Finding the best Stratocaster copy can be confusing, and time consuming. Looking at the different models, the different brands, it can all be frustrating and exasperating.
Fear not! We’ve narrowed it down, and done all the research for you. These are the best Stratocaster copies available on the market today.
So without further ado, we’ll start with:
The Best Stratocaster Copy: Best Overall
Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HSS 2PT CM
For those of you looking for a versatile, modern Stratocaster copy, look no further than the Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HSS 2PT CM.
It’s got an alder body in the classic Dinky shape with a scalloped lower back bout and 4-bolt sculpted heel, making it really comfortable and easy for you to play.
The caramelized maple neck is in speed neck shape with rolled fretboard edges, so you’ll never have to worry about stability, and you’ll find fretting a breeze.
The fretboard is also caramelized maple, and has a 12″-16″ compound radius, 24 jumbo frets and a Graph Tech TUSQ XL which means you’ll get an awesome tone, and a fretboard that’s comfortable to play no matter what style you’re playing.
You’ll get a Custom Seymour Duncan Full Shred SH-10B humbucker pickup in the bridge position, a Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 Single Coil in the middle position, and a Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 RWRP single coil at the neck.
This means you’ll be able to play a wide variety of tones including bright, clear tones, distorted tones, as well as classic Strat Tones.
Finally the Gotoh Custom 510 Tremolo is recessed, so it’s flush with the body, and has a low profile while keeping your tuning stable.
Pros
- Heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel
- 5-way switch wired to split coil
Cons
- Very Limited Color Availability
The Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HSS 2PT CM is a Stratocaster copy that will give you versatile tones, and complement your playing style. Get yours here.
The Best Stratocaster Copy: Best Budget
Glarry GST Electric Guitar
If you’re looking for that single coil sound, and are on a budget, a great Stratocaster copy to get would be the Glarry GST Electric Guitar.
It’s got a basswood body and a maple neck, so it’ll be lightweight, and still give you a traditional tone.
The maple fretboard has 22 frets and will guarantee more of a traditional Strat feeling an sound.
3 single coil pickups and a 5-way switch will give you the traditional Stratocaster tones you’re looking for, and the volume and tone controls will allow you to choose your sound.
Finally, the bent saddles of the tremolo will give you that old school tone, and playing feel.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Colors
- Includes Accessories
Cons
- Plastic Nut
The Glarry GST Electric Guitar is a simple, straightforward Strat copy that’s a great value. It’s the best cheap Stratocaster copy that’s getting great reviews. You can get yours here.
The Best Stratocaster Copy: Best Runner-Up
ESP LTD MH-203QM
If you’re searching for an easy to play Stratocaster copy that looks great, and is very versatile, try the ESP LTD MH-203QM.
It’s got a mahogany body that’s arched, with a quilted maple top,
as well as comfort cutouts that will make it easy for you to reach the higher frets.
The bolt-on maple neck has a thin “U” shape, and a radius of 13.75″ making it really flat, and comfortable for you to shred, or chord on.
The maple fretboard has 24 extra jumbo frets, and tiny offset blocks that won’t take away from the natural look of your fretboard.
You’ll have plenty of versatility when it comes to your tone thanks to the HSS design. With the ESP Designed LS-120N in the neck, an ESP Designed LS-120M in the middle, and an ESP Designed LH-150B at the bridge, you’ll be able to play everything from clean, crisp highs, to high gain lows.
Finally, the LTD by Floyd Rose tremolo will help keep you in tune, and add stability while letting you bend notes to your heart’s content.
Pros
Left Hand Model Available
Matching Headstock
Cons
- Tiny Fretmarkers Get Lost in Maple Fretboard
The ESP LTD MH-203QM has some great looks, especially with the black hardware. But, don’t let the “shred” look of this guitar fool you.
It’s got some versatile sounds, and will be great for a wide variety of playing styles, and genres. Get yours here today.
The Best Stratocaster Copy: Best Under $300
Sterling By MusicMan Cutlass
On a budget, and want a more traditional Stratocaster copy? Then try a Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT30SSS.
It’s got a poplar body in a double cut shape, with great comfort cutouts, and an easy-to-play neck joint, so you’ll find it really hugs your body, and is comfortable to hold
The 5-bolt neck hard maple neck has a 12″ radius with an oversized 4+2 headstock, increasing sustain, and giving you a comfortable neck to play on.
With a laurel fretboard that has 22 narrow frets and dot inlays, you’ll get a warm tone, and a classic look.
Additionally, the Music Man-designed pickups are all single coil, with a 5-way switch, master tone, and master volume controls. You’ll be able to get all the classic Stratocaster sounds you’re looking for, and plenty of tone versatility.
Finally, the vintage 2-point tremolo bridge will give you a traditional Strat playing feel, and add some spice to your playing.
Pros
- Available in 3 Finishes
- Available in HSS
- Maple Fretboard Available
Cons
- No Left Hand Models
The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT30SSS is a Strat copy that’s inherited a lot of great stuff from the Music Man brand. It’s got a great look, and feel, at a great price. Get yours here.
The Best Stratocaster Copy: Best Under $200
Sawtooth ES Series
Taking what’s great about a Stratocaster copy, the Sawtooth ES Series are budget friendly traditional guitars.
They have a sycamore body in the classic Stratocaster shape, so they’re light, and comfortable to play.
A bolt-on maple neck in a “U” shape with a 15″ fingerboard radius will be flat and easy for you to play.
The maple fretboard has 22 medium jumbo frets, which will give you a really comfortable playing experience for your fingers.
3 classic single coil pickups will give you the classic Strat sounds you’re looking for, all controlled by 1 volume control, 2 tone controls, and a 5-way selector switch.
Finally, the tremolo bridge will let you find tune your intonation, while letting you add vibrato to your heart’s content.
Pros
- Multiple Finishes Available
- Available in Left Hand Models
- Also Comes in Player Pack with Amp and Accessories
Cons
- Softer Wood Could Dent Easier
The Sawtooth ES Series electric guitar is a very traditional Stratocaster copy, that’s very budget friendly. It’s a great guitar for a beginner, or anyone who want’s to try a Stratocaster copy out. Get yours here.
Best Stratocaster Copy: FAQ
- What’s the Best Actual Stratocaster for a Beginner?
- See this post on the Best Stratocaster for Beginners.
- What is the Best Chinese Strat Copy?
- Both of the Best Budget options are made in China, but it’s getting harder to tell where some of these guitars are made. Often the manufacturer will say it’s manufactured in “Indonesia and the far East.”
- See this post for best budget Stratocasters.
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.
