My Mexican Strat vs. American Standard

[BPF55555]

Used Mexican Strat w/ Maple Neck, in Mint Condition off CL: $200
2 Seymour Duncan Single Coil Pickups (SSL-1 in Neck + SSL-55 in Bridge): $105
Lace Middle Pickup: $35
Schaller Locking Tuners: $70
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TOTAL: $410

American Standard Strat (Stock): $999.00
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Even though I know I should and want to support American made products, I cannot afford it when it comes to Guitars. But sound-wise, my 'cheap' Mexican Strat, with a few mods, sounds as good, or better (subjective) than the American Standard. I love it. I've compared them in real life, side by side, and they sound the same-if anything, mine had a hotter output (that's a preference though). Just because it's more expensive, doesn't always mean it sounds better ---- Labor Costs and better finishes = about a $600 Price Difference. (But a strong resale value nevertheless)

 

[BPF55555]

I meant a Seymour Duncan SSL-5, not SSL-55.....

 

[BluesHarp]

And your resale value is:

 

[BPF55555]

my resale value is my love for playing, and the fact that i did the best I could with what I could afford - and it sounds just as good as the American made. I don't plan on selling it. I love it.

 

[BPF55555]

A real musician doesn't judge an instrument based on it's price. a real musician judges a guitar on how it sounds, not as some kind of "Investment", like a stock.

 

[BPF55555]

There are some people in this world who try to impress their friends, and themselves, with their expensive, shiny toys (expensive guitars maybe?)to compensate for their insecurities and/or inadequacies - and don't even appreciate what they have. Then there are Real Musicians, some who can afford the expensive stuff, and some who cannot.

 

[bbenhull]

Agreed. However, this opinion won't make you any friends around here! Sorry!

 

[BPF55555]

I agree....I just am a passionate musician...who wants the nice toys!!! lol

 

[mikkvoxNT]

Your really happy with your upgraded mexican strat and that´s nice. Bluesharp is just saying that the resale value is the only downside to your guitar. And it sounds like you won't sell it so it doesn't even matter. But it kinda looks like you want to show TGP how your mexican strat is so much better for less money IMHO and some people will react to that

 

[torgeot]

I have quite a few mid-high priced guitars. I also have a Mexi Tele I got used off of TDPRI that I wired just the way I wanted (2 Vols push push SC HB split) It does have a Callaham bridge that the previous owner put on.

I love that guitar. It goes to almost every gig along with one of my Les Paul and it make the voyage on it's own to gigs over on Fire Island (we have to take a passenger ferry to get there). It works.

If you feel comfortable with it, it's the right guitar no matter the price.

 

[sick1982]

Point of the topic? I prefer my US over my Mex. I can feel and hear the difference enough to justify the price paid.

 

[cubistguitar]

Love my mexi strat. Its a classic player 60s I bought used for $475. Sweetest dang strat i ever played. Just tried a classic vibe squier that sounded just great. If I remember right the guy pinstripedclips uses on of theses squiers for all his fuzz demos. Really great tones that guy gets. I think value is harder to pinpoint with Fender making such a wide range of killer guitars. Its worth something to have the guitar you really like, but if that can be had for less than 400 bucks, well that resonates with my income/ bank account/ mortgage/ 3 kids thang. Thanks Fender, keep em coming.

 

[donnievaz]

I got rid of my American Strat when I bought my Mexican Standard because it sounds and feels WAY better. The only mod I've done was to replace the saddle set screws which were poking up too far and gave it a great setup using Erlewine's method. A great piece of wood makes all the difference in the world.

 

[BPF55555]

I just wanted to bring attention to the fact that I think American Guitars are way overpriced, and an average guy like me, who cannot afford them, was able to upgrade a Mexican version and save alot of $$$........ for basically the same guitar in my opinion. It was not meant for anything else than that. I just think that these companies capitalize on the American Made aspect to increase their profits. I'm sure that the components used in the Americans, particularly the wood, is of better quality than a Mexican, but for that price difference? Sound-wise, I did not hear much of a difference between mine and an American. I put quality components into the guitar - where it counted, and did the best I could. I bought an American-made G&L Legacy about 10 years ago, used, for a great price. I made a terrible decision and sold it about 4 years ago. That guitar is amazing. But is it worth a Grand brand new? I don't know....I do know it was the best guitar I have ever owned. Anyways, I was just trying to bring the price issue to attention, and I guess I sounded like I was bragging, when I really was just proud of what I had done. So I am sorry for the misunderstood comments....

 

[BluesHarp]

A real musician doesn't judge an instrument based on it's price. a real musician judges a guitar on how it sounds, not as some kind of "Investment", like a stock.

No I agree. You just asked the VS on the two and thats one to consider.

How the guitar feels and sounds is the most important thing.. and if you can get that at half the price and you are willing to put in the extra effort then you are rewarded. Just.. other people may not be willing to pay you what you have in it or what YOU think its worth because its a mex guitar with aftermarket parts on it that they may not like or keep..

If you keep it and love it then you have $500 to spend on other gear and you're just as happy!

How long have you been playing?

 

[BPF55555]

Thanks..........I've been playing for 20 years. I'm 36. I actually was able to get my hands on a new Fender Blues Junior Tweed NOS around the same time I chose to go the Mexican way. It was a compromise I had to make, in my mind, cause of $$$. I love the amp, because it plays well with pedals and sounds great clean. That's Mexican too LOL.

 

[BluesHarp]

This is weird.. but Im 36 and ive been playing guitar for about 20 years as well. LOL

You know, I think you knew what was up before you started this thread.

What info or feedback were you wanting to get out this, if you dont mind me asking?
Other than resale it seems you already know and understand you have built a guitar that is better or
at least as good a off the shelf american.. ( if you have found a good piece of wood there.. )

 

[big mike]

1) moved to proper forum

2) what's the point?

 

[BluesHarp]

BTW, thats a great amp for bedroom playing. I had one that I modded heavily with a weber speaker, nos tubes, and all the best BillM mods you can get. ( http://billmaudio.com/wp/?page_id=65 )

 

[BPF55555]

I guess I just wanted to bring to attention that the Guitar Companies (like Fender), grossly overcharge consumers, just because it's made in America. And that the Mexican Strats (with a few mods) sound damn good, considering the price difference.

Click on link or paste, excerpt below: http://www.guitarstop.com/tour/indexT.htm

"All of the American and Mexican made Fender guitars start at the factory in Corona, CA. The lumber for the bodies and necks are shipped to the Corona factory where they are cut, fretted and inspected. At this time it is determined whether a guitar body will be painted a solid color or if the wood is nice enough to have a natural or transparent finish. Extremely nice pieces of wood are set aside for the Custom Shop. The Corona factory manufactures pickups, pickguards, bridges, metal chassis for amplifiers, neck plates, metal bridge covers and metal pickup covers. The pickguards are stamped out by a machine and the bevel is added by hand with a router. It was very interesting to see the care and attention that goes into the manufacturing of every single instrument!"