When it comes to guitars, they ALL fail when it comes to the "X" factor, or human factor. Also, each piece of wood is different on each guitar which can make huge differences in tone. Also, they make changes each few years or so to keep it fresh so some may like a `59 Strat and others a 2013 Strat. All according to each artist. But honestly in the past 15 years or so, I haven`t bought a single guitar that I didn`t immediately set-up. Most people don`t really have a clue when it comes to guitars. If all the parts are there, there is no reason the guitar can`t be set-up to fit you perfectly. As far as the imported PRS`s, nuh uh. When it comes to tone, they are not even close to an American Strat. To me they sound like a plastic box with strings tied to it. Of course unless you play metal then most anything with over wound pups will work, to an extent. Not knockin metal. I love rockin it out every once in a while but I use my Les Paul when I do. Strats are THE most popular guitars ever built. The Strat has been used by everybody who is or was anybody on stages all over the globe. Do you really think that everyone out there using them have it wrong??? Im not bias, in fact my current guitars are an American Ash Strat Deluxe, Gibson Les Paul Standard, and a Sheraton Semi Hollow Body in which I have rebuilt as a 335. I state these points as a 20+ year guitarist, a 15+ year guitar tech, and I`ve owned probably 15 Strats among at least 40 other guitars.
I'm not bias, in fact my current guitars are an American Ash Strat Deluxe, Gibson Les Paul Standard, and a Sheraton Semi Hollow Body in which I have rebuilt as a 335.
Gotta love Swamp Ash. The tone is killer. Next for me is Alder with a bit more soft middle/upper midrange.
I have 5 Strats and love every one. However, the factory finished thick plastic varnish ones have a bit more plasticky sound to them as opposed to the ones that have a very light coat of finish. The heavy plastic coat seems to kill the natural resonance of the wood.