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Anyone with a basic familiarity with the history of the electric guitar knows how fundamental the Fender Stratocaster and Fender Telecaster are. From rock and roll to country to blues, these instruments have helped define music as we know it. As a result, when Fender decides to name a guitar “Stratocaster” or “Telecaster,” the instruments had darn well better live up to their legacy.

Their “Standard” series of guitars are made in Fender’s Ensenada, Mexico complex. There is a lot of myth out there involving MIM (Made in Mexico) musical instruments, most of it based on rumor than fact, to be honest. Since a MIM Stratocaster or Telecaster costs less than half of its US counterpart, it’s worth seeing where the savings comes into effect.

The hardware (e.g. pickups, tuners, bridge) are generally lower quality compared to the made-in-USA equivalents, though the hardware is surely passable.

Amazingly, though, the overall build quality (e.g. finish and fretwork) are extremely nice and often rival the much more expensive models. Having lately tested two stock 2009 Standard Fender series guitars (a Stratocaster and a Telecaster), we can say that the build quality was first-rate with both guitars. The quality of construction and playability was definitely on par with the USA-made models.

That’s not to say there aren’t substantial differences. Again, quality of the tuners, pickups, and bridges on the Standard models are inferior to the USA models, but not in a way that renders the Standard series unworthy of your attention. The USA models also include a superior hardshell case whereas the MIM models include a practical gig bag.

Notwithstanding, in both cases, the MIM Stratocaster and MIM Telecaster were the “real” deal. The Stratocaster could produce everything from convincing Hendrix, Clapton, and Gilmour tones, while the Telecaster spat out some hot country licks with ease. Both guitars played and sounded like a guitar that should cost twice as much.

In fact, some of our treasured guitars are MIM model Stratocasters or Telecasters that we’ve “hot-rodded” to our own specs. For less than the price of a new USA Strat or Tele, you could buy a MIM model, replace the pickups, tuners, and bridge, and end up with your own personal “Super Strat.”

We think it’s high time that individuals paid attention to reality more than their preconceived impressions about what a Mexican-made instrument should sound like. Mexican-made Stratocasters and Telecasters represent an astounding buy and are worthy musical instruments for novices and professionals alike.

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