Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (3)
$405.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$279.99
Reverb
4.0 (4)
$389.83 New
$250.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$279.99
Thomann
4.6 (8)
$369.00
Gear4Music
£349.00

Average Price: $346

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience a bold evolution of a classic with the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT. This electric guitar is not just another Strat; it's a fusion of modern aesthetics and innovative features that promise to invigorate your playing. The standout feature of this guitar is its unique pickup configuration. The Squier SQR™ alnico single-coil pickups are arranged with a fresh twist, positioning the middle pickup closer to the bridge. This innovative setup delivers a spectrum of tones that are both dynamically responsive and refreshingly novel.

Built for performance, the roasted maple neck ensures optimal tone and stability, coupled with a 12-inch radius fingerboard for a fast, fluid playing experience. The sculpted heel design makes reaching the 22nd fret effortless, ideal for adventurous solos. With a string-through-body hardtail bridge, you get enhanced resonance, while the sealed-gear tuning machines offer smooth tuning precision. Aesthetically, the guitar is a showstopper with its sleek painted headstock, chrome logos, and black hardware, delivering a premium look that matches its sonic capabilities.

Key Features:

  • Gloss-finished poplar body with a matching headstock
  • Roasted maple neck with 22 jumbo frets and a 12-inch radius fingerboard
  • Unique Squier SQR™ alnico single-coil pickup configuration
  • 5-way selector switch for versatile tonal options
  • String-through-body hardtail bridge for enhanced resonance
  • Sealed-gear tuning machines with split shafts
  • Eye-catching black hardware and chrome logo accents

Product specs

Available since April 2021
Colour Burst
Body Poplar
Top None
Neck Maple
Fretboard Maple
Frets 22
Scale 648 mm
Pickups SSS
Tremolo 2-point
incl. Bag No
incl. Case No

FAQs

What kind of neck profile does the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special have?

The Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special features a modern C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable playing experience suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

Are the pickups on the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special suitable for rock music?

Yes, the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special is equipped with SSS pickups, which deliver a versatile tone that can handle rock music and other genres effectively.

Does the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special come with a tremolo system?

Yes, it features a 2-point tremolo system, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and expressive playing.

Is the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special suitable for beginners?

The Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special is a great choice for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, making it easy to learn and grow with.

What material is the body of the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special made from?

The body of the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special is made from poplar, which contributes to its balanced tone and lightweight feel.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

They've Done It Again! - New Squier 2021 Contemporary Series

Video thumbnail for They've Done It Again! - New Squier 2021 Contemporary Series by Andertons Music Co

They've Done It Again! - New Squier 2021 Contemporary Series

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special - Roasted Maple Necks & Crazy Pickups! by PMTVUK

Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special - Roasted Maple Necks & Crazy Pickups!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special - EMPIRE MUSIC by Empire Music

Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special - EMPIRE MUSIC

Empire Music

Empire Music

Video thumbnail for TONE CHECK: Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special Guitar Demo | No Talking by Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special Guitar Demo | No Talking

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for Squier Contemporary Stratocaster® Special HT Demo and Review by Get Offset

Squier Contemporary Stratocaster® Special HT Demo and Review

Get Offset

Get Offset

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special | Roasted Maple - Black by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special | Roasted Maple - Black

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special | wurst.guitars reviews by wurst.guitars

Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special | wurst.guitars reviews

wurst.guitars

wurst.guitars

Video thumbnail for Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special Overview by Sam Ash Music

Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special Overview

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Impressive tone and versatile humbuckers offer a wide range of sound options

  • Flawless finish and aesthetic appeal, better in person than in photos

  • Floyd Rose offers stable tuning, even with heavy tremolo use

  • Comfortable neck for both small and large hands, with smooth roasted maple

  • Lightweight design, noticeably lighter than traditional alder-bodied Strats

  • Unique pickup layout provides interesting and non-standard tonal options

  • Excellent value for money, rivals more expensive models

  • Solid build quality with no sharp fret edges or dead spots

  • Great modding platform with universal routing for custom pickup configurations

  • Ready to play out-of-the-box with low action and good setup

CONS

  • Stock pickup layout may not suit traditional Strat or HSS/HS sound seekers

  • Plastics like pickup covers and knobs feel cheap and out of place

  • Initial setup required to optimize playability for some users

  • Quality control can vary, especially with imports

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special.

Setup and maintenance

  • The Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special often features a "swimming pool" rout, allowing for easy conversion to SSS, HSS, HSH, or HH configurations.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners frequently replace pickups and suggest the guitar's flexibility for mods, including changing to an HSH layout.

    Source
  • Users often replace the stock pickups with DiMarzio pickups for clearer sound, especially for metal playing.

    Source

Build quality

  • The guitar includes a roasted maple board and neck, which owners praise for its aesthetic appeal and durability.

    Source
  • The contoured heel joint on newer models is praised for comfort, while the 2018 variants were criticized for feeling plasticky.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Sonic and Affinity series, the Contemporary offers superior components and is part of a higher quality range.

    Source
  • Some owners feel that Squier models are more interesting and modern compared to traditional Fender offerings, especially with unique paint jobs and reversed control plates.

    Source
  • The Squier Contemporary's modern 2-point tremolo and enclosed tuners are seen as more practical upgrades over the traditional 6-point and Kluson tuners on the Fender Modern Player.

    Source

User experience

  • The guitar is described as easy to learn on and possesses a "built-in coolness" that can inspire new players.

    Source
  • Owners of the olive green Telecaster with a hot rail bridge commend its neck quality, describing it as "punching above its price."

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Although equipped with a tremolo, beginners are advised to remove the handle and lock it to avoid complications while learning.

    Source
  • The jack placement can be inconvenient for wireless system users, particularly those with dongle-style setups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pink Stratocaster with a Floyd Rose is highly regarded for its tuning stability and lacks fret buzz, making it ideal for dive-bomb-heavy playing styles.

    Source
  • It's been observed that the Squier's layout and bridge design are favored for their ease of use, particularly for players transitioning to more intricate playing styles.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Contemporary Stratocaster is considered to have better resale potential due to its limited availability compared to more common Fender models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Contemporary Stratocaster Special Review: I love that Fender is just throwing everything at the wall... | Squier | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

While the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special showcases impressive features like a Roasted Maple neck and innovative pickup arrangements, it unfortunately suffers from notable fret buzz that detracts from its overall playability. The sound is commendable, capturing the classic Stratocaster essence while offering fresh tonal variations. Build quality is solid, ensuring reliable performance, but the buzzing issue could hinder long-term enjoyment. Priced under $500, it presents an enticing value, yet potential buyers should weigh the need for adjustments against the guitar's otherwise appealing attributes.

Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special Review and Demo – Guitars For Idiots

guitarsforidiots.com

The Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special stands out with its unique pickup configuration and solid build quality, offering a wide range of tones for just under $500. While the Roasted Maple neck and aesthetic finish receive high praise, playability suffers from noticeable fret buzz that detracts from the overall experience. It’s a fun, versatile instrument that showcases great value and mod potential, but expect to invest in a proper setup to truly enjoy its capabilities. A promising guitar with quirks that may not suit everyone, it's a mixed bag that leaves room for improvement.

Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT and Paranormal Toronado review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Squier's Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT delivers impressive versatility and professional-grade performance, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned players. With unique tonal options and attractive finishes, it stands out for its affordability. However, purists may find its modifications to traditional Stratocaster features unappealing. Overall, it's a fantastic option for those looking to explore diverse sounds without breaking the bank.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Cory Castro uses Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special

Cory Castro

Singer, Guitarist

Free Throw

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Free Throw (LIVE) - Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia - 'Lessons That We Swear to Keep' Tour," Cory Castro is seen switching between a Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special and his Squier '51 at various points. This performance was captured by Santo Donia.

Album Usage

The Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special 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.

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