Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $349

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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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

What kind of music is the Squier Bullet S-3 suitable for?

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.

Is the Squier Bullet S-3 a good choice for beginners?

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.

What is the neck profile of the Squier Bullet S-3 like?

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.

How does the Squier Bullet S-3 handle tuning stability?

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.

What are the main tonal characteristics of the Squier Bullet S-3's pickups?

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

  • Owners note the unvarnished neck has a distinct feel, though the frets often need polishing.

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  • Bullets often feature plywood or basswood bodies, contrasting with the alder bodies found in Affinity models.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Frets can be sharp against the palm; checking intonation by comparing notes at different frets is recommended.

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  • Affinity necks are thinner by 1mm at the nut, affecting standard nut replacement.

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Mods and upgrades

  • 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

  • Ideal for beginners or as a secondary guitar for casual play, especially appreciated for its playability at a low price.

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  • Seen as an ideal modding platform, similar to a "civic hatchback" for its customization potential without financial risk.

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User experience

  • Despite the low cost, the five-way switch is considered solid and reliable.

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Value and pricing

  • 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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Comparisons

  • Affinity Strats have a thinner body, limiting block fitment compared to Bullets.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ben Gibbard uses Squier Bullet S-3

Ben Gibbard

Singer, Guitarist

Death Cab for Cutie

...
Verified via Flickr

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"

See how feezo uses Squier Bullet S-3

feezo

Guitarist, Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Sunburst Year: 1986

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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