« Fender Standard Stratocaster (Mexican) »

Purchased at Sam Ash, Long Island, NY for $390 U.S. I stopped in to Sam Ash looking for a 2nd inexpensive electric since my '64 Fender Mustang is getting a little long in the tooth, and needs some work. I needed a good reliable axe for some upcoming gigs with my new band. I was interested in some of the Fat Strats and Texas Special type models after reading review on all the Fender models. After playing several models (50's, 60's, 70's, 48th Street Special (fat strat), Powerhouse, etc. I choose the basic Standard Strat in Sunburst with a Maple Neck.



This guitar is really sweet. The neck is smooth and fast with some nice subtle graining, and the sunburst finish is beautifully done with an unusual 3D grain pattern showing through. I was really expecting to settle for a Mexican-made over an American Strat, but I was suitably impressed with the workmanship of this guitar. The salesperson at Sam Ash stronglt recommended the sunburst finish over the color versions since the wood for this is better, and he said that the Mexican sunbursts are better looking than the American versions. The sound is vintage strat, and outperformed all the other "enhanced" models that were offered.

The electronics has some noise on some of the pickup selections, but that's the only knock I can think of, and I consider it a minor issue.

For $390 I can't believe how well this guitar looks, feels, plays, and sounds. I think it is a steal at this price.

I love this guitar. My bandmates couldn't believe this was the cheapest Fender model made after my first rehearsal with this. For gigging, I think this a no-brainer. Get one.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com