Are you curious to know what is the best Stratocaster to buy?
Are you ever confused about which Stratocaster to buy?
With the different models, and options available, it’s difficult to know which one’s the best one for you.
Finding out about the different features, and comparing the various features can be boring and take the fun out of buying a new guitar.
Plus, nothing could be worse than to buy a guitar only to discover it’s the wrong one for you.
Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work and found the best models for you.
We’ve exhaustively researched the Stratocasters on the market today, and chosen the best ones to buy.
Check it out!
What is the Best Stratocaster to Buy: Best Overall
Fender Player Stratocaster
Are you looking for a vintage-inspired Stratocaster that benefits from modern updates and features? Then check out the Fender Player Stratocaster.
It has an alder body with more traditional body radii, a gloss polyester finish, and a bolt-on neck so it has an old-school playing feel, while still being resonant and easy to play.
The maple neck has a modern “C” shape and a radius of 9.5″ making it comfortable in your hand, ideal for a wide variety of playing styles and giving it an overall vintage playing feel.
Plus, with 22 medium jumbo frets and black dot inlays, the maple fretboard adds an authentic look, a classic tone, and a neck that’s easy to bend notes on.
With three Player Series Alnico 5 Strat single-coil pickups at the neck, middle, and bridge positions this guitar delivers a classic sound with the crisp highs, strong mids, and warm lows you’re looking for.
Additionally, the Fender Player Stratocaster has a dedicated tone control for the bridge pickup, so it’s perfect for players who want a more modern sound.
Finally, the 2-point tremolo features bent steel saddles which allow you to smoothly add vibrato to your sound while ensuring solid tuning stability.
Pros
- Also Available in HSS Configuration
- Available in a Wide Range of Colors
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Fender Player Stratocaster delivers great features, a classic look, and a versatile design.
We think you’ll agree it’s the classic Stratocaster experience you’re looking for with plenty of modern improvements.
Don’t delay! Click here and get yours now.
What is the Best Stratocaster to Buy: Best Budget
Squier Bullet Strat HT
Are you looking for a Stratocaster that’s got all the features you need, is easier for beginners to play, and is a fabulous bargain? Then check out the Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT.
It has a Stratocaster-shaped body made of poplar and a bolt-on neck so it’s comfy to play and has that classic Stratocaster tone.
The maple neck has a “C” shape and a radius of 9.5″ making it comfortable for your hand and giving you a very vintage playing feel.
Plus, with 21 medium-jumbo frets and white Pearloid dot inlays, the Indian laurel fretboard adds a classic tone to your sound while looking classic and being easy to play.
With three single-coil pickups at the neck, middle, and bridge positions, this Stratocaster plays a wide variety of timeless tones that are dynamic and responsive.
Additionally, it features a 5-way pickup selection switch, master volume knob, and a tone control for the neck pickup, and one for the middle pickup, which means you’ll easily be able to dial in all the classic Stratocaster sounds you’re after.
Finally, the hardtail bridge features six individual saddles that allow easy intonation of your guitar as well as enhance your sustain and removes the hassle beginners often have with tremolos.
Pros
- Comes in 5 Colors
- Also Available With a Humbucker Bridge Pickup
Cons
- Plastic Nut
All in all, the Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT is a budget-friendly Stratocaster packed with the features and tones you’re looking for.
We think you’ll find it’s a great option for a Strat that’s affordable.
Why wait another day? Click here and get yours now.
What is the Best Stratocaster to Buy: Best Runner-Up
Fender Deluxe Roadhouse Strat
Are looking for a Stratocaster that has a versatile design and is meant 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 making it easier to play at the higher frets, and giving you a classic tone and potent sustain.
The maple neck has a modern “C” shape and a 12″ radius so it’s comfortable to play chords on, easy to play leads on, and has a natural feel in your hand.
With 22 narrow-tall frets and black Pearloid dot inlays, the maple fretboard delivers a more vintage playing feel, the classic Stratocaster look and adds a classic tone to your sound.
The three single-coil pickups are Fender Vintage Noiseless pickups which deliver the classic single-coil sounds Stratocasters are known for without any of the hum.
Additionally, they’re wired to a master 6-position rotary switch at the tone knob that has a preamp that gives you your choice of 6 distinct additional tone settings.
And that’s not all! The volume knob features the S-1 switch preamp bypass that allows you to eliminate the preamp so you get classic Stratocaster tones.
Finally, the 2-point synchronized tremolo features bent steel saddles while 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
- Requires 9V Battery
As you can see, the Fender Deluxe Roadhouse Strat is a versatile Stratocaster with some amazing features.
We think you’ll agree that it’s a workhorse guitar capable of delivering high-performance sounds.
Act now! Click here and get yours now.
What is the Best Stratocaster to Buy: Best Under $500
Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster
Are you looking for a Stratocaster that delivers versatile tones, easy playability, and a classic vibe? Then check out the Squier Classic Vibes ’60s Stratocaster.
It has a nato body with a gloss polyurethane finish and a bolt-on neck so it’s lightweight, comfortable to play, and has a warm and full sound.
The maple neck has a slim “C” shape and a radius of 9.5″ making it comfortable for your hand and giving you a very vintage playing feel as well as a classic tone.
With 21 narrow-tall frets and dot inlays, the Indian laurel fretboard adds a classic look, provides a vintage-feeling fretting experience, and adds a warm timbre to your sound.
The Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickups at the neck, middle and bridge positions deliver the classic Stratocaster sounds that have satisfied guitarists for decades.
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 touch to this Strat.
Finally, the 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo is paired with vintage-style tuners giving it a world-class look, enhanced tuning stability, and a more vintage sound.
Pros
- Bone Nut Enhances Your Tone
- Available in 3 Stunning Colors
Cons
- Vintage Feeling 9.5″ Radius Fretboard isn’t Everybody’s Favorite
As you can see, the Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster is a versatile Strat that has a classic ’60s vibe.
We think you’ll agree that it delivers the features, tones, and playability that make Stratocasters such a popular choice.
Why wait another day? Click here and get yours now.
What is the Best Stratocaster to Buy: Best Under $300
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Are you looking for a Stratocaster that’s affordable, high quality, and great for beginners? 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 is resonant, comfy, and has the classic Stratocaster look.
The maple neck is in a slim “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″. As a result, it’s comfortable for 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 the classic Strat look, adds modern playing improvements, and a warmer tone to your sound.
The 3 Standard Single-Coil Strat pickups at the neck, middle, and bridge positions deliver all the classic Stratocaster tones you’re looking for. Plus, with a master volume control, and separate tone controls for the neck pickup, and one for the middle pickup you have complete control over your sound.
Lastly, the 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo lets you add some vibrato to your playing while providing straightforward 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 delivers the classic Stratocaster sounds and playing experiences you’re after.
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.
What is the Best Stratocaster to Buy: FAQ
- What is the best Stratocaster for the money?
- Please see our Best Overall and Best Budget recommendations. Also, see this post for our Stratocaster recommendations under $500.
- Plus, this post covers different Stratocaster models that are available.
- How much is a good Stratocaster?
- A good, playable Stratocaster is available for under $300. Please see this post for our recommendations.
- Should I buy a Squier or Fender?
- Squier offers lower-cost versions of Fender’s most popular guitars. If you’re just starting out, a Squier is a great guitar for a beginner.
- Are Squier guitars made by Fender?
- Yes, Squier guitars are usually based on an existing Fender model, and some Squiers feature pickups that have been designed by Fender specifically for Squier guitars. They are manufactured overseas using less expensive labor and parts which is the main reason they are less expensive than a Fender.
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.