American performer mustang quality questions

[TeenageShutdown!]

If third time is a charm, I would recommend Sweetwater like the person above. You can look at multiple pics & compare weights. Their customer service is the best out of the big online dealers IMO, from emails to packaging to after customer service. Always quick replies. They also do a 55 point inspection, so they are actually taking the guitar out of the box & having a going over. I have 2 guitars from them & they are excellent. It stinks you are going through so much crap just to get a good guitar in that price range.

[Fendereedo]

Just bought a mustang a few weeks back. Had similar issues as yourself with the tuning, but then changed out the 9s for 10s, and have had no further issues. Maybe a heavier gauge would work for you.