I don't see anything from the pics, they look genuine. Although I would question why the USA has no hard case as all US strats come with one, along with case candy.
American Special;
- Weight: 3.8kg
- Scale Length: 25.5"
- Maple Neck + Fretboard
- 22 jumbo frets with dot Inlays
- Texas Special Pickups
- Nut Width: 40mm
- Bridge PU: 6.22K
- Middle PU: 6.10K
- Neck PU: 5.85K
- Synchronised tremolo
- 5 way Pickup Switch
- 1 x Master Vol, 2 x Tone
- Chrome hardware
- Case: Tweed Case
Good output on the pick ups..but where's that tweed case ?
Regarding the MIM v USA question. I'd say it depends what you want your guitar for. All Fender products are of a high standard.
With a USA Fender you are paying more for a higher spec. So the wood, the body would likely be one piece on a US guitar as opposed to several bits glued together. (Not that there is much wrong with that).
The American is usually a little more refined in certain areas such as fretwork, finish and component selection. Though a little
skilled time with a file can narrow that gap. And the pickup selection will be different. The real question is, is it worth the extra? And like most things, the answer is, it depends.
Do you want the extra fret (22 vs 21)? The micro tilt adjustment on the neck? The biflex truss rod, the v-mod pickups. Higher rated tuners and an top level bridge?. Lots of little refinements that add up between the two. Any one on it's own might not be worth it, but all of them together might sway you towards the American over the Mexican. Then there is the prestige !! :)
I'd say if you're using it for home use only then the MIM will do the job very well. If you're gonna be gigging on a regular basis then I'd go for the USA. The pickups are better at high volumes. USA Fenders are like an investment, you always get more back for them if you keep them a few years.
USA come with a hard Fender case, MIM come with a Gig bag.
I'd go for a used, well looked after USA (with case and candy) over a new MIM.
