Joined: February 2005 Posts: 1132
Location: Parrish, FL | I have a '97 Miata and it is a great car. Very spirited due to its' light frame. Fantastic balance, suspension, and brakes!
Because I don't drive a Porsche, I can drink better beer. I've been favoriting the Newcastle Brown Ale of late.
Blues
(Also known as 01Bluemiata on other forums) |
Joined: July 2003 Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | Vince, the "obvious" difference, the easiest to note, is that the headstock logo is different, and the serial number is on the BACK of the headstock on American Standard Strats, it is on the FRONT on Mexican Standards. Serial number is Zxxxxxx on American, it is MZxxxxxx on Mexican models (this applies to those built 2000 and after).
Also, American Standards have a 2-screw tremolo, and Mexican Standards have a 6-screw. Although BOTH American and Mexican Vintage models have a DIFFERENT 6-screw trem (exactly like the older American ones). The Mex Standard trem is unique and less desirable (less mass in the string block for less sustain). String spacing is different, also.
Neck finish is different....MIA (American) has an almost glossy finish, MIM (Mexican) is much more matte. Fret ends are smoothed and polished on MIA, they tend to be a little rough on the MIM.
Hardware is all different between MIA and MIM....the MIA gets better quality tuners, pickups, switches and pots.
Back to the original point by Brad....only the most expensive Strats are $1700....these are the signature models, like the Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck, and the most premium American models. There are NO Mexican Strats in that price range. The most expensive Mex Strats are the vintage models, which are generally around $700.
The $600 Strats are good.....the $1700 ones are "dream guitars".
Roger |