paying a little extra for? |
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I've been playing Strats for 30 + years. I currently own a 1998 Lone Star American and a 1964 Vintage RI. I have played in bands with guitarists who use the Mexican Strat AND I sometimes use one at my practice facility. I can say with certainty that the Mexican Strat is a very good instrument for the price. If your looking for a practice guitar or you dont have much money to spend...You wont find a better value. But it isn't an American Strat Compare it to an American Strat: The first thing you notice is body. The American will sustain longer, you'll get smoother more brilliant high end sounds from an American. Much better tone. The neck is also superior in quality and makes it much easier to move smoothly around the fretboard.(Make sure you pick the right neck. It is near impossible to bend notes past the 12th fret on larger radius necks. 9.5" and up.) Overall the quality of the American Strat is just much better. While the American Strat is more expensive than the Mexican, it is worth the money if you can afford it. Even at $1000 plus it a much better value than some of the other guitars out there. |
