[Thrash]

I feel like such a n00b asking these questions, but can someone outline the differences between Fenders based on where they were constructed?
How much better is an American than a Mexican? In what ways? Any other pertinent info?

I have been looking at guitars and am either going to get a decent semi-hollow or a telecaster. Played on a Mexican Telecaster and I liked the way it played, which surprised me because I have always shied away from Fender. I tried to stick with Epiphone and Gibson. They had an American in the store or a few hundred more, but I didn't know how much the price difference in justified...

[jeepnstein]

The American ones have a bit nicer components and finish options. That's where I see the biggest difference. In all honesty I can't think of any reason to shy away from a Mexican Fender. They're good guitars.

[Thrash]

Ok, thanks.
I have been looking at a few different guitars and I am very wary about spending money, so I wasn't quite sure.

[Rainer.]

The most important difference is your personal preference.

Guitars are really just slabs of wood with some metal and wires attached, you shouldn't have too many surprises down the road if you really love the feel of the Mexi.

[Thrash]

Originally Posted by Rainer.

The most important difference is your personal preference.

Guitars are really just slabs of wood with some metal and wires attached, you shouldn't have too many surprises down the road if you really love the feel of the Mexi.

True dat. I just wasn't sure if there were major differences in the quality of wood used, or maybe the precision and care in how the guitar is put together. Either way, at least it probably wouldn't be the difference one would find between a Squier and a Fender.

[jeepnstein]

Originally Posted by Thrash

True dat. I just wasn't sure if there were major differences in the quality of wood used, or maybe the precision and care in how the guitar is put together. Either way, at least it probably wouldn't be the difference one would find between a Squier and a Fender.

Have you played a Classic Vibe Squier Thinline Telecaster? The difference between it and an American model is a matter of degrees and finish, too. The Americans are worth the money in my opinion but the "lesser" models aren't slouches by any stretch of the imagination. CV Squiers are one of the best buys on the Telecaster world right now. They were even better buys before everyone figured out how good they were and the prices started to creep upwards.

You do get what you pay for in the Fender line. But you're just paying for a matter of degrees between good and really good and great. The CV Thinline is worth a look. You'll probably be surprised by what you hear and feel.

[Rainer.]

Originally Posted by Thrash

True dat. I just wasn't sure if there were major differences in the quality of wood used, or maybe the precision and care in how the guitar is put together. Either way, at least it probably wouldn't be the difference one would find between a Squier and a Fender.

Well, there are differences in the materials and construction, of course. That's a secondary question, though. The primary question is "Do I like this guitar?"

[1/2-Fast Player]

I have a MIM Strat and love it. The workmanship is quite good; clean rout, tidy wiring, etc. The MIMs save money on the pups and controls, but they're not bad at all. Even with a MIA, you may decide to upgrade the pups later anyway.

The most important factor is whether you like the guitar and whether it feels good to you. If so, you'll play it a lot and it'll sound better all the time. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Mex if it fits that criteria.

[funkStrat_97]

Originally Posted by Thrash

I feel like such a n00b asking these questions, but can someone outline the differences between Fenders based on where they were constructed?
How much better is an American than a Mexican? In what ways? Any other pertinent info?

I have been looking at guitars and am either going to get a decent semi-hollow or a telecaster. Played on a Mexican Telecaster and I liked the way it played, which surprised me because I have always shied away from Fender. I tried to stick with Epiphone and Gibson. They had an American in the store or a few hundred more, but I didn't know how much the price difference in justified...

All MIM Fenders are not the same. If you are talking about the Standard series, they do utilize cheaper hardware and electronics. The pickups, for example, differ from their American Standard counterparts in that they are made up of ceramic bar magnets with steel pole pieces rather than the traditional Alnico pole pieces. Having said that, those MIM stock singles sound pretty good actually. May not be your cup of tea if you want a more traditional tone, but they are not bad at all. Also, MIM standard bodies are made from up to 7 pieces of wood. In the case of sunburst finished models, they are usually (if not always) veneered so that the finish will show a uniform wood surface. Again, different, but not necessarily bad. It's all in the execution of the process. As you look at higher end models, you'll see that they have more in common with American Fenders. The Deluxe Series, Classic Series, and Classic Player Series (which was designed by Custom Shop builders) utilize USA hardware and/or electronics.

Edited to add:

As to weather or not an American Fender is worth the extra money is something that only you can answer. It depends on how much you like the guitar. Using myself, for example, I am completely smitten with the American Deluxe Stratocaster. I can't really put it in objective terms, but all I know is that from the moment I laid my finger on the neck I would have to have this guitar. So for me, a $1549.99 (which is a lot of money for me) American Deluxe Stratocaster HSS is worth it (in fact, I better hurry up and get it before Fender realizes just how good they are and raise the price).

[thesteve]

Since you're looking at Telecasters...

Mexican vs. American (standard lines)
Finish: Polyester vs. Urethane
Neck: 21 vs. 22 frets
Nut width: 1.650" vs. 1.685"
Neck plate: 4 bolt vs. 4 bolt + tilt
Truss: 3/16" nut vs 1/8" nut
Pickups: Standard single coil vs. American single
Controls: Standard vs. No-load w/ Deltatone
Bridge: Standard (stamped steel, I think) vs. Bent steel with brass plate

Other: no case vs. Molded SKB case
Normal vs. Rolled fingerboard edges.

How much each of those things matters is up to you. I know that between my 5 string bass (American) and the MIM Jazz I once owned, the rolled fingerboard (American) made a huge difference in feel. Also, I feel like the electronics on the American were a lot better. Once my ear adjusted to the MIM, they started sounding really muddy...of course this is with a bass.

I've seen the current molded Fender cases. They are easily a $100 case, so if having a nice case is important to you, that's something to factor in. They're a bit on the heavy side, but that's something that goes along with any quality case I've ever checked out.

[Thrash]

Ok, thanks for your input, all of you! I think the fret edges would make quite a bit of deal to me, actually. But a lot of the other stuff seems like the kind of stuff that could be easily modded over time if I decided to get a Mexican.

[funkStrat_97]

Originally Posted by thesteve

Since you're looking at Telecasters...

Mexican vs. American (standard lines)
Finish: Polyester vs. Urethane
Neck: 21 vs. 22 frets
Nut width: 1.650" vs. 1.685"
Neck plate: 4 bolt vs. 4 bolt + tilt
Truss: 3/16" nut vs 1/8" nut
Pickups: Standard single coil vs. American single
Controls: Standard vs. No-load w/ Deltatone
Bridge: Standard (stamped steel, I think) vs. Bent steel with brass plate

Other: no case vs. Molded SKB case
Normal vs. Rolled fingerboard edges.

How much each of those things matters is up to you. I know that between my 5 string bass (American) and the MIM Jazz I once owned, the rolled fingerboard (American) made a huge difference in feel. Also, I feel like the electronics on the American were a lot better. Once my ear adjusted to the MIM, they started sounding really muddy...of course this is with a bass.

I've seen the current molded Fender cases. They are easily a $100 case, so if having a nice case is important to you, that's something to factor in. They're a bit on the heavy side, but that's something that goes along with any quality case I've ever checked out.

In fact, the MIM's don't even come with a gig bag anymore.

[thesteve]

Originally Posted by funkStrat_97

In fact, the MIM's don't even come with a gig bag anymore.

Guitar Center's website is still showing that it comes with a gig bag, but the Fender site doesn't. I bet a lot of stores are giving away off-brand or overstocked $10-20 bags with these guitars.

[rocket955]

The American is prolly a more finished guitar and that would make it better, and somethings can't be modded like a dual expanding truss rod.

[Forgiven Son]

Mexico was making guitars before Americans even knew what a guitar is. You could get lucky and get a mex assembled by a man who loves what he is doing, as opposed to an American guitar assembled by a pimply kid who dosent give a rat's butt about what he is doing. America might have more glitter, but where is the heart?