Most production workers at Fender USA are Mexican. Both the Fender USA and Fender Mexico plants are 100% owned and managed by Fender. However, I can understand if you want to secure US jobs.

Not sure which custom model you're referring to? Let me know specifically.

Otherwise, I know you want a USA Fender with a shallow C shape one-piece maple neck and preferably noiseless pickups. From this, I'd suggest a basic American Series and drop in BL noiseless pups if you want. These axes are available with trem or Hard Tail, and feature hot bridge pup, etc.

Btw, with regard to the *genuine* BL pups, I usually recommend the 290SL/280SM/280SN combo (US$127.50 for the set, shipped within the US), which features a hotter and fuller single coil at the bridge.

There are the American Deluxe Strats with Fender noiseless pups, but IMO, they don't represent especially good value, and the pups are borderline. Both Fat versions feature the LSR Roller Nut that I don't recommend, and neither can I recommend a locking trem, unless you plan on dive-bombing.

If you want a humbucker at the bridge, there's the American Fat Strat Texas Special. However, the single coils in these aren't to everyone's taste. With a change of pickguard, you can easily convert a basic American Series to a Fat if necessary, and then you can get the pups to suit you.

So, if you insist on American, I strongly recommend the basic American Series, with or without trem.