Let me know which guitar you preferred in this comparison, #TeamMIM or #TeamMIA? If you've been lucky enough to play on both I'd love to know what your observations were! MIM Strats: imp.i114863.net/2DQnz USA Strats: imp.i114863.net/Kbqkn
Darrell Braun Guitar Hey Darrel! I'm learning simple man right now. I love playing so much and your channel has made me love it even more. Thanks so much.
Honestly, can't say I preferred any one. They just seem different, but not better or worse. One can easily find application for both of the strats, depending on the required result.
Everything, yep. I’ve got a left handed 1994 MIM ‘Squier Series’ Fender. Squier is acompany and not a series. It’s an anomaly for a few years in the ‘90’s with American parts. I got it for $150. I convinced the person a used left handed Squier wasn’t worth that much.
I bought a mim strat 10 years ago, and I have never even thought I need to "upgrade" to a usa. The build quality is great and the tone is beautiful. I'm keeping it for life.
I have owned a Mexican Strat. It had been modded with Tex-Mex Alnico 5 pickups. Later I tried a Squier Classic Vibe Strat. I liked it better than the Mexican. Sold the Mexican. Now I have two Classic Vibes, a 50's and a 60's model.
@@gordonipock9385 ah yes the classic vibes are great! Years ago I was trying out usa made standard strats and i noticed a classic vibe squier, that squier was just a better guitar..
I used to work with a guy who was a helluva guitar player. He had one of the earliest Squiers that was made in Japan. Fantastic quality. Fender stopped making the Japanese Squiers because they were so good. Japanese make a lot of high-quality products. The Classic Vibes I have were made in China. They were Squier's effort to prove they could build a high-quality guitar. The necks and the string action are perfect on mine. No buzz. Easy to play. I did some research. Squier outsourced the pickups to a specialty place in South Korea. Great sounding pickups. I had another Mexican Strat that had the stock ceramic pickups. Nowhere near the clarity and tone of the Classic Vibe strats.
I’ve had mine 20 years. Going to have to replace the selector switch and the middle pickup isn’t wanting to pickup any more so time to upgrade my old friend.
Yeah I started on a MiM back in 2003. Stopped playing after a few years and sold it. Bought another one when I started back up again, last year. They're like exactly the right first guitar for someone who will be taking guitar/music seriously. Not expensive, and good enough that you'll still play it even after years of practicing.
Dave J There is a way to tone down the brightness on a fender Strat, you have to go old fashion and put pure nickel strings.. it will make it sound a lot warmer and cut through all that higher treble.
I have owned both. As a solo instrument, the Mexican Standard sounds nice, warm and great on it's own. With a band, the American Standard cuts through the mud and really shines. Both are fine instruments and you should be proud to own either.
Thanks for this comment. This the reason i am looking to swap from MIM to MIA. Love my MIM but now playing in a 7 piece band with 3 piece horn section and always feel i am struggling to cut through on some sections especially when playing backing melodies rather than chords. Hopefully a MIA will make the difference.
I think that there's a few things to consider with these comparisons 1. Tone knobs exists on amps, pedels, guitars, etc. Would the american strat still sound (brighter) if we dialed in the amp settings a bit? Could we also make the american sound "fatter" if we wanted to? 2. Engineers and sound guys are gonna compress and eq your guitar regardless of what country it was made in. 3. Play what makes you feel inspired, not what someone on RUclips (including me and my comments) told you to do. 4. Don't go broke over one guitar (but that doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't get the american strat if that's what you really want). 5. What I'm trying to say is: play what YOU want. And don't worry about what people try to tell you otherwise. Your sound and style might not be exactly there style. End of the day it's a guitar, and that's rock n roll
I think I prefer the Mexican. It sounds warmer snd fuller. Nice comparison, thank for the video. I swear I hear bits of Floyd/Gilmor in your jam, really nice.
I'm a drummer and played piano for a while. I got a beautiful blupurple MIM for christmas in 1997. I tried teaching myself over the years, but never got far. It's been in storage for the last 10+ years. I've really been wanting to make another run at it since the internet has so many of learning now. I feel blessed to have recieved that guitar and would love to justify the gift. Hearing how that guitar can sound motivates me.
The guitar you have is actually a USA body and neck. The bodies and necks were made in Corona and shipped to Ensenada for finish sanding and painting. The Ensenada plant’s production side wasn’t back up and running after the fire until 1998. Get that guitar out of storage and play it, or sell it to me!
I have been playing the guitar since I was 12 years old and I still have my 1957 Fender Musicmaster that I bought new with my paper route money. All my life, I have always wanted a Strat and finally bought one this week. I watched a lot of vlogs comparing the Mexican to the American. The older gentleman at Guitar center was very knowledgeable and has been playing all his life. He told me that the Mex strat was almost identical to the American with only a slight difference in the electronics and sound. The Mex factory and the American factory are only 20 miles apart and both are painted in the Mex factory. For someone like me who doesn’t play in a band and only plays in my home office for my own enjoyment, the Mexican strat was a no brainer. I have a Fender Mustang amp and it does everything I need. The price difference was a huge deciding factor as well. I also have a Les Paul Standard that I really enjoy also. Thanks for a great video.
Hey, that’s a sweet story 🤓 I also own a Mex Strat and like you also paid for my starter guitars with paper route money, although they were nowhere near as nice as a Fender Musicmaster 😅 Small correction however, the Mexican factory is in fact 180 miles away from the American factory
You've been wanting a real strat your whole life and when the time finally came to buy one you cheeped out? Dude you did life wrong. The American doesn't just cut through a mix better it sounds better period. The ceramics are noticeably muddier. You did yourself dirty by not spending an extra 500 bucks. Not that the MIM sounds bad but come on who wants something their whole life and then gets the shittier version to save half a grand.
@Timothy Iorlano i know exactly what it is ive owned one i was just expressing amazement that this dude has wanted something his whole life and then cheaped out when the time came to buy it i mean if saving 500 bucks was that big of a deal at the time he probably had better things to spend money on than a guitar cause 500 is literally no money at all im working my way through school and poor and 500 still isnt a lot to me like thats about a month worth of tips from the coffee shop i work at also he wouldnt be out 4 grand for the american made i spend 2 on mine so yeah you could easily spend 4 grand but its disingenuous to say thats how much it woulda cost him i bet he coulda got one for even cheaper than i did ive seen some of the american mades go for like 1500 also the MIMs are not literally the same as the americans so thats another lie you told they sound worse they have worse electronics and a worse bridge PERIOD honestly you didnt say anything true in your comment seems to me like you're just trying to justify your own purchase you're not just paying for the fact thats its american made you're paying for a better guitar i should know ive owned both so why would u cheap out on your dream guitar when the difference in price is so small...... no brainer dude
@@rose.i he could upgrade the pups for better ones all around anyways and then boom, better sounding. The new MIM have the new two point trem system as well now so...
Darrel, its very very helpful when on editing you switch guitars without any pause or fade, just jumping from 1 to another several times, no pauses, its the best way to notice the differences in sound, try to do this more often is more helful, thanks for the great video
Your right! Just put one guitar down and grab another With no pause. Both guitars plugged in the same Jack on the same amplifier. No pause or editing changing the guitars
I've noticed ceramic pickups are a little secret everybody seems to overlook. Ceramic pickups offer a great foundation for a heavy bottom/ mid-range That never really peaks, it kinda keeps its bandwidth in the mid-range territory. Your standard Stratocaster pickup is typically flush alnico poles and the bobbins tend to be plastic in the more recent years. Which really started around 1982 with the plastic bobbin pickups. The characteristic of AlNico pickups is the bandwidth tends to Peak in your mid-to-high range territory which gives it that wet Stratocaster sound. Seems like ceramic pickups or like a dry wine vs alnico being a wet wine
About to jump off on a new strat and glad I saw this. Of these two I prefer the MIM. The tone is just more of a warm sound. I’d love to see these tested against the classic vibe Squier strats
I’m glad I watched this. I bought a Mexican HSS last summer for $499 and didn’t know there was such a difference between them. I couldn’t be happier with my strat, thanks!
Bro you have the best comparison videos on the web. Keep it up, you bring a lot of comfort to those who are starting out and need real life examples of the differences. I purchased a MIM Strat in Agave Blue with rosewood neck and I can’t tell you how much I love love love this guitar. Your playing is very inspirational. Great job man.
I bought a MIM Strat Deluxe (all gold fittings). Pristine condition, played for less than 100 hours. It's a 1998 !!! Kid didn't like it, so his dad kept it in the closet until 2014. Bought for $200.
TupolevPilot The difference to Fender is of course labor costs. But I think that when you can find a new American for under $1000 when on sale, it is still worth it to have the extras you cannot easily replace. And the craftsmanship is better. So that to me is worth $400.
R T the craftsmanship is actually very similar. You will never find sharp frets on a mim. Also, the mim has more vintage features, like 21 frets, 6 screw tremolo, etc. So the extras in a USA don't mean it is better
I always loved the Mexican instruments so much. They have a heavy body tone and a lot more thicker. American made is also good but I always thought the sounds always too bright for me. Fender Mexican basses are my personal favorite instruments. I own a Mexican jazz bass and It sounds amazing
Back in the day I owned a 1970 Strat. For the last few years I have been playing a MIM strat w/ a maple neck. I am totally satisfied with the action and the sound. It is a good bang for the buck. Enjoy!
As I have, and the more I read the happier I am with my choice. I have been playing guitar for 40 years but have to admit I still play like Les Dawson 🙁
This is super helpful! I'm upgrading from a terrible strat copy, and this makes me feel better about choosing the MIM within my price range vs shelling out bigger bucks. I'm sure that the MIA can get more bang while ripping through solos, but it's a little too bright for me.
Eduardo Soria how do you mean about quality material? I only ask because it is universally believed that the better materials and workmanship goes into the USA strats, is this not the case?
Fender is a 100% American brand, It can't get more american a brand like Fender or Smith & Weson,. It doesn't mean that US guitars are better, It depends on the preferences of each one, I agree that American guitars may be much better but it depends on each person, the brand Fender decided to fabric his instruments in Mexico because of the cheap labor and because we are a fence away from US, aside of that we have thousands of Fabrics in MX owned by American people who fabric tools in Mexico, absurd amount of tools and clothing are made in Mexico for you neighbours with highest quality materials
Eduardo Soria is there anything to back that up? It’s regarded from what I researched that the quality of materials is about the same but the American made has more quality control and work put in to the finishing like on the frets for example. To me, they sound very similar, and to a lot of people there are not too many differences.
I like coming back and watching this vid. I’m really happy with my MIM, so happy that I have no GAS for an American strat. I’ve had some really good upgrades done to mine, like new bone nut, the fret ends filed by a luthier and the edges of the fret board smoothed out a bit. I also changed the trem system to a blade runner super Vee. The trem system alone was like 190 but all of it was money well spent. It plays like a dream. And I actually like the sound of the MIM pups better. They aren’t as bright. I didn’t do locking tuners only because I have zero tuning issues with the blade runner super Vee trem. I am thinking on getting a mint green pick guard tho. I think it will look really good on a sunburst strat. Once again great vid!
I have a Mexican player strat, which I bought in 2001. I wasn't too happy with the standard pickups, so I changed them for some lace sensor golds. Result is perfection, crystal clear and bell-like tone. I prefer it to my PRS custom
If I want a warmer jazz/blues tone I always grab the Mexican strat BUT for a more glassy tone I grab the American. For me it's Ceramic VS Alnico magnets.... They both sound great just depends on what you like!
@@b.t.1632 I completely understand. No need to spend a lot of money on guitars these days. I always recommend making a second pickguard loaded with different pickups. It's a much cheaper way to change the tone without blowing money on another guitar!
Great demo Darrell, fair and impartial. Its good that you let everyone have their own opinion, and you included a little guitar economics 101. Personally I think the MIM is a great buy
Darrell, thank you so much for all the efforts you put into making yours videos. They are extremely informative and a great help when in need of making sound decisions. Having never owned a Stratocaster before and being on a tight budget, I went for a MIM as a result and found a real gem "Special Edition" that was barely used! It looks fantastic and plays beautifully! I couldn't be happier and it would not have happen without your love for the instrument and your desire to share your tremendous knowledge. Sincerely, my best wishes to you for a continued success! Alan
When I was looking for my Strat a few years ago, I compared the MIM with the USA and the one thing that really sold me was the feel of the neck. The American Standard with maple neck has rolled edges vs. the MIM Standard, which had more of a sharp edge down the neck. Also, the coating is different. The American just felt more comfortable. Was it a good value buy? No, of course not. But, it was what felt better to me and I had the extra money to spend, and I am supporting American factory workers, even if they are Mexicans! :)
Agree but I think the American strat is worth every penny even setting aside sound and personal preference and just looking at materials hardware, resale etc. It's only when you go above the US deluxe or equivalent model and start talking about spend >2k that you're into more money than brains territory.
Y’all gotta remember that made in America doesn’t mean Mande by an American,lighten up,if it feels and plays good to you,that’s what matters.i play for myself ,not so much others
I bought new, a Mexican Strat, dark blue with maple neck about twenty years ago, I am no guitar player but my tutor I had at the time said it was the best guitar he had ever played "straight out of the box" I have kept it in as new condition and never even removed the labels, love the look so much. A real guitar player has played it and said how very good it was and he really made it sound wonderful. I am no expert but this harp is a great talking point when people visit no doubt, and seems not that much different to the USA made ones.
buy the MIM and put Seymour Duncan pick ups in it and you will have a better guitar then the stock USA Strat and have enough money left over to pay your rent
I did something like this, with a bunch of parts I built 2 strats for about 2 hundred dollars and all the people I know with american standard strats they like my parts casters more than their own guitars. So I do a lot of mods for people making their stratocasters scream and sing, in stead of breaking glass.
I bought a MIM HSS Strat because I loved the way it plays, the feel and quality. I do, however, agree that the American Standard pickups are brighter and have that traditional Strat sound while my cermics are noticeably "muddier" sounding. Also, the humbucker at he bridge on my MIM is much hotter than the two single coils and does not blend that well with the middle pickup. I'm considering switching all three to an American Standard set-up. Thanks for the informative video!
@@MrDaftJustice Okay that's not true...., I rather the MIU than the MIM for the sharp sound, Even tho I´m Mexican, But rationally talking the MIM it's a way better option for the price for most players our there.... and yep, it sounds delicious haha
I'm just happy that Fender gives us a great guitar for less than half of the American. I believe it's just to stay in business and create that placebo effect with the the guitar that cost twice as much but less than a 20% improvement. It's all about the player and, at this level, nothing to do with the guitar itself. Great video and thanks you!! Sumbi
Sumbi Humbane There's only so much improvement they can really make when the Mexican version is great set up. I wouldn't know because the one I used when my guitars needed work or had a string that was broken wasn't set up at all. The strings are so much higher than the frets its crazy. I'm gunna set it up though because it could probably be useful at some point even though I plat Thrash/Death metal. It'll be great for leads whenever I get some skills to play decent leads.
@@cybergus18 quality- wood, tuner, alnico pickups, better 2 point trem system, more adjustable (example, micro tilt adjustment). the material and set up is different. that's what you're paying for. did we watch the same video or what:?
@@cybergus18 10:56 oof you were saying? everyone knows this american alnico pickup makes the perfect strat sound, oh wait you probably don't know what a strat is supposed to sound like 😂
I had a hard time defining which was more to my taste. You made both sound really good so going back to the player that makes the difference is very noteworthy.
I have seen many of these "made-in-USA vs made-in-Mexico" comparisons but I do have an unanswered question. I understand that many US manufacturers want to cut costs by farming out the production process to foreign companies in order to lower their labor costs. No problem there. What I don't understand is why Fender, an iconic guitar manufacturer, would jeopardize their reputation by allowing a foreign company to deviate in the slightest from the original specifications of the original domestic product. Don't get me wrong, I have no bone pick to pick with MIM Stratocasters (I own one and love it) but, I don't think that the end purchaser should have to worry that the instrument they bought might be less than they expect from Fender.
I think what sets Fender’s imports apart from it’s one “legacy brand” competitor, Gibson (Epiphone), is the fact that everything from the Custom Shop to their main American production line are a stone throw’s away from the Mexico factory. And many of those overseeing that facility are former California factory employees, while some Mexican factory employees move rather easily to the California factory based on performance. You’d be deluded to think the hands crafting the Performer and Professional series belong to English speakers exclusively. Indeed, some parts of the mass production manufacturing process are shared between factories (yes, even American Fenders). And whether you like it or not, every American model made today has gone through the hands of a Mexican National at one point or another. And they are fantastic instruments. There’s nothing about my being of Mexican origin that prevents me from building you an instrument of equal or greater quality to that of one built by someone born in the USA. The $1300 Kurt Cobain Jaguar (which actually sounds unbelievable by the way) Made in Mexico. The Jimmie Vaughan Strat? MIM, Robert Cray Strat? MIM. These guitars sport the same quality electronics and hardware of their American counterparts. The Mexican Factory is simply better equipped to handle their manufacturing. Because the Mexican factory produces very high end guitars, it’s a bit misleading to refer to the “player” and previously “standard” models as simply MIM. Because the “Player” line is supposed to be the “introductory” or the modder-friendly one, price is kept down several ways: yes, your frets will be sharper and will have to get treatment after-market, this is simply due to the much larger number of player series made and sold. Some hardware elements (mostly bridge, and tuners) will be more affordable. And of course the range of wiring, neck radii and body-finishing options offered is limited. If that’s an issue, the buyer can pay a premium for additional options. These limitations have nothing to do with the abilities of the people crafting the guitars. As a final note: the greatest Strat player alive does not play an American-made Fender. He plays a French-made boutique line called “Magneto”. Any Custom Shop luthier would be proud to have made those instruments. So why does Fender dare put their name on an import guitar? Because they know better than to believe American citizens are the only class of human being capable of great craftsmanship.
I aldo have to mention that a lot of these guitars are great guitars when you just set them up properly. I followed your tremolo system vid and now my guitars never go out of tune. Tha ks for the tips.
I have had a couple of American strats, but the one I have kept and always return to as my go-to guitar is a 1985 MIJ 'Heavy Metal' Strat. Started with just two pickups, both split humbuckers, and I added the centre single coil, and upgraded the tuners and trem system. The neck is awesome, and the split buckers give me everything I need in terms of sounds. After having the big name guitars (LPs, American strats) I've come the point where I want a guitar that feels and sounds awesome. If you have that in your instrument, who cares where it's made or the name on the headstock.
Why are you not in top 100 guitarist list !! Who tests a guitar like that !!! 🤣 That's beyond gorgeous guitar playing and it made me forget about the comparison
I have owned several Americans and MIMs. I can't see spending the extra money on the American. I use a MIM now for gigging, have changed the pickups out and new fender locking tuners. Plays as good or better than american at a lower cost. I pick the MIM! BTW very good video!
my thoughts exactly. all the "good", characterizing qualities of a strat are more than present and palpable in the mim; but, they are intensified, perfected, in the mia
Hey Darrell, I used to live in Canada, between 1973 and 1984, I left and came back to Portugal when I was 17, my dad worked for an airline company ...one thing I still don't get with musicians in North America is that it seems that 80% prefer a rosewood or (now that there's a ban) a rosewood style fretboard. I love Strats it's my number one, but all my Strats have maple fretboards I guess it's the theory that rosewood makes the Strat sound warmer. Personally I never believed that it did because I had a couple of Strats with a rosewood fretboard. Cheers. Mike.
Dante Rosales I saw an 80s Japanese super high qaulity Squier Strat at a local shop for $350. I totally would have bought it, but I only went in for strings that day. I went back with the money, but it gone. Someone else knew what a gem they had.
For a Silver Series from the early 1990s that's a normal price. For an older one from the 1980s it's on the low side. Especially JV Series are collectable and valuable, then came the SQ series, which are still pretty wanted. In 1987/'88 they started to label several guitars from Japan as "Fender", but there were also Squiers from Japan with black headstocks that came out alongside with the Fenders and were in fact even BETTER and MORE EXPENSIVE. So checking the serial number is quite important when it comes to determine the value of a Japanese Squier. And then of course you should check if everything is still original on the guitar: finish, pickups, tuners, bridges and nut-locks/ lock-nuts, controls, electronics and woodwork under the pickguard. Under quite a lot of Strat pickguards you will find a real MESS (like totally BUTCHERED bodies), due to the urge of all kind of 'guitar geniuses' who decided to 'upgrade' their guitar.
I have a Mexican Strat I put in a bone nut and put in Kluson pups reset up the guitar and centred the trem block it’s an awesome guitar Olympic White 2001 model the neck is as good as any USA strat. I could not justify the cost of the USA strat when a little time and effort plus under £150.00 and it’s up there with the USA. Just think £750 more and I could say woopee do I’ve got a USA Strat
Not a huge fan of tapping, but really loved your solos! Enjoyed both the strats, but I'd rather go for the MIM and invest my savings on a nicer amp. Thanks for the nice review and for the great improvisation!
I just don't get why we as musicians are still caught up in the whole guitar snobbery issue. If you are a guitarist and have been devoted to Fender for awhile, I have been playing for 40 years... its just time to realize that the Mexican made instruments have caught up and in some cases...passed the American made in sound quality. I have played both and for years I cant make an intelligent decision to lay down the extra cash for an instrument because of the long running stigma that the american guitar is better. They are both made by some of the same luthiers at both facilitys. Another thing, why do people want to gut these fine works of craftmanship, Mexican made, guitar by changing the pickups, bone nut etc. I think its high time that we teach up an coming players that tone is first and foremost created in the hands and heart of the indivivual not with a quick electronic change. Im not trying to offend any one, just expressing what I have seen over the past several years. Love your videos Mr. Braun!! Keep those strings bending
Come on , admit it Donnie, you're REALLY Carlos Santana! I'm totally on board with your "hand and heart" comment. To me it echos Carlo's passion he expresses in his playing and I'm sure, that which you must possess also.
A few years ago, I wanted to buy a new classical guitar. I had the money to buy a really good one - up to a grand - I ended up coming out the shop with a guitar which I paid 89 quid for lol. Okay, it was a Fender, but on the lower scale economy I guess, but I used my brain and my ears and I am proud of that
Darren. Smashing video. Some really nice playing, the material selected for the comparison worked well. Prefer the Mex for the chord work and the US for the lead stuff...Well done man!
I've had the American Deluxe and made in Mexico... The MIM instrument really quite amazed me... I highly recommend the MIM as long as you set it up correctly... Best Bang for your buck out of any electric guitar made period.
I’d love to hear the Squier Deluxe against the Mexican and American. I like the way you do your comparison videos. Definitely the best I’ve seen. Cheers
Thanks a million for your excellent comparison. The touch and feel of the American made Strat is noticeable but like you say the Mexican is definitely more value for money and they both are cut above many other guitars out there, hence they are the standard.
I have both the MIA and MIM, and to me the answer is simple. The MIM is great! and the MIA is even better. Plenty of professional players tour with a MIM. If you are a beginner the MIM is the obvious choice. You'll get all those rushes from making progress, and later you get an even better guitar and get a rush from that as well. On average the depreciation supposedly is lower for the MIM simply because it is cheaper. If you decide you prefer the Chello, you will most likely loose more money selling a used MIA than an MIM. Worth a thought. Apparently there are way more guitar players working in the Mexican plant than at the US factory. I don't know if that makes any difference, but my impression is that the MIM guitars are just as well or better set up (string height, intonation etc) than the MIA when leaving the factory. Unless we are talking custom shop, naturally.
Thanks Darrell, another great informative video. I have a Jimmie Vaughan Fender Strat and a Fender Baja Telecaster, both are MIM and I love them dearly. Playability, appointments, fit and finish - All top notch. The necks are super chunky which I love. So happy I picked up all these instruments years ago (pre-covid/inflation) or I probably couldn't any of them in today's market. Rock on DBG!
This is like comparing apples to oranges. Different fretboard materials, pickup height adjustment, string gauge, pickup guard material, etc. can change the TONE of any guitar. I have had 14 American strats, one Japanese strat, and one Mexican. All of them have a different sound, but the Mexicans were the least versatile.
The USA Strat (white) sounds much better in any position. As Darrel says, it has better note definition and sounds more chimy like a typical (expensive) Stratocaster.
I agree! The first start I owned was a Mexican Strato. Excellent. After a couple of years I got an American Standard Stratocaster, but never got used to it. I kept it for a year and a half, and traded it for some other instruments, keeping my Mexican Strato. After a while I got a second Mexican Strato, a 60th Anniversary, not as good as the Standard Mexican Strato though. Recently I got my hands on a Strato American Deluxe, and that really, really makes a difference, but only for 3 times the cost of a Mexican. Conclusion: I LOVE Mexican Strato Standard.
I can hear the difference for sure but I got a question? 🙋♂️ Them the same strings on both guitars? I hear new strings on the American and old on the Mexican and or different.
I bought a MexiStrat in the mid 90's. It's gorgeous. Guy in the store told me that the Mex factory was a stones throw from the US factory and they were essentially the same item. Since I was poor and couldn't play anyway, I bought the Mex. Perfectly happy with it. Still can't do squat with it, so I suppose you could say it was a total waste of money. ;)
I have both MIM and USA Stratocasters, and find that the bulid quality is better on the USA ones, the MIM ones are never quite right out of the box, the vintage tuners are not aligned correctly, which is just poor quality control. As to the sound, to my ears if they are both set up correctly are similar with the pickups making the most difference, so to make a fair comparison i fitted the same USA pickups to the MIM, this got them sounding very close, but there was still a better fuller tone to the USA one. If you can afford it, i would go for a USA one, as you have to spend a fair bit of hard earned money upgrading the MIM ones, plus a USA will always sell for a higher price than a MIM.
I have a American Custom Shop Strat.The difference in both guitars is little more then the PU's and the Whammy. In short the American is to my mind ridiculously over priced.You can drop in a better set of PU's then either have for less then $200.00 USD. Just a week ago I took the new MIM Duo Sonic off the wall of my local music shop. It played as well as my Custom Shop Strat.The fit and finish were flawless. I bought it!!!
Yeah, I got a squire some 3 years ago, was nice actually, then went for the daring purchase of an Elite Stratocaster, the playability was fantastic... but the sound was nice but... Month ago, picked up a standard mim Stratocaster and am blown away by sound, and playability!!!! It is a 2011 and I am so happy I got it, totally surprised of course as I wasn't expecting this kind of performance... I would recommend to anyone in the market to buying to first try a mim, before spending 3-4times more on the USA made ones. Do not get me wrong, I am sure the USA Stratocaster Guitars are incredible, and you can afford one then why not. The reason I sold my Elite was because I never used the S-switch!!!! Didn't care for the noiseless pick ups either. I was not expecting the surprised look on my face when I tried the Mexican made one, I think that when it was made, the planets were lined up or something because I would never ever sell it now, sometimes more expensive is not necessarily better, in my humble opinion of course Great video :-)
On most of the shot angles, the Mexican made clips were blurred to where I couldn't see the actual tone position. Anyway, I have both an American made and Japanese made Strat. I love them both. While they both can have an aggressive sound, depending on the tone position, volume, and other devices (such as pedals), I prefer the tone of my Japanese model. I guess because I've played with that one for over 28 years. Also, I placed another tension spring in the back of the American Strat because I didn't care for all that looseness in the tremelo...then I had to make adjustments to the strings and bridge. Now the action is great! Between the Japanese and American Strats, it's like comparing Magnaflow (the Japanese Strat) and Flowmaster (the American Strat) mufflers on a Mustang GT. The Magnaflows are deeper, while the Flowmasters are sharper or more throaty. I'm glad that I have both. Which one I take for a ride depends on my mood.
While we are dropping names for comparison sakes, can we throw in an American Special Strat? Great video by the way. The Mex Strat makes more sense to me. Not a hater of the USA model, but the Mex Strat can get you up on the dance floor as easy as an American Strat. Not that I can dance 🙄
American Special has a bigger headstock and bigger frets so it will get more sustain,...however dosn't have micro tilt, for people that are worried about it.
So, I have both and if you came to see which one to buy, I prefer the MIM strat not because of money but because it feels more comfortable and simple and has a big tone.
Great video, as always. Professional and very helpful. To me, the pups on the American Std had a Fuzz component in their tone. Not something I liked. The ceramics on the MexiStrat sounded more authentic. While many look for the high note chimeyness as a defining tone in a Strat, for me it has always been the signature growl of a single coil bridge pup and Hendrix-style double stops mid neck that is almost impossible to replicate by any other guitar. I’d go with the MexiStrat. Regards. . .
buddy comes over to your house "dude you have a strat ...nice!" buddy picks up the guitar and sees the neck "MADE IN MEXICO". .".ohhh" ( eyes goes down in disappointment )
The MIM sounds good solo, but the USA model sounded great with the band. The USA neck tone was awesome. The big thing to me was how slippery the American trem sounded. Fantastic comparison.
Darrell, love the comparison. I have both, more than one of both :-) My biggest complaint on the MIM Strats is the lack of fret finishing, particularly sharp unfinished fret ends. I can easily fix that, but a little more attention to this would go a long way. My best strat I have is actually a Partscaster, MIM body, Fender Neck, and Fender Samarium Cobalt Pickups. I grab this more than my MIA strats :-) Thanks again for a GREAT channel!
To my ears, the USA model sounded MUCH better in almost every mode. The MIM version seemed a bit muddy. If I were a professional musician, I think that would be enough to justify the USA model. I'm not, though, and without hearing the two in a comparison, I'd never know the difference. By the way, I own a MIM "fat" strat and I love it!
Let me know which guitar you preferred in this comparison, #TeamMIM or #TeamMIA?
If you've been lucky enough to play on both I'd love to know what your observations were!
MIM Strats: imp.i114863.net/2DQnz
USA Strats: imp.i114863.net/Kbqkn
Darrell Braun Guitar Hey Darrel! I'm learning simple man right now. I love playing so much and your channel has made me love it even more.
Thanks so much.
Darrell Braun Guitar loving the jack Johnson :)
+David Oster 😀👍👍👍
+Jackson Rigney Thanks!
Simple man is such a great tune! 👍
Honestly, can't say I preferred any one. They just seem different, but not better or worse. One can easily find application for both of the strats, depending on the required result.
Mexican Fenders have some of the greatest quality to price ratio, can't go wrong.
Everything, yep. I’ve got a left handed 1994 MIM ‘Squier Series’ Fender. Squier is acompany and not a series. It’s an anomaly for a few years in the ‘90’s with American parts. I got it for $150. I convinced the person a used left handed Squier wasn’t worth that much.
@@Dave_MB I have a 94 squier series strat that I got for 150 and it plays like butter.
@@JoeBat95 Yep. They're pretty sweet.
Mexican fender good price
They're made literally 20 miles away from the American Factory
Call me crazy, but I prefer the fatter, warmer sound of the MIM.
+Parker Bilbro Not crazy at all! I think it sounds great too - especially for certain genres ☺
Yeah, me too.
I dont really prefer the warmer tone bit, but it definitely has a more PURE tone if you know what I meam
Parker Bilbro me too!! The USA was very thin and too toppy by comparison.
If only they made an MIM in Sienna Sunburst...
I bought a mim strat 10 years ago, and I have never even thought I need to "upgrade" to a usa. The build quality is great and the tone is beautiful. I'm keeping it for life.
I have owned a Mexican
Strat. It had been modded with Tex-Mex Alnico 5 pickups. Later I tried a Squier Classic Vibe Strat. I liked it better than the Mexican. Sold the Mexican. Now I have two Classic Vibes, a 50's and a 60's model.
@@gordonipock9385 ah yes the classic vibes are great! Years ago I was trying out usa made standard strats and i noticed a classic vibe squier, that squier was just a better guitar..
I used to work with a guy who was a helluva guitar player. He had one of the earliest Squiers that was made in Japan. Fantastic quality. Fender stopped making the Japanese Squiers because they were so good. Japanese make a lot of high-quality products. The Classic Vibes I have were made in China. They were Squier's effort to prove they could build a high-quality guitar. The necks and the string action are perfect on mine. No buzz. Easy to play. I did some research. Squier outsourced the pickups to a specialty place in South Korea. Great sounding pickups. I had another Mexican Strat that had the stock ceramic pickups. Nowhere near the clarity and tone of the Classic Vibe strats.
I’ve had mine 20 years. Going to have to replace the selector switch and the middle pickup isn’t wanting to pickup any more so time to upgrade my old friend.
Yeah I started on a MiM back in 2003. Stopped playing after a few years and sold it. Bought another one when I started back up again, last year. They're like exactly the right first guitar for someone who will be taking guitar/music seriously.
Not expensive, and good enough that you'll still play it even after years of practicing.
Sorry, for these old ears, the MIM has my vote..the American just seems over-the-top bright.
Dave J There is a way to tone down the brightness on a fender Strat, you have to go old fashion and put pure nickel strings.. it will make it sound a lot warmer and cut through all that higher treble.
I respect your opinion
Agree. I guess if you want that really twangy sound as opposed to the warmer MIM sound it may be worth double the cash. Not for me.
Yep, just what I was thinking.
I have to agree.I would buy the MIM out of choice not budget
I have owned both.
As a solo instrument, the Mexican Standard sounds nice, warm and great on it's own.
With a band, the American Standard cuts through the mud and really shines.
Both are fine instruments and you should be proud to own either.
+Ben Aaron ☺👍 Well said!
Thanks for this comment. This the reason i am looking to swap from MIM to MIA. Love my MIM but now playing in a 7 piece band with 3 piece horn section and always feel i am struggling to cut through on some sections especially when playing backing melodies rather than chords. Hopefully a MIA will make the difference.
MIA - Missing in action?
I agree, but the American Telecaster even more so. they will cut through just about anything :-)
Gliddo mia is Mexican strat
I think that there's a few things to consider with these comparisons
1. Tone knobs exists on amps, pedels, guitars, etc. Would the american strat still sound (brighter) if we dialed in the amp settings a bit? Could we also make the american sound "fatter" if we wanted to?
2. Engineers and sound guys are gonna compress and eq your guitar regardless of what country it was made in.
3. Play what makes you feel inspired, not what someone on RUclips (including me and my comments) told you to do.
4. Don't go broke over one guitar (but that doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't get the american strat if that's what you really want).
5. What I'm trying to say is: play what YOU want. And don't worry about what people try to tell you otherwise. Your sound and style might not be exactly there style. End of the day it's a guitar, and that's rock n roll
I think I prefer the Mexican. It sounds warmer snd fuller.
Nice comparison, thank for the video.
I swear I hear bits of Floyd/Gilmor in your jam, really nice.
Candy apple strats with maple necks make everyone play gilmourish or knoplerish
You forgot noisier and more susceptible to feedback.
@@professorstein5855 kinda grungey I love it !
Yeah I prefer the Mexican one .
I just bought a Mexican Strat. As beginner, I feel like I made the right decision. Especially after watching your video. Thanks for the explanation.
James Mabry Me too, lots of squabbles and ego online but this validates the decision. Nice to have the saved money for other goodies.
Same here bro... have my MIM standard strat and I like the fret size and grip as well and it sound is pretty cool. No doubts and frustrations,
Mim line is fantastic. I don't like the string spacing on the MIM guits due to narrower neck. But damn they're really great.
never start out on the wrong foot .... change your pickups ..
I love my Mexican strat. It is well built by people who love guitars, and to Fenders specs. No doubt I will never sell it.
I'm a drummer and played piano for a while. I got a beautiful blupurple MIM for christmas in 1997. I tried teaching myself over the years, but never got far. It's been in storage for the last 10+ years. I've really been wanting to make another run at it since the internet has so many of learning now. I feel blessed to have recieved that guitar and would love to justify the gift. Hearing how that guitar can sound motivates me.
The guitar you have is actually a USA body and neck. The bodies and necks were made in Corona and shipped to Ensenada for finish sanding and painting. The Ensenada plant’s production side wasn’t back up and running after the fire until 1998.
Get that guitar out of storage and play it, or sell it to me!
I have one of these 97 blupurples as well. My mother is a blues player and she gave it to me for Christmas and she did the setup on it.
It took me multiple tries to get guitar to finally stick. Keep going!
@@aidangittings thx man
I have been playing the guitar since I was 12 years old and I still have my 1957 Fender Musicmaster that I bought new with my paper route money. All my life, I have always wanted a Strat and finally bought one this week. I watched a lot of vlogs comparing the Mexican to the American. The older gentleman at Guitar center was very knowledgeable and has been playing all his life. He told me that the Mex strat was almost identical to the American with only a slight difference in the electronics and sound. The Mex factory and the American factory are only 20 miles apart and both are painted in the Mex factory. For someone like me who doesn’t play in a band and only plays in my home office for my own enjoyment, the Mexican strat was a no brainer. I have a Fender Mustang amp and it does everything I need. The price difference was a huge deciding factor as well. I also have a Les Paul Standard that I really enjoy also. Thanks for a great video.
Hey, that’s a sweet story 🤓 I also own a Mex Strat and like you also paid for my starter guitars with paper route money, although they were nowhere near as nice as a Fender Musicmaster 😅 Small correction however, the Mexican factory is in fact 180 miles away from the American factory
The mustang amp is great for home players I also had a Gdec 3 and it was good enough for me
You've been wanting a real strat your whole life and when the time finally came to buy one you cheeped out? Dude you did life wrong. The American doesn't just cut through a mix better it sounds better period. The ceramics are noticeably muddier. You did yourself dirty by not spending an extra 500 bucks. Not that the MIM sounds bad but come on who wants something their whole life and then gets the shittier version to save half a grand.
@Timothy Iorlano i know exactly what it is ive owned one i was just expressing amazement that this dude has wanted something his whole life and then cheaped out when the time came to buy it i mean if saving 500 bucks was that big of a deal at the time he probably had better things to spend money on than a guitar cause 500 is literally no money at all im working my way through school and poor and 500 still isnt a lot to me like thats about a month worth of tips from the coffee shop i work at also he wouldnt be out 4 grand for the american made i spend 2 on mine so yeah you could easily spend 4 grand but its disingenuous to say thats how much it woulda cost him i bet he coulda got one for even cheaper than i did ive seen some of the american mades go for like 1500 also the MIMs are not literally the same as the americans so thats another lie you told they sound worse they have worse electronics and a worse bridge PERIOD honestly you didnt say anything true in your comment seems to me like you're just trying to justify your own purchase you're not just paying for the fact thats its american made you're paying for a better guitar i should know ive owned both so why would u cheap out on your dream guitar when the difference in price is so small...... no brainer dude
@@rose.i he could upgrade the pups for better ones all around anyways and then boom, better sounding. The new MIM have the new two point trem system as well now so...
Darrel, its very very helpful when on editing you switch guitars without any pause or fade, just jumping from 1 to another several times, no pauses, its the best way to notice the differences in sound, try to do this more often is more helful, thanks for the great video
Hallelujah
Make your own videos weirdo
Your right!
Just put one guitar down and grab another With no pause. Both guitars plugged in the same Jack on the same amplifier. No pause or editing changing the guitars
Yes, definitely can tell the difference without the pause in editing and the American sound is more American sounding or not as tinty.
Call the men in white to take me away, but the Mexican strat sounds better !
Nobody observed the great solo he played? Damn!
Wow the Mex strat has a warmer fuzzier tone that sounds amazing! Both sound awesome I just prefer the tone from the Mex strat which is surprising!
I've noticed ceramic pickups are a little secret everybody seems to overlook. Ceramic pickups offer a great foundation for a heavy bottom/ mid-range That never really peaks, it kinda keeps its bandwidth in the mid-range territory. Your standard Stratocaster pickup is typically flush alnico poles and the bobbins tend to be plastic in the more recent years. Which really started around 1982 with the plastic bobbin pickups. The characteristic of AlNico pickups is the bandwidth tends to Peak in your mid-to-high range territory which gives it that wet Stratocaster sound. Seems like ceramic pickups or like a dry wine vs alnico being a wet wine
I thought the Mex Strat sounded better too...
Es chicano el vato
About to jump off on a new strat and glad I saw this. Of these two I prefer the MIM. The tone is just more of a warm sound. I’d love to see these tested against the classic vibe Squier strats
I like the American a little bit better but the Mexican strat is a big bang for your buck
Much prefer the Mexi sound, which surprised me.
Me too
Same. The American is a little too tinny.
Might be the maple fretboard
So you like higher output ceranic pickups
@@thesuccessfulbarber In this comparison, yes.
Once I lived a life of a millionaire, spent all my money on Guitars
Nobody loves you when you are down and out
I like them both
brother how true that is.....
hahaha
I think you mean billionaire now. Millionaires aren't spending extra on guitars nowadays.
I’m glad I watched this. I bought a Mexican HSS last summer for $499 and didn’t know there was such a difference between them. I couldn’t be happier with my strat, thanks!
I love my MiM HSS Strat
I bought the Mexican strat for 1 reason...
Money
And I bought a squire bullet strat hss for one reason... Money
@@ianmorgan3239 you're definitely the winner in this situation, cheap guitars ftw
@@tomrabbani but squires are just garbage... id only buy one if i was a first year player
@@lonewanderer958 they're really not garbage
tom rabbani compared to what 🤣 a denver ? 😂
Darrell, I really enjoy your playing/riffs. Very melodic and pleasing!
Bro you have the best comparison videos on the web. Keep it up, you bring a lot of comfort to those who are starting out and need real life examples of the differences. I purchased a MIM Strat in Agave Blue with rosewood neck and I can’t tell you how much I love love love this guitar. Your playing is very inspirational. Great job man.
Thanks!
Congratulations on the new Guitar!
I tried both MIM and MIA strats at the shop, they both feel exactly the same but the MIM warmer pickups sound nicer.
I bought a MIM Strat Deluxe (all gold fittings).
Pristine condition, played for less than 100 hours. It's a 1998 !!!
Kid didn't like it, so his dad kept it in the closet until 2014.
Bought for $200.
best value, get a MIM and replace pick-ups.
That's what I did ..Switched out to DiMarzio Tone Zone humbucker and Air Norton neck.
Ray Rivera yeah, for the upgrades that the American has should only be like $200 more than the mim.
That's exactly what I did with all my MIM standards: Installed Tex Mex, GFS, and Rose pickups. They are all great strats.
TupolevPilot The difference to Fender is of course labor costs. But I think that when you can find a new American for under $1000 when on sale, it is still worth it to have the extras you cannot easily replace. And the craftsmanship is better. So that to me is worth $400.
R T the craftsmanship is actually very similar. You will never find sharp frets on a mim. Also, the mim has more vintage features, like 21 frets, 6 screw tremolo, etc. So the extras in a USA don't mean it is better
Regardless... Those were some mighty smooth solos.
I always loved the Mexican instruments so much. They have a heavy body tone and a lot more thicker. American made is also good but I always thought the sounds always too bright for me. Fender Mexican basses are my personal favorite instruments. I own a Mexican jazz bass and It sounds amazing
Yep same bass too, amazing.
Back in the day I owned a 1970 Strat. For the last few years I have been playing a MIM strat w/ a maple neck. I am totally satisfied with the action and the sound. It is a good bang for the buck. Enjoy!
I have a 2018 MIM Fender Stratocaster Deluxe and couldn't be happier. 👍
As I have, and the more I read the happier I am with my choice. I have been playing guitar for 40 years but have to admit I still play like Les Dawson 🙁
This is super helpful! I'm upgrading from a terrible strat copy, and this makes me feel better about choosing the MIM within my price range vs shelling out bigger bucks. I'm sure that the MIA can get more bang while ripping through solos, but it's a little too bright for me.
the mexican sounds more organic. and the solo feels great.
Thanks for the comparison, Darrell. I personally like the Mexican Strat better especially when talking about the difference in price.
What I like about the Mexican is the tone is always deeper and richer and they actually use quality material for the parts.
Eduardo Soria how do you mean about quality material? I only ask because it is universally believed that the better materials and workmanship goes into the USA strats, is this not the case?
rock negative my friend. Mexico is home to one of the best quality materials for guitars and I know that for a fact.
Like the plastic nut instead of a bone nut?
Fender is a 100% American brand, It can't get more american a brand like Fender or Smith & Weson,. It doesn't mean that US guitars are better, It depends on the preferences of each one, I agree that American guitars may be much better but it depends on each person, the brand Fender decided to fabric his instruments in Mexico because of the cheap labor and because we are a fence away from US, aside of that we have thousands of Fabrics in MX owned by American people who fabric tools in Mexico, absurd amount of tools and clothing are made in Mexico for you neighbours with highest quality materials
Eduardo Soria is there anything to back that up? It’s regarded from what I researched that the quality of materials is about the same but the American made has more quality control and work put in to the finishing like on the frets for example. To me, they sound very similar, and to a lot of people there are not too many differences.
Dude you did an awesome job with this video. 🇺🇸🇲🇽🤘
+Adrian R. Thanks so much Adrian!
It's harder to hear the difference when there's distortion. I think a clean sound without effects would be a better comparison.
I like coming back and watching this vid. I’m really happy with my MIM, so happy that I have no GAS for an American strat. I’ve had some really good upgrades done to mine, like new bone nut, the fret ends filed by a luthier and the edges of the fret board smoothed out a bit. I also changed the trem system to a blade runner super Vee. The trem system alone was like 190 but all of it was money well spent. It plays like a dream. And I actually like the sound of the MIM pups better. They aren’t as bright. I didn’t do locking tuners only because I have zero tuning issues with the blade runner super Vee trem. I am thinking on getting a mint green pick guard tho. I think it will look really good on a sunburst strat.
Once again great vid!
I have a Mexican player strat, which I bought in 2001. I wasn't too happy with the standard pickups, so I changed them for some lace sensor golds. Result is perfection, crystal clear and bell-like tone. I prefer it to my PRS custom
If I want a warmer jazz/blues tone I always grab the Mexican strat BUT for a more glassy tone I grab the American. For me it's Ceramic VS Alnico magnets.... They both sound great just depends on what you like!
You're not wrong, but I have a hard time justifying $500 difference in guitar for $70 difference in pickups.
@@b.t.1632 I completely understand. No need to spend a lot of money on guitars these days. I always recommend making a second pickguard loaded with different pickups. It's a much cheaper way to change the tone without blowing money on another guitar!
Great demo Darrell, fair and impartial. Its good that you let everyone have their own opinion, and you included a little guitar economics 101. Personally I think the MIM is a great buy
Darrell, thank you so much for all the efforts you put into making yours videos. They are extremely informative and a great help when in need of making sound decisions. Having never owned a Stratocaster before and being on a tight budget, I went for a MIM as a result and found a real gem "Special Edition" that was barely used! It looks fantastic and plays beautifully! I couldn't be happier and it would not have happen without your love for the instrument and your desire to share your tremendous knowledge. Sincerely, my best wishes to you for a continued success! Alan
Congratulations! They are great guitars!
When I was looking for my Strat a few years ago, I compared the MIM with the USA and the one thing that really sold me was the feel of the neck. The American Standard with maple neck has rolled edges vs. the MIM Standard, which had more of a sharp edge down the neck. Also, the coating is different. The American just felt more comfortable. Was it a good value buy? No, of course not. But, it was what felt better to me and I had the extra money to spend, and I am supporting American factory workers, even if they are Mexicans! :)
me too, i have a first gen with tex mex pickups and the edges of the frets stick out, you get used to it over the almost 30 years
Agree but I think the American strat is worth every penny even setting aside sound and personal preference and just looking at materials hardware, resale etc. It's only when you go above the US deluxe or equivalent model and start talking about spend >2k that you're into more money than brains territory.
Most Mexican Fender Strats havew an oil finished C neck,...American neck come in C, V and U,...it all depends what you like.
Touché! But, I'm sure many of them are not citizens...they are Legal Residents...and therefore...still Mexican ;-)
That white with the Rosewood was really pretty looking
I get so excited when I’m looking for a comparison and it happens to be from your channel. The best!!!!!
I like the distorted tone from the MIM the most!
Y’all gotta remember that made in America doesn’t mean Mande by an American,lighten up,if it feels and plays good to you,that’s what matters.i play for myself ,not so much others
Damn straight.
I bought new, a Mexican Strat, dark blue with maple neck about twenty years ago, I am no guitar player but my tutor I had at the time said it was the best guitar he had ever played "straight out of the box" I have kept it in as new condition and never even removed the labels, love the look so much.
A real guitar player has played it and said how very good it was and he really made it sound wonderful. I am no expert but this harp is a great talking point when people visit no doubt, and seems not that much different to the USA made ones.
That pick-tapping technique just blew my damn mind.. never seen that before !
Me too..
Eddy Van Halen does it ☺️
Check out Joe Satriani - Surfing with the Alien, he uses that technique during the solo
buy the MIM and put Seymour Duncan pick ups in it and you will have a better guitar then the stock USA Strat and have enough money left over to pay your rent
Took your advice and took it a little further adding SD P-Rails and a Super Vee Bladerunner Trem, OMG the tone is off the hook. Best....
I did something like this, with a bunch of parts I built 2 strats for about 2 hundred dollars and all the people I know with american standard strats they like my parts casters more than their own guitars. So I do a lot of mods for people making their stratocasters scream and sing, in stead of breaking glass.
It will cost the same. But 🇺🇸strat will hold it's value
I bought a MIM HSS Strat because I loved the way it plays, the feel and quality. I do, however, agree that the American Standard pickups are brighter and have that traditional Strat sound while my cermics are noticeably "muddier" sounding. Also, the humbucker at he bridge on my MIM is much hotter than the two single coils and does not blend that well with the middle pickup. I'm considering switching all three to an American Standard set-up. Thanks for the informative video!
The Mexican SLAYS the American one in this demo IMO.
makes me feel better about owning a Mexican strat...
Actually opposite.
The Mexican is art, the american sounds like a Squier lol
John Cox You’re just in denial for spending so much on an American strat.
@@MrDaftJustice Okay that's not true...., I rather the MIU than the MIM for the sharp sound, Even tho I´m Mexican, But rationally talking the MIM it's a way better option for the price for most players our there.... and yep, it sounds delicious haha
I'm just happy that Fender gives us a great guitar for less than half of the American. I believe it's just to stay in business and create that placebo effect with the the guitar that cost twice as much but less than a 20% improvement.
It's all about the player and, at this level, nothing to do with the guitar itself.
Great video and thanks you!!
Sumbi
Sumbi Humbane There's only so much improvement they can really make when the Mexican version is great set up. I wouldn't know because the one I used when my guitars needed work or had a string that was broken wasn't set up at all. The strings are so much higher than the frets its crazy. I'm gunna set it up though because it could probably be useful at some point even though I plat Thrash/Death metal. It'll be great for leads whenever I get some skills to play decent leads.
Don’t know why you’d want to pay double for the American when the Mexican is just fine
@@skycottage6956 paying more to get what?
@@cybergus18 quality- wood, tuner, alnico pickups, better 2 point trem system, more adjustable (example, micro tilt adjustment). the material and set up is different. that's what you're paying for. did we watch the same video or what:?
@@herewegoagain7403 you watched the video but apparently with no sound... good for you 👌
@@cybergus18 10:56 oof you were saying? everyone knows this american alnico pickup makes the perfect strat sound, oh wait you probably don't know what a strat is supposed to sound like 😂
Also remember that the American comes with a proper $150 hard-case. Some Mexican doesn't even come with a gig-bag.
I'm amazed at how beautiful the Mex Strats and Teles are. So far I bought three.
I had a hard time defining which was more to my taste. You made both sound really good so going back to the player that makes the difference is very noteworthy.
I have seen many of these "made-in-USA vs made-in-Mexico" comparisons but I do have an unanswered question. I understand that many US manufacturers want to cut costs by farming out the production process to foreign companies in order to lower their labor costs. No problem there. What I don't understand is why Fender, an iconic guitar manufacturer, would jeopardize their reputation by allowing a foreign company to deviate in the slightest from the original specifications of the original domestic product. Don't get me wrong, I have no bone pick to pick with MIM Stratocasters (I own one and love it) but, I don't think that the end purchaser should have to worry that the instrument they bought might be less than they expect from Fender.
I think what sets Fender’s imports apart from it’s one “legacy brand” competitor, Gibson (Epiphone), is the fact that everything from the Custom Shop to their main American production line are a stone throw’s away from the Mexico factory. And many of those overseeing that facility are former California factory employees, while some Mexican factory employees move rather easily to the California factory based on performance. You’d be deluded to think the hands crafting the Performer and Professional series belong to English speakers exclusively.
Indeed, some parts of the mass production manufacturing process are shared between factories (yes, even American Fenders). And whether you like it or not, every American model made today has gone through the hands of a Mexican National at one point or another. And they are fantastic instruments. There’s nothing about my being of Mexican origin that prevents me from building you an instrument of equal or greater quality to that of one built by someone born in the USA.
The $1300 Kurt Cobain Jaguar (which actually sounds unbelievable by the way) Made in Mexico. The Jimmie Vaughan Strat? MIM, Robert Cray Strat? MIM. These guitars sport the same quality electronics and hardware of their American counterparts. The Mexican Factory is simply better equipped to handle their manufacturing.
Because the Mexican factory produces very high end guitars, it’s a bit misleading to refer to the “player” and previously “standard” models as simply MIM. Because the “Player” line is supposed to be the “introductory” or the modder-friendly one, price is kept down several ways: yes, your frets will be sharper and will have to get treatment after-market, this is simply due to the much larger number of player series made and sold. Some hardware elements (mostly bridge, and tuners) will be more affordable. And of course the range of wiring, neck radii and body-finishing options offered is limited. If that’s an issue, the buyer can pay a premium for additional options. These limitations have nothing to do with the abilities of the people crafting the guitars.
As a final note: the greatest Strat player alive does not play an American-made Fender. He plays a French-made boutique line called “Magneto”. Any Custom Shop luthier would be proud to have made those instruments. So why does Fender dare put their name on an import guitar? Because they know better than to believe American citizens are the only class of human being capable of great craftsmanship.
Federico Resendiz very well said. Bravo 👏
I prefer the mexican one!
Simone Bottino Si Señor!
That's some sexy playing there brother. They both have their own flavours. I like the american for definition, but I do like the mim.
I aldo have to mention that a lot of these guitars are great guitars when you just set them up properly. I followed your tremolo system vid and now my guitars never go out of tune. Tha ks for the tips.
+Vegechops Glad to hear it!
+Vegechops Thanks man!
I have had a couple of American strats, but the one I have kept and always return to as my go-to guitar is a 1985 MIJ 'Heavy Metal' Strat. Started with just two pickups, both split humbuckers, and I added the centre single coil, and upgraded the tuners and trem system. The neck is awesome, and the split buckers give me everything I need in terms of sounds. After having the big name guitars (LPs, American strats) I've come the point where I want a guitar that feels and sounds awesome. If you have that in your instrument, who cares where it's made or the name on the headstock.
Why are you not in top 100 guitarist list !! Who tests a guitar like that !!! 🤣 That's beyond gorgeous guitar playing and it made me forget about the comparison
I have owned several Americans and MIMs. I can't see spending the extra money on the American. I use a MIM now for gigging, have changed the pickups out and new fender locking tuners. Plays as good or better than american at a lower cost. I pick the MIM! BTW very good video!
I like them both but the American one just sounds more "strat-y" to me, and has better defined notes
my thoughts exactly. all the "good", characterizing qualities of a strat are more than present and palpable in the mim; but, they are intensified, perfected, in the mia
Hey Darrell, I used to live in Canada, between 1973 and 1984, I left and came back to Portugal when I was 17, my dad worked for an airline company ...one thing I still don't get with musicians in North America is that it seems that 80% prefer a rosewood or (now that there's a ban) a rosewood style fretboard. I love Strats it's my number one, but all my Strats have maple fretboards I guess it's the theory that rosewood makes the Strat sound warmer. Personally I never believed that it did because I had a couple of Strats with a rosewood fretboard. Cheers. Mike.
MIM vs. MIA vs. MIJ vs. Squier Deluxe
+Dante Rosales That would be awesome! 😄
Dante Rosales I saw an 80s Japanese super high qaulity Squier Strat at a local shop for $350. I totally would have bought it, but I only went in for strings that day. I went back with the money, but it gone. Someone else knew what a gem they had.
+Jacob Reece Oh man! That was a good price! Oh well..
Darrell Braun Guitar My best guess was that they weren't super knowledgeable. They saw Squier on the headstock, and slapped a low ball price on it.
For a Silver Series from the early 1990s that's a normal price.
For an older one from the 1980s it's on the low side.
Especially JV Series are collectable and valuable, then came the SQ series, which are still pretty wanted. In 1987/'88 they started to label several guitars from Japan as "Fender", but there were also Squiers from Japan with black headstocks that came out alongside with the Fenders and were in fact even BETTER and MORE EXPENSIVE.
So checking the serial number is quite important when it comes to determine the value of a Japanese Squier.
And then of course you should check if everything is still original on the guitar: finish, pickups, tuners, bridges and nut-locks/ lock-nuts, controls, electronics and woodwork under the pickguard.
Under quite a lot of Strat pickguards you will find a real MESS (like totally BUTCHERED bodies), due to the urge of all kind of 'guitar geniuses' who decided to 'upgrade' their guitar.
I have a Mexican Strat I put in a bone nut and put in Kluson pups reset up the guitar and centred the trem block it’s an awesome guitar Olympic White 2001 model the neck is as good as any USA strat.
I could not justify the cost of the USA strat when a little time and effort plus under £150.00 and it’s up there with the USA.
Just think £750 more and I could say woopee do I’ve got a USA Strat
What do you mean by "centered the trem block"? I want to learn! :)
Did you name it Excalibur?
Not a huge fan of tapping, but really loved your solos! Enjoyed both the strats, but I'd rather go for the MIM and invest my savings on a nicer amp. Thanks for the nice review and for the great improvisation!
I just don't get why we as musicians are still caught up in the whole guitar snobbery issue. If you are a guitarist and have been devoted to Fender for awhile, I have been playing for 40 years... its just time to realize that the Mexican made instruments have caught up and in some cases...passed the American made in sound quality. I have played both and for years I cant make an intelligent decision to lay down the extra cash for an instrument because of the long running stigma that the american guitar is better. They are both made by some of the same luthiers at both facilitys. Another thing, why do people want to gut these fine works of craftmanship, Mexican made, guitar by changing the pickups, bone nut etc. I think its high time that we teach up an coming players that tone is first and foremost created in the hands and heart of the indivivual not with a quick electronic change. Im not trying to offend any one, just expressing what I have seen over the past several years. Love your videos Mr. Braun!! Keep those strings bending
Yes, hands and heart! You saved me the time of saying this.
Come on , admit it Donnie, you're REALLY Carlos Santana! I'm totally on board with your "hand and heart" comment. To me it echos Carlo's passion he expresses in his playing and I'm sure, that which you must possess also.
Still prefer Lollarpickups but my guitars r Mexican they r great bone nuts too!
A few years ago, I wanted to buy a new classical guitar. I had the money to buy a really good one - up to a grand - I ended up coming out the shop with a guitar which I paid 89 quid for lol. Okay, it was a Fender, but on the lower scale economy I guess, but I used my brain and my ears and I am proud of that
Mexican Strats have not caught up or passed American Strats at all.
Darren. Smashing video. Some really nice playing, the material selected for the comparison worked well. Prefer the Mex for the chord work and the US for the lead stuff...Well done man!
I've had the American Deluxe and made in Mexico... The MIM instrument really quite amazed me... I highly recommend the MIM as long as you set it up correctly... Best Bang for your buck out of any electric guitar made period.
I’d love to hear the Squier Deluxe against the Mexican and American. I like the way you do your comparison videos. Definitely the best I’ve seen. Cheers
+okiwatashi Thanks! I'll add it to my list ☺
Thanks a million for your excellent comparison. The touch and feel of the American made Strat is noticeable but like you say the Mexican is definitely more value for money and they both are cut above many other guitars out there, hence they are the standard.
I have both the MIA and MIM, and to me the answer is simple.
The MIM is great! and the MIA is even better. Plenty of professional players tour with a MIM.
If you are a beginner the MIM is the obvious choice. You'll get all those rushes from making progress, and later you get an even better guitar and get a rush from that as well.
On average the depreciation supposedly is lower for the MIM simply because it is cheaper. If you decide you prefer the Chello, you will most likely loose more money selling a used MIA than an MIM. Worth a thought.
Apparently there are way more guitar players working in the Mexican plant than at the US factory. I don't know if that makes any difference, but my impression is that the MIM guitars are just as well or better set up (string height, intonation etc) than the MIA when leaving the factory.
Unless we are talking custom shop, naturally.
Im getting a 2006 fender 60th anniversary diamond series made in mexico next week for my 18th birthday! Im so excited
Congratulations! How is it?
@@bigredracingteam9642 great
In the past I would say no difference but the longer I play guitar the more I just hear the difference in tone quality
Thanks Darrell, another great informative video.
I have a Jimmie Vaughan Fender Strat and a Fender Baja Telecaster, both are MIM and I love them dearly. Playability, appointments, fit and finish - All top notch. The necks are super chunky which I love.
So happy I picked up all these instruments years ago (pre-covid/inflation) or I probably couldn't any of them in today's market.
Rock on DBG!
This is like comparing apples to oranges. Different fretboard materials, pickup height adjustment, string gauge, pickup guard material, etc. can change the TONE of any guitar. I have had 14 American strats, one Japanese strat, and one Mexican. All of them have a different sound, but the Mexicans were the least versatile.
The USA Strat (white) sounds much better in any position. As Darrel says, it has better note definition and sounds more chimy like a typical (expensive) Stratocaster.
Alnico pickups. I have a MIM strat and I'll change the pickups.
I agree! The first start I owned was a Mexican Strato. Excellent. After a couple of years I got an American Standard Stratocaster, but never got used to it. I kept it for a year and a half, and traded it for some other instruments, keeping my Mexican Strato. After a while I got a second Mexican Strato, a 60th Anniversary, not as good as the Standard Mexican Strato though. Recently I got my hands on a Strato American Deluxe, and that really, really makes a difference, but only for 3 times the cost of a Mexican. Conclusion: I LOVE Mexican Strato Standard.
I can hear the difference for sure but I got a question? 🙋♂️ Them the same strings on both guitars? I hear new strings on the American and old on the Mexican and or different.
Honestly, wow, I prefer the MIM?
I love the tones in the MIM that said USA sounds more like the traditional Stat sound that I fell in love with as a kid via Hendrix & Blackmore
I bought a MexiStrat in the mid 90's. It's gorgeous. Guy in the store told me that the Mex factory was a stones throw from the US factory and they were essentially the same item. Since I was poor and couldn't play anyway, I bought the Mex. Perfectly happy with it. Still can't do squat with it, so I suppose you could say it was a total waste of money. ;)
Mate that’s so honest and so funny. Cracked me up!!
175 miles away isn’t exactly a stones throw, but if it makes you feel better about owning a Mexican Strat then, ok.
I have both MIM and USA Stratocasters, and find that the bulid quality is better on the USA ones, the MIM ones are never quite right out of the box, the vintage tuners are not
aligned correctly, which is just poor quality control.
As to the sound, to my ears if they are both set up correctly are similar with the pickups
making the most difference, so to make a fair comparison i fitted the same USA pickups to the MIM, this got them sounding very close, but there was still a better fuller tone
to the USA one.
If you can afford it, i would go for a USA one, as you have to spend a fair bit of hard earned
money upgrading the MIM ones, plus a USA will always sell for a higher price than a MIM.
That Dave Matthews Band "Satellite" arpeggio made my day!
Thanks for that...
BTW excellent vid as usual!
hey that was intresting. thank you for taking the time to give us this info. plus you are a great guitar player.
+Buddha Joe Coughlin No problem! ☺👍
I have a American Custom Shop Strat.The difference in both guitars is little more then the PU's and the Whammy.
In short the American is to my mind ridiculously over priced.You can drop in a better set of PU's then either have for
less then $200.00 USD.
Just a week ago I took the new MIM Duo Sonic off the wall of my local music shop. It played as well as my Custom Shop Strat.The fit and finish were flawless. I bought it!!!
Yeah, I got a squire some 3 years ago, was nice actually, then went for the daring purchase of an Elite Stratocaster, the playability was fantastic... but the sound was nice but...
Month ago, picked up a standard mim Stratocaster and am blown away by sound, and playability!!!! It is a 2011 and I am so happy I got it, totally surprised of course as I wasn't expecting this kind of performance...
I would recommend to anyone in the market to buying to first try a mim, before spending 3-4times more on the USA made ones. Do not get me wrong, I am sure the USA Stratocaster Guitars are incredible, and you can afford one then why not. The reason I sold my Elite was because I never used the S-switch!!!! Didn't care for the noiseless pick ups either.
I was not expecting the surprised look on my face when I tried the Mexican made one, I think that when it was made, the planets were lined up or something because I would never ever sell it now, sometimes more expensive is not necessarily better, in my humble opinion of course
Great video :-)
On most of the shot angles, the Mexican made clips were blurred to where I couldn't see the actual tone position. Anyway, I have both an American made and Japanese made Strat. I love them both. While they both can have an aggressive sound, depending on the tone position, volume, and other devices (such as pedals), I prefer the tone of my Japanese model. I guess because I've played with that one for over 28 years. Also, I placed another tension spring in the back of the American Strat because I didn't care for all that looseness in the tremelo...then I had to make adjustments to the strings and bridge. Now the action is great! Between the Japanese and American Strats, it's like comparing Magnaflow (the Japanese Strat) and Flowmaster (the American Strat) mufflers on a Mustang GT. The Magnaflows are deeper, while the Flowmasters are sharper or more throaty. I'm glad that I have both.
Which one I take for a ride depends on my mood.
Imma take your wife for a ride
I love my Mex Strat, its more than good enough for home use :D
I love the MIM strats. You can find them pretty cheap used and then update the pickups. DiMarzio has some great options.
While we are dropping names for comparison sakes, can we throw in an American Special Strat? Great video by the way. The Mex Strat makes more sense to me. Not a hater of the USA model, but the Mex Strat can get you up on the dance floor as easy as an American Strat. Not that I can dance 🙄
+Scott S I'll add it to my list! 👍
American Special has a bigger headstock and bigger frets so it will get more sustain,...however dosn't have micro tilt, for people that are worried about it.
Loving the nobody knows you when you're down and out riff!
So, I have both and if you came to see which one to buy, I prefer the MIM strat not because of money but because it feels more comfortable and simple and has a big tone.
Great video! Really digging the MIM.
Great video, as always. Professional and very helpful. To me, the pups on the American Std had a Fuzz component in their tone. Not something I liked. The ceramics on the MexiStrat sounded more authentic. While many look for the high note chimeyness as a defining tone in a Strat, for me it has always been the signature growl of a single coil bridge pup and Hendrix-style double stops mid neck that is almost impossible to replicate by any other guitar. I’d go with the MexiStrat. Regards. . .
buddy comes over to your house "dude you have a strat ...nice!"
buddy picks up the guitar and sees the neck "MADE IN MEXICO". .".ohhh" ( eyes goes down in disappointment )
Rosewood vs. Maple makes a big difference. I’d like to hear both with maple.
Not that big of a difference tbh. It's more pronounced if we're talking about acoustic guitars.
The MIM sounds good solo, but the USA model sounded great with the band. The USA neck tone was awesome. The big thing to me was how slippery the American trem sounded. Fantastic comparison.
Darrell, love the comparison. I have both, more than one of both :-) My biggest complaint on the MIM Strats is the lack of fret finishing, particularly sharp unfinished fret ends. I can easily fix that, but a little more attention to this would go a long way. My best strat I have is actually a Partscaster, MIM body, Fender Neck, and Fender Samarium Cobalt Pickups. I grab this more than my MIA strats :-) Thanks again for a GREAT channel!
I just can't fall in love with 2 point tremolo systems. For me, by sound characteristscs alone, the Mex actually wins.
To my ears, the USA model sounded MUCH better in almost every mode. The MIM version seemed a bit muddy.
If I were a professional musician, I think that would be enough to justify the USA model. I'm not, though, and without hearing the two in a comparison, I'd never know the difference.
By the way, I own a MIM "fat" strat and I love it!