Mexican vs. Jap vs. US made strats.

[Pandemonium]

Re: Mexican vs. Jap vs. US made strats.

The Japanese strats I've played have all been outstanding.

[Seraphial]

Re: Mexican vs. Jap vs. US made strats.

I've got an American fat Strat and use to have a Mex Tele, and tho the tele played fine, the US feels better. More solid, better fit and finish, rolled edges. If I was in your position and could find a US axe that fitted what you wanted hardware & pickups wise, I'd bite the bullet and get it. To me, spending $800 on a US Fender is still better value than spending $2k on a US LP. However, if you're upgrading pickups, hardware, etc an MIM is a great base to start from. If you can get a CIJ for around US$4-500, that's an even better start.

[Hellion]

Re: Mexican vs. Jap vs. US made strats.

Japanese Strats are now considered quite well made. Truth to tell, though, the best instrument for the buck are the Mexicans. I've got several and I'll put them up against any Fender except for the older Americans.