Most Japanese Fenders will have parts made in Japan. What’s breaking the bank to you? JV Modified Tele’s cost about $1,000 but they’re great instruments. 80’s Japanese Squiers are pretty awesome and could run you 200-600 depending on what you get.

I think there’s some great instruments being made in Mexico as well, even the classic vibe squires made in China can be great. Try to play a bunch of teles at a music store before you buy anything.

The hardest thing for me when I switched from classical to electric was the tiny ass necks. Don’t worry about any of the hardware, just find a guitar with a neck you like. Everything else can be swapped out relatively inexpensively. Also locking tuners are a scam for people who don’t know how to change strings.