Everytime I go into the local Guitar Center, I have to get pulled into the "What's better American or Mexi Strats?" game? First off I don't really care, sorry. I buy mostly Mexi's for the cost and they are great mod platforms. And, to me a set of Texas Specials later, they sound freaking fabulous. They also seem to have that great Classic feel and vibe to them. American Strat are great guitars, don't misunderstand me, And I'm sure I will get one someday, I love that 2 point tremolo.
But, If you wanna know what the best is, I always tell them, "Play them all, then buy the one you like. Oh, and while you're at it, don't rule out the Squier Classic Vibe Series".

You must concede that there are different levels of quality, reflected in the price points, and be happy with your preference. The term "better" doesn't necessarily apply in the same way to everyone. Cost, quality, features, even color makes a difference as to what is better. What is better for me, might not be good enough for someone else. Some might not want or need extra "bells and whistles", and those individuals will be perfectly happy with a lower cost instrument, as it is better for them. Remind the salesman that you want what's better for you, not what's better for him/her. We all can't drive a Lamborghini.

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---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.

I totally agree, But It's like apples to oranges and bananas to grape fruit. LOL

Pretty much, but oranges are much better than grapefruit.

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---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.

I whole heartedly agree, i was looking for a strat, i asked if they had any MIMs in stock he said no and pinted at the classic vibe hanging there i loved the look (white with gold PG) but noticed it said squier on the headstock, went to turn around and walk out he just said, "play it first". That was it, love at first strum.

Currently looking at a mexi though on the second hand market, and will one day own an MIA. And for the record bananas are better by far

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Squier Classic vibe 50's
Dave Gilmour "Black Strat" partscaster
'05 Squier standard Telecaster
Vox Pathfinder 15r

Having only played the American at the store, I think I prefer its wider nut and how the rolled edges of the fretboard feel. I'm also a fan of the Fat 50s pickups. And I like that newfangled bridge pickup tone control that disconnects itself from the circuit when it is on "10".

So yeah, throw in the free case and if my MIM got destroyed I'd go out and buy a MIA. But then again my finances are better now... transport me back a few years and it would be MIM all the way.

I like them both and to me they play about the same because I'm not good enough to wring either of them out enough to matter, that's just me. I have looked very closely at them side by side and there is a difference. The MIM is a great guitar but the MIA is a bit more refined. Me, I'll probally get a MIM when the time comes but for now my hardtail partscaster is making me very happy and all the hard work payed off to make it right. Bottom line, buy what you can afford and make sure it feels good and fit's you!

I don't associate with "Made in ____" means a better guitar. I have played some lemons regardless of the country of origin. Always play what is in your price range and "the one" will find you. If one does not speak, walk on.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

Exactly!

you might get a bit more consitancy in the American made ones - with the higher price point I would expect there is stricter quality control.

That said, there are awesome guitars in both the American and Mexican series guitars. Same with the Japanese and even the Korean made Squire (they're still made in Korea right?).

I've found that the biggest difference when it comes to finding that great guitar is that I will find one no matter what country it's made in, but I typically have to spend more time searching through the non-USA ones. But maybe that's because of all the talk of them being inferior so I tend to be more picky. Although, I did go through at least 10 American Deluxe strats to narrow it down to the one I came home with - some might still call that picky.

My Fender guitars are all MIM, handpicked and flawless, then customized.
That does it perfectly, I am not a pro musician.
My Jazz Bass is an AM Std and a marvel.

I have to admit that most of the MIA Strats and Teles that I touch, play (in the store) and inspect are absolutely adorable in most every way.
If I wasn't such a cheapskate, I shoulda bought one a long time ago, instead of having 1/2 a dozen MIM's, right?
Here is the problem:
I love to have different guitars and I also like to give them different custom characters. So far they are all excellent, my guitarist is the undisputable reference.

As far as Squiers goes, I have tried many, but none has made the cut yet.