Buying a Fender Stratocaster: MIA, MIM... or...?

Question

Just to see what the current state of play is...

If I was going to buy a new "Standard" Stratocaster (made by Fender) from any old music shop, would I do best with a "Made In America" or "Made In Mexico" model? Are they still made there?

I like my Squier (Made in China) but the silly buzzes drive me nuts... and having played a recent "Bullet" and noticed the difference from the Squier, I can only imagine what it would be like to play a "real" Strat :) ...but from which factory!?

Thanks.

Some good thoughts there, thanks.

Have had a Les Paul Custom for the last 30 years and have always wanted a Strat :) Not *overly* interested in the $-value of the Strat (up to ~$1500 or so) as much as how it plays, keeps in tune, the sound (body/neck materials), quality of the electrics, etc... and I'm keen to hear stories of these factors in the MIA/MIM/MIJ, etc. models before I go and splurge :)

Answer 1

I've heard people say they like their MIM Strat, but I like the feel of the American Series. It will last a lifetime so get the color you really like and play several since they are all slightly different(neck feel).

Answer 2

$three hundred for an for sure pretend strat is a rip off, i'd flow for further or less 2 hundred or maybe one hundred seventy 5; they're no longer well worth a lot. although, if that is an american made strat, then that is only too sturdy to be authentic because maximum american strats flow for 1000's, noticeably in the experience that they are older. in case you'll get the fee down, i'd attempt to get it down somewhat because that is for sure pretend. you may tell once you're taking section in an american strat.

Answer 3

What's your budget?

I have an American made 1976 Fender Strat. Current value about $2800.

Try e-bay to get yourself a bargain.

Answer 4

American no doubt, but mexicans arn't bad either. I had a mexican but sold it. too heavy and the shape is bulky. But why a fender? why not a gibson? their quality is the same no matter where the guitar is made. even an epiphone is comparable to a gibson's playability. no buz, no problems, cheaper and plays and sounds like a dream. each to his own i suppose. thanks for the points. hope i helped... have you tried to adjust your string height to get rid of the buz? your strings might be to low. get a vinear caliper, download the specs of the internet, adjust it (get some info to show you how) and see if it helps before buying a new guitar.