Fender Stratocaster Review: Iconic Electric Guitar Models

The Fender Stratocaster is one of the most recognisable and most played electric guitars ever made, and we love it here at Tempo.

It first appeared in 1954, and the basic design has barely changed since: a contoured body that's comfortable sitting or standing, three single-coil pickups, a switch to choose between them, and a tremolo arm for bending the pitch of whole chords. Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour and Nile Rodgers all built their sound on one. It's also a very good guitar to learn on, because it's comfortable, versatile and available at almost every budget.

Fender sells the Stratocaster in three broad tiers. The model names change every few years, but the tiers stay much the same.

Squier Stratocaster

Squier is Fender's budget brand, and where most beginners start. Squier Stratocasters are made in Asia, with cheaper woods, hardware and pickups than the Fender-branded guitars, but the shape, the feel and the basic sound are the real thing.

There are several ranges within Squier, from the entry-level models up to the Classic Vibe series, which is good enough that plenty of experienced players gig with one. There's also a smaller Mini Stratocaster for young children, though older children and teenagers are usually comfortable on a full-size guitar.

A Squier is the right choice for a first electric guitar, and for anyone who isn't yet sure how far they'll take it.

Player Series Stratocaster

The Player Series, updated in 2024 as the Player II, is Fender's mid-range line. These guitars are made in Mexico, with alder bodies, maple necks and better pickups and hardware than a Squier. The sound is clearer and more defined, the tuning is more stable, and the finish is a step up.

This is the level at which a guitar stops being something you'll outgrow. It's a good choice for an intermediate player, or for a committed beginner who would rather buy once.

American-made Stratocasters

At the top of the range are the guitars made in Fender's factory in California. There are several lines, from modern workhorse instruments to faithful recreations of the Stratocasters of the 1950s and 60s. The vintage-style line was called American Original until 2022 and has since been replaced by American Vintage II.

You get the best woods, pickups and hardware, and the closest attention to detail. These are instruments for professional players and serious enthusiasts. A beginner won't hear enough of the difference to justify the price.

What to look for in a first Strat

These are the things a guitar teacher checks first.

• The setup matters more than the badge. A cheap guitar that has been properly set up, with the strings sitting low and the tuning accurate along the neck, is easier to play than an expensive one that hasn't. Ask the shop to set it up, or budget for a guitar technician to do it.
• Three single-coils, or a humbucker? A standard Strat has three single-coil pickups, known as SSS, which give the bright, glassy sound it's famous for. Some models swap the bridge pickup for a thicker-sounding humbucker, known as HSS. If you mostly want to play rock or heavier music, HSS is worth considering.
• Leave the tremolo alone at first. The tremolo arm is great fun, but heavy use pulls a budget guitar out of tune. Take the arm off until your playing settles down.
• Budget for an amplifier. An electric guitar needs one. A small practice amp with a headphone socket is all a beginner needs, and it keeps the neighbours happy.
• Consider second-hand. Stratocasters are everywhere on the used market and hold their value well. A used Player Series guitar often costs not much more than a new top-of-the-range Squier. Take someone who plays with you if you can.

Trying one in Bristol

Guitars vary, even two of the same model, so play a few before you buy. Our guide to Bristol's music shops lists places where you can do that.

Conclusion

There's a Stratocaster for every stage: a Squier to start on, a Player Series to grow into, and an American-made model if playing becomes a serious part of your life. Whichever you choose, the instrument is only half of it. Our guide to beginner guitar techniques covers what to practise first, and if you'd like a teacher's help, Tempo Tuition arranges guitar lessons across Bristol.