What is the Best Stratocaster Alternative?

Who else wants to find the best Stratocaster alternative?

It’s no secret that we’re all often looking for a good Stratocaster alternative.

The Stratocaster is an excellent guitar, but often there are options, or designs not available on a Strat.

While the design is timeless, things like the neck joint, and lack of a Floyd Rose can be frustrating.

Plus, it’s difficult to know which guitar is the best alternative to a Stratocaster.

Fortunately, we’ve done the research, and found the best Stratocaster alternatives available on the market today.

Check it out!

The Best Stratocaster Alternative: Best Overall

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR E

Are you looking for a Stratocaster alternative that has contemporary features, lively looks, and irresistible playability? Then check out the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR E.

It has an alder body with a bolt-on neck and a satin finish so it’s lightweight, resonant, and comfortable to play.

The maple neck has graphite reinforcement and is in a “speed neck” shape with rolled fretboard edges and a compound radius of 12″-16″. As a result, it’s incredibly easy to play whether at the nut or the last fret, and is very stable.

With 22 jumbo frets and white dot inlays, the ebony fretboard adds a classic tone to your sound and provides a high-performance playing surface.

The Seymour Duncan pickups are in an HSH configuration with a Distortion TB-6 at the bridge, a Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 single-coil pickup in the middle, and a Distortion SH-6N pickup at the neck. Plus, the 5-way pickup switch is wired for split-coil tones so you can play a very wide variety of tones.

Lastly, the Floyd Rose 1000 Series Double-Locking tremolo is recessed so it’s easy on your playing hand, provides maximum tuning stability, and gives you the true Floyd Rose playing experience.

As you can see, the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR E delivers modern looks, contemporary tones, and a very pleasurable playing experience.

We think you’ll agree it’s an excellent Stratocaster alternative in some vibrant colors with dynamic features.

Intrigued? Click here and get yours now.

The Best Stratocaster Alternative: Best Budget

Kramer Baretta Special

Are you looking for a Stratocaster alternative that’s got a straightforward setup, is focused on playing, and has an awesome throwback look? Then check out the Kramer Baretta Special.

It has a mahogany body in the old-school Baretta shape with a bolt-on neck and the classic banana-shaped headstock.

The slim maple neck has a 12″ radius so it’s comfortable whether you’re playing chords or learning to play Eruption.

With 22 medium jumbo frets and dot inlays, the granadillo fretboard ensures a high-performance playing experience.

One Alnico-V Zebra Coil humbucker at the bridge keeps things swift, and deadly, as does the single volume knob.

Lastly, the Kramer Traditional tremolo lets you add some vibrato to your solos while keeping you in tune and properly intonated.

As you can see, the Kramer Baretta Special is focused on delivering the old-school shredding experience that birthed some of the greatest guitarists ever.

We think you’ll agree it’s a wonderful homage to the original Stratocaster alternatives of the past, available at a ridiculously low price.

Don’t hesitate! Click here and get yours now.

The Best Stratocaster Alternative: Best Runner-Up

Schecter Hellraiser C-1

Are you looking for a Stratocaster alternative that has the looks, tones, and features that are perfect for metal? Then check out the Schecter Hellraiser C-1.

It has an arched mahogany body with a quilted maple top, a set neck design, and comfort cutouts at the neck and back. As a result, it has a sophisticated metal look, superior resonance and sustain, and is very comfortable to play even at the higher frets.

The neck is composed of 3 pieces of mahogany in a thin “C” shape with a radius of 14″ so it has high stability, a comfortable shape, and is flat enough to easily play lightning-fast leads. Plus it’s connected to the body with Schecter’s Ultra Access heel joint which means it has easy access to the higher frets.

With 24 extra-jumbo frets and abalone Gothic cross inlays, the rosewood fretboard provides a classic tone, a full 2-octave playing range, and a serious metal look.

The neck pickup is an EMG 89R while the bridge pickup is an EMG 81TW. Both are coil tapped, active pickups, so they have a large variety of tones and a great driving sound when distorted with lots of clarity and articulation.

Lastly, the TonePros T3BT Tune-O-Matic bridge has a string through body design ensuring superior sustain, and high-performance tuning stability.

As you can see, the Schecter Hellraiser C-1 delivers sophisticated looks, furious tones, and high-powered playability.

We think you’ll agree that it’s a great alternative to a Stratocaster for anyone looking for a more serious metal playing experience.

Why wait? Click here and get yours now.

The Best Stratocaster Alternative: Best Under $500

Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEMJR

Are you looking for an affordable Stratocaster alternative that’s designed for shredding, and has dynamic features? Then check out the Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEMJR.

It has a meranti body with a bolt-on neck, a tummy cut, and Steve Vai’s signature monkey grip cutout so it’s comfortable to play, has a warm and resonant tone, and a dynamic look.

The maple neck is in Ibanez’s Wizard III shape and has a radius of almost 16″ so it’s very flat, fast, and perfect for shredding.

With a Tree of Life inlay and 24 jumbo frets, the jatoba fretboard adds an iconic look, a full 2-octave playing range, and a smooth playing experience.

The Quantum humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions along with a single-coil Quantum pick in the middle position give you a wide range of tones that are perfect for a large variety of music. Plus, the 5-way switch is wired for split-coil to give you even more tonal variety.

Lastly, the double locking tremolo ensures high-performance tuning stability no matter how much you dive bomb.

As you can see, the Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEMJR is a very playable and versatile Stratocaster alternative and is available at a budget-friendly price.

We think you’ll find that its dynamic and tones are only matched by its playability and performance.

Don’t hesitate! Click here and order yours now.

The Best Stratocaster Alternative: Best Under $300

Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V

Are you ready for an affordable Stratocaster alternative that has an updated look, modern sounds, and is very affordable? Then check out the Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V.

It has a lightweight body made of alder with a bolt-on neck and a shape that’s comfortable to play. As a result, it has a great tone and feels easy and natural in your hands.

The maple neck has a “C” shape with a radius of 13.75″ so it’s flat enough to easily play leads on while still being comfortable for your hand to play chords.

With 22 medium frets and dot inlays, the rosewood fretboard adds a cool look and a classic tone to your sound while keeping playing straightforward and easy.

The pickups use ceramic Alnico V magnets so you’ll get a warmer, clearer, and more dynamic tone out of the two single coils and the humbucker. Additionally, you’ll also enjoy playing split-coil tones thanks to the push/pull switch on the tone knob.

Finally, the vintage-style tremolo has block saddles that let you precisely intonate your guitar while adding some vibrato to your playing.

All in all, the Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V is a Stratocaster alternative offering updated tones, easy playability, and a contemporary look.

We think you’ll find it’s a surprisingly good electric guitar available at an affordable price.

You’ve waited long enough. Click here and get yours now.

The Best Stratocaster Alternative: FAQ

• What is the best Stratocaster for the money?
  • Please see this post, this post, and this one for our Stratocaster recommendations.
• Is a Les Paul easier to play than a Strat?
  • Depends on the model. The Stratocaster is the most copied and most played guitar on the planet for a reason. The easiest Les Paul to play is probably the ESP LTD EC series which some reviewers have called the Les Paul Gibson should have made.
• Which is easier to play Strat or Tele?
  • Stratocasters have a tummy cut, and body shaping that makes them more comfortable to hold than a Telecaster. It also depends on your definition of easier. Since a Tele only has 2 pickups and a hardtail bridge, some guitar teachers feel that a Tele is a better guitar for a beginner.
• Is Telecaster or Stratocaster better?
  • Telecasters are great guitars and have a solid history, but they’re not as versatile as a Stratocaster. It’s really down to personal preference and what kind of tone you’re looking to play.