Whats the difference between an American Standard Fender Stratocaster and a Standard Fender Stratocaster?

Question

This has been really bugging me but the Standard Stratocaster made in Mexico is 400 dollars and the American Standard made in America is 1000 dollars. I have a question, is the only difference between the two is where it was manufactured, or is the American Standard have better materials thus making it more expensive.

And please don't be subjective and just lay down the facts.

Answer 1

I was talking to a friend at the local music store about this very issue today. He said that mostly, it is the same guitar, the pickups are different though.

Made in Mexico Strats (mims) have the Tex Mex pickups. He also mentioned that many of the guitars are made from leftover pieces and the body can contain up to 5 pieces of wood (two is the average number). This leads to a loss in tone and quality.

He said that the best way to buy a Mim strat is to get the sunburst. The wood is a higher quality, and obviously not as many pieces. That is what I decided on and I couldn't be happier.

Another issue that I just remembered is that over time the American Strats will appreciate in value where the Mexican strats will steadily decline. If you're looking for a great guitar to play and have fun with, get the Mexican strat. If you want to have a piece that will appreciate in value, save up for the American.

Good luck, and have a great day.

Answer 2

Being from Mexico I can tell you  that the materials could may well come from the USA but the assembling happends in Mexico. So there might not be any difference.

Other than the fact that you would be supporting each countries economy.

I love both countries but would really think about price wise.

Answer 3

The difference is the location where the guitar was manufactured. The Standard is made with electronics of lesser quality, and the wiring is not top-notch, thus giving you the $400-$700 price range. The American Standard is, obviously, made in America, and the electronics and wiring are top-notch. Other features of the American are a new bridge with improved bent-steel saddles and a copper-infused high-mass block for increased resonance and sustain...There's more information on the Fender website.