@@emiliomontesdeocagonzalez681 The only Fender Strat I have owned is a Mexican Strat because it feels like the classic 50s and 60s Strats. It feels like it will last a lifetime.
I dearly love my Fender guitars and amps that are made in Mexico. They cost less than those made just a few miles north in California, and they are every bit as good of quality in my opinion, seeing as I own some of those made in Corona.
I've had American Strats, Japanese Strats and Mexican Strats...and I've always sold them on - I just couldn't get on with them at all. I recently tried again with the "new" (ish) Fender Player range - Mexican made. I had to set it up a little out of the box, and out of all my guitars, it's the cheapest by a long way (I've got Gibsons, 90s Jacksons, etc..)...and I've barely put it down in the 12 months I've owned it. It's a great sounding guitar, and it plays better than any strat I've had in the past. An utter bargain at 700 quid.
Like someone said above; There is a good chance a Mexican built your American Strat in a Corona, California Fender custom shop! For ALL you guitar nerds that worry about where it was assembled! Fujigen Ibanez RG’s were the “ONLY” guitars I EVER worried about because of their superior Japanese shop builds!#Fender#Ibanez#🎸🔥🤘🏻
If you watch the factory tour video you will see that many parts are actually manufactured in US plant and shipped to Ensenada for finish and assembly. MIM's are actually Fender guitars finished and assembled in Ensenada; which. by the way, is less than 185 miles from Corona, CA Also, the plant in Ensenada was built in 1987...........that was 38 years ago. I'd say they got it down by now.
The pink guitar is Made in Mexico as the one you looked up, but it is a Deluxe one and not a Player series, and so the price is higher for the former, making $580 not a bad deal for it. Awesome videos.
I’ve had both Fender Tele’s & Strat’s and the tones are exactly the same between American and Mexican just alot cheaper! I smile everyday knowing I paid $500 for my used Fender Strat Player Series in black w/white pickguard, a single pickup configuration, & the maple neck!#Fender#Strat#MIM😊#🎸🔥🤘🏻
Mexican Fender guitars AND other products are probably the MOST authentic Fender products of all. When they opened the Mexican shop, they equipped it with all of the tooling and machinery that was in the original U.S. factory. This is machinery that dated back as far as the company has existed. Therefore, it’s most likely that your Mexican Strat was made with the same machining, tooling and specs as somebodys 1950’s Strat. That’s pretty damned cool.
So it’s possible the Mexico shop has hand-me-down equipment from the original USA Fender shops? Man, an MIM Strat is calling my name more and more so than a MIJ!!
Bought my mim tele for $350 back in the day and it’s still my most solid playing guitar I own. Never once had to get it setup, even though the frets are worn to hell it plays better than almost all my other guitars
Fender USA (Corona CA) and Fender Mexico (Ensenada MX) are 180 miles apart, not quite a casual drive. Folks confuse the distances with Taylor Guitars, whose respective USA/Mexico factories are literally 40 miles apart.
The way I have always viewed the two are that the MIM are built like the early Fenders and the MIA are built to the newer specs Fender was incorporating into their strats. Both are genuine Fender and both play great. Play whichever you like. I have two MIM strats and play them both.
I bought a faked Mexican Std Strat years ago, back in 2012 or so. Later I found out the neck was probably real, but the body was replaced with something else. It was really my fault for not paying attention (wish I watched videos like this back then!). I bought a new body, parts, etc for it to make it real, but ultimately I could not bond with that guitar. I sold it and used the money to help funding my Chicago Blue Les Paul Traditional you see in my profile pic. Eventually I managed to get a 1991 American Standard, so everything worked out in the end.
Recognising fakes or modded guitars comes down to a lot of experience as well. I can imagine it being problematic when buying your first guitar. Those MIM's were easy to identify as authentic, but when buying used guitars, I would always open them up to check the inside as well, wich, off course, is difficult when you don't know what to look for. So my advice would be that when you buy a used guitar, try to let someone with knowledge have a look at it. I made a mistake myself when buying my first Blues Junior tube amp years ago. It happened to have a cheap (no brand) speaker. When returning to the seller he knew nothing about it. Told me he bought it like that and never changed anything on the amp and he didn't want to take it back. I didn't check it properly and it sounded really crappy, so I had to invest in a new speaker.
I've been just trying out different strats and seeing which sounds best to my ear. I have a Deluxe american standard, but I recently bought a Vintera modified strat and I reallt love it
Not necessarily true, my 2001 and 2009 are killer guitars. I just took the time to find the best playing ones of the litter. Same is true today, there are still a lot of duds, which is why it pays off to go to a real store and find one as opposed to just order one online
I have several classic series from the late 90s and early 00s and they are nothing but great. I only switch the bridge pick up on those. Other than that, as I said, they are great. Recently bought a Vintera II from '23 and while that one is great too. The leap in quality isn't noticable to me other than the bridge pick up which I won't switch. :)
The first guitar you’re looking at, is a 60’s classic strat, MIM. On these models, the truss rod adjustment is in the rear, like the actual 60’s models. I have one of these. The second is a Player Strat, MIM. I have that one too, in that exact color. Both are great guitars,
You are so dead on correct. Fakers never try to make bogus MIM guitars for it ain't worth it. I have a Strat and Tele (lefty) MIM and it may be worth 2/3 the value vs a USA, but they are real and I love them both
I made a couple fakes when I was teaching myself how to work on guitars and tried my hand at a couple DIY Strat build kits. They had the Fender shaped headstock, so I just went ahead and put Fender waterslide decals on them. I'm not ever going to sell them and I usually refer to them as my "NOT A FENDER" guitars. I also have a real MIM Standard and a couple Squier Affinity Strats.
I like my MIM Fenders because I like to change things up on them and experiment. My USA Fenders stay pretty much like they were when I bought them. I like them both but my USA Fenders are my fave.
I'm 3 years late, but this video shows a sampling of some of the different Strat models that Fender Mexico has produced over the years. That HSS model with the big CBS headstock I believe was part of the Deluxe series which features some US hardware and electronics. Also has a 22-fret neck which is also on the current Player Series (it seems for a long time, Fender didn't want to put that 22nd fret on modern Mexican guitars possibly out of fear that they could eat into sales of the American Standard.......and then the Blacktop series happened).
Thanks for clearing that up. I have a “Fender Strat” Made in Mexico. I got an incredible deal on it when Best Buy shut down their musical instrument section. It plays well and sounds great.
It got a 2016 MIM Standard dirt cheap on eBay unused, with a view to selling it on. I was so impressed I sold my American Series as I didn’t need both.
I think the headline is a bit misleading... but after watching your video I understand you and I agree about this problem. People trying to fool other people by false marketing guitars should be severely punished. MiM's are great in my opinion. I have/have had several classic series and Vinteras over the years and they've been really great. I also have MIUs so I know the difference.
The black label squire series was an MIM Standard with cheaper asian electronics but bodies and necks out of Corona (Ensenada had a fire in '93). It fit just under the Standard.
Fender’s VP of marketing (Lewis) was quoted in The Fender Book as stating that MIM Fenders were produced in Corona (CA) and sent to Mexico for “sanding, painting, polishing and assembly - using Mexican strings and electronics.” The bodies were milled and stamped in the United States using the same wood used in the American Standard guitars. The necks were also milled and fretted in Corona (CA). Fender’s Mexican plant did not begin to mill or stamp their own bodies/necks until 1998. Two things… The somewhat small difference of the necks and bodies being milled and stamped in the United States can be felt when playing these Black Label Mexican Fenders (1994-1998). These guitars are also the last econ-lined Fenders to be made in the United States. For the money, these guitars, in the opinion of thousands of guitar players, present THE best ROI Fender has produced since the 1983 MIJ Stratocasters or anything since then. In conclusion… Made vs. assembled/finished.
My made in Mexico strat has a 7 digit serial number on the back and black Fender logo on the front but it does not say Squier anywhere. The serial number starts MZ818. When I punch the sail number in the Fender data base it shows no results.
I've got a MIM strat and a US tele and honestly, I like the MIM strat better. Probably because my US tele is the American special which has frets the size of mt Everest. I bought my MIM strat when I was 13. (I'm 45 now) It took me two and a half years to save up to buy it. I've since upgraded the trem block to a big steel honker and changed the bridge plate and trem bar to US spec and the pickups to Texas specials. I love both my Fenders but my MIM wins. My Les Paul beats both but my best playing, best sounding guitar is my explorer copy I built from a kit. Shout out to precision guitar kits and Brandonwound pickups.
Are there MIM Strats that came from the factory with a lacquer neck finish and they have the “with synchronized tremolo” sticker underneath the Fender emblem? What “version” MIM Strat is the light blue one in the first example?
Have American Tele's as well as a few Squier CV's. I use the Squier's for touring. I have done some after work on the CV's, and they are really great guitars, especially after the after work, but absolutely great from the shop. And if something happens while touring, I won't cry my eyes out as if I should lose one of my expensive American made ones. To me it's all about if I like it or not. Not where it's actually made. I even have an Affinity Tele DeLuxe that after some work, now is very very good equipped with Filtertron pup's. So.. It's all about playing, what you need it for and so on. That's the important thing. Not where it's made.
I see Mim's on reverb for seven and eight hundred dollars plus shipping WTF who would put up that kind money when you can get a brand new player series for $749.00 with a warranty and whatever else comes with it in all the stores and catalogs, I love my used Mims I have three but I draw the line at 400 actually haven't paid more than 350 for any of them and they all sound great.No fakes here
Great topic. Consumers need to educate themselves. You don't have to be a professional musician or a luthier to spot a fake. Just spend some time and do some research on the net and on youtube. You'll learn something and you'll save some money. You may even get a great deal.
Hi I appreciate your video. I have a 2004 Mexican strat which also says Deluxe Series on the headstock. Paid $700 for it in 2004 at Musicians Friend. What does the Deluxe Series mean? Thanks for your help, Ray
You have to stop the 12th fret marker position spacing thing because the 50's strats are wider spaced or at least mention that the 50's strats and reissues are wider spaced.
Lets clarify the truss rod issue,. The Mexican use a nylon tube to incase the steel rod, this is to protect the neck should the rod develops rust. The American model has a stainless steel rod and a walnut plug at the adjusting point. Thats the only difference in the necks.
What does MNX mean in the serial number I’ve seen mn mz and other letters but I can’t find pics of one with MNX. Please let me know if you know anything about that.
I have a 1995 mexican strat I bought at Sam Ash in Paramus, Nj....it was $350 for the sunburst one....Istill have it, I painted it differently and pt a SD Hotrail and a volume knob. the neck was cracked in half and glued back together ...it still plays great....
Had American and Mexican strats and the difference is negligible except for price. Serial numbers are verifiable through fender. Mines a 98 and sounds awesome!
I bought a player series strat, and the spring tree is in about the same spot as on that blue strat. It's my only strat so I didn't know that was an abnormal place for it.
Doesn't asking for or seeing the serial number prevent this. Doesn't fender have a serial number authorization on a website. Can you fake a serial number ? Don't know
Difference being "60 miles" between Corona CA, and Ensanada BC, carries a lot more weight than miles! I have been to both factories. To shoot nitro lacquer paint in Calif requires a NASA Space Lab collection center! In Ensanada, they spray it all day inside or outside the factory! It is way cheaper to make Fender guitars in Mexico than USA due to EPA fines and restrictions!
I have a Mexican 2002 classic series stratocaster. Best guitar I've ever played, or owned. I stripped that horrible polyurethane paint and painted it with nitro spray cans. It came out amazing. It has the nice wear patterns of a guitar that ages like thE old vintage. Also, it's my wear patterns. Not some fake patterns put on by a custom shop. There's something very magical about 2002-2003 MiM 60s strats. If you see one, BUY IT!!!!!!!
There are now 3 different "grades" of Mexican Fender guitars. (3) The Player Series, which are their standard MIM grade. (2) Many of their Artist's signature guitars, along with many of their vintage "re-issue" models. (1) Their Deluxe Series, which use the same components as USA models, except they have Mexican Manufactured Necks (from their Mexican plant). Note: The current Fender USA made necks offer a new bi-flex truss rod, where as Mexican necks still use traditional truss rods.
I have a MIM Players Stratocaster and I can pick it up, play it, hear it and it says "Fender" on the head stock so my opinion is "yes it's real". The entire guitar has all the parts that a guitar needs and everything works perfectly, if it was a guitar shaped cake with decorative icing to give it the appearance of a guitar then I would say it's "fake".
I thought only the Fender "Player" series are made in Mexico. Correct me if I'm wrong. If I'm right, then there is no variation in head-stock shape , and there is always a plastic truss- rod aperture.
I have a 2006 Mexican deluxe ltd, heavier body and gold vintage hardware, I kept it original other than relplacing the bridge pickup to a SDhotrail and I put 2 gold knobs in place of the tone knobs, but have the original pickup and tone knobs in a box saved...it sounds and plays perfectly, just a little heavy fora stage
I have a 1998'99 aqua marine metallic USA Strat I bought at Guitar Centerin Totowa NJ for $555 on a sale or promotion and it was painted red and only has a Dimarzio super distortion humbucker and volume knob
Bruh the player series has 22 frets. Do your research before slapping your comment here, the older version of the mexican standard has 21 frets. But they upgraded everything in the player series.
I bought my 2001 MIM used from Facebook marketplace last summer for 700$ Canadian. I never regretted buying it for a second though it’s well worth the price it’s now one of those guitars I’ll never let go.
What is your opinion on Fender American guitar with replacement Fender Necks which are made in Ensenada It is a Mexican guitar now? “Parts Caster” Something else?
I saw a comment the other day on an MIM video like this. The comment was American made by Mexicans in California, Mexican made 60 miles south by Mexicans.
As far as the basses are concerned...The American Fender comes with a more superior wood than that of the Mexican fender. The body of a Mexican fender has a polyester finish. On the other hand, the American fender has a polyurethane body finish. Another major difference that can be noticed is the frets. With the guitars, another difference that can be seen, is in the wood that is used for making the Fenders. The Mexican Fender comes with a five to seven piece alder, and the American Fender comes with a three-piece ash. The American Fender comes with a more superior wood than that of the Mexican Fender. The body of a Mexican fender has a polyester finish. On the other hand, the American fender has a polyurethane body finish. Another major difference that can be noticed is the frets. While the American fender has 22 frets, the Mexican fender has only 21 frets. The American fender gives a more tonal range than the Mexican Fender. The Mexican Fender has one-humbucking and two single coil routers; the American fender has three cavity routs. When comparing the truss rod, the American fender has a bi-flex headstock adjustment, which gives the musician a convex and concave adjustment. On the contrary, the Mexican fender has a headstock adjustment, and the musician depends on the string tension for concave adjustments. While the Mexican fenders come with a standard four bolt neck, the American fenders come with a four bolt micro tilt, that allows for more string adjustments. Both fenders come in a Synchronized Tremolo style, but the American fenders have stainless steel saddles.
The string tree position on that blue guitar (the first one) is typically for a Mexican made strat. It’s in the wrong position, but it’s like that on every Mexican strat. Of course Fender is doing that on purpose, because of that you can see from a mile that it is a Mexican Fender, and a lot of people don’t like that and will go for an American. The right place for the string tree on a strat is under the knob that tunes the A string. You can see that on every classic Stratocaster and also on the American Professional, American Ultra, American Original, Custom Shop etc. If Fender really wants to put these guitar on a same level as the USA guitars they have to make them exactly the same way and get the details right.
......Made in Mexico Fenders are actually made in Corona, CA. The Bodies and Necks are cut-out and shaped in Corona then shipped to Ensanada for finishing and painting. Assembled with good quality parts too. 3% of the Corona employees play guitar. 80+% of the employees in Ensanada play guitar. You tell me.........
@@RichBriere ..I grew up in Fullerton. Just about everyone of my friends worked for Leo at one time or another. I'm still friends with Phylis Fender to this day, and have a picture of her and I hanging in my office. I've toured the Corona Factory and am friends with a few of the Custom Shop Heroes. So I think I can make that assessment with total accuracy....and you wish you could smoke what I do......... ;)- .......
@@paulricketts1089 Thanks. Your response is good for a Chuckle. :). You've "toured" the Corona Factory. Ever work there? Ever sit in as a participant in FMIC business management meetings in Corona...or other locations? Been to each factory strolling about...by yourself...for as long as you wanted....including the Custom Shop? Ever been Awarded every Achievement Plaque that FMIC has...including "Top Gun"? I have. I didn't think so in your case. :). You're assuming that I'm a Creep when in fact I'm just the opposite. I have no beef with you or anyone else. I go out of my way to never destroy Dreams....cuz we all need Dreams....but I'm fairly certain that if you were on the Board of Dunkin' Donuts.....You'd never eat a Donut. ✌ BTW.....Did I ever mention the time we had to recall Hundreds of Guitars and Basses......because Worms were hatching inside of the instruments as they hung on Dealer's display racks and eating their way out? That was a fun time. :). Got a Match?
@@paulricketts1089 Paul.....Just a quick question. :). Your RUclips channel has "No Content of any Kind" and Google has no record that you Exist......Soooo? :)
I just bought one it is about 2006 to 2017 and the truss rod is at the neck toward the top but mine isn’t vintage either it has the Fender tuning knobs on it and it says made in Mexico
I know this video is nearly a year old but I wanted to comment on the Fender Squire Series Strat guitar you looked at. I have a 1995 model #MN560980. The articles I have found say that the reason for the Squire Series name is that even though they are made in Mexico they have American bodies and necks, The reason for that is that there was a fire at the Mexican plant and they lost all of their wood stock. To keep production going bodies and necks were sent down from the American plant. Since they were not fully Squires or American Strats they came up with the "Squire Series" and put that on the top of the headstock from 1994 to about 1997.
I will tell ya what. I have several strats and telecaster. American, Squier etc. I scored a 2022 Fiesta red player. Had it set up nice..even floated the bridge and it stays in tune with constant use. First time I ever was able to float and stay in tune. I always decked my strats before even my American standards and I always had tuning issues. Bear in mind I am gigging with these guitars. The player is now my main gigging guitar. I have a set of fat 50s for it but I am leaving the alnico fives in. They sound great. I am now going to put the fat 50s in a Squier along with locking tuners and better pots. That one I will bring to the gig as a backup. Trust me. It's a great guitar. Maybe I got lucky. First player I ever scored and best yet I traded for it a hotrod deluxe that I had 400 dollars into.
I just came here to say I did not watch the video but after owning both, I'll go ahead and answer that for you guys. Yes, they're just as good as the American. Not to mention, the Indonesian made classic vibe guitars are on the same level as well. If anybody doesn't believe that, all I can say is you've not played enough of them.
Truss rod access at the body was 1960s, which was re-issued as a commemorative. Fender has made many versions of Strats, and all models. Theres little profit motive in fakes unless fake Americans, or not a Fender at all.
Just assembled by Mexican workers that are paid less, lots of parts from the USA version are used.i had a USA malmsteen strat it had to go back to fender for a fret level it was terrible I’ve had mim strats and basses that have been much better.
well, a telecaster, a basic piece of wood, even if rough and not perfectly done, will sound amazing with an average wood a good neck and super pickups. Would you spend 3000 dollars for a telly? That's a piece of wood. A great sounding instrument, but a chunk of wood. I would not. I would spend that for an acoustic guitar.
Tbh the closest thing to a real Fender other than the custom shop were the American Vintage series. The ones made from like 2012-2017 the ‘56, ‘59, ‘62 and ‘65 strats with flash coat lacquer, vintage frets, 7.25” and all that
@@michaelworse6034 None of the modern guitars will. The old AVRIs won’t age like the originals either especially the ones from the 80s-2012. The thin skin and Dave’s guitar shop LE models (essentially the same exact finish) have a better chance and the flash coat lacquer is a step closer too. The thing is they can’t (or won’t) use the same lacquer formula as the 50s early 60s as it’s been banned because the EPA and all the environmental concerns. Though I’m sure there’s a LOT more toxic waste and stuff being produced by everyday things over traditional nitro lacquer finishing but whatever
Good chance the American strat is made by a Mexican too... :-D
One of the best pickup maker is mexican, check out for Josefina Campos, the Fat 50's and Tomatillo ones are her best ones.
@@emiliomontesdeocagonzalez681 The only Fender Strat I have owned is a Mexican Strat because it feels like the classic 50s and 60s Strats. It feels like it will last a lifetime.
@@elvyfoster7455 Ikr? They're so amazing ;)
It happens a lot actually. A lot of times they make the parts in Mexico and do the assembly in the states.
@@anniedarkhorse6791 quite a few!? More like 90%.
Heck yeah, a MIM Strat is real.
Nobody ever said it wasn't until this clown Kennis!
if you watch the video or just glance quickly in the description box you'll realize that he talks about people trying to sell their MiMs as MIUs.
I dearly love my Fender guitars and amps that are made in Mexico. They cost less than those made just a few miles north in California, and they are every bit as good of quality in my opinion, seeing as I own some of those made in Corona.
60 (drivable) miles is close enough to use the same team to supervise manufacturing and final inspection.
@@skny2282 it’s closer to 180 miles. But the point holds true, I like many others own quality Mexican fender gear.
I've had American Strats, Japanese Strats and Mexican Strats...and I've always sold them on - I just couldn't get on with them at all. I recently tried again with the "new" (ish) Fender Player range - Mexican made. I had to set it up a little out of the box, and out of all my guitars, it's the cheapest by a long way (I've got Gibsons, 90s Jacksons, etc..)...and I've barely put it down in the 12 months I've owned it. It's a great sounding guitar, and it plays better than any strat I've had in the past. An utter bargain at 700 quid.
Like someone said above; There is a good chance a Mexican built your American Strat in a Corona, California Fender custom shop! For ALL you guitar nerds that worry about where it was assembled! Fujigen Ibanez RG’s were the “ONLY” guitars I EVER worried about because of their superior Japanese shop builds!#Fender#Ibanez#🎸🔥🤘🏻
If you watch the factory tour video you will see that many parts are actually manufactured in US plant and shipped to Ensenada for finish and assembly. MIM's are actually Fender guitars finished and assembled in Ensenada; which. by the way, is less than 185 miles from Corona, CA Also, the plant in Ensenada was built in 1987...........that was 38 years ago. I'd say they got it down by now.
The pink guitar is Made in Mexico as the one you looked up, but it is a Deluxe one and not a Player series, and so the price is higher for the former, making $580 not a bad deal for it. Awesome videos.
I have a ‘95 strat MIJ...it has that squier logo up at the top of the headstock...it’s a killer guitar!!!...great stuff KR...love these vids
What up, Kennis! Hope you're doing well, brother! Thanks for this series! Very educational.
I've been super busy, but doing well. I hope you too are well. I'm glad you enjoy this series. Thanks for watching!
@@kennisrussell Kennis is what my dear late grandma used to call me.
I've never asked myself that question. No need.
Yeah, him saying that in the first 6 seconds saved me 16 plus minutes of my life. Nice guy.
I know. This Kennis is a click-baiting hack who thinks everyone else is as s
15:49 “My Mexican I got for $200.”
Still talking about guitars, right?
Lol
Mexican Fenders are as good as American. You just don't have the costs of paying a factory full of Americans with American benefits and overhead.
Like I said my favorite is my MIM
The only difference I've noticed is your much more likely to get a one piece body with mia
I have a Player Plus that has stolen my heart. Great instrument
@@FastSloW-qt8xf but brownie, clapton's guitar is a 3 piece body.
I’ve had both Fender Tele’s & Strat’s and the tones are exactly the same between American and Mexican just alot cheaper! I smile everyday knowing I paid $500 for my used Fender Strat Player Series in black w/white pickguard, a single pickup configuration, & the maple neck!#Fender#Strat#MIM😊#🎸🔥🤘🏻
Mexican Fender guitars AND other products are probably the MOST authentic Fender products of all. When they opened the Mexican shop, they equipped it with all of the tooling and machinery that was in the original U.S. factory. This is machinery that dated back as far as the company has existed. Therefore, it’s most likely that your Mexican Strat was made with the same machining, tooling and specs as somebodys 1950’s Strat. That’s pretty damned cool.
So it’s possible the Mexico shop has hand-me-down equipment from the original USA Fender shops? Man, an MIM Strat is calling my name more and more so than a MIJ!!
As one who was a Fender DSM when we opened the Mexican facility I'd ask where Exactly you got that information? 🙈
Bought my mim tele for $350 back in the day and it’s still my most solid playing guitar I own. Never once had to get it setup, even though the frets are worn to hell it plays better than almost all my other guitars
I always, always enjoy these videos! Keep them coming!!
Thanks man. Will do
The blue one is my strat! Thanks for the help!!!!
Nice. Thanks for sending me the pics.
Nice guitar just bought a fender person dark knight bass
Great informative video some of those prices may contain a hard shell case as well. a lot of guitars these days usually don't come with them.
True.
Fender USA (Corona CA) and Fender Mexico (Ensenada MX) are 180 miles apart, not quite a casual drive. Folks confuse the distances with Taylor Guitars, whose respective USA/Mexico factories are literally 40 miles apart.
The way I have always viewed the two are that the MIM are built like the early Fenders and the MIA are built to the newer specs Fender was incorporating into their strats. Both are genuine Fender and both play great. Play whichever you like. I have two MIM strats and play them both.
I bought a faked Mexican Std Strat years ago, back in 2012 or so. Later I found out the neck was probably real, but the body was replaced with something else. It was really my fault for not paying attention (wish I watched videos like this back then!). I bought a new body, parts, etc for it to make it real, but ultimately I could not bond with that guitar. I sold it and used the money to help funding my Chicago Blue Les Paul Traditional you see in my profile pic.
Eventually I managed to get a 1991 American Standard, so everything worked out in the end.
Thanks for sharing.
O dono anterior só quis da uma melhorada. Já que o corpo das fender mexicana tem 5 pedaços😂😂😂 foi melhor pra vç..
Got my MIM fender Strat for $250 at a pawn shop for Christmas . I was 14 then and I still have it and play it today. It’s a great guitar
Recognising fakes or modded guitars comes down to a lot of experience as well. I can imagine it being problematic when buying your first guitar. Those MIM's were easy to identify as authentic, but when buying used guitars, I would always open them up to check the inside as well, wich, off course, is difficult when you don't know what to look for. So my advice would be that when you buy a used guitar, try to let someone with knowledge have a look at it.
I made a mistake myself when buying my first Blues Junior tube amp years ago. It happened to have a cheap (no brand) speaker. When returning to the seller he knew nothing about it. Told me he bought it like that and never changed anything on the amp and he didn't want to take it back. I didn't check it properly and it sounded really crappy, so I had to invest in a new speaker.
There's a bunch of different speakers Fender puts in their Blues Jrs. It wasn't one of any of those?
Mexican factory (Ensenada Mexico) and USA factory (Corona, CA) are about 200 miles apart.
I've been just trying out different strats and seeing which sounds best to my ear. I have a Deluxe american standard, but I recently bought a Vintera modified strat and I reallt love it
Dude, the player series MiM 2018-2020 guitars, made a HUGE leap in quality, compared to the previous MiM models.
Cool
Not necessarily true, my 2001 and 2009 are killer guitars. I just took the time to find the best playing ones of the litter. Same is true today, there are still a lot of duds, which is why it pays off to go to a real store and find one as opposed to just order one online
With the classic series and in 2006 with the classic player series the Ensenada factory made as good guitars as the american standard out of Corona.
I have several classic series from the late 90s and early 00s and they are nothing but great. I only switch the bridge pick up on those. Other than that, as I said, they are great. Recently bought a Vintera II from '23 and while that one is great too. The leap in quality isn't noticable to me other than the bridge pick up which I won't switch. :)
The first guitar you’re looking at, is a 60’s classic strat, MIM. On these models, the truss rod adjustment is in the rear, like the actual 60’s models. I have one of these. The second is a Player Strat, MIM. I have that one too, in that exact color. Both are great guitars,
Good info Kennis! Another factor is price. If it's hugely cheaper than the real thing then it's likely dodgy.
Very true. Thanks for posting.
Mim strats are probably the number one gigging guitar. Everybody who gigs has atleast 1 mim fender
You are so dead on correct. Fakers never try to make bogus MIM guitars for it ain't worth it. I have a Strat and Tele (lefty) MIM and it may be worth 2/3 the value vs a USA, but they are real and I love them both
I made a couple fakes when I was teaching myself how to work on guitars and tried my hand at a couple DIY Strat build kits. They had the Fender shaped headstock, so I just went ahead and put Fender waterslide decals on them. I'm not ever going to sell them and I usually refer to them as my "NOT A FENDER" guitars. I also have a real MIM Standard and a couple Squier Affinity Strats.
I had a Strat copy that I made a decal for. It said "O'Fender Stratovarious." Used to know a bass player with a "Rickenfaker" bass, too.
I like my MIM Fenders because I like to change things up on them and experiment. My USA Fenders stay pretty much like they were when I bought them. I like them both but my USA Fenders are my fave.
8:57 8:57 Truss rods are neither plastic nor walnut. The inserts at the end of the truss rod hole are. Truss rods are steel.
I'm 3 years late, but this video shows a sampling of some of the different Strat models that Fender Mexico has produced over the years. That HSS model with the big CBS headstock I believe was part of the Deluxe series which features some US hardware and electronics. Also has a 22-fret neck which is also on the current Player Series (it seems for a long time, Fender didn't want to put that 22nd fret on modern Mexican guitars possibly out of fear that they could eat into sales of the American Standard.......and then the Blacktop series happened).
Thanks for clearing that up. I have a “Fender Strat” Made in Mexico. I got an incredible deal on it when Best Buy shut down their musical instrument section. It plays well and sounds great.
Best buy had a instrument section? 🧍♀️
It got a 2016 MIM Standard dirt cheap on eBay unused, with a view to selling it on. I was so impressed I sold my American Series as I didn’t need both.
I think the headline is a bit misleading... but after watching your video I understand you and I agree about this problem. People trying to fool other people by false marketing guitars should be severely punished. MiM's are great in my opinion. I have/have had several classic series and Vinteras over the years and they've been really great. I also have MIUs so I know the difference.
The black label squire series was an MIM Standard with cheaper asian electronics but bodies and necks out of Corona (Ensenada had a fire in '93). It fit just under the Standard.
Had one. Changed electronics and pickups and was just like an American Standard.
MIM Strat are legit.
Fender’s VP of marketing (Lewis) was quoted in The Fender Book as stating that MIM Fenders were produced in Corona (CA) and sent to Mexico for “sanding, painting, polishing and assembly - using Mexican strings and electronics.”
The bodies were milled and stamped in the United States using the same wood used in the American Standard guitars.
The necks were also milled and fretted in Corona (CA).
Fender’s Mexican plant did not begin to mill or stamp their own bodies/necks until 1998.
Two things…
The somewhat small difference of the necks and bodies being milled and stamped in the United States can be felt when playing these Black Label Mexican Fenders (1994-1998). These guitars are also the last econ-lined Fenders to be made in the United States.
For the money, these guitars, in the opinion of thousands of guitar players, present THE best ROI Fender has produced since the 1983 MIJ Stratocasters or anything since then.
In conclusion…
Made vs. assembled/finished.
My made in Mexico strat has a 7 digit serial number on the back and black Fender logo on the front but it does not say Squier anywhere. The serial number starts MZ818. When I punch the sail number in the Fender data base it shows no results.
I've got a MIM strat and a US tele and honestly, I like the MIM strat better. Probably because my US tele is the American special which has frets the size of mt Everest. I bought my MIM strat when I was 13. (I'm 45 now) It took me two and a half years to save up to buy it. I've since upgraded the trem block to a big steel honker and changed the bridge plate and trem bar to US spec and the pickups to Texas specials. I love both my Fenders but my MIM wins. My Les Paul beats both but my best playing, best sounding guitar is my explorer copy I built from a kit. Shout out to precision guitar kits and Brandonwound pickups.
Same goes for Charvel guitars. Honestly I can’t really tell the difference between mex and USA made . The difference is the labor cost
Are there MIM Strats that came from the factory with a lacquer neck finish and they have the “with synchronized tremolo” sticker underneath the Fender emblem? What “version” MIM Strat is the light blue one in the first example?
Have American Tele's as well as a few Squier CV's. I use the Squier's for touring. I have done some after work on the CV's, and they are really great guitars, especially after the after work, but absolutely great from the shop. And if something happens while touring, I won't cry my eyes out as if I should lose one of my expensive American made ones.
To me it's all about if I like it or not. Not where it's actually made. I even have an Affinity Tele DeLuxe that after some work, now is very very good equipped with Filtertron pup's. So.. It's all about playing, what you need it for and so on. That's the important thing. Not where it's made.
I see Mim's on reverb for seven and eight hundred dollars plus shipping WTF who would put up that kind money when you can get a brand new player series for $749.00 with a warranty and whatever else comes with it in all the stores and catalogs, I love my used Mims I have three but I draw the line at 400 actually haven't paid more than 350 for any of them and they all sound great.No fakes here
You can't get a Player for $749 now unless it's on sale. They are listing at $829
Great topic. Consumers need to educate themselves. You don't have to be a professional musician or a luthier to spot a fake. Just spend some time and do some research on the net and on youtube. You'll learn something and you'll save some money. You may even get a great deal.
Thanks. I agree.
Hi I appreciate your video. I have a 2004 Mexican strat which also says Deluxe Series on the headstock. Paid $700 for it in 2004 at Musicians Friend. What does the Deluxe Series mean? Thanks for your help, Ray
How important is the serial number if it's not found on the fender serial number lookup page?
I just LOVE my MIM Strat too! Wouldn't trade it for a USA-made Fender Pro or Pro II.
Same here concerning my 2009 Classic player 60s strat
MIM strats are 100% strats. Just as good as American.
I bought my MIM 60s strat new (in ‘98 I think) anyway, it has the string tree in the exact same spot as the first one shown.
Good to know.
I have a '98 Fender Strat and the body is Poplar. There was an Alder shortage back then.
You have to stop the 12th fret marker position spacing thing because the 50's strats are wider spaced or at least mention that the 50's strats and reissues are wider spaced.
You mean 60 miles and around 1,000 dollars.
Lets clarify the truss rod issue,. The Mexican use a nylon tube to incase the steel rod, this is to protect the neck should the rod develops rust. The American model has a stainless steel rod and a walnut plug at the adjusting point. Thats the only difference in the necks.
Thanks friend!
What does MNX mean in the serial number
I’ve seen mn mz and other letters but I can’t find pics of one with MNX. Please let me know if you know anything about that.
I have a 1995 mexican strat I bought at Sam Ash in Paramus, Nj....it was $350 for the sunburst one....Istill have it, I painted it differently and pt a SD Hotrail and a volume knob. the neck was cracked in half and glued back together ...it still plays great....
Had American and Mexican strats and the difference is negligible except for price.
Serial numbers are verifiable through fender. Mines a 98 and sounds awesome!
I bought a player series strat, and the spring tree is in about the same spot as on that blue strat. It's my only strat so I didn't know that was an abnormal place for it.
It's not "abnormal", it's just different than US guitars. My MIM is in the exact same place.
I have a '19 player strat and the tree is exactly between de N and D of the Fender logo. Just like on the green player strat in the video.
Doesn't asking for or seeing the serial number prevent this. Doesn't fender have a serial number authorization on a website. Can you fake a serial number ? Don't know
Difference being "60 miles" between Corona CA, and Ensanada BC, carries a lot more weight than miles! I have been to both factories. To shoot nitro lacquer paint in Calif requires a NASA Space Lab collection center! In Ensanada, they spray it all day inside or outside the factory! It is way cheaper to make Fender guitars in Mexico than USA due to EPA fines and restrictions!
Mine has the serial number in front, is that something i nust be concerned about.
Nope. Different years did that. Mine is like that too.
I have a Mexican 2002 classic series stratocaster. Best guitar I've ever played, or owned. I stripped that horrible polyurethane paint and painted it with nitro spray cans. It came out amazing. It has the nice wear patterns of a guitar that ages like thE old vintage. Also, it's my wear patterns. Not some fake patterns put on by a custom shop. There's something very magical about 2002-2003 MiM 60s strats. If you see one, BUY IT!!!!!!!
There are now 3 different "grades" of Mexican Fender guitars. (3) The Player Series, which are their standard MIM grade. (2) Many of their Artist's signature guitars, along with many of their vintage "re-issue" models. (1) Their Deluxe Series, which use the same components as USA models, except they have Mexican Manufactured Necks (from their Mexican plant). Note: The current Fender USA made necks offer a new bi-flex truss rod, where as Mexican necks still use traditional truss rods.
I have a MIM Players Stratocaster and I can pick it up, play it, hear it and it says "Fender" on the head stock so my opinion is "yes it's real". The entire guitar has all the parts that a guitar needs and everything works perfectly, if it was a guitar shaped cake with decorative icing to give it the appearance of a guitar then I would say it's "fake".
I thought only the Fender "Player" series are made in Mexico. Correct me if I'm wrong. If I'm right, then there is no variation in head-stock shape , and there is always a plastic truss- rod aperture.
That’s what I thought too? I own a player series strat and it has maple neck. Never seen a mim without maple neck. I love mine so far!
Hi Ken. Mark here. Subscribing from Philippines. I have 87 Mij squier. Can you spot if its fake or not? Also its value as of now. Thank you so much
I have a 2006 Mexican deluxe ltd, heavier body and gold vintage hardware, I kept it original other than relplacing the bridge pickup to a SDhotrail and I put 2 gold knobs in place of the tone knobs, but have the original pickup and tone knobs in a box saved...it sounds and plays perfectly, just a little heavy fora stage
Could be by faking an MIM, the customer has less propensity to question whether its a fake and simply buy it and take their chances.
I have a 1998'99 aqua marine metallic USA Strat I bought at Guitar Centerin Totowa NJ for $555 on a sale or promotion and it was painted red and only has a Dimarzio super distortion humbucker and volume knob
That last MIM guitar was HSS. Those are more like $800 new so, yeah, $580 is a good price.
Nothing you said sounds like 'bunk' you're exactly right about those saddles.
Mexicans have 21 frets, Americans have 22
Bruh the player series has 22 frets. Do your research before slapping your comment here, the older version of the mexican standard has 21 frets. But they upgraded everything in the player series.
americans don't have 22 frets. At least not all of them.
I have an early MIM Deluxe Nashville Tele, early 2000's and it's a great guitar
MIM Strats are insanely priced the past year or so. You can't find many Mexican Strats for less than $500. You might find a few, but most are $500+.
I bought my 2001 MIM used from Facebook marketplace last summer for 700$ Canadian. I never regretted buying it for a second though it’s well worth the price it’s now one of those guitars I’ll never let go.
They have gone up since. Now a player strat is around $850.
What is your opinion on Fender American guitar with replacement Fender Necks which are made in Ensenada It is a Mexican guitar now? “Parts Caster” Something else?
Now player series are 850-910$ new. 580$ is a good used price today lol just bought a plus top blue burst hss. It's awesome.
I saw a comment the other day on an MIM video like this. The comment was American made by Mexicans in California, Mexican made 60 miles south by Mexicans.
2:25 My favorite answer to that question is: "about $1500"
As far as the basses are concerned...The American Fender comes with a more superior wood than that of the Mexican fender. The body of a Mexican fender has a polyester finish. On the other hand, the American fender has a polyurethane body finish. Another major difference that can be noticed is the frets. With the guitars, another difference that can be seen, is in the wood that is used for making the Fenders. The Mexican Fender comes with a five to seven piece alder, and the American Fender comes with a three-piece ash. The American Fender comes with a more superior wood than that of the Mexican Fender. The body of a Mexican fender has a polyester finish. On the other hand, the American fender has a polyurethane body finish.
Another major difference that can be noticed is the frets. While the American fender has 22 frets, the Mexican fender has only 21 frets. The American fender gives a more tonal range than the Mexican Fender. The Mexican Fender has one-humbucking and two single coil routers; the American fender has three cavity routs.
When comparing the truss rod, the American fender has a bi-flex headstock adjustment, which gives the musician a convex and concave adjustment. On the contrary, the Mexican fender has a headstock adjustment, and the musician depends on the string tension for concave adjustments. While the Mexican fenders come with a standard four bolt neck, the American fenders come with a four bolt micro tilt, that allows for more string adjustments. Both fenders come in a Synchronized Tremolo style, but the American fenders have stainless steel saddles.
You gotta ask? Just because it's not made in the Yewessa,it's fake? PLEASE....
1995 mim with custom shop 69 pickups and maple neck...Worth? Anyone Thanks
The string tree position on that blue guitar (the first one) is typically for a Mexican made strat. It’s in the wrong position, but it’s like that on every Mexican strat. Of course Fender is doing that on purpose, because of that you can see from a mile that it is a Mexican Fender, and a lot of people don’t like that and will go for an American. The right place for the string tree on a strat is under the knob that tunes the A string. You can see that on every classic Stratocaster and also on the American Professional, American Ultra, American Original, Custom Shop etc. If Fender really wants to put these guitar on a same level as the USA guitars they have to make them exactly the same way and get the details right.
......Made in Mexico Fenders are actually made in Corona, CA. The Bodies and Necks are cut-out and shaped in Corona then shipped to Ensanada for finishing and painting. Assembled with good quality parts too. 3% of the Corona employees play guitar. 80+% of the employees in Ensanada play guitar. You tell me.........
I'll have some of whatever You've been Smoking'. 🙈
@@RichBriere ..I grew up in Fullerton. Just about everyone of my friends worked for Leo at one time or another. I'm still friends with Phylis Fender to this day, and have a picture of her and I hanging in my office. I've toured the Corona Factory and am friends with a few of the Custom Shop Heroes. So I think I can make that assessment with total accuracy....and you wish you could smoke what I do......... ;)- .......
@@paulricketts1089 Thanks. Your response is good for a Chuckle. :). You've "toured" the Corona Factory. Ever work there? Ever sit in as a participant in FMIC business management meetings in Corona...or other locations? Been to each factory strolling about...by yourself...for as long as you wanted....including the Custom Shop? Ever been Awarded every Achievement Plaque that FMIC has...including "Top Gun"? I have. I didn't think so in your case. :). You're assuming that I'm a Creep when in fact I'm just the opposite. I have no beef with you or anyone else. I go out of my way to never destroy Dreams....cuz we all need Dreams....but I'm fairly certain that if you were on the Board of Dunkin' Donuts.....You'd never eat a Donut. ✌ BTW.....Did I ever mention the time we had to recall Hundreds of Guitars and Basses......because Worms were hatching inside of the instruments as they hung on Dealer's display racks and eating their way out? That was a fun time. :). Got a Match?
@@paulricketts1089 Paul.....Just a quick question. :). Your RUclips channel has "No Content of any Kind" and Google has no record that you Exist......Soooo? :)
I just bought one it is about 2006 to 2017 and the truss rod is at the neck toward the top but mine isn’t vintage either it has the Fender tuning knobs on it and it says made in Mexico
Ain't nothin wrong with Mexican 🌮
I know this video is nearly a year old but I wanted to comment on the Fender Squire Series Strat guitar you looked at. I have a 1995 model #MN560980. The articles I have found say that the reason for the Squire Series name is that even though they are made in Mexico they have American bodies and necks, The reason for that is that there was a fire at the Mexican plant and they lost all of their wood stock. To keep production going bodies and necks were sent down from the American plant. Since they were not fully Squires or American Strats they came up with the "Squire Series" and put that on the top of the headstock from 1994 to about 1997.
I will tell ya what. I have several strats and telecaster. American, Squier etc.
I scored a 2022 Fiesta red player.
Had it set up nice..even floated the bridge and it stays in tune with constant use.
First time I ever was able to float and stay in tune. I always decked my strats before even my American standards and I always had tuning issues. Bear in mind I am gigging with these guitars.
The player is now my main gigging guitar.
I have a set of fat 50s for it but I am leaving the alnico fives in. They sound great. I am now going to put the fat 50s in a Squier along with locking tuners and better pots. That one I will bring to the gig as a backup.
Trust me. It's a great guitar. Maybe I got lucky. First player I ever scored and best yet I traded for it a hotrod deluxe that I had 400 dollars into.
How can you tell if it's a 1996 tex mex, from photos
I just came here to say I did not watch the video but after owning both, I'll go ahead and answer that for you guys. Yes, they're just as good as the American. Not to mention, the Indonesian made classic vibe guitars are on the same level as well. If anybody doesn't believe that, all I can say is you've not played enough of them.
MNX290121 this the actual number on the neck
It’s on the front of the headstock
String spacing is something else to look for.
You' re right. USA has a different string spacing. Also many use a two point tremolo screws on the bridge. Bent saddles are usually different as well
made by mexican in mexico vs made by mexican in us
Truss rod access at the body was 1960s, which was re-issued as a commemorative. Fender has made many versions of Strats, and all models. Theres little profit motive in fakes unless fake Americans, or not a Fender at all.
The difference is about $400 and 50 miles. Are Japanese Fenders fake?
Just assembled by Mexican workers that are paid less, lots of parts from the USA version are used.i had a USA malmsteen strat it had to go back to fender for a fret level it was terrible I’ve had mim strats and basses that have been much better.
MIM strats aren’t inherently worse than MIA strats, it all depends on the model you buy and the setup
well, a telecaster, a basic piece of wood, even if rough and not perfectly done, will sound amazing with an average wood a good neck and super pickups. Would you spend 3000 dollars for a telly? That's a piece of wood. A great sounding instrument, but a chunk of wood. I would not. I would spend that for an acoustic guitar.
The easiest way with modern Fenders is to use their serial number lookup on their website.
Have the deleted Deluxe Player Strats,love ,em,the maple is from Michigan,or Canada anyways,nice neck radius,a real sleeper this one Thanks Ensenada
When you can buy one new for $599 with warranty would I spend $580 on a 2-year old one? Just test businesses sense on both sides.
Tbh the closest thing to a real Fender other than the custom shop were the American Vintage series. The ones made from like 2012-2017 the ‘56, ‘59, ‘62 and ‘65 strats with flash coat lacquer, vintage frets, 7.25” and all that
Nitro over polyurethane ! Far from the real deal . Avis won't age like the old instruments
@@michaelworse6034 None of the modern guitars will. The old AVRIs won’t age like the originals either especially the ones from the 80s-2012. The thin skin and Dave’s guitar shop LE models (essentially the same exact finish) have a better chance and the flash coat lacquer is a step closer too. The thing is they can’t (or won’t) use the same lacquer formula as the 50s early 60s as it’s been banned because the EPA and all the environmental concerns. Though I’m sure there’s a LOT more toxic waste and stuff being produced by everyday things over traditional nitro lacquer finishing but whatever