If based solely on build quality, what would you pick and why, between a MIM classic player 60's and an American Limited Edition (the ones where the headstock is painted to match the body) from 1995?

The Limited Edition for sure.They arent all that common and will probably go up in value,plus in the meantime you have a great guitar.

This may seem overly intuitive, but have you had a chance to play them both & compare? I'm not familiar with the MIA ltd edition, but I do own a CP 60s strat, and it's rock-solid/great playing & sounding guitar. I know there is a limited edition American Standard out right now with the painted headstock. I'm not a fan, but you may be.

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'10 Gibson LP Studio Faded
'09 Fender American Standard Stratocaster
'08 Fender Classic Player 60s Stratocaster
'07 Fender Classic Player Baja Telecaster
'05 Breedlove AC 25 SR Plus

Only one of them is local, so not really an option.

i would go with the american standard strat. headstocks that match the body are always pretty sweet looking.
i have a fender special run tele with a matching headstock and it looks really cool.