Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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
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What kind of neck profile does the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special have?
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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.
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Are the pickups on the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special suitable for rock music?
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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.
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Does the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special come with a tremolo system?
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Yes, it features a 2-point tremolo system, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and expressive playing.
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Is the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special suitable for beginners?
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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.
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What material is the body of the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special made from?
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The body of the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special is made from poplar, which contributes to its balanced tone and lightweight feel.
Videos
Andertons Music Co
They've Done It Again! - New Squier 2021 Contemporary Series
Reviews
PROS
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Impressive tone and versatile humbuckers offer a wide range of sound options
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Flawless finish and aesthetic appeal, better in person than in photos
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Floyd Rose offers stable tuning, even with heavy tremolo use
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Comfortable neck for both small and large hands, with smooth roasted maple
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Lightweight design, noticeably lighter than traditional alder-bodied Strats
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Unique pickup layout provides interesting and non-standard tonal options
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Excellent value for money, rivals more expensive models
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Solid build quality with no sharp fret edges or dead spots
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Great modding platform with universal routing for custom pickup configurations
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Ready to play out-of-the-box with low action and good setup
CONS
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Stock pickup layout may not suit traditional Strat or HSS/HS sound seekers
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Plastics like pickup covers and knobs feel cheap and out of place
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Initial setup required to optimize playability for some users
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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
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The Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special often features a "swimming pool" rout, allowing for easy conversion to SSS, HSS, HSH, or HH configurations.
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Mods and upgrades
Build quality
Comparisons
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Compared to the Sonic and Affinity series, the Contemporary offers superior components and is part of a higher quality range.
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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.
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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.
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User experience
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
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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.
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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.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistAlbum Usage
The Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
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