what about fender?

[Bryan Casel]

Ive also been looking at fenders,m thery feel great and sound that way too but the one I was looking at was made in mexico so should I get it or skip itand go with a kramer?

[PonyOne]

That's a tough one, I have a 1996 Fender Tele 50th anniversary custon with a Strat neck, and it is the best guitar i have ever played, i love it. I've played a lot of fenders that were really great, and a lot that sucked royal.
Mexican fenders are pretty good, i think that the main things the American ones have over them are prestige and the fact that you're helping support people in your own nation.
See if you can find someone who has a Kramer and try it out, they definitely have the price thing down over Fender. It's all a matter of opinion and what you're using it for.

[Elmo45]

I own three of them and they are the best buy for the money. Any questions, let me know.

[Bryan Casel]

you were right the kick a**!
I love the way they feel and thier sound is just the absolute best!!!!!!!
thanx for all yer help.

[Raskolnikov]

I've noticed that most new Fenders seem to have "Neck Migration Issues." As in, every time their's a major weather change (like summer/spring), the neck needs adjustment. Especially on the Mexican models. But I've played some really kick ass Mexican Fenders, so if you got a good one, very cool for you.

[PonyOne]

my tele is Japanese, it's the most stable guitar ever made. i use Ace Frehley special guages on mine, and the thing has been in tune since i put them on two weeks ago, despite heavy use. The neck is totally A+, and the thing was made in 96. Now that is what i call a reliable guitar...

If i were going to buy a Fender, i'd look for a Japanese one. They aren't as collectable, and a lot of guitarists scoff at them, but the honest truth is, they are every ounce as good as Americans-in numerous cases, they are marginally better. Even Ed Roman says that Japanese Fenders are better, and he's about as anti-japan as a lutheir comes. Plus they cost half as much.

[Fenderblues]

I'm not 100% sure but I think the mexican strats are sent back to the USA for set-up and inspection and many are if not all are the same necks, body, pick-ups etc. as the American ones except they are put together in mexico as it is cheaper, however they are painted/sprayed in Mexicao. But as I say not fully sure on these facts.

I own Both USA strats and Mexican ons and a Korean Squire tele(not bad for £130.)

The mexican is as good as a lower priced Strat, However if you want the quality you pay the price £1400 sounds alot till you own one and play it, you only get what you pay for.

[Martin Spaans]

I own a mexican fender, it's a good guitar only the neck is damaged a little, some of the varnisch is vanished.
A friend also got a mexican fender, but his one isn't as good as mine.
Also the frets must be replaced.
I don't like the sound of the bridge pickup.

I'm going to buy a new american series or let one make it.
It's expensive but in the end you get what you pay for, i like the strat sound.
Lately i saw two guitarists, one with an fender and one with a japanese guitar. No guitar can beats the characteristic strat sound(in my opinion).

[Raskolnikov]

My four string is an 81 Korean made Fender J Bass. It's the nicest I've ever played. I'm not kidding when I say that it beats up on Warwicks that sell for 5x the prices. I really and honestly beleive in trying every guitar on the rack. Atleast as far as Fender and most big brands are concerned. You can often find a real gem by giving that $200 POS a chance.

[PonyOne]

I agree with you on that Japanese J-Bass issue; my bassist has a $150 J-Bass from Japan and it is awesome, the low end is really nice and rumbley and the high is nice & tight. They're the best looking basses out there, too, which doesn't hurt any.