What's the difference between North American and South American life?

Whats the difference between an American Standard Fender Stratocaster and a Standard Fender Stratocaster?

• This has been really bugging me but the Standard Stratocaster made in Mexico is 400 dollars and the American Standard made in America is 1000 dollars. I have a question, is the only difference between the two is where it was manufactured, or is the American Standard have better materials thus making it more expensive. And please don't be subjective and just lay down the facts.

• Answer:

  I was talking to a friend at the local music store about this very issue today. He said that mostly, it is the same guitar, the pickups are different though. Made in Mexico Strats (mims) have the Tex Mex pickups. He also mentioned that many of the guitars are made from leftover pieces and the body can contain up to 5 pieces of wood (two is the average number). This leads to a loss in tone and quality. He said that the best way to buy a Mim strat is to get the sunburst. The wood is a higher quality, and obviously not as many pieces. That is what I decided on and I couldn't be happier. Another issue that I just remembered is that over time the American Strats will appreciate in value where the Mexican strats will steadily decline. If you're looking for a great guitar to play and have fun with, get the Mexican strat. If you want to have a piece that will appreciate in value, save up for the American. Good luck, and have a great day.