We’ve done the research found the best Stratocaster under 1000 dollars!
The lower-cost options on this list are all Squier by Fender guitars. Since they’re designed by Fender, and are Fender’s lower-priced starter guitars, they quality guitars at an attractive price.
Whatever your budget, we’ve got you covered.
Now is the best time to find the best Stratocaster under $1000 for you!
The Best Stratocaster Under 1000 Dollars: Best Overall
Fender Vintera ’50s Stratocaster
If you’re after the classic Stratocaster look and tones, then you’ve got to try the Fender Vintera ’50s Stratocaster.
It has an alder body in the classic Stratocaster shape with a gloss polyester finish and the classic bolt-on neck.
The maple neck is period-correct and has a soft “V” shape and a 7.25″ radius. As a result, it feels just like a vintage Stratocaster of the era.
Classic looks, and tones are assured with a maple fretboard that has 21 vintage-style frets and black dot inlays.
The 3 single-coil pickups are designed to recreate the tone of the original Strat pickups so they have bell-like highs and crisp articulation.
In addition to the standard Stratocaster controls, 5-way switch, and master volume, Fender has switched to tone control for the neck and middle pickup, and a separate tone control knob for the bridge pickup. As a result, you’ll be able to play more modern sounds.
Finally, the bridge is a 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo, while the tuners are vintage-style as well, but both have modern tuning stability.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Vintage Colors
- Includes Deluxe Gig Bag
Cons
- Period Correct Neck Profile Isn’t for Everyone’s Playing Style
- Plastic Nut
The Fender Vintera ’50s Stratocaster has the looks, and tone of a vintage ’50s Stratocaster at a very affordable price.
The included deluxe gig bag is a cool freebie, but a TUSQ or bone nut seems like a no-brainer option Fender overlooked.
Still, if you’re looking for the best Stratocaster under $1000, this one is it. Click here to get yours.
The Best Stratocaster Under 1000 Dollars: Best Budget
Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT HSS
Who could say no to a Stratocaster that’s low cost, and big value? Check out the Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT HSS!
It has a Poplar body in classic Stratocaster shape with comfort cutouts and a bolt-on neck so it’s comfortable to hold while playing.
The maple neck is in a “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″ so it’s comfortable and easy to play.
Additionally, the Indian laurel fretboard has 21 medium jumbo frets and white Pearloid dot inlays so it looks great, and plays smoothly.
With single-coil pickups at the neck, and middle positions, and a Standard humbucker at the bridge, this Stratocaster plays lots of classic tones, while also being able to cut through distortion, thanks to the humbucker.
It’s all controlled by a 5-way switch, master volume knob, and separate tone controls for the neck, and middle pickups. No tone control for the bridge, in old-school Fender style.
Finally, the bridge is a 6-saddle hardtail so you can easily keep your guitar properly intonated, without the issues of a finicky tremolo.
Pros
- Comes in 3 Colors
- Also Available With a Single Coil Bridge Pickup
Cons
- Plastic Nut
- No Tremolo
The Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT HSS is a versatile Stratocaster at a very budget-friendly price.
This is the one you’ve been looking for, so click here to get yours now.
The Best Stratocaster Under 1000 Dollars: Best Runner-Up
Fender Deluxe Roadhouse Strat
Are you curious about owning a Stratocaster that’s very versatile and designed to be a workhorse guitar? Then check out the Fender Deluxe Roadhouse Strat!
It has an alder body with a gloss polyester finish, a 4-bolt asymmetrical neck plate, and a contoured neck heel so it’s got great sustain and is comfortable to play all the way up the fretboard.
The maple neck is in a modern “C” shape with a 12″ radius so it’s comfortable to play chords on and easy to play leads on.
With a maple fretboard that has 22 narrow-tall frets and black Pearloid dot inlays, this guitar has the classic Stratocaster looks and tone you’re after.
The three single-coil pickups are Vintage Noiseless pickups so they have the classic single-coil sounds you’re after without any of the hum.
They’re wired to a master 6-position rotary switch at the tone knob that has a preamp giving you your choice of 6 distinct additional tone settings.
Plus, the volume knob has the S-1 switch preamp bypass that allows you to completely eliminate the preamp so you get classic Stratocaster tones.
Finally, the 2-point synchronized tremolo has bent steel saddles, and the headstock features locking tuners with vintage-style buttons. As a result, you’ll enjoy unsurpassed tuning stability, as well as a bit of original-era touches.
Pros
- Comes with Deluxe Gig Bag
- Available in Multiple Colors
Cons
- Plastic Nut
- Require 9V Battery
The Fender Deluxe Roadhouse Strat is a solid Stratocaster with some great modern features that fill this guitar with very versatile tones.
You owe it to yourself to check it out by clicking here.
The Best Stratocaster Under 1000 Dollars: Best Under $700
Fender Player Stratocaster
Now you too can have an updated Stratocaster with vintage-inspired tones! Try the Fender Player Stratocaster.
It has an alder body with a gloss polyester finish, bolt-on neck, and more traditional body radii so it looks great, and is comfortable against your body when playing.
The maple neck has a modern “C” shape and a radius of 9.5″ so it’s ideal for a wide variety of playing styles.
Furthermore, the maple fretboard has 22 medium jumbo frets with black dot inlays for an authentic look, and feel as well as tone.
With three Player Series Alnico 5 Strat single-coil pickups it has a classic sound, with the crisp highs, strong mids, and warm low end you’re looking for.
Rather than the standard tone controls, the Fender Player Stratocaster has a dedicated tone control for the bridge pickup, so it’s perfect for modern players.
Finally, the 2-point tremolo has bent steel saddles that will allow you to smoothly add vibrato to your sound while ensuring tuning stability.
Pros
Also Available in HSS Configuration
Comes in Multiple Colors
Cons
- Plastic Nut
The Fender Player Stratocaster looks and sounds amazing. It’s versatile but still has the classic Stratocaster experience you’re looking for.
Click here to get yours, you’ll be glad you did.
The Best Stratocaster Under 1000 Dollars: Best Under $500
Squier Classic Vibe 60’s Stratocaster
Have you ever thought about owning a classic Stratocaster that plays classic tones at a surprisingly affordable price? Check out the Squier Classic Vibes ’60s Stratocaster.
It has a nato body with a bolt-on neck and a gloss polyurethane finish so it has a warm and full voicing.
The maple neck is in a slim “C” profile with a radius of 9.5″ which makes it really comfortable and easy for you to play on.
With an Indian laurel fretboard that has 21 narrow-tall frets and dot inlays, it has a timeless look and a comfortable fretting surface.
The Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickups at the neck, middle and bridge positions have the classic Stratocaster sounds that make this guitar a buy.
Additionally, the 5-way switch, master volume knob, and separate tone knobs for the neck, and one for the bridge and middle pickups bring a modern improvement to this Stratocaster.
Finally, it has a 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo, and vintage-style tuners giving it a world-class look.
Pros
- Bone Nut
- Available in Multiple Colors
Cons
- 9.5″ Radius Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea
The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster is a no-nonsense Stratocaster that has all the tones, and features you’re after at a very affordable price.
Don’t miss out! Click here to get yours.
The Best Stratocaster Under 1000 Dollars: Best Under $300
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS
Who could say no to an inexpensive Stratocaster that’s packed full of value? Check out the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS.
It has a poplar body with a bolt-on neck, gloss polyurethane finish, and classic Fender Stratocaster shape it looks almost as good as it sounds.
The maple neck has a slim “C” shape, and a radius of 9.5″ so it’s comfortable and easy to play chords on.
In classic Stratocaster fashion, the Indian laurel fretboard has 21 medium jumbo frets and Pearloid dot inlays so it has a timeless look and comfortable feel.
With Standard Single-Coil Strat pickups in the neck and middle position, you get classic Stratocaster tones. But there’s even more since there’s a Standard humbucker at the bridge. As a result, you can play a lot more modern tones than your standard Strat.
Plus, with the 5-way switch control switch, master volume, and separate tone controls for the neck, and middle pickups you can focus on crafting your desired tone.
Finally, the 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo bridge and sealed die-cast tuners on the large ’60s style headstock mean you get vintage tones, with modern tuning stability improvements.
Pros
- Available in 4 Colors
- Humbucker at the Bridge
- Comes with Free Guitar Lessons
Cons
- Plastic Nut
The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS is a value-packed Stratocaster that has some great refinements and will please any modern player.
Check it out by clicking here.
The Best Stratocaster Under 1000 Dollars: FAQ
- What other Stratocasters do you recommend?
- What is the difference between Fender and Squier guitars?
- Quality of materials, build quality, and price. The cheapest Fender is more expensive than the most expensive Squier because they’re made in different factories to different specifications. The highest quality Fender guitars are made in Southern California.
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.
