« Fender Stratocaster - Made in Mexico »

I bought this Olympic White Strat (a 1996 model)from the drummer at my church. I paid $200.00 with a non-fender HSC.

I absolutely love this axe. I have five guitars and a bass; I've been in music for over 35 years and this insturment is excellent. The finish on the body is perfect and the flame maple/rosewood neck is flawlessly finished and straight. Fit and intonation perfect as well. I have read some reviews about American vs. MIM or MIJ Fenders and honestly, I can't tell the difference. My only problem? Read on....

My only minor dislike was the electrics. I said was. I replaced the scratchy pots, switch, and shrill 1996 pups with a complete SRV Texas special unit purchased on e-bay for 100.00. Some would have been just fine with the originals, but some of us are old fussy farts, soooo.

Construction is as good or better than some of the American standards or Robert Cray models(see above). It's a dream to play and sounds awesome; user friendly for sure.

Don't be afraid of the MIMs. I do recommend you go to a music store and play a few USA's, MIJ's, and MIM's. Make an informed choice. Money is hard for some of us to come by so don't be pressured to buy a model just because of where it is assembled.
After 26 years in the U.S. Navy I am just as pro American as anyone, but I want to keep as many greenbacks in my own pocket as I can. The MIM is A-1. Go for it!

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