As a beginner, it makes my head swim. It has taken me hours to browse the differences and I still would not know what to choose. My budget is not to go over $1000. I'm probably not ready until August but wanted to at least look at options. If it doesn't say "American" then do I assume it is foreign built? Do foreign built Fenders lack in better hardware or nicer craftsmanship?

I am targeting a good rock and blues guitar. Do the pickups really hum and are they annoying?