Hi Ian and Eric
Thanks for those tips but I had another go at the Mexican Strat tonight and it seems like I take 100 steps backwards when I simply switch guitars so I think it'll be awhile before I can do anything like tweaking the controls when playing.
It seems that the slightest difference in string height, tremolo bar height or weight throws any technique I've developed with the American Strat which is why I'm worried about taking it for a service (in case they change something). On the other hand I remember having to learn how to play holding the trem bar when I first bought the American Strat and don't think that came naturally at first. On the positive side the Mexican has a really nice tone for the quieter pieces but I can't play the faster ones as well as on the American Strat if I hang on to the trem bar.
Oh incidentally I recorded my bash at palm muting "Apache' on the American Strat on the weekend to see how it sounded. Finally got it once (I think) the last time but then got such a surprise I stopped and messed up the timing in the next bars.
Best wishes
Rosemary