What is the Difference Between American Strat and Mexican Strat?

The main difference between an American Stratocaster and a Mexican Stratocaster lies in their production location and the materials used. Here are some key differences:

1. Production Location: American Stratocasters are made in the United States, while Mexican Stratocasters are made in Mexico.
2. Quality: American Stratocasters are generally considered to be of higher quality than Mexican Stratocasters, with better fretwork, finish, and component selection. However, Mexican Stratocasters are still well-made and can be excellent value-for-money options.
3. Fretwork and Finish: American Stratocasters usually have more refined fretwork and finish compared to Mexican Stratocasters.
4. Component Selection: American Stratocasters often have better component selection, which can contribute to a higher overall quality.
5. Neck Radius: American Stratocasters typically have a 9.5-inch radius, while Mexican Stratocasters often have a 7.25-inch radius and wider 56mm spacing.
6. Fret Count: American Stratocasters usually have 22 frets, while Mexican Stratocasters often have 21 frets.

Despite these differences, many players find that the Mexican Stratocasters are still good, solid guitars and can be set up to play well with some basic fretwork, a good setup, and potentially changing some hardware. Ultimately, the choice between an American and a Mexican Stratocaster depends on personal preference, budget, and the specific features you are looking for in a guitar.

Comparative Table: American Strat vs Mexican Strat

Here is a table comparing the differences between American and Mexican Fender Stratocasters:

Keep in mind that these differences can vary depending on the specific model of the guitar. Additionally, the quality of the guitars is not solely determined by their origin, as there can be quality control issues with both American and Mexican Stratocasters.