Squier and Fender Stratocasters have many countries of origin, some of which are more highly respected and sought after than others – which is mainly down to the quality of instruments produced in each location. Fundamentally, the manufacturing budget and the product’s retail price dictate where it’s made. Factories in Asia tend to make Squier Stratocasters – the cheapest fully licensed Strats around – and these guitars are made on a strict budget, enabling you to buy yourself a great Affinity or Classic Vibe Stratocaster without needing to take out a hefty loan.
Fender doesn’t just make its budget Strats in the far east. In the not-so-distant past, Fender made the Modern Player series – a ‘Fender’-branded Stratocaster – in China, as well as the impressive (and not too expensive) Lite Ash Stratocasters which were made in Korea. Fender has also made Stratocasters in Japan since late 1981, which are largely considered to be on par with many high-end Mexican and lower-spec US-made models. If you’re in the market for a brand new Japanese-made Strat, expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500. It’ll be worth it, in our opinion.
Fender’s two main (and most well-known) factories are based in Ensenada, Mexico, and Corona, California. In Mexico, Fender’s more budget-friendly Stratocasters are created, and while they don’t cost quite as much as their US-made counterparts, the quality of each instrument is impressive, and constantly improving. If you’re playing guitar on a budget, then Mexican-made Stratocasters are worth your while.
Fender’s top-spec Strats are crafted in Corona, California – and for those who want the very best Strat without creeping into Custom Shop prices, this is where you ought to be looking. While the skill of each luthier may be equivalent for all of Fender’s factories, the materials used in California are what makes each USA Strat such an impressive instrument. The level of finish is top-class – making a USA Stratocaster a must-have for those who appreciate the attention to detail.