Can anyone please clarify to me the difference between the American Vinatge 50's Stratocaster and the Classic 50's Stratocaster...ie; $$ - quality - Specs...

Thanks.

right off the top i know one is made in Mex (classic 50's) and one in the USA. Classic 50's has a 7.25 neck, not sure about the AV50's. I'd imagine the specs on the AV50's are all bumped up a notch or 2

_________________
I got a black cat bone, I got a mojo too.

I think you were referring to the difference between the MIM Classic 50's and the 57 Am Vintage Reissue (AVRI). If you were, then I can answer that: cuz I have both. Keep in mind I'm comparing my two guitars. Others guitars are going to be different than my two examples.

Neck:
- MIM neck is finished in Poly vs Nitro
- MIM neck has slightly sharper corners (not as rolled, the AVRI feels better finished)
- MIM neck is a smidge (is that a word?) smaller (I also have a 57 Am VHR and it feels the same as the AVRI).
- AVRI neck and frets
- AVRI neck is an awesome piece of maple
- Both same specs (7.25 radius)

Body:
- MIM body finished in poly vs nitro
- AVRI body wood is noticably nicer (nicer grain, two piece seam down the middle)
- AVRI body slightly lighter in weight

Electronics:
- AVRI 57/62 Alinico pickups vs Vintage Ceramic (I think)
- AVRI comes w/ a 3 position switch installed (a 5 way switch is included)
- AVRI comes with the ashtray bridge cover
- Other electronics are virtually identical

Hardware:
- AVRI tuner housing (on the back) are rouned vs MIM are more squared
- AVRI Saddles are much nicer (my MIM set screws seems to not fit as well, and the saddles are noticably thicker and not bent metal; more like chromed casted peices that look bent).
- AVRI bridge block is heavier, and looks different.
- AVRI comes with a tweed case, the MIM a gig bag.

All in all, if I had to sum up the difference in two sentences it are: The quality of workmanship between the two guitars would go to the MIM (a long story, but I've owned 5 Am built Strats and 2 MIM, and workmanship quality consistently goes to MIM). But, what you get with the AVRI are much better components (electronics and hardware) and materials (wood).

I think they are both great guitars. For the money, the MIM Classic 50 is a fantastic guitar, and I love playing it. Personally, I like the MIM neck size and feel better than my 57 AVRI. But, the AVRI just sounds, plays, and feels better. But then again, the AVRI costs more than 2 times the MIM.

Now is the 57 AVRI worth more than 2 MIM Classic 50's? That's a tough question (especially since I own both).

Consider:
- You can replace all the hardware and electronics to equal or better that of the AVRI, pay for an expert 'all out' setup, buy a new hardshell case and still have enough money to by a brand new MIM Standard Strat. In the end it would probably play nicer, and probably sound nicer than the AVRI.
- You can buy two MIM Classic 50's and two brand new hardshell cases, and still have money left over.

Sorry for the long post, but I hope this helps.