There’s no question the Stratocaster is one of the most popular electric guitars. So many are sold that the Strat is what people think of when imagining a guitar. That also makes it WAY difficult to choose a brand and model.
Fender is still on top and this Fender Player Stratocaster is one of the most popular models, perfect for those who want a classic Stratocaster with a Floyd Rose tremolo. You can rock out, play blues, it has a sleek body design, but still very affordable for a quality instrument.
I’ve included the classic Fender Stratocasters, the budget-friendly Squier range, and some unknown but awesome options plus I’ll talk you through what you need to consider when buying one.
Let’s explore the options first and then keep reading to find the full reviews.
Overall best stratocaster
The Fender Player Stratocaster is a high-quality Stratocaster that sounds amazing whatever genre you play.
Best budget stratocaster
The Affinity Series Stratocaster is perfect for those who want a versatile guitar that won’t break the bank but still sounds really good.
Best premium stratocaster
The American Ultra is the Fender Stratocaster most pro players prefer because of its versatility and quality pickups.
Best signature Fender ‘Strat’ & best for metal
The Tom Morello Stratocaster has a unique look and a huge sound and is excellent for punk, metal, and alternative rock music.
Best stratocaster for country
The Sterling by Music Man 6 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar is a great choice for country and rockabilly because of its twangy sound.
Best stratocaster for blues
The Fender Player Stratocaster HSH Pau Ferro Fingerboard has a bright and snappy sound and is a great choice for blues and rock.
Best stratocaster for rock
The Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster truly stands out from other Strats because it’s able to replicate Jimi’s iconic tone and comes with a reverse headstock.
Best stratocaster for jazz
If you’re into Strats and love jazz, this 60’s inspired guitar is a top choice because of its powerful sound and great action.
Best left-handed stratocaster
This budget-friendly Yamaha Strat-style guitar is perfect for those looking for a quality left-handed guitar.
Best gig stratocaster guitar
The Ibanez AZES40 Standard has a fast, thin neck and two humbucker pickups, and is a great choice for metal and hard rock as well as an excellent gig guitar.
Best stratocaster for beginners
This Squier guitar is best for beginners because it’s comfortable, playable and offers a versatile tone range due to its nato tonewood body.
What makes Stratocasters special?
When you think Stratocaster solid body electric guitars, you should think about the iconic guitar players like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Tom Morello, who even has a signature strat named after him.
These players are well-known for playing original Fender Stratocasters.
A good Stratocaster should have a few key features:
- Three single-coil pickups or humbucking pickups
- Five-way pickup selector switch
- Alder or basswood body
- Maple neck
- Rosewood or maple fretboard
- C-shaped neck profile (some Fender American models have D-shaped necks)
These are the essential Stratocaster features. Of course, each model might vary.
While cheaper models may have a maple fingerboard instead of rosewood frets, a pricier strat like the Fender American Ultra Stratocaster has a different D-shaped neck and better hardware.
Buying guide
Before you buy a Stratocaster, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Not all Strats are built the same. Of course, the traditional Strat is the most sought-after model because it has a unique sound.
I already have a full guitar buying guide, but I’ll go over the main features you need to look for when purchasing a Stratocaster electric guitar, regardless of brand.
Brand
Fender Stratocasters are the real deal and have a long-standing history in the music industry since Fender is one of the most iconic guitar brands in the world.
The company’s Strats have excellent build quality, tone, and playability.
Other companies, like Squier (a Fender subsidiary) and Yamaha, make great Stratocasters as well.
Squier Stratocasters are considered to be the best copies on the market.
That’s because they’re made by Fender and feature high-quality parts, just like some of the Fender models they’re based on.
Although the best Fender Stratocasters are already iconic, let’s not forget brands like PRS, Friedman, Tokai, Suhr, and Xotic California, just to name a few.
All Fender strat copies have vintage styling since this feature sets these electric guitars apart from many other solid bodies.
Body & tonewood
Tonewood has a direct influence on your guitar’s sound.
Many Strats have an alder body or maple body. Alder is a very versatile tonewood, and it’s often used on Fender guitars because it has a nice balance of highs and lows.
But different tonewoods can give your Strat a different tone. For example, a swamp ash body will make your guitar sound brighter and give it more snap.
Neck
The Stratocaster has a bolt-on neck, which is attached to the body with four bolts.
This design makes it easy to replace the neck if necessary. The neck can also be adjusted slightly to improve the action and playability of the guitar.
The original Fender Stratocaster has a modern “C” shape neck. This is the most common type of neck because it’s comfortable to play on.
When it comes to build, a maple neck is popular. Maple necks are great for those who have small hands or want to play fast lead licks.
Some cheaper Strats have an alder neck.
Pickups
Most Stratocasters have three single-coil pickups. These pickups are known for their signature “twangy” sound.
Some Strats also have the humbucker pickups that produce those classic strat tones.
The older Fender guitars are best known for their vintage noiseless pickups and vintage-style tuners.
Hardware & tuners
Strats have a tremolo bridge. This feature allows you to add vibrato to your sound by bending the strings.
Floyd Rose locking tremolos are also popular among Stratocaster players.
These bridges lock the strings in place so that they don’t go out of tune when you use the tremolo.
When it comes to hardware, you also need to pay attention to the tuners. The original Fender Strats had vintage-style tuners.
However, many modern Strats have locking tuners. This type of hardware is great for those who want to change the strings frequently or play with a lot of vibrato.
Some Strats also have a Bigsby tremolo. This type of tremolo is similar to the Floyd Rose, but it’s not as popular.
Fender also offers an American Professional Stratocaster with a hard-tail bridge. This model is perfect for those who want a vintage Strat tone without the hassle of a tremolo.
Fretboard & scale length
Some Fender Strats have a rosewood fingerboard, whereas some have maple frets.
The standard Strat has a 25.5-inch (650 mm) scale length, which is the distance between the nut and the saddle.
Some Strats have a 22-fret fingerboard, while others have 21 frets.
The number of frets doesn’t affect the sound of the guitar, but it does affect how easy it is to play certain lead licks and solos.
The size of the fretboard also varies from guitar to guitar.
A smaller fretboard is easier to play on, but a larger one gives you more space to add vibrato and bend the strings.
Some Strats have a 9.5-inch radius fingerboard, while others have a 12-inch radius.
Finish
The finish is the final layer of protection for your guitar. It also affects the look of the guitar.
The most common type of finish is nitrocellulose lacquer. This type of finish is thin and allows the guitar to “breathe.”
It also ages well and develops a beautiful patina over time.
Most finishes are shiny, but there are some mattes and even some sparkly finishes.
There are also transparent finishes that show off the wood grain of the guitar.
Best stratocaster guitars reviewed: top 10
Alright, let’s dive deeper into the reviews. What makes these Stratocaster guitars so amazing to earn them a spot in this top 10?
Fender Player Electric HSS Guitar Floyd Rose
- has a Floyd Rose tremolo
- bright, full tone
- available in left-handed version
- doesn’t have locking tuners
If you’re looking for a high-quality Stratocaster that sounds amazing, the Fender Player Stratocaster is a great option.
This guitar has a Floyd Rose tremolo system, making it perfect for those who want to rock out!
Most Strats don’t have the Floyd Rose, so this is a great feature because it allows you to add vibrato to your sound.
- type: solidbody
- body wood: alder
- neck: maple
- fretboard: maple
- pickups: One player Series humbucking Bridge pickup, 2 single-coils & neck pickup
- neck profile: c-shape
- has Floyd Rose tremolo system
Although it has a floating tremolo system that is decidedly un-Strat-like, the body shape is vintage Strat, and it feels identical to any other Strat you may have played.
The lead playing stands out while remaining warm and present because of the maple fretboard’s articulate assault.
In addition, the Alnico 5 humbucker, which is managed by a 5-way blade switch, contributes to this by producing a fuller tone than the typical angled single coil found in most Strats and providing chords that reverberate through the alder body.
The Player Stratocaster also has a humbucker pickup in the bridge position, giving it a beefier sound than other Strat models.
There are alnico single-coil pickups, too, so you can get that signature Strat tone.
The neck is maple, and the fretboard is maple, making it fast and easy the guitar also has a comfortable C-shaped neck profile.
The 22 medium jumbo frets have a modern 12″ radius, as do the neck shape and all other Player Series and Player Plus series guitars.
Additionally, the back of the neck has a satin finish, giving it the beautiful appearance of the gloss finish on the front and the pleasant feel of the satin touch on the back.
The body is alder, which is lightweight but still has a good tone. The guitar also has an HSS pickup configuration, so you can get a wide range of tones.
The Player Stratocaster also comes in a left-handed model, so if you’re a lefty, you can order one.
My main problem with this guitar is the tuners – they are not locking tuners, and that means they are more likely to slip and come out of tune.
You can always switch the tuners, and then you’ve got yourself an amazing electric guitar.
The Player Strat is a great all-around guitar that is perfect for any style of music.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line Stratocaster, this is the one that delivers great sound for a fair price.
There’s no doubt it sounds better than the cheaper Squier models, but it’s not as expensive as the American Standard Stratocaster.
Squier by Fender Affinity Series
- affordable
- easy to play
- lightweight
- cheaper hardware
The Squier by Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster is a great option for those on a budget.
This guitar has all the essential Stratocaster features, including three single-coil pickups and a vintage-style tremolo system.
- type: solid body
- body wood: poplar
- neck: maple
- fretboard: maple
- pickups: single-coil pickups
- neck profile: c-shape
- vintage-style tremolo
The Affinity Series Stratocaster is perfect for those who want a versatile guitar that won’t break the bank. This is a cheap guitar but it plays well and gives great tones!
That’s because this guitar is easy to play – and it sounds great, too!
You can play different music styles with this guitar, thanks to the three single-coil pickups. You can get a bright, twangy sound for country music or a thicker, distorted sound for rock and metal.
The vintage-style tremolo system is also a great feature, as it allows you to add vibrato to your sound. This is a great guitar for those who want to rock out!
Honestly, the design of the Squier Affinity Strat is virtually identical to that of the Fender Stratocaster. The only difference is that the Squier model is made with cheaper materials.
But don’t let that fool you – this guitar can still hold its own!
The body is made of poplar wood, and the fretboard is maple. That means the tones you’ll get from this guitar are nice and warm.
The Affinity Series Stratocaster also has a c-shape neck profile, making it comfortable to play.
However, you can expect the neck to feel a bit unfinished compared to a real Fender Stratocaster.
And, of course, it has three single-coil pickups – one in the bridge position and two in the middle and neck positions.
That gives you a wide range of tones to work with. Most players say the pickups are loud and maybe even a bit too hot, but excellent considering the pickups are ceramic.
The only downside to this guitar is that it doesn’t have locking tuners. That means it’s more likely to slip out of tune – but, again, that’s something you can upgrade if you want to.
Compared to the Squier’s Bullet Strat, this one just sounds better, and all the hardware is of better quality.
You won’t find nearly as many imperfections, unfinished edges, sharp frets, or other issues on the Affinity instruments.
Overall, this is a great practice guitar and a great learning guitar because it sounds good, it’s lightweight, and easy to play. But I also recommend this instrument for those who already know how to play guitar but want a cheap Squier to round out the collection – it’s playable, sounds good and looks good too!
Still not decided? Here are some more great electric (an acoustic) guitars for beginners to get you started
Fender Player Electric HSS Guitar Floyd Rose vs Squier by Fender Affinity Series
The main difference between these two guitars is the build quality and the price.
The Squier by Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster is a great guitar for beginners or those on a budget.
This guitar has all the essential Stratocaster features, including three single-coil pickups and a vintage-style tremolo system.
The Fender Player Stratocaster Electric HSS Guitar, on the other hand, is a top-of-the-line guitar that features a Floyd Rose tremolo system and two humbucker pickups.
This guitar is more expensive than the Squier, but it’s also built with better materials and features higher-quality hardware.
Having a Floyd Rose tremolo system is a huge advantage, as it allows you to do all sorts of cool tricks and techniques.
If you’re into heavier styles of music, then the humbucker pickups will also be a big plus.
Another difference is the body material: the Squier has a poplar body, while the Fender has an alder body.
Alder is a slightly better material, as it tends to produce a richer and fuller sound.
In terms of playability, both guitars are similar. They have the same c-shaped neck and body shape.
Overall, the Fender Player Stratocaster is the better guitar, but if you’re looking for a great beginner guitar, the Squier by Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster sounds pretty darn good!
Fender American Ultra
- excellent tone
- no buzz
- sensitive finish
If you’re looking for the best of the best, one of the American Ultra Fender Stratocasters should be what you’re after.
The American Ultra is probably the Fender Stratocaster most pro players prefer because of its versatility.
It has all the classic Strat features, plus some modern upgrades that make it even better.
- type: solidbody
- body wood: alder
- neck: maple
- fretboard: maple
- pickups: 3 Ultra Noiseless Single-coil Pickups with S-1 Switch
- neck profile: D-shape
- tremolo
The American Ultra has a D-shaped neck, making it more comfortable to play.
Most Strats, Fender or not, have the modern C-shaped neck, but this guitar has the old-school D-shape. It makes the guitar feel more vintage, and some players prefer it.
It also has a contoured body and ergonomic forearm and belly cuts.
The guitar’s beautifully sleek and shiny finish makes it stand out from the rest. The Texas Tea design morphs from stylish black to a nice mocha brown color.
This guitar’s sound is incredible, thanks to its three Noiseless pickups. And if you want to rock out, the American Ultra has a Floyd Rose tremolo system.
There’s no unwanted buzz or any bad noise coming from this guitar, so you can play cleanly and confidently.
The maple neck is extremely well made and probably the most comfortable to play on.
Overall, this is a very playable guitar – it feels even comfier than Ibanez or a Gibson. Compared to other Fender Strats, it’s a definite upgrade.
It’s also one of the best-sounding Strats, thanks to its Noiseless pickups. These are basically silent when you’re not playing, so you won’t get any unwanted feedback.
The price might seem high, but this is one of the best deals when you consider the value, and it will last a lifetime.
My only minor complaint is that the neck scratches a bit too easily, so you may end up with tiny pockmarks if you’re not careful.
But other than that, this is an amazing guitar and definitely worth the investment.
Fender Tom Morello Stratocaster
- noise-free
- has upgrades
- excellent pickups
- cheap fret wire
This guitar is excellent for punk, metal, and alternative rock music.
- type: solidbody
- body wood: alder
- neck: maple
- fretboard: rosewood
- pickups: 2 Single-coil Pickups & 1 humbucker
- neck profile: C-shape
- Floyd Rose tremolo
The Tom Morello Stratocaster has a unique look, thanks to its black and white finish. It also has a maple neck and rosewood fretboard.
This guitar’s sound is huge, thanks to its three single-coil pickups. And if you want to add some sustain to your playing, the Tom Morello Stratocaster has a Floyd Rose tremolo system.
Most guitar players applaud the excellent sound of this electric guitar because the pickups are fantastic.
This guitar has 22-frets and a 9.5-14-inch compound radius which makes it super comfy to play.
Just a heads up, the toggle switches might need to be tightened slightly if they are used frequently, but other than that, there’s not much to complain about!
But the reason this guitar made the list is because it has some fun upgrades compared to other Strats.
The Floyd Rose bridge, as well as the high-quality locking tuners, are excellent.
You can keep your guitar in tune for a longer period of time when performing those crazy whammy dives and whinnies.
Next, I have to mention the killswitch.
Tom Morello is known for the weird stuttering leads that distinguished him from other guitarists back in the day – he did it by pressing the killswitch to turn the sound off.
You can get the sound by passing the guitar through a nice distortion pedal and slamming the switch.
Like the other best Fender Stratocasters, this one has a master volume knob, the classic bridge tone knob, and the tone knobs for the other two pickups.
I think the fret wire could use some work, though, since it feels cheap.
Wondering what the knobs and switches on a guitar are actually for?
With the help of a 5-position blade switch, you can operate any pickup alone or with its counterpart, and the best part is that a clear and sharp sound is produced in every situation.
As a result, the Fender Tom Morello Stratocaster is essentially noise-free, even when in high overdrive.
This is much improved compared to a guitar like the cheap Squier Stratocaster.
For this reason, I recommend this guitar for metal-heads. It has all the features you need for metal playing, including a Floyd Rose tremolo system and humbuckers.
Overall, if you’re looking for a signature model from a popular guitarist, I highly recommend checking out the Fender Tom Morello Stratocaster.
It’s one of the best-sounding and playing modern Strats on the market these days!
Fender American Ultra Stratocaster vs Fender Tom Morello Stratocaster
These are two premium Stratocasters that are made of the highest quality materials.
The American Ultra is the more expensive guitar, but both of these instruments offer professional quality.
The American Ultra is a very recognisable electric guitar because of its sleek design. The body is contoured and the neck has a modern “D” shape.
It’s also made with AAA Flame Maple for the fretboard and has higher-end appointments like Black Pearloid block inlays and chrome hardware.
In contrast, the Tom Morello Strat offers a classic, comfortable C neck shape and comes with a lot of fun upgrades compared to basic strats.
These include a Floyd Rose bridge and high-quality locking tuners.
It also has a killswitch, which is perfect if you want to recreate Tom Morello’s signature stuttery sound.
The American Ultra is equipped with three Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat pickups, while the Tom Morello has three standard single-coil pickups.
Both of these guitars are great for a variety of genres and perfect for experienced players and guitar lovers.
Sterling by Music Man 6 String Solid-Body
- oversized headstock
- budget-friendly
- cheap tuners
The Sterling by Music Man 6 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar is a great choice for country and rockabilly.
This guitar has a vintage-style tremolo system and two single-coil pickups, plus a humbucking pickup.
- type: solidbody
- body wood: poplar
- neck: maple
- fretboard: maple
- pickups: 2 Single-coil Pickups & 1 humbucker
- neck profile: V-shape
- vintage style tremolo
The Sterling by Music Man also has a unique neck profile – it’s shaped like a “V”, making it more comfortable to play.
Also, it has an oversized 4+2 headstock which makes it look a bit different from the Fender Stratocaster design.
And if you want to add some twang to your playing, this guitar has a built-in “Bigsby” vibrato tailpiece.
You get a whammy bar and an extra spring, so you can “bend” the strings and make them quiver.
If you’re into chicken pickin you’ll enjoy the low action and fast neck of the Sterling by Music Man.
Sterling actually has a historical link to Leo Fender since he was one of the partners in the original Music Man company.
The Sterling by Music Man guitars are made in the same factory as the higher-end Music Man instruments, so you’re getting a great guitar for a fraction of the price.
Although, I’m just warning you that the design isn’t quite like a Fender Stratocaster. But, it’s a good country guitar because of the pickups, neck, and headstock.
The body is made of poplar, but it has a maple fretboard. The fretboard makes a deep, full sound with a bit of zingyness.
Toto’s Steve Lukather plays a Sterling guitar, and although he’s not a country musician, the guitar sounds great.
This guitar is best known for its clean country tones, but it can also do rock and blues. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and accessible.
Fender Player HSH Pau Ferro Fingerboard
- more sustain
- great intonation
- HSH pickup configuration
- tremolo pops out
The Fender Player Stratocaster HSH Pau Ferro Fingerboard is a great choice for blues and rock because it has a bright and snappy sound.
- type: solidbody
- body wood: alder
- neck: maple
- fretboard: Pau Ferro
- pickups: 2 humbuckers & single coil
- neck profile: C-shape
- vintage style tremolo
This guitar has a unique HSH pickup configuration – it has two humbucker pickups and a single-coil pickup in the middle.
The Player Strat is manufactured in Mexico, but it’s still a high-quality instrument. And, it’s very affordable compared to other Stratocasters.
It has an alder body, and the neck is maple. The Pau Ferro fingerboard gives this guitar a warm, rich sound.
You might not notice the difference between the Pau Ferro and the old-school rosewood frets.
This model has a two-point tremolo as well as bent steel saddles. This upgrade gives you more sustain and better intonation.
It has a wide tone palette that’s perfect for blues and rock.
The C-shaped neck is comfortable for both lead and rhythm players.
And if you want to add some grit to your playing, the Fender Player Stratocaster HSH has a built-in distortion circuit.
For extended practice periods, this guitar’s reduced body weight and curved shape make it super comfortable to hold.
But the ease of play is the key factor in why blues players adore it. The sound is excellent, and the motion is quite nice.
One downside is that the tremolo may pop out sometimes, so you might have to retighten the screws.
Overall, I’m impressed by its bluesy sound and tones. If you’re looking for a guitar to play some electric blues, this is the one for you.
Sterling by Music Man 6 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar vs Fender Player Stratocaster HSH Pau Ferro Fingerboard
Although I’ve picked the Sterling guitar for country players and the Player Fender Stratocaster for blues players, both of these guitars are versatile enough to play a range of genres.
The Sterling by Music Man has a fast neck and low action, which is great for chicken pickin’ and other country styles.
The maple fretboard gives it a deep, full sound with a bit of zing.
The Fender Player, on the other hand, has a bright and snappy sound.
The HSH pickup configuration gives it a wide range of tones, perfect for blues and rock. Blues guitarists can play leads with ease on this guitar.
So, which one should you choose? If you’re a beginner, I recommend the Sterling by Music Man.
If you’re looking for better quality hardware and a great Pau Ferro neck tonewood, the Fender is a great choice.
The neck profiles are very different here. The Sterling by Music Man has a slim, fast neck that’s great for beginners.
The Fender has a C-shaped neck, which is standard on most Strats.
It mostly depends on what type of music you want to play more frequently.
Fender Jimi Hendrix Olympic White
- reverse headstock
- unique playing experience
- vintage rock tones
- harder to play than other Strats
You can’t talk about rock music without mentioning Jimi Hendrix.
The Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster is a signature model designed by the legendary guitarist.
The Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster is a great choice for rock, and blues. It truly stands out from other Strats because it’s able to replicate Jimi’s iconic tone.
- type: solidbody
- body wood: alder
- neck: maple
- fretboard: maple
- pickups: vintage bridge pickup
- neck profile: C-shape
- 6-saddle vintage tremolo
The ’65 American Vintage bridge pickup and the reverse-slanted headstock faithfully capture Jimi’s renowned distinctive tone.
As a result of this reversed headstock, the guitar’s string-to-string volume is slightly altered, and this creates the unique “Jimi sound.”
Overall, you’re getting better sustain, especially on the low end.
This guitar has three single-coil pickups and a maple neck. The maple tone wood gives the guitar a bright, full sound.
With 21 jumbo frets, this guitar is built for shredding. You can play those fast licks and solos with ease.
The Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster also has a vintage-style tremolo system. This allows you to add vibrato to your playing without affecting the guitar’s tuning.
Also, the C-shaped neck makes the guitar comfortable to hold and play with, so you can bend those strings as much as you want!
But what stands out is the pickups – they pack a punch yet are sensitive enough to produce those delicate sounds.
The pickups sound authentically vintage, which is something you can expect from a real Fender Stratocaster.
And the overall tone is well-balanced, making this guitar perfect for rock players.
When distorted, it has the perfect clean tone that doesn’t get muddy. This guitar can also handle different genres like blues and jazz.
As mentioned, it’s versatile enough, though, for all types of music and does well with funky rhythms too.
If you’re looking for a guitar that has a classic Strat sound, the Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster is a perfect choice.
Fender Vintera ’60s Pau Ferro Fingerboard
- stays in tune
- lots of sustain
- plenty of tonal variation
- neck can be too slim
The Fender Vintera ’60s Stratocaster is a great choice for jazz and blues.
Jazz players usually use the Finder Vintera Vintage bass guitar, but if you’re into Strats and love jazz, this 60’s inspired guitar is a top choice.
- type: solidbody
- body wood: alder
- neck: maple
- fretboard: Pau Ferro
- pickups: 3 vintage-style ‘60s Strat single-coil pickups
- neck profile: C-shape
- vintage-style tremolo
In terms of sound, this guitar is very well-balanced. The Pau Ferro fretboard gives the guitar a warm tone.
The body tonewood is alder, which is known for its clear and bright sound.
The neck is quite comfortable to play because it has a C-shape. The guitar also has a vintage-style tremolo.
This means you can add vibrato to your playing without affecting the tuning of the guitar. In fact, it’s perfect for creating those lush, vibrato-laden jazz tones.
This guitar has three single-coil pickups and a Pau Ferro fingerboard.
The amazing action makes it even better than some competitors like the Gretsch.
This guitar is consistent with the well-deserved reputation for cheap excellence that the Classics and Classic Players have established.
There is a consistency and excellent quality to this guitar, from the weight to the fretwork, which uses medium jumbo wire, which is the perfect combo between small vintage-style frets and the modern jumbo ones.
It has a properly toned neck finish and a silky smooth satin back. The finish and hardware sparkle and shine.
A three-ply mint green scratchplate and aged white pickup covers and knobs replace the brilliant white plastic components.
Of course, the Strat isn’t as deep as the Vintera bass, but it’s still a good choice for jazz.
My only complaint is that the screw-in arm feels cheap and not well made, but other than that, the build is quite nice.
If you’re looking for a guitar that has a classic Strat sound, the Fender Vintera ’60s Stratocaster is a perfect choice.
Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster vs Fender Vintera ’60s Pau Ferro Fingerboard
The Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster is a great choice for rock players.
This guitar has a vintage-style tremolo system, which allows you to add vibrato to your playing without affecting the guitar’s tuning.
Also, the C-shaped neck makes the guitar comfortable to hold and play with, so you can bend those strings as much as you want!
But what stands out is the reverse slanted headstock, which other Strats don’t have. This gives the guitar more string tension, which results in a brighter sound.
For Jazz, the Fender Vintera ’60s Stratocaster is a great choice.
The Pau Ferro fretboard gives the guitar a warm tone. The guitar still has a similar vintage look, which is perfect for that classic Jazz feel.
Jazz guitars should have a mellower sound, and this guitar definitely delivers on that front. You can also create vibrato-laden jazz tones with vintage-style pickups.
Both of these guitars are known for excellent action and playability.
If you’re looking for a guitar that’s comfortable to play and sounds great, either of these two choices would be a great option.
Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL BL
- lots of tonal variety
- reversed headstock
- affordable
- a bit heavy
- goes out of tun
This budget-friendly Yamaha Strat-style guitar is perfect for those looking for a quality left-handed guitar.
The Pacifica PAC112JL has all the essential Stratocaster features, but it has 2 single-coil pickups, and a bridge humbucking pickup, a five-way selector switch, and a vintage-style tremolo system.
- type: solidbody
- body wood: alder
- neck: maple
- fretboard: rosewood
- pickups: Humbucker pickup in bridge with 2 single coils
- neck profile: C-shape
- tremolo
This guitar is known for good action and pretty good tuning keys.
The maple neck gives the guitar a bright sound. The bridge position humbucker adds some extra punch to the sound.
The overall construction and finish of the guitar is good for a budget guitar. The neck is bolt-on, and the body is alder.
Actually, players are claiming that this guitar is better constructed than some of the Fender models and the Ibanez Strats.
Compared to a Fender Stratocaster, this guitar is more suitable for beginners. Why? Because it has a flatter neck radius, which makes it easier to play.
The intonation is also better, so you won’t have to worry about that as much.
If you’re looking for nice clean tones to suit a variety of musical styles, this guitar will do the job nicely.
When it comes to sound, this one won’t let you down. But the main advantage is how playable the fretboard is.
It has a rosewood fretboard with 22 frets. The scale length is 25.5″, which is the standard Stratocaster.
This guitar is perfect for beginners or even intermediate and experienced players looking for a comfortable leftie guitar.
Ibanez AZES40 Standard Black
- dyna-MIX 9 switch system
- great for shredding
- made of cheaper materials
The Ibanez AZES40 Standard Blacktop Series Electric Guitar is a great choice for metal and hard rock.
This guitar has a fast, thin neck and two humbucker pickups.
But that’s not all – it’s an excellent gig guitar. The fit and finish of the guitar are superb, and the instrument is playable right out of the box.
- type: solidbody
- body wood: poplar
- neck: maple
- fretboard: Jatoba
- pickups: 2 single coil & 1 humbucker
- neck profile: C-shape
- tremolo
So, it’s the type of Strat copy that would work as a backup guitar or a simple busking and gig guitar. It’s a great choice for those who want a cheap guitar that can still take a beating.
The body is made of poplar, so it’s not the most amazing tone wood, but it sounds good no matter what you’re playing.
The Ibanez AZES40 also has a unique “floating” tremolo system. This allows you to add vibrato to your playing without affecting the guitar’s tuning.
If you’re looking for a guitar that can handle anything you throw at it, the Ibanez AZES40 is a perfect choice.
Known as a modern “shredding” guitar, this Ibanez model is the brand’s take on the Stratocaster.
It has 22 medium frets, which makes the guitar more accurate. The maple fretboard provides a great deal of sustain, and the guitar’s overall tone is pretty good.
The pickups are hot, which is great if you’re looking to do some serious shredding, and they’re quite noisy.
The guitar is equipped with the dyna-MIX 9 switch system. This gives you a wide range of tones to choose from.
You can go from clean single coil sounds to heavier, crunchy rhythms with the flick of a switch.
Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL BL Left-Handed Electric Guitar vs Ibanez AZES40 Standard Black
These two guitars have a similar price tag, but they offer different features.
The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL BL Left-Handed Electric Guitar is a great choice for beginners and left-handed players who struggle to find good-quality guitars.
The neck is bolt-on, and the body is made of alder. It has a rosewood fretboard with 21 frets. The Ibanez, on the other hand, is a rightie guitar with a maple fretboard and 22 frets.
Both of these guitars are beginner-friendly, but the Yamaha has a flatter neck radius, which makes it easier to play.
The Ibanez is the type of instrument you can easily travel with and not worry about damaging.
It has an unusual Jatoba fretboard, which is very tough and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Squier by Fender Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster
- Great value-for-money
- Leaps above the Squier Affinity
- Fender designed pickups sound great
- Nato body is heavy and not the best tone wood
Beginners can count on the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster, which delivers value, easy playability, and a great Strat tone similar to that of pricier Fender Strats.
Compared to Squire’s entry-level affinity range, it offers a bit better quality.
It’s a little more pricey but well worth it for the superior build quality and pickups you receive; they might even be better than entry-level Fenders.
- Body: nato wood
- Neck: Maple
- Scale: 25.5 “(648mm)
- Fingerboard: maple
- Frets: 21
- Pickups: Fender Designed Alnico Single Coils
- Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. (Middle Pickup)
- Hardware: Chrome
- Left-handed: Yes
- Finish: 2-color Sunburst, Black, Fiesta Red, White Blonde
I appreciate how the vintage tuners and slim tinted neck appear and the excellent sonic spectrum of the single-coil pickups made by Fender.
The Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster is a versatile instrument that can be used for a wide range of musical styles.
It has three single-coil pickups that produce a bright, clear tone that can be used for everything from blues to rock to country.
My first electric instruments were a Squire electric guitar and a little amp. As a beginner, I used it for a very long period, and it stood the test of time.
The Stratocaster design is known for its comfortable feel, which is important for beginners who may not yet have built up the endurance needed to play for extended periods of time.
The guitar’s contoured body and smooth neck make it easy to play and hold, even for long practice sessions.
This guitar is made of a nato wood body which is nice versatile tonewood.
While nato is not as highly regarded as some other tonewoods like rosewood or maple, it can produce a warm and pleasant sound that is well-suited to various playing styles.
Nato is known for its warm, balanced tone that is similar to mahogany. It has a slightly darker color than mahogany, with a reddish-brown hue that can sometimes have black streaks.
Nato is a dense and durable wood that is resistant to warping and splitting, which makes it a good choice for guitar necks and bodies.
The only disadvantage is that this wood doesn’t offer many lows. But it has a great balance of overtones and undertones, perfect for higher registers.
The Classic Vibe ’50s Strat has a classic appearance and delivers a little bit more quality than Squier’s entry-level Affinity line.
Although it costs a little extra, the better pickups and build quality compensate for it.
FAQs
So there you have it! These are some of the best Stratocaster guitars on the market today, and one is sure to pique your interest!
Let’s finish off with some frequently asked questions that have been on my mind as well.
What is considered to be the best Fender Stratocaster?
There’s no real consensus about what the “best” Stratocaster is. It depends on what you’re looking for and what your budget is.
However, the American Ultra series is generally considered to be the best Stratocaster that Fender makes.
These guitars are top-of-the-line, and they’re packed with features that make them perfect for any type of player.
That series is pricier than most of their other models, though!
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Standard Stratocaster is a great choice too.
Some Fender enthusiasts consider the Fender American Pro II Stratocaster to be the brand’s top success in terms of build and sound.
Who makes the best Strats?
Fender is the most popular Stratocaster manufacturer, but there are many other great options out there.
Some of the other top brands include Squier (which is also a Fender-owned brand) and PRS.
Don’t forget about Yamaha too, they make affordable nice-looking strat-style guitars.
What year Strats are the best?
The experts consider the 1962 and 1963 model years to be the best for Stratocasters. These guitars are known for their great tone and playability.
However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, the newer Fender American Vintage ’65 Stratocaster Reissue is a great choice.
This guitar is a copy of the original 1965 model, and it sounds just as good.
What is a Stratocaster best for?
The Stratocaster is a versatile guitar that can be used for any genre. It’s often used in rock, blues, and country music.
But don’t shy away from funk, pop rock, alternative rock, and even metal. The Strat can handle it all!
The pickup configuration (3 single coils) gives the Stratocaster its signature sound.
But if you’re looking for a different tone, you can always change the pickups.
Are Mexican Strats any good?
Yes, Mexican Strats are definitely good guitars. In fact, they’re some of the best-selling Stratocasters out there.
The reason they’re so popular is that they offer great quality at an affordable price.
So if you’re looking for a Stratocaster but don’t want to spend a lot of money, a Mexican Strat is a great option.
What’s the difference between a Vintage and Standard Stratocaster?
The Vintage Stratocaster is based on the original 1954 model. It has a few upgrades, such as a maple neck and rosewood fretboard.
The Standard Stratocaster is a more modern version of the guitar. It has a few different features, such as a tremolo bar and larger headstock.
Both of these guitars are great choices, but it really depends on what you’re looking for and what your budget is.
Conclusion
There’s no one “best” Stratocaster out there. It depends on what you’re looking for and what your budget is.
Also, it depends on your musical and playing style – not all of us are looking for the same thing!
The important thing is to find the guitar that’s right for you.
But if you ask me, you can’t go wrong with a mid-range model like the Fender Player Stratocaster. This guitar is incredibly versatile and sounds great.
Next, let’s find out if it is actually possible to play guitar until your fingers bleed
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.
