re: Mexican vs American Fenders question

They may look the same, the cheaper ones are basically made from cheaper materials by workforce with lower labor costs. Cost is cut at almost every point. Pickups, woods used, switches, wiring, frets, tuners, bridge.......everything.

The playability of an American and squier is worlds apart and the tone.

I used to have a mexi jazz bass years ago and then played a a G&L and an Ernie ball stingray. Both of those instruments made the mexi bass sound thin and like a toy. I ended up selling the Ernie ball when I grew tired of it and upgraded to a 70's Rickenbacker 4001.