I prefer the sound of the Squier. It has staggered pole pieces on the pups and it looks like the MIA pups have flat pole pieces. My MIA Strat came with staggered pole piece pups but I didn't like them and had them changed.

Love the look of the Squier because it reminds me of the cover of Rick Derringer’s “All American Boy” album, LOL. That being said, I’m not a huge fan of hot pickups, plus I like the neck pickup warmth and more subtle quack in the other positions that the Fender has to offer. The feel of a guitar can be a great attribute, however, that’s not something that the rest of us can experience while watching the video. Honestly, I’d be reaching for the Fender every time unless the music was calling out for the hot rod sound of the Squier. And there’s no downside to keeping both.

Soon all we have to do is to give the sound to AI and he will let us know all we need to know :)

I understand that only so much can be conveyed on a video. Anyone who has played an American Strat and this squier knows there’s a world of difference in between them. The squier WILL require a ton of work and still won’t be as good a player in the end.