Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (6)
$679.99
Reverb
5.0 (13)
$560.00 9 available Used
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$629.00 $622.00 $7.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£549.00

Average Price: $621

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS is where classic design meets modern versatility, a true workhorse for guitarists seeking both vintage tone and contemporary power. This iconic solid body electric guitar features a lightweight alder body, offering a balanced sound that maintains clarity and resonance. The HSS pickup configuration combines the best of both worlds: classic single-coil sparkle and humbucker warmth, making it perfect for a variety of musical styles from blues to hard rock.

The Stratocaster HSS is equipped with a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, providing smooth pitch control and adding a layer of expressiveness to your performance. Its neck profile is comfortable for fast action, and the fretboard options in Rosewood or Pau Ferro cater to different tonal preferences, whether you opt for the rich Tobacco Sunburst or the vibrant Cherry Burst finish.

Whether you're jamming at home, recording in a studio, or performing on stage, this guitar is engineered to deliver. It's not just an instrument; it's a statement. The Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS is a testament to Fender's legacy of quality craftsmanship and innovative design.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight alder body with a figured maple top
  • HSS pickup configuration: single-coil neck and middle pickups, humbucking bridge pickup
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge
  • Rosewood or Pau Ferro fretboard options
  • Available finishes: Tobacco Sunburst and Cherry Burst (Rosewood only)

Product specs

Model Standard Stratocaster
Neck Finish Satin Urethane
Fret Type Medium Jumbo
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Stratocaster
Body Material Poplar
Body Finish Gloss Polyurethane
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape Modern C
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 9.5"
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 21
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.6875"
Nut Material Micarta
Bridge/Tailpiece Fender Standard 2-Point Tremolo with Satin Chrome Steel Block Saddles
Tuners Fender Standard Cast/Sealed
Neck Pickup Fender Standard Strat Single-coil
Middle Pickup Fender Standard Strat Single-coil
Bridge Pickup Fender Standard Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching 5-way blade pickup switch
Strings Nickel Plated Steel, .009-.042
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS?

The Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS features a Modern C neck shape, which is designed for comfort and playability, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the HSS pickup configuration on this Stratocaster?

The HSS configuration combines a humbucker at the bridge for powerful, high-gain tones with single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions for classic, bright Stratocaster sounds, offering versatile sonic options.

Is the Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS is a great option for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile, versatile pickup configuration, and solid build quality, making it easy to play and adaptable to different music styles.

What type of wood is used for the body of the Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS?

The body of the Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS is made from poplar, which contributes to its balanced tone and lightweight feel.

Does the Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS is sold separately from a case or gig bag, so you may want to purchase one to protect your guitar.

Fender

Fender

Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS with Floyd Rose Demo | Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS with  Floyd Rose Demo | Fender by Fender

Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS with Floyd Rose Demo | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Standard HSS Stratocaster - Review & Demo by PMTVUK

Fender Standard HSS Stratocaster - Review & Demo

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS Swirl Electric Guitar by N Stuff Music

Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS Swirl Electric Guitar

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS Plus Top Guitar Demo by Alamo Music Center

Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS Plus Top Guitar Demo

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for Fender Standard Stratocaster (HSS Maple) - Elektro Gitar İncelemesi (Hızlı Video) by MyDukkan

Fender Standard Stratocaster (HSS Maple) - Elektro Gitar İncelemesi (Hızlı Video)

MyDukkan

MyDukkan

Video thumbnail for Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS by guitarsib

Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS

guitarsib

guitarsib

Video thumbnail for Fender Standard Stratocaster (HSS Rosewood) - Elektro Gitar İncelemesi (Hızlı Video) by MyDukkan

Fender Standard Stratocaster (HSS Rosewood) - Elektro Gitar İncelemesi (Hızlı Video)

MyDukkan

MyDukkan

Video thumbnail for Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS Brown Sunburst Maple & Blackstar ID Core Stereo 10 V2 by MyDukkan

Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS Brown Sunburst Maple & Blackstar ID Core Stereo 10 V2

MyDukkan

MyDukkan

Reviews

PROS

  • Impeccable finish and stunning aged cherry burst design

  • Versatile HSS pickup configuration for a wide range of tones

  • Smooth and comfortable maple neck

  • Stability in tuning with solid tuners

  • Good value for the price compared to US models

  • Excellent craftsmanship and build quality in MIM models

  • Flexible 5-way switch for diverse sound options

  • Great sustain even when unplugged

  • Comfortable and lightweight for extended play

  • Ideal for modding, allowing customization

CONS

  • Tremolo bar use can cause tuning instability

  • Some units have neck or fret issues needing adjustments

  • Bridge humbucker may sound thin for hard rock or metal

  • Only 21 frets, limiting high-note solos

  • Stock electronics and parts may require upgrades for some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend using DiMarzio pickups in the bridge position for improved tonal versatility.

    Source
  • Some owners recommend upgrading the MIM Strat with a roasted maple neck and swapping the pickguard and bridge pickup for enhanced feel and tone.

    Source
  • Owners suggest replacing the original tremolo block with the upgraded version from 2006 or later for improved sustain and performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The HSS Stratocaster can be configured with coil splitting and out-of-phase options for enhanced versatility.

    Source
  • The American Strat's neck heel design is preferred for its comfort, offering better playability compared to some other models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Player II Stratocaster features significantly better pickups compared to the Standard, as evidenced by sound tests in YouTube comparisons.

    Source
  • The Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS is noted for offering superior features and playability compared to the Fender Player Series Strat at a similar price point.

    Source
  • The Player Series Strats are recommended over the old MIM Standards for their enhanced features and better value, often available for under $600.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Ensure the Strat is wired for HSS with a 500k bridge tone pot and a specific capacitor to avoid a dull humbucker sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the Les Paul superior to the HSS Strat in terms of sustain and drive, despite the Strat's versatility.

    Source
  • An owner of a 2005 MIM HSS stated it was purchased for around $600 new, highlighting that older models were considered entry-level compared to current standards.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The HSS Strat is praised for its flexibility, especially with a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge and Texas Specials in the neck/middle positions.

    Source
  • The American Strat HSS in Satin Sea Foam Green is popular for its aesthetic appeal, and customization options with black pickguards and gold hardware are frequently considered.

    Source

Build quality

  • The thick poly finish on some Mexican Strats is disliked by users who prefer a thinner, lacquered feel for a more comfortable playing experience.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 2004 MIM HSS Standard Stratocaster is typically valued around $400-$500 in great condition, due to the older tremolo block design before the 2006 upgrade.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 14 Reviews and 57 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
cloudtapes

Great modding platform.

Made in 2006. These things can take a beating and are a great modding platform. I have a SH-4 in the bridge, a Dimarzio Chopper in the middle, and a custom-wound bluesy-single coil in the neck.

The 2006 model has a fairly chunky neck, a proper C. Tuners are quite good.

dbia
dbia

166

Classically versatile

Mine Strat looks just like the photo, but with a maple neck. It's a 1998 American Standard with stock single coils and a Seymour Duncan humbucker in the bridge position. It's the easiest and most comfortable electric I've ever played. Plus you can use it for any kind of music because you can get virtually any kind of sound you want from it.

_fauble_

Fantastic.

The best guitar I own at the moment. Currently fashioned with an angled Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB in the bridge and a matte black pickguard and knobs, courtesy of Warmoth Guitar Parts. I have a black jackplate on it as well. It is setup for 10-52 strings at the moment. I plan to buy black locking tuners and a black bridge for it soon to finish out the black hardware look. I may also look into buying a tortoise shell Tom DeLonge style pickguard as well.

nathanshea13

Fender Player Stratocaster HSS Plus Top Maple Fingerboard Limited Edition Electric Guitar Blue Burst

I love this guitar. This an awesome gift to anyone wanting to get one. I recammend this to anyone who wants an electric guitar.

chris_erickson

Pretty Good

This is my second guitar and the guitar that taught me I'm not a huge Fender fan. Mine is red, but this is all I could find that was close to a 2011 Dark Red HSS Fender Stratocaster. I originally bought it, because at the time they hadn't made any EVH guitars and I always wanted his guitar.

ryanfears

Great for modifications.

I use this guitar but have gutted the electronics for a Seymour Duncan Distortion and Jazz with a two-volume layout. I also changed the saddles for Graphtech Stringsaver Classics.

simon_gilbert

Love it

From van Halen to B.B. king, Such a versatility!!!

kevin_mueller

Good Guitar

Workhorse of a guitar that plays most things you want it to play. I fitted mine with a push pull pot to split the humbucker. Mine is white with a rosewood fingerboard.

V

if I could have only one guitar, this would be it

feels great, plays great, sounds great, extremely versatile

jorne_franssen

Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS Black

Had this guitar for 6 years. Really loved to play it. Sounded nice. Very low price.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Photo

Billie Joe Armstrong is pictured with a Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS in a photo shared on Instagram by user gzbaebe.

He used this in 1993 as backup guitar for "Blue" as seen in this video. This guitar has a Bill Lawrence pickup in the Bridge, just like Blue. Black pickguard and black pickup in middle and neck.

See how Chris Shiflett uses Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS

Chris Shiflett

Guitarist

Foo Fighters

...
Verified via The HUB from Musician's Friend

CS: With Foo Fighters, I pretty much just play my signature model now because I designed that guitar to be exactly what I needed.

For Chevy Metal (Shiflett's side project with fellow Foo Fighter Taylor Hawkins), I got an EVH 5150 combo, one of the small ones. And I have a Strat with a humbucker in it and a Floyd Rose. You kind of don't want anybody to see you playing it [laughter], but it's perfect for that. Because we were doing all these Van Halen songs, I had to get something with a Floyd Rose. But I could not figure out how to work that thing for so long. [laughs] I couldn't even figure out how to tune it. I had to watch somebody on YouTube explain it.

See how Steven Wilson uses Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS

Steven Wilson

Singer, Guitarist

Porcupine Tree

...
Verified via Photo

Steven Wilson played an unidentified HSS Stratocaster during the 1996 to 2002 period, including the recording of Stupid Dream, Lightbulb Sun, and In Absentia albums. It appears he got this guitar soon after the Signify album was released and it can be seen on live footage up until the 2001 NEARfest show.

See how Tré Cool uses Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS

Tré Cool

Drummer

Green Day

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video from Chicago 1994, Tré Cool playing a yellow HSS Fender Stratocaster.

See how Chino Moreno uses Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS

Chino Moreno

Singer, Guitarist

Deftones

...
Verified via YouTube

Chino is seen using a black HSS Fender Strat in this 2010 performance of "Beauty School".

See how Doug Aldrich uses Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS

Doug Aldrich

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via YouTube

I got this guitar in june of '99 from Alex Perez at Fender. He found the body that was left over. We got a neck for it that day. I wanted a strat that was routed for a humbucker for the Burning Rain Japan Tour. I first tried a Lawrence L500, which I has used in my '80 strat, but it didn't work with the Alder body. Alex gave me a Duncan Holdsworth model that sounds pretty fat. Ken at performance Guitars did an emergency fret job on the neck the day before I left for the tour.

See how Johnny Stevens uses Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS

Johnny Stevens

Singer, Guitarist

Highly Suspect

...
Verified via Photo

It's an HSS model, unable to tell from the pic whether or not it is American, Japanese, or Mexican made. Blonde/aged olympic white in color, black pick guard, black pickups, 21-fret maple neck. "Elvis fucked Marilyn" sticker on the bottom side of the body, and the word "FAT" behind the bridge. Seems to be modded for one volume and one tone, with the second tone knob removed for a miniswitch.

See how Niall Horan uses Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS

Niall Horan

Guitarist, Singer

One Direction

...
Verified via Photo

In the gif, Niall is using a Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HSH.

See how Andrew Stockdale uses Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS

Andrew Stockdale

Singer, Guitarist

Wolfmother

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live video of Wolfmother performing "Woman" we can see Andrew playing a White Fender Stratocaster HSS

See how Dylan Minnette uses Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS

Dylan Minnette

Singer, Guitarist

Wallows

...
Verified via Photo

Here Dylan can be seen on tour using a Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS

See how Trevor Peres uses Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS

Trevor Peres

Guitarist

Obituary

...
Verified via Photo

Trevor can be seen here playing on a Floyd Rose equipped Fender Stratocaster.

See how Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock) uses Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS

Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock)

Singer, Guitarist

Beastie Boys

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:53 Ad-Rock is playing a Fender Strat HSS with a Rosewood Fingerboard and a few stickers applied to the body during this old live performance of "Sabotage".

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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denimdingus

denimdingus

Gear IQ 721

clearwater34

clearwater34

Gear IQ 84

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