I own many Guitar American / Mexico and to tell you the truth the MIM are getting better and better.The sound is fender all the way and when you drive the humbuckler you get what you need clear drive not muddy. I use a Deville 4x10 and this guitar is made for it, it also sounds great threw a Kusom coupe 36 but then i dont think there's an amp that wouldent sound good with this Guitar. Playing live its great i havent tryed recording with it yet but i got a feeling it will do just fine.This is a great sounding Guitar at a great price Im 57 years old and have been playing since i was 9 and with that many year and being an x pro i know a little about guitars. I play Southern Rock,Gospil,Country,or any thing any one wants to hear and when you half to be that versital you need a good guitar that is also versital.Im a lousey speller but i been told not a bad guitar player.With that ill say its not the price of the guitar but the man or woman who holds it that gives the music true heart.

I think this guitar is worthy enough to come with a hard shell case. other than that everthing else is fine.

Retired Pro.

Southern Rock , Blues, Country, Gospil.