I'm pretty sure the Tributes use USA hardware and electronics, so the difference is in the wood and finishing. The tributes look like fantastic value, but then again the USA models feel amazing and go for a steal on the used market compared to their better known relatives. I've never played a tribute or seen one in the flesh, though. Based on video evidence alone I'd say the difference in sound is negligible. With any product like this with a diffusion line it's normally the higher priced line which is more consistent, the attention to detail such as the fretwork and feel of the neck etc will be paid more attention, but the import model will be more variable - potentially the same on a good day, especially given the same fittings.