Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $349
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$400
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Description
Looking for an electric guitar that marries classic sound with modern playability? Meet the Squier Bullet S-3, a solid body electric guitar that combines vintage vibe with contemporary craftsmanship. The Squier Bullet S-3 is more than just an entry-level instrument; it’s a gateway to iconic tones and endless sonic possibilities.
Featuring a slim C-shaped maple neck, this guitar ensures a comfortable grip and fast playability. Whether you're a beginner eager to dive into the world of electric guitars or a seasoned musician looking for a new addition to your lineup, the Squier Bullet S-3 caters to all. Its 21-fret Indian laurel fingerboard offers smooth navigation across the frets, making it ideal for fluid solos and complex chord progressions.
The Squier Bullet S-3 is equipped with three single-coil Stratocaster pickups, delivering the unmistakable tone that has shaped rock history. This setup, combined with five-way switching, offers a versatile range of sounds—from crisp and bright to warm and mellow. Whether you're channeling the spirit of Hendrix or crafting your own signature sound, this guitar has you covered.
Durability meets performance with a hardtail bridge for precise intonation and tuning stability, while upgraded tuning machines ensure your strings stay in tune, even under the demands of energetic playing. All housed in a robust alder body, finished with a durable gloss polyurethane, the Squier Bullet S-3 looks as good as it sounds.
Key Features:
- Slim C-shaped maple neck for comfortable, fast playability
- 21-fret Indian laurel fingerboard
- Three single-coil Stratocaster pickups
- Five-way pickup switching for versatile tonal options
- Hardtail bridge for stable tuning and intonation
- Upgraded tuning machines for reliable performance
- Alder body with durable gloss polyurethane finish
Product specs
| Brand | Squier |
| Model | Bullet 3S |
| Finish | Black, Brown Sunburst |
| Year | 1983 - 1984 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Bridge |
| Color Family | Black, Brown |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple |
| Model Family | Squier Bullet |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SSS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What kind of music is the Squier Bullet S-3 suitable for?
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The Squier Bullet S-3, with its SSS pickup configuration, is versatile and well-suited for genres like rock, blues, and pop. Its single-coil pickups provide a bright, clear tone, making it ideal for clean and slightly overdriven sounds.
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Is the Squier Bullet S-3 a good choice for beginners?
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Yes, the Squier Bullet S-3 is a great choice for beginners due to its affordable price point, comfortable playability, and solid construction. The 25.5" scale length and 21-fret neck make it easy for new players to learn and develop their skills.
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What is the neck profile of the Squier Bullet S-3 like?
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The Squier Bullet S-3 features a C-shaped maple neck, which offers a comfortable grip for most hand sizes, making it easy to play for extended periods.
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How does the Squier Bullet S-3 handle tuning stability?
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The Squier Bullet S-3 comes with die-cast tuners and a hardtail bridge, providing decent tuning stability, especially for beginner and intermediate players who are not using extreme tremolo techniques.
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What are the main tonal characteristics of the Squier Bullet S-3's pickups?
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The Squier Bullet S-3's three single-coil pickups deliver a bright and articulate tone. They excel in producing clear highs and defined mids, making them ideal for clean and slightly overdriven sounds typical in rock and blues music.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Squier Bullet S-3.
Build quality
Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
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Changing pickups and tuners is a common recommendation; replacing the nut is also cost-effective for enhanced performance.
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Owners recommend GFS lipstick strat single coils for a distinctive tone change.
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Hipshot locking tuners with UMP mounting plates are a popular mod, requiring only wider peg hole drilling.
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Use cases and applications
User experience
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Despite the low cost, the five-way switch is considered solid and reliable.
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Value and pricing
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Considered a great value; one owner bought a well-maintained model for just $50, indicating potential for high quality at a low price.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this image Ben can be seen using a Squier Bullet S-3 from the early 80s while performing live with Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service at the Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, CA on October 17, 2023.
In this article posted by American Songwriter Ben also mentions using Fender [Squier] Bullets early in his career with Death Cab for Cutie:
“In the early days of Death Cab, I had been playing these Fender Bullet guitars. I had one that I bought for like $150. They have a ¾ body like the Mustang but with a Tele-style neck. The size of the neck and body made my hands move around the neck in a way that became a signature sound for our first three or four records. You could arpeggiate around the guitar easily.” https://americansongwriter.com/gear-review-death-cab-for-cuties-ben-gibbard-discusses-his-new-fender-mustang-signature-guitar/
Also referenced in the lyrics of Death Cab for Cutie's "No Joy in Mudville":
"So I'm packing my Bullets and Silvertones and heading east"
In the YouTube video titled "I Paid $230 For a Vintage Squier... Was it Worth It?" by feezo, he is seen purchasing a Squier Bullet S-3 for $230 and subsequently creating a song with it. This guitar has also been featured in several of his other videos. The video serves as proof of his use of the Squier Bullet S-3.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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