Fender Strat experts?

dragon1952
dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
edited April 2 in Clubhouse Archives
I hate the guitar forums. They are mostly seriously uneducated kids who spew out what they've heard some other dumbass say.
So from the experts here, do any of you know what the main differences are between a Squier Standard and Mexican Standard Strat? I know alot of people think Squiers are crap but I've actually read excellent overall reviews (from players) of the Squier Standard so I think alot of the trash talking is ****. I know the Mexi's probably have Alder body and the Squier probably Agathis but other than that, the tuners, pickups, bridge, etc. I know the American has a little better hardware and electronics than the Mexi but how do the Mexi and Squier compare?
2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
Post edited by RyanC_Masimo on
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  • 88wildrunner
    88wildrunner Posts: 13
    edited June 2006
    i dont know how the mexican standard strat sounds, but i do have squir strat, i think it is a good guitar the pickups are good. ive been pleased with it. ive only have one problem is the 1/4 jack is fuzzy sometimes, the nut comes loose frequently.
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited June 2006
    Used to be that the mexican's were actually solid wood whereas the squires were plywood... not sure if that's still true, but I've seen more than one squire with the strap button screw ripped out and the ones I've played all seemed a little weak in the neck-body connection. You can do pitch bends by pulling on the neck with the body braced on your hip...
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited June 2006
    Yeah, I know for sure they don't use plywood anymore.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited June 2006
    dragon1952 wrote:
    I hate the guitar forums. They are mostly seriously uneducated kids who spew out what they've heard some other dumbass say.
    So from the experts here, do any of you know what the main differences are between a Squier Standard and Mexican Standard Strat? I know alot of people think Squiers are crap but I've actually read excellent overal reviews of the Squier Standard so I think alot of the trash talking is ****. I know the Mexi's probably have Alder body and the Squier probably Agathis but other than that, the tuners, pickups, bridge, etc. I know the American has a little better hardware and electronics than the Mexi but how do the Mexi and Squier compare?


    Well the American Stratocasters are far superior to the Mexican versions, and that's not even a question.

    To get to your question....The pickups are just OK in the Mexican strats. Other than that -- pretty solid guitar for a starter, but if you're schooled you will become annoyed with it. Only for the guy on a budget or non-commited starter, IMO.

    To the Squier Standard -- which one? Telecaster, Stratocaster? You get an extra fret on the Squier Strat. This is the Agathis body as opposed to the Alder on the Mexican Strat.

    The Mexican Strat is the better guitar of the two, but I think there are better guitars out there for the money unless you're buying the American model.
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited June 2006
    Yeah, we're just talking Strats. Better guitars for $200? That's what you can get a nice Mexi Strat for used. For another $100 or so you can upgrade the pickups.
    Actually I've got an Epiphone LP Elitist already. I just wanted to play around with a Strat too.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • Roy Munson
    Roy Munson Posts: 886
    edited June 2006
    Look for a used American Standard Strat or a new one, you'll be much happier. I not an expert so this is just my opinion. I heard that Henry Garza of Los Lonely Boys plays a mex strat, I don't know if it is stock or not but at any rate he sure makes it sound good if that is true.
    2 Channel:
    Amp/Parasound Halo A23
    Pre/Carver C-1
    Tuner/Carver TX-11a
    CDP/Jolida JD 100A
    Turntable/AR XB-Shure V15 III
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited June 2006
    Ok- my roommate had one and I didn't notice for awhile, then one day I see this rippling across the contours (this was the plys)- thought it was weird, but I'd never actually encountered a plywood guitar, so forgot about it until a few weeks later when the strap button tore out.

    So, if you go used, keep an eye out for that- just look at any of the contours and if they're not smooth, AVOID!
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited June 2006
    They stopped doing that on Squires in the mid 90s, IIRC....Don't buy one from 88-95 or so.
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited June 2006
    Roy Munson wrote:
    Look for a used American Standard Strat or a new one, you'll be much happier. I not an expert so this is just my opinion. I heard that Henry Garza of Los Lonely Boys plays a mex strat, I don't know if it is stock or not but at any rate he sure makes it sound good if that is true.

    If he does, there is no way on God's green earth that thing is stock, like you mentioned. :D
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited June 2006
    dragon1952 wrote:
    Yeah, we're just talking Strats. Better guitars for $200? That's what you can get a nice Mexi Strat for used. For another $100 or so you can upgrade the pickups.
    Actually I've got an Epiphone LP Elitist already. I just wanted to play around with a Strat too.


    Are you looking for strat sound, strat feel or strat look?
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited June 2006
    Don't forget the 'fat strat' models!
    Never Forget
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited June 2006
    unc2701 wrote:
    Are you looking for strat sound, strat feel or strat look?

    Mainly vintage Strat sound...Hendrix would be nice :cool:
    I can't do another $700 right now for a used American, but I can do $200-$350 for a Mexi and upgrade pickups to start.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited June 2006
    dragon1952 wrote:
    Mainly vintage Strat sound...Hendrix would be nice :cool:
    I can't do another $700 right now for a used American, but I can do $200-$350 for a Mexi and upgrade pickups to start.

    Save your money, man!
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited June 2006
    dragon1952 wrote:
    Mainly vintage Strat sound...Hendrix would be nice :cool:
    I can't do another $700 right now for a used American, but I can do $200-$350 for a Mexi and upgrade pickups to start.

    Yeah, save your money- what you really want is a tubed amp or a modeling amp (I prefer real tubes)... just going to a single coil mexi strat is not going to change your sound to what you're looking for.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited June 2006
    Demiurge wrote:
    Save your money, man!

    :rolleyes:

    But I want it now !
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited June 2006
    unc2701 wrote:
    Yeah, save your money- what you really want is a tubed amp or a modeling amp (I prefer real tubes)... just going to a single coil mexi strat is not going to change your sound to what you're looking for.

    I've got a Marshall AVT50 head and a Line 6 POD.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited June 2006
    hmmm. Well, I'm not a fan of the marshall valvestate's, but you should be able to get that warm distortion that you're looking for out of it. Still, an american strat is worth waiting for. I used to have 7-8 crap guitars/basses and I'm really glad I cut it back to a few good ones.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited June 2006
    I use this to 'color' the sound:
    56.jpg
    Never Forget
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