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 guitars had darn well better live up to their legacy.

The “Standard” series of instruments, including the beloved Stratocaster and Telecaster, are part of this legacy. Made in the Fender facility in Ensenada, Mexico, these “Made In Mexico” or MIM guitars represent superb value for the buck, but are often maligned as being far inferior to their USA-made counterparts. Is that actually the case? Let’s see!

Perhaps the most important difference is in the quality of the hardware, such as the bridges, pickups, tuners, and other electronics. These tend to lower quality compared to the American Standard series.

The overall quality of instruments regarding the finish, fretwork, and general build quality, however, was superb with the guitars we tested (a stock 2009 Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster), corresponding to many USA-made instruments, including those made by Fender.

Still, there are noteworthy departures that justify the price difference. As we’ve already observed, the hardware (pickups, tuners, and bridge) is not quite as high quality as the USA-made guitars. The Standard series also includes a gig bag in lieu of a hardshell case.

Having put both instruments through their paces, we’re happy to say that the Standard Strat and Tele are both fine guitars and reflect the various legacies of each guitar. The Strat has all the sounds we’ve come to anticipate from Fender’s flagship instrument. From Jimi Hendrix to Eric Johnson, the Standard Strat can do it all. Likewise, the Tele is useful for everything from James Burton to Keith Richards. After having played these guitars at length, we’re amazed that Fender doesn’t charge a lot more than they do.

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 individual “Super Strat.”

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

If you are looking for the absolute cheapest price on a Fender Standard Stratocaster or Fender Standard Telecaster, then you need to visit Ray’s Guitar Shop right now. From Fender to Gibson to PRS to B. C. Rich, Ray’s Guitar Shop has the best prices on all used and new electric and acoustic guitars. Visit their site today!