Korean, Mexican, or American Strat?

[cephus]

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The problem with the Mexicans is their weight. I always found them to feel rather dry and light, but that was just in the models I was looking at. Maybe others are more friendly.

Different strokes for different folks. I think my strat is super light compared to average. I thought that was a good thing because that guitar has more resonance and low-end than anything else in the stable. I thought the low mass requires less energy to get it vibrating. So, adding a given amount of energy by exciting the strings would theoretically make a lighter mass vibrate more than a heavier one.

I have 2 really heavy guitars and they have great presence and sustain, but sound a little thin in comparison to the bantam weight even though both of them have humbuckers.

Sustain is great and all, but I will always go for a fat bottom - in terms of tone.

 

[chazba]

Yeah...I vote with the MIJ guys. I have one from about '88 or so, in Candyapple red. One of the sweetest guitars I've ever owned. Also have a Tokai, which is OK but when disassembled reveals issues with cheap parts, although it sounds pretty good and the neck is a copy of the early 60's.


chazba

 

[Double]

I have a few strats, the one that is made in Mexico (60's reissue) is my least favorite, cheaper hardware and the PU's sound a little weak, it also has smaller string spacing which makes it feel a little different, but I love the color. Next would be a 1987 made in Japan 57 reissue which is really good sounding guitar. Then would be my 1988 USA 57 reissue which is a great guitar, but I have changed the PU's to Texas Specials and installed bigger frets. The best guitar I have ever owned and I might IMHO one the better strats Fender has made is USA 1997 Collectors Edition Strat, it is basally a Custom Shop 62 reissue with Texas Specials and larger frets. I have owned my others but I still find the USA 57 and 62 reissues are my favorite sounding and playing strats.