There is no question that Fender guitars are some of the best in the world. The brand has a rich history and a legacy of producing quality instruments that musicians love.
When it comes to getting the top guitars from this brand, there are many features and styles to consider, and it comes down to tone, playing style, and type of music you want to play.
In this comprehensive guide, I will take a look at some of the best Fender guitars on the market today.
There’s no doubt the most popular models are the Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster electric guitars because of their versatility. The Telecaster is perfect for country, blues, and rock, while the Stratocaster is better suited for pop, rock, and blues.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, there is sure to be something for you here!
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the lineup, and then I’ll share detailed reviews below!
| Best Fender guitar | Images |
| Best Fender Telecaster: Fender Player Telecaster |  (view more images) |
| Best budget Fender guitar: Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster |  (view more images) |
| Best premium Fender Stratocaster: Fender American Ultra Stratocaster |  (view more images) |
| Best budget Fender Stratocaster: Fender Player Stratocaster |  (view more images) |
| Best signature Fender ‘Strat’: Fender Tom Morello Stratocaster “Soul Power” |  (view more images) |
| Best Fender Jaguar: Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS |  (view more images) |
| Best semi-hollow Fender guitar: Fender Squier Affinity Starcaster |  (view more images) |
| Best acoustic electric Fender guitar: Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought |  (view more images) |
| Best acoustic Fender guitar: Fender Paramount PM-1 Standard Dreadnought |  (view more images) |
Buying guide
I’ve already shared a detailed buying guide for both electric guitars and acoustic guitars, but I’ll go over the basics here so you know what to look for when shopping for a Fender guitar.
Body wood / tone wood
The body of a guitar is where the majority of the sound is produced. The type of wood used for the body has a big impact on the tone of the instrument.
Alder and ash are two of the most common woods used for Fender guitars.
Alder is a lightweight wood with a balanced tone. Ash is a bit heavier and has a brighter sound.
Check out my guide to tonewoods here.
Body types
There are three main body types, and each guitar body type is a bit different.
- electric guitars can be solid body or semi-hollow body
- acoustic guitars have a hollow body
The type of body you choose should be based on the sound you are looking for and the style of music you play.
If you want a guitar with a bit more acoustic sound, then a semi-hollow or hollow body would be a good choice.
If you are looking for an electric that can do it all, then a solid body is the way to go.
I prefer a semi-hollow body myself, but it really comes down to personal preference.
Fender’s electric guitars with a solid body include the Telecaster and Stratocaster.
The semi-hollow body electric guitars from Fender are the Jazzmaster and Jaguar. And the acoustic guitars include the FA-100 and CD-60.
Neck wood
The type of wood used for the neck also has an impact on the tone. Maple is a common choice for necks, as it gives the guitar a bright, snappy sound.
Rosewood is another popular option, as it produces a warmer tone.
Most Fender guitars have a maple neck.
Fingerboard / fretboard
The fingerboard is the part of the guitar where your fingers go. It is usually made of rosewood or maple.
Most Fender instruments have a maple fingerboard, but there are some with a rosewood fingerboard as well.
The fingerboard has a big impact on the sound of the instrument.
A maple fingerboard will give you a brighter sound, while a rosewood fingerboard will give you a warmer sound.
The size of the fingerboard affects the feel of the instrument.
A smaller fingerboard will be easier to play with, but a larger fingerboard will give you more room to do complex chords and solos.
Pickups / electronics
The pickups on electric guitars are what make the instrument loud.
They are magnets that pick up the vibrations of the strings and turn them into an electrical signal.
Some Fender models have vintage-style tuners, but the Strat and Telecaster have single-coil pickups, which is the norm.
In fact, Fender is best known for its single coil pickups and NOT humbucking pickups like Gibson guitars.
Fender guitar models
There are many Fender electric guitar models, but the most popular is probably the Fender Stratocaster.
The Stratocaster is a versatile instrument that can be used for many different styles of music. It has three single-coil pickups, a tremolo bar, and a maple neck.
The Jimi Hendrix signature strat is an example of an iconic strat.
This guitar was first introduced in 1954 and has been a favorite among players ever since because of its great sound and versatility.
The Telecaster is another popular model. It has two single-coil pickups and a maple neck.
It’s the model that made Leo Fender (the founder) successful!
The Jaguar is a semi-hollow body electric guitar with two single-coil pickups and a tremolo bar. It’s perfect for jazz or rockabilly.
Then there’s the Jazzmaster which is a semi-hollow body electric guitar with two single-coil pickups and a tremolo bar. It’s perfect for jazz or rock too.
If you want a bass guitar from Fender, the Precision Bass is the most popular model. It has a single-coil pickup and a maple neck.
There are also acoustic guitars, like the Fender CD-60. It has a spruce top and mahogany back and sides.
I will review the best in each category so you can make an informed decision when buying Fender instruments.
I’ll also include Fender Squier models since they’re made by the same company.
Best Fender guitars reviewed
There are many excellent Fender guitars – let’s face it, most of them sound amazing. So, here’s a roundup of some of the brand’s top instruments players are loving now.
Best Fender Telecaster: Fender Player Telecaster
When it comes to bang for your buck, it’s hard to beat a Player Telecaster.
It has an iconic twangy sound to it that sets it apart from other similar guitars.
It also has the classic maple fretboard and alder body combo with a beautiful glossy finish.
- type: solid body
- body wood: alder
- neck: maple
- fingerboard: maple
- pickups: single-coil
- neck profile: c-shape
The Fender Telecaster is one of the most popular guitars in the world.
It has a classic design and a sound that is loved by many, and it’s the perfect electric guitar for beginners and pros alike.
It has a vintage-style appearance with a modern C-shaped neck. So while it looks like you’re playing a typical vintage guitar, the sound is really nice and bright.
There are 5 main things that make this guitar so good:
- its body shape makes it comfortable to hold and play
- the headstock shape is unique and eye-catching
- maple fretboard is smooth and easy to play
- the single-coil pickups produce a clear, twang
- it has an ashtray bridge cover which gives it a fuller tone
The Telecaster is perfect for any style of music, from country to rock. It is a versatile guitar that can be used for many different purposes.
Those who’ve owned older Teles appreciate the upgrade to the new modern C-shaped maple neck since the old style was not only over glossed but not as easy and comfy to play and handle.
The bent steel saddles are a contentious part since some players love them and some hate them.
There’s an increase in treble snap, but it can be uncomfortable when you’re picking and have to keep your hand on the bridge.
The single-coil pickups are pretty well balanced. Riffs are also no problem with the Telecaster. You can get a really nice, twangy sound out of this guitar that is perfect for country and rock.
If you are looking for a solid body classic Fender guitar, the Telecaster is a great option. Eric Clapton has used this guitar throughout his career.
Best budget Fender guitar: Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster
Don’t assume that because the Squier Affinity Telecaster is so inexpensive, you won’t get a fantastic tone.
This guitar is one of the best Squier guitars available and follows the traditional Fender design.
- type: solid body
- body: poplar
- neck: maple
- fingerboard: maple
- pickups: single-coil
- neck profile: thin c-shape
As any Tele enthusiast will attest, sometimes the cheapest models can wow you with fantastic tone and feel.
Squier is actually a subsidiary of Fender, so you know the build quality is going to be good.
This guitar is recommended for beginners and those looking for budget guitars that deliver really good sound.
This solid body guitar has a poplar body and single-coil ceramic pickups.
The maple neck has a comfortable thin C-shape neck profile, and the fretboard is also made of maple.
Poplar is a pretty good tonewood, and your guitar sounds similar to those with alder tonewoods.
You can choose laurel or maple fretboard, but the maple one is very popular because it gives the guitar a classic look.
One thing to note, though, is that the nut, jack input, and controls feel cheaper than Fender’s pricier guitars.
But for such an affordable price, the overall build quality is worth every penny.
This model also has a 3-way pickup selector switch, so you can choose which pickup to use.
In terms of tone, this guitar is pretty well-rounded. It can do country, blues, and even some rock tones pretty well.
Overall, the sound is comparable to the Fender Player Tele, which is why many players like it so much.
It’s best known for low action and string bending since it has 21 medium jumbo frets.
What makes this model special is that it’s also available in the left-handed format.
The Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster is a great budget guitar. It has a classic design and a sound that is loved by many.
The Squier Telecaster is perfect for any style of music, from country to rock. It is a versatile guitar that can be used for many different purposes.
If you are looking for a budget guitar, the Squier Telecaster is a great option.
Fender Player Telecaster vs Squier by Fender Affinity Telecaster
The first major difference between these two instruments is the price.
The Squier Affinity is an incredibly affordable instrument, whereas the Fender Player is about three to four times more expensive.
Another difference is the tonewood: the Player Telecaster has an alder body, whereas the Squier Affinity Telecaster has a poplar body.
The Player Telecaster also has an upgraded bridge system. It has six saddles instead of the three that are on the Squier Affinity Telecaster.
The Player Telecaster has an upgraded neck profile. It is a “Modern C” shape neck instead of the “Thin C” shape neck that is on the Squier Affinity Telecaster.
The tuners are where you can really tell the difference – the Affinity tuners are somewhat of a hit-and-miss, whereas the Player Telecaster has Fender’s classic tuners, which are very precise.
The tone controls are also different. The Player Telecaster has a “Greasebucket” tone control, which allows you to roll off the highs without affecting the volume.
The Squier Affinity Telecaster has a standard tone control.
Most experts would agree the Squier Affinity Tele is a good beginner guitar for those learning to play, but if you’re already a good player, you probably want to upgrade to a Fender Player.
Best premium Fender Stratocaster: Fender American Ultra Stratocaster
The sound of the Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is amazing. It has a classic design and a sound that is loved by many.
- type: solid body
- body: alder
- neck: maple
- fretboard: maple
- pickups: Noiseless Single-coil Pickups with S-1 Switch
- neck profile: Modern D
It’s impossible to talk about Fender Stratocasters without mentioning how good the Fender American Ultra is.
It comes with an alder tonewood body, maple frets, a modern D profile neck, and noiseless pickups.
It truly takes you back to the early days when Fender’s vintage noiseless pickups were all the rage.
The maple frets, maple neck, and alder body tonewood combination give the guitar its signature sound. Of course, it has a tremolo bridge and vintage-style tuners.
There’s something about holding it and its playability that makes it stand out above the competition, even other Fender strats.
The medium jumbo frets make it easy to play, and the modern D neck profile is extremely comfortable.
The fingerboard radius is 10-14″, so it gets flatter the higher you go up, and this is excellent for soloing.
Players are praising the fretboard because it’s easy to play and doesn’t require as much force as other strats.
It’s the better option compared to the Stratocaster HSS because the sound is more stratty.
This is partly because of the noiseless pickups that are standard on the American Ultra. However, the guitar is not as trebly but has a full, punchy sound.
For the Strat design, the curving heel joint and contouring surrounding it represent a new upgrade compared to older versions.
This is a major selling factor if you do spend time at the high range of the fretboard because it allows for much easier access, so solos are more accessible.
This alder solid body is lighter than the Ash American Ultra Strat, so it’s great for smaller players.
The only potential drawback is that the Ultra’s price tag might be a bit too much for some players.
The American Ultra Stratocaster is a great guitar for all skill levels, but experienced players can really take advantage of its capabilities.
Best budget Fender Stratocaster: Fender Player Stratocaster
Since 2018, the Player Fender Strat has been one of the bestsellers because you get everything you need from a Strat at an affordable price range.
Although it looks like the same guitar as the Ultra, it’s a bit different and more basic.
- type: solid body
- body: alder
- neck: maple
- fretboard: maple
- pickups: single-coil Alnico 5 magnets
- neck profile: c-shape
Generally, the Stratocaster is a bit more versatile than the Telecaster, and it can be used for many different styles of music, but it’s very comfortable to play.
If you are looking for a guitar that can do it all, the Stratocaster is a great option.
One of the most popular and modern Fender strat models is the Player, and it’s just like the traditional strat but with a few updates to the bridge, body, and pickups.
This model has a 2-point synch tremolo bridge with bent steel saddles, which is a big improvement over the old vintage style bridge. Guitar lovers appreciate that you get more tuning stability.
The Player Stratocaster is perfect for anyone who wants a classic guitar with a modern twist.
It comes with a c-shaped maple neck and maple fretboard with 22 frets.
You can also order it with a Pau Ferro fingerboard if you prefer. The smaller neck makes it ideal for players with smaller hands.
The best thing about the Player Stratocaster is that it comes with three Alnico 5 single-coil pickups.
These pickups offer a crisp and clear sound that is perfect for any style of music.
The punchy mids, powerful low end, and bright highs make this guitar perfect for most genres, especially rock.
Also, this guitar features really good accessories and electronics. Although the guitars are made in Mexico, they have the same quality control as the American-made models.
The only downside to this guitar is that the tone might be a bit too thin for some players. But overall, the Player Stratocaster is an excellent guitar for the price.
Fender American Ultra Stratocaster vs Fender Player Stratocaster
In comparison, these two Fender Stratocasters have a lot in common. Both are excellent guitars that come with a lot of features.
The main difference between these two models is the price. The American Ultra Stratocaster is a bit more expensive than the Player Stratocaster.
The American Ultra also has some upgraded features, such as the contoured heel and the treble-bleed circuit.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, the Player Stratocaster is the one to go for.
These guitars are made of the same materials and have the same quality control. The only difference is that the American Ultra has some upgraded features.
The tone is fairly similar, but there’s a big design difference when it comes to the neck profile.
The American Ultra has a modern “D” neck profile, while the Player Stratocaster has a vintage “C” neck profile.
For tone, this means that the American Ultra will have a bit more bite and attack. The Player Stratocaster will have a rounder, fuller tone. It all comes down to personal preference.
Best signature Fender ‘Strat’: Fender Tom Morello Stratocaster “Soul Power”
When looking at the Fender lineup, it’s impossible not to mention the Tom Morello Stratocaster.
This guitar was designed in collaboration with the famous Rage Against the Machine guitarist, and it is a truly unique instrument.
- type: solid body
- body: alder
- neck: maple
- fretboard: rosewood
- pickups: Noiseless Single-coil Pickups
- neck profile: c-shape
Tom Morello is a modern guitarist with a large following, and his signature Stratocaster is a favorite among many players.
It features 1 humbucking pickup and 2 single-coils, a Floyd Rose locking tremolo system, and a black finish with a white pickguard.
The Tom Morello Stratocaster features an HSS pickup configuration, which is perfect for high-gain playing styles.
This guitar features a much sought-after rosewood fingerboard.
Compared to the other strats with maple fretboards, rosewood gives the Tom Morello Strat that classic strat sound.
If you are looking for a modern strat with a unique sound, the Tom Morello Stratocaster is great for that because it can go from clean to high-gain with ease.
But this guitar is best if you’re looking for a lot of sustain.
It’s best for chords rather than solos, but of course, the sound is still excellent since it’s a Fender Strat; it just depends on your playing style.
The toggle switch is a bit flimsy and needs tightening occasionally, but other than that, players are very impressed with the pickup combo and the quality of the guitar.
The signature Fender Tom Morello Stratocaster is perfect for any player who wants a guitar that is unique and different.
It can be used for many different styles of music, from rock to metal.
Best Fender Jaguar: Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS
The Fender Jaguar is a bit different from the other Fender guitars on this list. It has a unique design that makes it stand out from the rest.
It has an engraved Fender logo that was actually drawn by Kurt in one of his journals – that’s definitely a selling point for some people.
- type: solid body
- body: alder
- neck: maple
- fretboard: rosewood
- pickups: DiMarzio humbucking neck pickup & distortion bridge pickup
- neck profile: c-shape
The Jaguar has 22 rosewood frets and a 24″ neck (scale length).
Also, the pickup configuration is different with a DiMarzio humbucking neck pickup plus distortion bridge pickup.
For tone and sound, this means that the Jaguar is perfect for high-gain styles of music.
This model has the modern C-neck, which makes it comfortable to hold and play on.
The Jaguar is perfect for players who are looking for something different. It can be used for many different styles of music, from jazz to rock.
If you are looking for a guitar that is unique and different, the Jaguar is a great option. Players are praising how well this guitar plays.
Some people have complained about the tremolo system not staying in place properly, but it’s been said that it’s not a big deal and can be easily fixed with a bit of adjustment.
The rosewood fingerboard is something that many players look for, and it’s one of the reasons for getting this model.
While it’s definitely a splurge, the Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar is one of the best Fender Jaguars on the market.
It’s a reissue of Kurt Cobain’s original Jaguar, and it features all of the same specs.
The Kurt Cobain Jaguar is perfect for any Nirvana fan or anyone who wants a unique and different guitar.
Best semi-hollow Fender guitar: Fender Squier Affinity Starcaster
As a short-lived, unusual hollow-body guitar that didn’t quite catch on, the Starcaster was once a guitar that was on the verge of extinction with no real interest.
Nobody could have foreseen that nearly 45 years after its initial release, this weird semi-hollow would go on to acquire a new following, especially among indie and alternative rockers.
- type: semi-hollow
- body wood: maple
- neck: maple
- fretboard: maple
- pickups: dual humbucker pickups
- neck profile: C shaped
The Squier Affinity Series Starcaster might be the most affordable guitar that Fender has yet released that pays homage to this bizarre 70s instrument.
This reasonably priced instrument reduces the Starcaster to its bare minimum while still producing a ton of 70s vibe.
People sometimes compare the Starcaster to the Squier Affinity Stratocaster, but they’re different guitars!
The Starcaster is a classic semi-hollow electric guitar with one of the easiest fretboards in the Fender & Squier range.
The comfy maple neck makes playing the guitar a breeze, and the Standard Squier humbuckers do a superb job of replicating a rich, full-bodied sound that can handle both modern rock and vintage tones.
It features a modern C-shaped neck, and the whole guitar is made of maple.
The maple fretboard gives the guitar a brighter tone, while the dual humbucker pickups give the guitar a fuller sound.
At this cheap price, you can hardly find a better guitar since it sounds so good with or without an amp.
When it comes to design, you’ll notice the f-holes aren’t as precisely executed as on more expensive models, but this is a small price to pay for such an affordable guitar.
Overall, The Squier Affinity Series Starcaster is an excellent guitar for beginners and experienced players alike.
It’s a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable semi-hollow body electric guitar that sounds great and is easy to play.
Best acoustic electric Fender guitar: Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought
The Fender CD-60SCE is a great acoustic electric guitar. It has a classic design and a sound that is loved by many.
With a beautiful mahogany and spruce top, this 12-string dreadnought-style guitar has a rich, full sound.
- type: hollow body
- style: dreadnought
- body: mahogany & solid spruce top
- neck: mahogany
- fingerboard: walnut
The mahogany neck is comfortable to play with, and the walnut fretboard is smooth and easy to maneuver.
It has rolled fingerboard edges, which make it easy on the hands and a Venetian cutaway that gives you great access to the upper frets.
The CD-60SCE is perfect for any style of music, from country to blues, soft-rock, folk, and almost all playing styles.
It is a versatile guitar that can be used for many different purposes.
If you are looking for an acoustic-electric guitar, the CD-60SCE is a great option. Used with or without an amp, this guitar sounds great.
It comes with the Fishman Pream and tuner for a clean, rich tone when plugged in.
There’s a Piezo pickup configuration under the saddle for excellent acoustic sound.
Picking notes is a bit more challenging because of the extra strings, but strumming chords is a breeze. The intonation is accurate, and the sound is full and rich.
This guitar has pretty good tuning pegs and a built-in tuner, which is always a plus.
My only criticism is the finish on the pickguard. It’s a bit flimsy and seems like it could easily get scratched.
The Fender CD-60SCE is a great guitar for beginners and experienced players alike. It is an affordable option that sounds great and is easy to play.
Best acoustic Fender guitar: Fender Paramount PM-1 Standard Dreadnought
If you’re looking for an acoustic guitar known for dynamic sound, the Paramount PM-1 Standard acoustic guitar might be the one for you.
Fender’s Paramount PM-100 was designed to offer players an affordable dreadnought guitar that would still pack a punch.
- type: hollow body
- style: dreadnought
- body: mahogany
- neck: mahogany
- fingerboard: ebony
The ebony fingerboard gives sharp attack and clear sustain to the tone, while the mahogany body provides a warm sound.
This guitar is ideal for the player seeking a traditional appearance and premium parts at a mid-price range.
Fender’s Paramount models use premium woods throughout their construction, including solid spruce for the top, solid mahogany for the back and sides, mahogany for the neck, and ebony for the fingerboard and bridge.
The C-shaped neck allows for fast playing so you can keep up with the fast pace of the music.
The hard-tail bridge provides excellent intonation and sustain. The Paramount PM-100 has a natural finish that looks great onstage.
It also has a Fishman pre-amp pickup system that gives you control over the settings.
Bass, mid-range, treble, and phase settings on the pre-amp let you shape the sound. The controls have a low-profile, contemporary design.
This guitar sounds fantastic thanks to all of these characteristics, including the bone nut and compensated saddle.
FAQs
What is the most famous Fender guitar?
It probably has to be the Telecaster – it was the first commercially successful solid-body electric guitar and is still in production today, 64 years later.
What kind of music do Fender guitars work best for?
Fender electric guitars are typically used in rock and blues but can be used for almost any genre.
There’s no limitation on what music you can play on a Fender guitar – it all comes down to personal preference.
What is the difference between a Fender and a Gibson?
Fender guitars are typically brighter sounding and have thinner necks, while Gibson guitars are known for their warmer tones and thicker necks.
Another difference is the humbuckers or pickups.
Fender guitars typically have single-coil pickups, which produce a sharper sound, while Gibson guitars have humbucking pickups, which are known for their warmer, smoother sound.
What is the best Fender guitar for beginners?
The best Fender guitar for beginners is the Squier Affinity Telecaster.
It’s a great sounding and playing guitar that’s perfect for someone just starting out. Plus, it’s very affordable.
But you can also learn on a Strat, there’s no right answer.
What’s the best Fender guitar for metal?
The best Fender guitar for metal is the Jim Root Jazzmaster since it’s equipped with all the right gear for this musical style.
It has a flatter neck than some other guitars and 22 jumbo frets, which is ideal for shredding.
Plus, it’s built to withstand the heavy use that comes with playing metal music.
How long do Fender guitars last?
Fender guitars are built to last. With proper care, they will last a lifetime.
What is better, Telecaster or Stratocaster?
It’s a matter of personal preference.
Some people prefer the Telecaster because of its brighter sound, while others prefer the Stratocaster for its broader range of tones.
Both are very versatile guitars that can be used for a variety of genres.
People say that the Telecaster is easier to play but that the Stratocaster has a better feel.
How much does a Fender guitar cost?
Fender guitars range in price from around $200 to over $2000.
The price depends on the model, the materials used, and the level of craftsmanship.
For example, the American Professional Stratocaster is a high-end model that costs over $2000.
The Squier Affinity Telecaster, on the other hand, is a budget-friendly model that costs around $200.
What is the most expensive Fender guitar?
The most expensive Fender guitar is David Gilmour’s Black Stratocaster, which sold for nearly 4 million dollars.
Takeaway
If you’re going to pick up a new guitar, Fender is definitely the brand to go with.
This brand offers so much tonal variation, craftsmanship, and playability that it’s hard to go wrong with any of their instruments.
With so many different models and styles, there is definitely a Fender guitar that will suit your needs.
From the classic Stratocaster to the unique Jaguar, there is a Fender guitar that is perfect for you.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up a Fender guitar today and start playing!
Next, see how Yamaha guitars stack up (+ 9 best models reviewed)
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
