« Fender Standard Mexican Stratocaster »

I've wanted a true (brand new) Fender Strat for the last 25 years or so. I have owned a couple of copies and a couple of older mismatched Strats, along with other makes and styles over the years. I finally picked up my Dream guitar a couple of months ago, for $300. YOU DON'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!

In the beginning! The name,looks and Playability.

EXTREMELY POOR QUALITY CONTROL!!! coming out of Fenders Mexico Facility.

I inspected the Guitar as thoroughly as I thought I could when purchased. But when I got home (with better lighting)I soon found dull spots and scrathes on the neck, orange peel of the paint, along with other finish faults that should have been addressed before ever leaving the plant. I returned the guitar and a replacement was ordered. A week later, I opened the box containing a Brand New Guitar, directly from the factory and found absolute garbage. With chips, scrathes, unknown black marks on the neck that looked to be under the topcoat.I chose to keep the original, after seeing that. Unfortunately the time for a refund had expired.

Bottom line is this! If you must have a Fender and can't afford an American, buy a Squier! Half the price (or less) than a Mexican made. But a far better fit and finish, or even a $100 copy. This is the last thing I'll ever own with the name Fender.

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