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Average Price: $457

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Introducing the Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster, Gold Edition - a stellar amalgamation of style, sound and playability. This Gold Edition Stratocaster is a testament to Squier's 40-year-long commitment to offering top-tier Fender designs at an accessible price point. It's not just a guitar, it's an anniversary celebration, decked out with gold-plated hardware and a gold anodized aluminum pickguard that's designed to turn heads and catch eyes.

The bound Indian laurel fingerboard with pearloid block inlays and an engraved anniversary neck plate are not only aesthetically pleasing but also add a touch of luxury to the guitar. It's not all about the looks though. The Stratocaster comes with player-friendly features such as a slim and comfortable "C"-shaped neck profile that offers an easy playing feel, making it suitable for beginners and professionals alike.

Moreover, the vintage-style tuning machines and 6-saddle synchronized tremolo bridge ensure authentic performance and style. But what really sets this guitar apart are the Fender-Designed single-coil pickups with alnico 5 magnets. These offer the familiar Strat tone that musicians have loved for decades. The Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster, Gold Edition, is indeed a beautifully crafted instrument, ready to take center stage and shine in the spotlight.

Key Features:

  • Gold-plated hardware and gold anodized aluminum pickguard
  • Bound Indian laurel fingerboard with pearloid block inlays
  • Engraved anniversary neck plate
  • Gloss finish throughout
  • Slim and comfortable "C"-shaped neck profile
  • Vintage-style tuning machines
  • 6-saddle synchronized tremolo bridge
  • Fender-Designed single-coil pickups with alnico 5 magnets

Product specs

Brand Squier
Model 40th Anniversary Gold Edition Stratocaster
Finish Lake Placid Blue, Ruby Red Metallic, Sienna Sunburst
Year 2022 - 2025
Made In Indonesia
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Blue, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Laurel
Fretboard Radius 9.5"
Model Family Squier Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.65"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What makes the Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster Gold Edition unique?

The Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster Gold Edition features a striking gold hardware finish, vintage-inspired aesthetics, and a choice of Lake Placid Blue, Ruby Red Metallic, or Sienna Sunburst finishes, setting it apart from standard models.

Is the Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster is suitable for beginners, offering a comfortable 9.5-inch fretboard radius and a classic S-style body that is easy to handle for players of all levels.

What type of pickups does the Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster have?

The Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster features a single-coil SSS pickup configuration, providing the classic Stratocaster sound with bright, clear tones ideal for a variety of music genres.

How does the Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster's neck feel?

The neck of the Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster is made of maple with a vintage-tinted gloss finish, offering a smooth playing experience and a comfortable grip for most hand sizes.

Does the Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster come with a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and classic vibrato effects.

Fender

Fender

Exploring the Squier 40th Anniversary Gold Edition Guitars | Fender

Video thumbnail for Exploring the Squier 40th Anniversary Gold Edition Guitars | Fender by Fender

Exploring the Squier 40th Anniversary Gold Edition Guitars | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Squier Gold Edition 40th Anniversary Stratocaster and Telecaster Demo! - New Limited Edition Models by PMTVUK

Squier Gold Edition 40th Anniversary Stratocaster and Telecaster Demo! - New Limited Edition Models

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster - Gold Edition - EMPIRE MUSIC by Empire Music

Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster - Gold Edition - EMPIRE MUSIC

Empire Music

Empire Music

Video thumbnail for NEW Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster Gold Edition Review - How Good Is It? by Best Guitars Now

NEW Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster Gold Edition Review - How Good Is It?

Best Guitars Now

Best Guitars Now

Video thumbnail for รีวิว กีตาร์ไฟฟ้า Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster Gold Edition | iGuitar Review by iGuitar Music

รีวิว กีตาร์ไฟฟ้า Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster Gold Edition | iGuitar Review

iGuitar Music

iGuitar Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Alnico V pickups deliver excellent tone shaping and clean, glassy sounds

  • Neck binding and block inlay offer a stunning visual appeal

  • Gold hardware complements the ruby metallic paint beautifully

  • High-quality fit, feel, and finish throughout the guitar

  • Stays in tune well, providing a reliable playing experience

  • Versatile tone controls for tailoring sound effectively

  • Plays smoothly, often described as "butter-like"

  • Unique design celebrates 40th anniversary with distinct style

CONS

  • Nut slots may require adjustment for optimal playability

  • Light strings may not suit all players; string substitution recommended

  • One report of stripped mounting hole on the 5-way switch

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Squier 40th Anniversary Gold Edition Stratocaster.

Build quality

  • The glossy neck finish is reported smooth and non-sticky, enhancing playability.

    Source
  • It's noted that the satin finish on contact hotspots can become glossy over time, indicating potential wear patterns with regular use.

    Source
  • The 40th Anniversary Stratocaster features a bone nut, offering better durability and tuning stability compared to the synthetic nuts found on Affinity models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing stock electronics and pickups is common, with some opting for chrome hardware over gold.

    Source
  • Some owners recommend using Fender Noiseless Hot pickups as they were available as a loaded pickguard for $150, enhancing sound quality.

    Source
  • Some users replace stock pickups with Seymour Duncan SSL-5s, significantly enhancing the guitar's tonal range and quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Considered by some as the best value in the Fender lineup, especially during sales.

    Source
  • The 40th Anniversary is often found on sale for around $250-$300, making it a strong contender against more expensive Player Series models.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note the alnico pickups offer nice tonal response to volume and tone changes.

    Source
  • An owner described the guitar as feeling premium and high-end, suggesting satisfaction with the instrument's overall feel and quality.

    Source
  • The neck and frets on the 40th Anniversary are praised for their smoothness and comfort, rivaling those found on higher-end Fender models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The neck is frequently praised for comfort, even among those with extensive experience with Fender-style guitars.

    Source
  • The bound neck with block inlays is highlighted as a unique and appealing feature not commonly seen on Strats.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • One owner mentioned replacing the nut with a Graph Tech model to improve tuning stability, indicating possible factory nut issues.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user compared the Squier 40th Anniversary Strat to a Player Strat, noting only a minor quality difference, with Squier electronics being surprisingly good.

    Source
  • Owners frequently compare the 40th Anniversary to the Classic Vibe series, noting similar pickups and hardware, with a preference for the 40th over the Affinity for its full-sized body.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster Gold Edition review: Is this the coolest Squier Strat ever?

guitar.com

The Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster Gold Edition is a striking homage to the brand’s legacy, blending eye-catching aesthetics with solid performance. Its bold design features a glossy Ruby Red Metallic finish and gold hardware that may appeal to those seeking flair, while the functional qualities, including balanced pickups and a comfortable neck, deliver a satisfying playing experience. However, the neck pickup could use more character, and its price point raises questions about its value compared to the Classic Vibe series. Overall, it’s a standout choice for those wanting a unique Strat without breaking the bank, but traditionalists may want to look elsewhere.

positive

Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster Gold Edition review

higherhz.com

The Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster Gold Edition is a standout in its price range, boasting vintage tones, sleek design, and impressive playability. Lightweight and portable, it caters well to classic rock, pop, and jazz players. However, the guitar does suffer from mediocre hardware, which may require future upgrades. Overall, it’s a great option for both intermediate and traveling musicians, offering style and sound without breaking the bank.

positive

4.5 out of 5

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Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Squier 40th Anniversary Gold Edition Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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