There are two types of Standard Stratocasters that are made by Fender. These are the Mexican Stratocaster and the American Stratocaster. One is more genuine and the other is more affordable. Basically, both are high quality guitars because they both bear the name "Fender". Before deciding which one you should buy, I'll point out these differences to help you decide.
1. Materials Used
All of the parts used by these two types of Stratocaster are supplied by Fender USA. But somehow, not all parts are made equal even if they came out of the same factory or the same machine. The best example is in the quality of the wood. One tree can't produce many guitar bodies that have the same tonal diversity. A great sounding guitar and an average sounding guitar might come from the same tree. It all has something to do with the wood grain, density and many other factors. First class parts are used for the American Stratocaster and the Second class parts are sent to the Mexican Fender factory.
2. Country of Origin
Obviously, American Strats are made in USA and Mexican Stratocaster are made in Mexico (duh?!). But that doesn't end there. Top Fender luthiers are working at the Fender USA factory. They all have the expertise and more time is dedicated in creating a single guitar. They also have higher wages compared to their Mexican counterparts. Guitars in the Mexican factory are more mass produced and are made by workers that are not as skilled. But they are supervised also by top Fender luthiers to maintain the quality.
3. Sound Quality
The sound quality is almost the same to an average human ear. But since American Stracosters are made with better materials and better hands, I think it will stand the test of time much better. That's why vintage Fender Stratocasters sound much better than factory fresh guitars.
4. Appearance
With closer inspection, of course the American Stratocaster has a much nicer finish. The Mexican Strat sometimes has fret job imperfections and also has some gaps. But I must say I have seen Mexican Stratocasters with perfect fret job and finish.
5. Price
Here is where we have a sure winner. A Standard Mexican Stratocaster cost about $500 while a Standard American Stratocaster is in the $1000 price range.Well, you pay double or more for an American Stratocaster but you'll have something that is more genuine and has more value.
There you have it! I've shown you some aspects that can help you in choosing your dream fender guitar. Personally, I love the American Stratocaster and it's my own personal choice. But if you are smart and knowledgeable enough, you'll find a Mexican Stratocster that can rival if not surpass the overall quality of an American Stratocaster. That's a one-in-a-hundred chance if you are lucky enough! And take note, a Mexican Stratocaster played by a true musician sounds much better than a signature American Stratocaster played by a wannabe.
1. Materials Used
All of the parts used by these two types of Stratocaster are supplied by Fender USA. But somehow, not all parts are made equal even if they came out of the same factory or the same machine. The best example is in the quality of the wood. One tree can't produce many guitar bodies that have the same tonal diversity. A great sounding guitar and an average sounding guitar might come from the same tree. It all has something to do with the wood grain, density and many other factors. First class parts are used for the American Stratocaster and the Second class parts are sent to the Mexican Fender factory.
2. Country of Origin
Obviously, American Strats are made in USA and Mexican Stratocaster are made in Mexico (duh?!). But that doesn't end there. Top Fender luthiers are working at the Fender USA factory. They all have the expertise and more time is dedicated in creating a single guitar. They also have higher wages compared to their Mexican counterparts. Guitars in the Mexican factory are more mass produced and are made by workers that are not as skilled. But they are supervised also by top Fender luthiers to maintain the quality.
3. Sound Quality
The sound quality is almost the same to an average human ear. But since American Stracosters are made with better materials and better hands, I think it will stand the test of time much better. That's why vintage Fender Stratocasters sound much better than factory fresh guitars.
4. Appearance
With closer inspection, of course the American Stratocaster has a much nicer finish. The Mexican Strat sometimes has fret job imperfections and also has some gaps. But I must say I have seen Mexican Stratocasters with perfect fret job and finish.
5. Price
Here is where we have a sure winner. A Standard Mexican Stratocaster cost about $500 while a Standard American Stratocaster is in the $1000 price range.Well, you pay double or more for an American Stratocaster but you'll have something that is more genuine and has more value.
There you have it! I've shown you some aspects that can help you in choosing your dream fender guitar. Personally, I love the American Stratocaster and it's my own personal choice. But if you are smart and knowledgeable enough, you'll find a Mexican Stratocster that can rival if not surpass the overall quality of an American Stratocaster. That's a one-in-a-hundred chance if you are lucky enough! And take note, a Mexican Stratocaster played by a true musician sounds much better than a signature American Stratocaster played by a wannabe.
No comments:
Post a Comment