Who else wants to find the best Stratocaster models?
It’s no secret that finding the best Stratocaster models can be a chore.
With all of the different models and features, it’s difficult to know which one’s best for you.
Plus, there’s nothing worse than buying a Stratocaster only to find out that it’s the wrong model for you.
Fortunately we’ve taken the hassle and worry out of buying a new Stratocaster by researching and reviewing the best ones out there.
Check it out!
The Best Stratocaster Models: Best Overall
Fender Player Stratocaster
Are you looking for a versatile Stratocaster that has classic styling, timeless tones, and modern improvements? Then check out the Fender Player Stratocaster.
It has an alder body with a bolt-on neck, and more traditional body radii so it has classic looks and tones while also having a body that’s more comfortable to play.
The maple neck has a playing feel closer to that of a vintage Strat thanks to its modern “C” shape and fretboard radius of 9.5″.
Additionally, the maple fretboard features 22 medium-jumbo frets and black dot inlays which gives you a classic look and playing feel as well as adding a classic tone to your sound.
With three Player Series Alnico 5 Strat single-coil pickups at the neck, middle, and bridge positions, this guitar delivers crisp highs, strong mids, and warm lows for some very versatile sounds.
Plus, the Fender Player Stratocaster has a dedicated tone control for the bridge pickup, making it perfect for playing modern sounds.
Finally, the 2-point tremolo features bent steel saddles for a more traditional sound and allows you to smoothly add vibrato to your sound.
Pros
- Also Available in HSS Configuration
- Comes in Multiple Colors
- Also Available with a Pau Ferro Fretboard
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Fender Player Stratocaster has the classic looks, versatile tones, and easy playability that have made Stratocasterssuch popular electric guitars.
We think you’ll find that it’s well suited to playing a wide variety of music, while still having the features that make Stratocasters a classic guitar.
Don’t wait! Click here and get yours today.
The Best Stratocaster Models: Best Budget
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Are you looking for a Stratocaster model that’s got great features, is high quality, and is very affordable? Then check out the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster.
It has a poplar body in the classic Stratocaster shape with a bolt-on neck and a gloss polyurethane finish which means it delivers full and resonant tones, feels comfortable to play, and has the classic Stratocaster looks.
The maple neck has a slim “C” shape and a radius of 9.5″ so it feels natural in your hand, has a vintage playing feel, and adds a classic tone to your sound.
With 21 medium-jumbo frets and Pearloid dot inlays, the Indian laurel fretboard adds modern playing improvements, a warmer tone to your sound, and has a straightforward look.
The 3 Standard Single-Coil Strat pickups at the neck, middle, and bridge positions deliver all the classic single-coil tones you’re looking for, from bright, spanky sounds to crunchy overdriven tones. Plus, with a master volume control, and separate tone controls for the neck pickup, and for the middle pickup you have complete control over your sound.
Finally, the 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo lets you add some vibrato to your sound while also ensuring easy intonation and solid tuning stability.
Pros
- Also Available with Maple Fretboard
- Available in Multiple Colors
- Comes with Free Guitar Lessons
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster is an affordable Stratocaster that features the timeless single-coil sounds and modern playing improvements that make Strats very versatile.
We think you’ll find it’s an excellent value for anyone looking for a Stratocaster on a budget.
Why wait? Click here to get yours now.
The Best Stratocaster Models: Best Runner-Up
Fender American Professional II Stratocaster
Are you looking for a Stratocaster that delivers innovative features, classic and modern tones, and updated features? Then check out the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster.
It has an alder body with a durable gloss urethane finish, a sculpted neck heel, and a contoured body so it has an up-to-date Stratocaster look, versatile tones, and is much easier to play at the higher frets.
The maple neck has a deep “C” shape, a radius of 9.5″, and a “Super-Natural” satin finish so it’s extremely comfortable to play and has a very vintage playing feel.
With 22 narrow-tall frets and black dot inlays, the maple fretboard adds the traditional Stratocaster look and tone, while the rolled fretboard edges and bone nut make playing smoother, more resonant, and enhances sustain.
The three V-Mod II single-coil Strat pickups offer superior articulation while retaining their highs and their warmth while giving you all of the versatile tones that Stratocasters are famous for.
Plus, a treble bleed circuit maintains your highs when turning the volume down, while a push/push switch on the tone knob activates the neck pickup letting you add to your choice of tones.
Finally, the 2-point synchronized tremolo features bent steel saddles, a pop-in tremolo arm, and cold-rolled steel blocks, all of which add to increase your sustain, ensures better tonal clarity, and makes playing vibrato a breeze.
Pros
- Also Available in Roasted Pine
- Available in 9 Finishes
- Rosewood Fretboard Available on Some Finishes
- Comes with Deluxe Molded Case
Cons
- No Locking Tuners
As you can see, the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster delivers a very versatile playing experience, traditional Stratocaster tones, as well as innovative improvements.
We think you’ll find it’s an excellent choice for modern players who want contemporary performance, as well as classic tones.
Don’t wait! Click here and get yours now.
The Best Stratocaster Models: Best HSS Stratocaster
Fender Deluxe Stratocaster HSS
Are you looking for a Stratocaster with classic looks, contemporary performance, and easy playability? Then check out the Fender Deluxe Stratocaster HSS.
It has the classic Strat-shaped body made out of alder with a gloss polyester finish and a contoured bolt-on neck joint so it has modern playability, classic Strat looks, and a warm and resonant tone.
The maple neck has a Modern “C” shape with a radius of 12″ so it’s very stable, feels natural in your hand, and has versatile playability.
With 22 narrow-tall frets and Pearloid dot inlays, the maple fretboard has a vintage look and playing feel while adding warmth to your tone.
Two Vintage Noiseless Strat pickups at the neck and middle positions and a Single Twin Head Vintage Humbucking pickup at the bridge combine for a wide range of versatile tones.
It’s all controlled by a 5-way pickup switch, a master volume knob, and a tone knob for the neck pickup, and one for the middle pickup.
Additionally, the volume knob features an S-1 switch that is used to split the humbucker which allows you to play the classic single-coil bridge tones Stratocasters are famous for.
Finally, locking tuners with vintage-style buttons combine with a two-point synchronized tremolo featuring bent steel saddles to give you high-performance tuning stability and superior sustain.
Pros
- Available in 2 Finishes
- Includes Deluxe Gig Bag
- Also Available with Pau Ferro Fretboard
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Fender Deluxe Stratocaster HSS delivers the classic looks and tones of a Stratocaster with modern playability and innovative improvements.
We think you’ll find it’s a versatile Stratocaster model designed to please modern players.
Why wait? Click here and get yours now.
The Best Stratocaster Models: Best Vintage Recreation
Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster
Are you looking for a Stratocaster model that recreates the style and performance of a vintage Strat? Then check out the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster.
It has a pine body in the classic Stratocaster shape with a bolt-on neck and a gloss polyurethane finish so it’s got an old-school vibe, an attractive finish, and has a tone that’s resonant and warm.
The maple neck has a “C” shape and a radius of 9.5″ so it feels comfortable in your hand, delivers a very vintage playing feel, and adds a classic tone to your sound.
With 21 narrow-tall frets, black dot inlays, and a bone nut, the maple fretboard has the vintage look and feel of a classic guitar, enhances your resonance and tone, and delivers a first-class playing experience.
The 3 Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil pickups are controlled by a 5-way switch, along with a master volume knob, and separate tone knobs for the neck pickup, and the bridge and middle pickups. As a result, not only do you have full control of your sound, but you have the full range of tones that Stratocasters can produce.
Finally, the vintage-style tuners and 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo produce the vintage looks and tones of a classic Stratocaster while providing modern tuning stability.
Pros
- Genuine Bone Nut
- Available in Multiple Colors
Cons
- Vintage Saddles can be Finicky
As you can see, the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster has the looks and sounds that have made Stratocasters classic guitars.
We think you’ll agree it’s an affordable guitar that delivers versatile tones and a truly vintage playing experience.
Why wait another day? Click here and get yours.
The Best Stratocaster Models: FAQ
- What is the best Fender model?
- The two Fender models that have stood the test of time are the Stratocaster and the Telecaster. Out of these two models, the best one is probably the Stratocaster, since Leo Fender took what he learned from the Telecaster and applied it to the Stratocaster.
- What is the best Fender Stratocaster for the money?
- How much is a good Fender Stratocaster?
- Which Squier Stratocaster is best?
- Two of the best Stratocaster models made by Squier are the Affinity Series and the Classic Vibe ’50s.
JT currently resides in Southern California and has been playing the guitar since he was 13. He enjoys baking French pastries, drinking loose-leaf tea, and running Slackware Linux.
