Are you ready to find the best Stratocaster under 500 dollars?
Finding the best Stratocaster for under $500 can be a frustrating experience.
The different models and options can be confusing, and finding the right one for you can take the fun out of buying a new guitar.
Plus, you don’t want to buy a guitar only to find out that it’s the wrong guitar for you!
Fortunately, we have the solution.
We’ve done exhaustive research, compared the different models, compared all of the features, and chosen the best Stratocaster available for under $500.
Check it out!
The Best Stratocaster Under 500 Dollars: Best Overall
Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Stratocaster
Are you looking for a Stratocaster with timeless looks, a vintage feel, and versatile tones? Then check out the Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Stratocaster.
It has a poplar body in the classic Stratocaster shape and a bolt-on neck so it has a warm and, resonant tone and feels very comfortable to play.
The maple neck is in a “C” shape with a 9.5″ radius so it adds a classic tone to your sound, and has a vintage playing feel.
With 21 narrow-tall frets, classic dot inlays, and a bone nut, the Indian laurel fretboard adds a more sophisticated look and as well as adding resonance to your tone.
Additionally, the Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil pickups at the neck, middle, and bridge positions have an authentic Fender sound that’s versatile enough to play a wide variety of styles.
Plus, your sound is controlled by the master volume knob, as well as a tone knob for the neck pickup, and a tone knob for the bridge and middle pickups, giving you complete control over your sound.
Lastly, the 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo adds vintage vibrato to your sound keeping intonation simple and straightforward.
Pros
- Available in 3 Colors
- Bone Nut
- Also Available in HSS Configuration
Cons
- Maple Fretboard Only Available on Black HSS Model
All in all, the Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Stratocaster is an electric guitar that’s high-quality with a classic design and versatile tones.
We think you’ll agree that it’s an excellent value and will serve you for a lifetime.
Why wait another day? Click here and get yours now.
The Best Stratocaster Under 500 Dollars: Best Budget
Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT HSS
Are you looking for a Stratocaster that’s versatile, stylish, and very affordable? Then check out the Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT HSS.
It has a Poplar body with a bolt-on neck in classic Stratocaster fashion so it’s lightweight and comfortable with a classic feel and sound.
The maple neck has a “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″ so it has a vintage-style playing feel and a shape that’s comfortable for your hand.
Plus, the Indian laurel fretboard adds a classic look and a modern playing experience thanks to its 21 medium jumbo frets and white Pearloid dot inlays.
With single-coil pickups at the neck, and middle positions, and a Standard humbucker at the bridge, you can play a wide variety of classic and modern tones. Plus, the volume and tone knobs give you full control over your sound.
Lastly, the hardtail bridge features individual saddles so it ensures maximum tuning stability and sustain.
Pros
- Comes in 3 Colors
- Also Available With a Single Coil Bridge Pickup
Cons
- Plastic Nut
- Only Available with an Indian Laurel Fretboard
As you can see, the Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT HSS is a budget-friendly Stratocaster that has classic features, and modern improvements.
We think you’ll find it’s a great value and a great option for anyone looking to start playing a Stratocaster.
Don’t delay! Click here and get yours now.
The Best Stratocaster Under 500 Dollars: Best Runner-Up
Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster
Are you looking for a truly classic Stratocaster right out of the ’50s? 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 a real old-school vibe, an attractive finish, and is very resonant.
The maple neck has a “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″. As a result, it has a very vintage playing feel and a shape that’s comfortable for your hand.
With 21 narrow-tall frets, black dot inlays, and a bone nut, the maple fretboard has the vintage look of a classic guitar and adds a classic tone to your sound.
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 one for the bridge and middle pickups. As a result, you have full control of your sound at all times.
Lastly, 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
Cons
- Vintage Saddles can be Finicky
We think you’ll agree that the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster has the looks and sounds that have made Stratocasters timeless guitars.
All in all, it’s a great option for anyone looking for an excellent Stratocaster that comes in under $500.
Why wait another day? Click here and get yours.
The Best Stratocaster Under 500 Dollars: Best Under $400
Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH
Are you looking for a modern Stratocaster that’s got great looks and features? Then check out the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH.
It has a Stratocaster-shaped poplar body with a bolt-on neck in the classic Stratocaster style
The maple neck is in a slim “C” shape with a 12″ radius so it’s comfy for your hand, and easy to play chords and leads on.
With 22 jumbo frets and black dot inlays, the maple fretboard has a classic Stratocaster look and tone, and the jumbo frets make string bending easy.
Plus, with Dual ceramic zebra humbuckers, it has a modern look, as well as a modern sound that’s ready to tackle fat tones and distortion as well as crunchy rhythm and solos.
Additionally, the humbuckers are controlled by a master volume knob, master tone knob, and a 3-way switch keeping things simple and straightforward.
Lastly, the 6-saddle synchronized tremolo features block saddles for easy intonation and adding some vibrato to your sound.
Pros
- Matching Headstock
- Also Available in HSS Configuration
Cons
- Plastic Nut
- No Split Coil
All in all, the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH is a great option for the modern guitarist who enjoys the Stratocaster playing experience but wants to play more contemporary tones and features.
We think you’ll agree that it’s a great value with sophisticated looks, perfected design, and unmatched performance.
Why wait another day? Click here and get yours now.
The Best Stratocaster Under 500 Dollars: Best Under 300
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Are you looking for a Stratocaster that’s packed with features, and friendly to your budget? 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 so it has plenty of resonance and tone as well as the classic Stratocaster looks.
The maple neck is in a slim “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″. As a result, it has a shape that’s comfortable for your hand and gives you a vintage playing experience.
With 21 medium jumbo frets and Pearloid dot inlays, the Indian laurel fretboard has a classic look and adds the modern improvement of easy-to-play frets, as well as a warmer tone.
The 3 Standard Single-Coil Strat pickups in the neck, middle, and bridge positions mean you can play all the classic Stratocaster tones. Plus, with a master volume control, and separate tone controls for the neck pickup, and one for the middle pickup it has all of the classic sounds you’re looking for.
Finally, the 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo lets you add some vibrato to your playing while providing straightforward intonation.
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 a very affordable Stratocaster that delivers the classic Stratocaster sounds and playing experience of a much more expensive guitar.
We think you’ll agree that it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to play a Stratocaster.
Why wait? Click here to get yours now.
The Best Stratocaster Under 500 Dollars: FAQ
- What is the best Stratocaster for the money?
- See our Best Overall, and Best Runner-Up recommendations.
- Plus, this post covers different Stratocaster models that are available.
- What are the best electric guitars under $500?
- Is a Stratocaster good for a beginner?
- Yes. Some people argue that a Telecaster is better because it has a simpler setup. However, we feel that the versatility, playability, and features make a Stratocaster the best electric guitar for a beginner.
- Which is better Strat or Tele?
- We feel that the versatility, playability, and features of a Stratocaster make it the best electric guitar for a beginner or expert.
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.
