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Fender Stratocaster Guitar Should I Buy USA, Mexican, or Chinese Model?
by August Anderson
 Fender Stratocaster guitars are probably one of the most
well known guitars around. When legends like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi
Hendrix, and Eric Clapton are playing them it's gotta tell you something.
However, not all Fender Stratocasters are the same. Like anything, you get
what you pay for. If you are in the market to buy a Fender, I suggest you
listen to a bit of my advice before you decide to make a impulse purchase.
Why should you listen to me?
Well, first of all I used to be a guitar salesman at a guitar shop in San
Diego California. Also, I have owned a variety of Fender's and have direct
experience with multiple strats.
There are basically 3 levels of Fender Strats. I'll break em down by
starting with the best first.
1. The Good Old American Made Stratocaster
You can't beat the
American made Stratocaster. The quality is superb, and
can't be matched. However quality comes with a price. You can plan on paying
about $450 and up for a "used" American Stratocaster. Newer one's are closer
to a grand and on up. There is a huge difference between playing the US
guitar and all the others. Simply put, the US made Fender's are King.
The weight on the US Strat is significantly heavier then the imports. The
reason for this is becuase the body is typically made from Alder wood
instead of some cheaper woods.
2. The Mexican Stratocaster
If you don't have the cash to kick down for a US Strat, then your next best
option is to get a Mexican Stratocaster...also known as the Standard Strat. Hey, these babies rock!!! I've had
multiple Mexican Strats and they are great.
You can pick up a used Mexican Strat for about $250-$375. While it's not
quite as good as the US version, it is a phenomenal guitar.
3. The Chinese Ax
Last and least is the Chinese Stratocaster. You can pick these up for about
$125, give or take a few bucks. When buying a Chinese guitar, remember that
you get what you pay for.
Now I'm not saying the guitar won't work, or even
that it sucks. However, I am saying that the Chinese model is nowhere close
to the quality of the Mexican Strat or the USA model.
Unless you really want the bottom of the line Fender, or are strapped on
cash, I strongly encourage you to search for at least the Mexican model when
purchasing a Fender. Of course the US Stratocaster is the ultimate, but
sometimes that is not a reality for everyone.
My advice, go with the
Mexican Strat, it rocks!!!!!! ....and affordable too.
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