What's the difference between strats made in America or Japan?

I can say old MIJ models for example artist series or Reissue series are just amazing. I´m talk models from years 89 until 96 (Fuji gen gakki -actual ibanez- made those guitars). Some say the wood in those models and the accuracy in every detail -vintage reissue- are just great. May the hardware/electronics/mics isn´t the best (or good at all). Take care that the low level guitars from that time wasn´t really good (std series). But if you have an early "squier japan" from mid ´80s or a vintage reissue you will see what i´m talking about. Present mij are good but not like those old guitars. i´m still choose early ´90s MIJ reissue.

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"music make peolpe smart..."

I have a MIJ E Series Squier Tele from '88, and the guitar is solidly built.
I had it for a looooong time before I did any modding. Put some Duncan alnico II's in it a few years back, and it screams vintage tone.
So don't let the Squier headstock put you off if you have a chance to get an E Series from Japan.

a lot of MIJ are/were made out of basswood

but a lot are made out of alder and ash and even use MIA pickups, so many times there's very little difference between MIJ and MIA.

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

I own 2 1986 MIJ RI Strats and find them to be fabulous!!!!

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Chet Feathers

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

And plenty of people find MIA strats to be fabulous, so that proves my statement that "many times there's very little difference between MIJ and MIA."

I love my Japanese Gibsons and my 1995 MIJ 50's Tele.
I have plenty of MIA guitars too.

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

Exactly. Personal Preference.

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Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
Authorized WD Music Products Dealer
F/A Official Southpaw Compliance Certification Tester http://faamps.com/

http://www.facebook.com/cafeathers


I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

About 5,400 miles

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

LOL Good call!