I've always thought the MIJ had matching headstock and MIM didn't...

However, my friend asked me the difference between the MIM and MIJ recently and I could not give him a precise answer because a google search gave me mixed results.

What are the aesthetic differences between the two, if there are any?

Hello JTLee!

As far as I know, Mustangs were never ever produced in Mexico. We have the MIA ones (those from the 60's and 70's which I won't discuss for now) and all others are japanese reissues, either MIJ or CIJ.

The '69ri "Competition" Mustang sold in Japan has matching headstock (and stripes on the body). They also make it with the natural headstock and no stripes. They come in a big variety of colors and were officialy sold in the USA for a little while until 2006 - only in 2 colors though: sonic blue and vintage white.

The more recent '65ri Mustang also comes from Japan and is being sold in the USA as "Classic Series 65 Mustang" - natural headstock and 3 colors - blue, red and white. This one has some details that make it closer to the "real deal" than the 69ri, but it doesn't mean it's "better" even though I haven't played it.

The '69 has a basswood body with contours like a Strat, the '65 is made of poplar and is plain like a Telecaster. 69 has chrome Kluson style tuners, the 65 has F stamped tuners with white plastic tips.
I don't know how the pickups compare or if they are any different, but the 65's has pickups with cloth wiring, makes them look like "Custom Shop" stuff, what is cool (even if you wont be looking at it when playing!!) and has a body cavity shielding just like the original 65 ones, so, a bit more authentic

Thank you for your detailed reply!

I thought the Classic Series Mustang was made in Mexico for no particular reason... stupid me