Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
Fender
Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS with Floyd Rose Demo | Fender
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
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
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
4.5 out of 5
Based on 14 Reviews and 57 Ratings
225
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.
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.
94
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.
46
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.
192
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.
268
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.
124
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
In the 1990s, Keith Scott played a Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS in a light blue color, as seen in the "Somebody" music video on BryanAdamsVEVO.
In the provided YouTube video, you can see mxmtoon playing a Fender HSS stratocaster-style guitar with a rosewood fingerboard. The color is midnight blue. Narrowed down the options of what kind of Fender it could be, concluded it to be a Fender Standard Strat HSS.
This guitar can be seen in this video at all of the following points: 00:18 00:33 00:47 01:00 01:22 01:35 02:05 02:23 02:28 02:30 02:33 02:35 02:37 02:40 02:45 03:02
at the very beginning of this live performance we can see the guitarist with his hss stratocaster
Erik Ohlsson used a Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS Black during Millencolin's early live shows, as evidenced by images found via Google.
In this video titled, "A Lot Like Birds Guitar Tutorial Featuring Michael Franzino," Michael Franzino shows how to play riffs from the A Lot Like Birds songs "Vanity's Fair" and "Orange Time Machines Care" from the album Conversation Piece. The guitar he's playing appears to be a Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS (due to the pickup configuration) with the tremolo arm removed. It is Arctic White with a Gloss Maple Fretboard.
Starting sometime later in the early 2000's, Paul started using Fender Stratocasters with Floyd Rose vibratos and HSS configuration. The Specific model of Stratocaster(s) is virtually unknown. Very likely he started using these so they could play some of the "Lovin' Every Minute of It" and "Wildside" era material played using Kramer Paul Dean models that had a Floyd Rose locking vibrato unit.
He mentions them as just Stratocasters usually in interviews. He uses them quite a lot. He has/had a white one, a silver one, a Jade green metallic one (in the video source), and more recently a red/black one with a maple neck (probably to look like his old funky strat).
Uses throughout sourced video https://www.instagram.com/p/BPKqubPhdTa/
Album Usage
The Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS has been featured on the following albums:
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.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS, curated by the Equipboard community.
$159.00 - $249.99
More Fender Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
eduardocl7Gear IQ 70
-