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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Fender Stratocaster Usa Vs Mexico
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 21 2010, 08:54 PM
Been thinking about spoiling myself with a white Stratocaster (as well as a midi keyboard and some other stuff) in a few months when I get some money on my hands that has been on a high interest account for two years (got them locked in there for 2 years from just before the crunch! 
). I'd like to hear the wise GMC'ers have their say on how huge a difference there is between a USA model and a Mexico model?
I'm gonna be buying used, and money isn't that much of a problem, and I'm obviously thinking USA model, but how much "better" is the USA model compared to the Mexico models?
Also, is there anything specific to look for to see if it's an American or Mexican besides the "Made in Mexico" writing on the headstock, which I can't seem to see on American models.
Been thinking about just a plain regular off white or olympic white ala:
Om nom nom nom nom!
Posted by: Crazy_Diamond Feb 21 2010, 09:00 PM
You can use the serial number to see if it is a Mexico or US... I don't remeber exactly but I think all the Mexican model start with the M....
The old debate between Mexican and American Strat.... I have been saying this a lot of time but IMO all guitar are unique. I know when I bought my American Strat I went to the local guitar shope and I ahve tried around 30 strats.... I felt in love with only one wich is the one I bought. I have been playing on a lot of them and even some cheap pink mexican with a Hello Kitty Kat on them sounded better then some American Deluxe.
Even tho they are Fender guitar each guitar is unique and he best way to find your own is to try the most you can... For me buying a guitar is all about the feeling and when you play on the one you like you know that the feeling is good....
Godd luck in your quest of buying a Strat man they are awesome guitar...
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 21 2010, 09:01 PM
Oh, yeah, completely forgot about Korean, but it doesn't make me tilt less towards an American
ATM i have a custom made one made in germany, but nobody knows who its made by (not even the guy who sold it me) but since i upgraded it. its the best sounding strat i have ever played.
Just to clarify... there wont be a mexican strat that is better than a usa one but you could look at some squires that where made in the usa and compare them with usa fenders.
Well, as money really isn't that big a deal, if USA is the better choice, I'll be going for that
I just needed to hear what exactly the difference is.
Posted by: Staffy Feb 21 2010, 09:02 PM
I have a mexican one that is fairly OK, what I have read there was some critics before that the mexican was actually exactly the same, but assembled in Mexico. If the rumour is true, I dont really know, but nowadays the wood shall be better in US-made ones, although on the classic Mexican-serie there is some awesome hardware. The same story was about the Squir's in the eighties - which I believe was true, since the early 80's Squirs are very good guitars. But as I use to say - try them, there is a huge difference in everyone of them, and I dont trust Fender's craftmanship on the "cheaper" models at all, eg. it seems that they just put together whats available atm. On the other hand, they always did, even with the vintage ones..... 
//Staffay
EDIT: The rumour also said that they shipped the wood from the factory in California to Mexico, and then have them delivered back....
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 21 2010, 09:05 PM
The old debate between Mexican and American Strat.... I have been saying this a lot of time but IMO all guitar are unique. I know when I bought my American Strat I went to the local guitar shope and I ahve tried around 30 strats.... I felt in love with only one wich is the one I bought. I have been playing on a lot of them and even some cheap pink mexican with a Hello Kitty Kat on them sounded better then some American Deluxe.
Even tho they are Fender guitar each guitar is unique and he best way to find your own is to try the most you can... For me buying a guitar is all about the feeling and when you play on the one you like you know that the feeling is good....
Godd luck in your quest of buying a Strat man they are awesome guitar...
Yeah, I'm playing my 200 euro guitar more than any other and it sounds much better than any of them, to be honest.
I'll be testing some guitars out, but I'll most likely be buying used (so depending on where) I may or may not be able to try out that specific guitar. I won't do it untill we reach April though, I think, as I'd get all worked up about it and would want to buy it straight away
I was hoping someone had a direct comparison between a mexican and an American
Posted by: Crazy_Diamond Feb 21 2010, 09:19 PM
Good luck with that as I am not sure you can find a static comparison that your are going to be able to apply everywhere...
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 21 2010, 09:35 PM
You guys are cruel tonight.
Guitar shops are closed, guuuys. I just want to hear your opinions about whether to get an American or a Mexican (or any other kind for that matter), as money really isn't an issue.As said, I will be testing as many as I can, but I'm sure there is something to say in the American vs. Mexican debate.
Oh, and also...to add to this... I've never really played a Fender Stratocaster before, but I've decided I rather want one... so I'm a Fender virgin.
Posted by: Gus Feb 21 2010, 09:46 PM
I had a mexican fender and I really liked it until...
Well, until I played an american Fender
To be honest. Mexican is pretty good guitar for the money you pay. But well, if money ain't an issue right now I'd definitely would go for american one. It will play better, sound better. I can't say it looks better because it looks exactly the same
I specially felt a huge leap between the pickups of the mexican and american. If you plan to change the pickups anyway, that would not be a decision factor, but if you are happy with the american fender ones, it surely would.
It does cost much more money, but if you have the budget I would not think twice of getting an american one.
By the way, my mexican fender was exactly the color you posted 
. Nice choice 
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 21 2010, 09:51 PM
Well, until I played an american Fender
To be honest. Mexican is pretty good guitar for the money you pay. But well, if money ain't an issue right now I'd definitely would go for american one. It will play better, sound better. I can't say it looks better because it looks exactly the same
I specially felt a huge leap between the pickups of the mexican and american. If you plan to change the pickups anyway, that would not be a decision factor, but if you are happy with the american fender ones, it surely would.
It does cost much more money, but if you have the budget I would not think twice of getting an american one.
By the way, my mexican fender was exactly the color you posted
. Nice choice Of course I'm not going to be buying a '57 strat or something, so in that instance, money is an issue, but looking at DBA.dk or Ebay for that matter, Americans are fairly fair in pricing (like...around 5000 dkr. used), and I'm more than willing to pay that.
Posted by: Fran Feb 21 2010, 09:55 PM
Guitar shops are closed, guuuys. I just want to hear your opinions about whether to get an American or a Mexican (or any other kind for that matter), as money really isn't an issue.If money isn't an issue, get an american strat!
Try them just in case. Some will feel more comfortable than others. When I bought mine I tried american standard, signature models and even a custom. In the end I liked the american deluxe the best, but to each their own. Even they all look the same, the don't feel the same in your hands
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 21 2010, 09:58 PM
Try them just in case. Some will feel more comfortable than others. When I bought mine I tried american standard, signature models and even a custom. In the end I liked the american deluxe the best, but to each their own. Even they all look the same, the don't feel the same in your hands
As said, of course I'll be trying some out in the nearest shop (and if I can, I will try the one I'll be buying used). But as of right now, I just want YOUR guys opinion on what to get
Thanks so far.
Posted by: Fran Feb 21 2010, 10:02 PM
I know Cae, you will have lots of fun trying strats, just find a shop that has a lot of different models
It may very well happen that you find the perfect strat for you and it's mexican. Why not.
But as a blindfolded decision on what to get, I have recommend that you get an american one
Posted by: Staffy Feb 21 2010, 10:37 PM
Sniff, sniff.... yeah I have! The Mexican smells tequila and bad girls while the American smells Bud's and botux!!!!
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 21 2010, 10:50 PM
Now I really can't make up my mind
Posted by: Crazy_Diamond Feb 21 2010, 11:26 PM
Hahahahaha .... There's the real difference between both ..
Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Feb 22 2010, 12:48 AM
If you can afford it, I would suggest an American one. Its just not the same. But its most important to find the guitar that sounds and feels best to you. All guitars are unique so try as many as you can. Visit local music stores too (even if you want to get a used one) just to get a good feel of how they sound and what feels/sounds best to you - to have it as a comparison when you are trying out used guitars. IMO everyone needs a Strat
Posted by: jdriver Feb 22 2010, 05:18 AM
I've said it before, but it bears repeating.... If you've got it in your head that American "must be better," then you may as well get one, or else you'll always have the doubt in your head, and that will diminish your pleasure.
I think it's fair to say if you were to go to a store and grab a Mexican off the rack and also grab an American and compare them, the American will seem better most of the time. i think they just start with a higher minimum quality than the Mexican do, otherwise they wouldn't be worth the extra money.
And I'm with Fran, American Deluxe Rules!! 
Posted by: Staffy Feb 22 2010, 08:31 AM
Hehe, just kidding. I was in Copenhagen for some 6 months ago trying out strats, and was in a music store near a little square (can't remember its name), they had a Mark Knopler signature that was simply stunning, I dont know if its still there. Tone-wise, it sounded more SRV than the SRV-signature model itself and was comparable to a master-built imo. But it was pretty expensive though, round 14-15.000 DKK, if I mind it right. The reason I didn't bought it was because of that VISA-card problem, my bank didn't let take that amount out, later I bought the Suhr strat instead....... but if its still there and if its affordable, go and have a look!
Cheers
//Staffay
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 22 2010, 09:44 AM
Cheers
//Staffay
I think 15000 DKK is a little over the top, to be honest, but of course, it might be cheaper used. I'll probably be looking for some good deal used, as I'm prepared to spend about 7000 DKK on it, which would take me some way when buying used, I would geuss (have seen American strats at around 5000 DKK used). But I will definately check it out... if just for the hell of it!
I've never really had an expensive guitar besides my Schecter that got wacked. Back when that was in proper shape I actually think I practiced more. I can't tell if it's in the gear or not, but it might be that my mind tells me something along the lines of: "You haven't spend much money on your guitar...why practice...go play some Playstation instead...".
So maybe...just maybe...a new higher-end guitar would spark my interest again! I hope so at least. Even though my guitar is quite good for what it is, it is still a 200-euro guitar with cheap-ish parts.Posted by: Staffy Feb 22 2010, 10:10 AM
Hmmm, I saw a 77/78 strat on Ebay in Denmark a while ago for bout 7000 DKK, maybe its still there... At least it will be a good investment, since I believe the 70's gonna be collectors items as well!
//Staffay
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 22 2010, 10:15 AM
Is there a Danish ebay?
Anyway, as I'm not buying right now, it will most likely, if it isn't already, be gone by then. It's gonna be late April/early May
Posted by: Staffy Feb 22 2010, 11:59 AM
Oki... I see... Yeah, they have at least an URL.. But it was on EBay.co.uk I saw it, I think... but the guitar was in Copenhagen.
//Staffay
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 22 2010, 03:12 PM
"Oh, didn't know that, is there any way one can search for only items in Denmark on Ebay?"
...asked the Ebay-noob.
Posted by: sted Feb 22 2010, 03:55 PM
Hey mate!
Ive had a MIM strat and it was very nice (Ive got a demo of my strat on my YT channel just search for "bigleemac" and in the uploads section there is a demo called "My old strat", cant post it here as the IT nazi's wont let me access YT from work!) , although I did upgrade the pups to texas specials and get a nice setup on it. I have an eric Johnson sig strat now which is immeasurably nicer materials, just looking at the body through the nitro is prrof enough for me of the price difference.
I would have a look at the new american specials range mate, kind of between a USA standard and a highway 1, they dont have nitro finish (Some people hate nitro anyway as its quite sticky!) but are very good instruments indeed and getting very good reviews.
Posted by: Staffy Feb 22 2010, 04:01 PM
...asked the Ebay-noob.
Nah, theres not, but You can search for items in the EU at least... but there must be better markets for instruments in Denmark, I suppose.
//Staffay
Posted by: Ruzz Feb 22 2010, 06:04 PM
Cael go to Aage (Danish music store) and try out both (or more... They have alot of different fenders you know..)
I know you even live 5-10 mins away from it
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 22 2010, 06:42 PM
Hmm. I've seen deals to about 5-6.000 DKK used in the past, I'm sure, and now I can't find those anywhere anymore.
I know you even live 5-10 mins away from it
As said many times, I'm gonna do so, but I just wanted YOUR guys' opinions. Not really gonna hesitate anything anyway, so I'll definetely be checking a few of them out.
Posted by: Staffy Feb 22 2010, 06:53 PM
Yeah, Aage was the shop I were visiting. Check if the red Mark Knopler Strat is still there, its a real good strat! 
//Staffay
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 22 2010, 07:08 PM
Check if the red Mark Knopler Strat is still there, its a real good strat! //Staffay
I went by there today, as I was just going past it anyway. I didn't play any guitar, as I had my girlfriend with me etc., but I looked for the Knopfler but couldn't see it
Posted by: Staffy Feb 22 2010, 07:17 PM
Hmmm, maybe they sold it.... it was a really good one.... Why bring Your girlfriend in a guitar store? Then she sees what the prizes are, and want to have gifts that is on par with Your equipment.... Looks like its gonna be an expensive relationship!!!
//Staffay
Posted by: Fran Feb 22 2010, 07:24 PM
//Staffay
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 22 2010, 07:29 PM
//Staffay
She's the one encouraging me to buy a white stratocaster
...she also wants to learn to play, but she won't let me teach her
Also... she was with me as she was around that part of town anyway.
Posted by: Staffy Feb 22 2010, 07:32 PM
...she also wants to learn to play, but she won't let me teach her
Also... she was with me as she was around that part of town anyway.
Woooow, a girlfriend in my taste! I really understand why You dig her!! If some of my former girlfriends had that attitude, I may had some more guitars instead of old babysitters, massage-machines, weight-trimming devices and other type of junk in my garage....
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 22 2010, 07:35 PM
Staffy: What are the prices for guitars like in Sweden and do you have a link to some music stores?
Posted by: JVM Feb 22 2010, 07:38 PM
Posted by: MickeM Feb 22 2010, 08:14 PM
The Walmart of musicstoreshttp://www.musikborsen.se
http://www.jam.se
"my" store http://www.ljudfront.se
yeah... that was a bit scary
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 22 2010, 08:35 PM
http://www.jam.se
"my" store http://www.ljudfront.se
yeah... that was a bit scarySo I geuss there's some percentages off for GMC'ers?
Posted by: Staffy Feb 22 2010, 09:01 PM
There's a lot of used Fenders in Skane (south part of Sweden), and I think the prizes are on par with Denmark, even a little bit cheaper in most cases. I did a search on Sweden biggest advertising market, http://www.blocket.se/malmo?q=fender&cg=0&w=1&st=s&st=u&st=b&ca=23_11&md=th
//Staffay
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 22 2010, 09:08 PM
Thanks, Staffy. My Swedish is terrible, so I had no idea what to search for and I couldn't find any site.
I had a look at your link, and there are a few good deals. Thanks!
Posted by: Staffy Feb 22 2010, 09:32 PM
I had a look at your link, and there are a few good deals. Thanks!
No probs, I live very close to Malmoe, so if You are supposed to go here, or visit any store/private, just give me a PM and I will be happy to help You out... (the stores actually live on me...
So I guess I can fix some discount I You find anything...)//Staffay
Posted by: sted Feb 22 2010, 10:23 PM
Hmmm..
bit late with this but meh, heres that demo.
White strat MIM, texas specials.
Posted by: MickeM Feb 22 2010, 11:46 PM
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. And they're always glad you came.
You want to be where you can see, our troubles are all the same. You want to be where everybody knows your name.
At least for one of us
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 25 2010, 01:29 AM
Thihihihihihihihihihi.
Posted by: earman Feb 25 2010, 02:39 AM
http://www.fender.com/support/usa_instruments.php
That's got all the serial number information as far as identifying Fender guitars. Hope it helps.
Oh and.. all I have to say about my '08 American Strat is that I love it. She hasn't let me down yet
-Brandon
Posted by: Adrian Figallo Feb 25 2010, 02:21 PM
that is one useful link, thanks man!
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 25 2010, 02:48 PM
A few on here will know what my giggling outburst meant, I geuss. 
Posted by: Marek Rojewski Feb 25 2010, 05:01 PM
So what have You bought?
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 25 2010, 05:30 PM
Should be here Monday.
Posted by: Marek Rojewski Feb 25 2010, 05:49 PM
Awesome, I love how white strats look. Still a natural wood + black pickguard is even better looking for me. White strats are second best:) May it accomplish it's reason to be bought - rise interest and skill in result \m/
Posted by: Fran Feb 25 2010, 06:01 PM
Cool strat! Let us know how you like it when it arrives, I bet you'll love it
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Feb 26 2010, 12:51 AM
New strat looks really good man! Did you get the case with the guitar btw?
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 26 2010, 02:18 AM
Yeah, case including. Getting it monday. Paid £835 including shipping, case etc. Just below what they sell for used here, so won't be a big loss if it turns out not to be a guitar for me
Posted by: Daniel Realpe Mar 5 2010, 04:17 PM
creamy guitar, yonm yom yom
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