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Average Price: $480

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Squier Pro Tone Fat Stratocaster is a versatile electric guitar that seamlessly blends classic design with modern playability. Known for its robust sound and exceptional build quality, this solid body electric guitar is designed to cater to musicians who require both reliability and style in their performances. The Pro Tone Fat Stratocaster features a trio of Alnico pickups, offering a wide tonal range that suits genres from blues to rock. Whether you're jamming on stage or recording in a studio, this guitar delivers clear, powerful tones that make your music stand out.

Crafted with a comfortable C-shaped maple neck, the Pro Tone Fat Stratocaster ensures smooth playability for both beginners and seasoned guitarists. The rosewood fingerboard provides a warm tone and a classic feel, while the 22 medium jumbo frets allow for effortless string bending and articulation. With its synchronized tremolo system, this guitar offers dynamic expression, enabling you to add subtle vibrato or full-blown dive bombs to your sound.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar design
  • Trio of Alnico pickups for versatile tonal range
  • C-shaped maple neck for comfortable playability
  • Rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
  • Synchronized tremolo system for dynamic expression
  • Ideal for various music genres, from blues to rock

Product specs

Brand Squier
Model Pro Tone Fat Stratocaster
Finish Black
Year 1997 - 1998
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Ash
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Squier Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.65"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Squier Pro Tone
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Squier Pro Tone Fat Stratocaster have?

The Squier Pro Tone Fat Stratocaster features an HSS pickup configuration, with a humbucker in the bridge position and two single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions, offering a versatile range of tones.

Is the Squier Pro Tone Fat Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Squier Pro Tone Fat Stratocaster is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable playability and versatile sound capabilities, making it an excellent choice for learning various music styles.

What is the neck profile of the Squier Pro Tone Fat Stratocaster?

The Squier Pro Tone Fat Stratocaster has a maple neck with a 12" fretboard radius, providing a smooth and fast playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar parts.

Does the Squier Pro Tone Fat Stratocaster have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Squier Pro Tone Fat Stratocaster is equipped with a locking tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation while maintaining tuning stability.

What materials are used in the construction of the Squier Pro Tone Fat Stratocaster?

The Squier Pro Tone Fat Stratocaster features an ash body and a maple neck and fretboard, contributing to its bright and resonant tonal characteristics.

Brent Hutchinson

Brent Hutchinson

1998 Squire Pro Tone Strat / A Close Look The Best Squire Stratocaster

Video thumbnail for 1998 Squire Pro Tone Strat / A Close Look The Best Squire Stratocaster by Brent Hutchinson

1998 Squire Pro Tone Strat / A Close Look The Best Squire Stratocaster

Brent Hutchinson

Brent Hutchinson

Video thumbnail for SQUIER STRATOCASTER PROTONE KOREA 1997 by Rainhard

SQUIER STRATOCASTER PROTONE KOREA 1997

Rainhard

Rainhard

Video thumbnail for Fender Deluxe Verses Squire Pro Tone by Brent Hutchinson

Fender Deluxe Verses Squire Pro Tone

Brent Hutchinson

Brent Hutchinson

Video thumbnail for 3 Strats - Squier Pro Tone, Fender Mex Standard and Satin (part 1) by MartSharm

3 Strats - Squier Pro Tone, Fender Mex Standard and Satin (part 1)

MartSharm

MartSharm

Video thumbnail for Squier Pro Tone Series Stratocaster - www.guitarcolonel.com by The Guitar Colonel

Squier Pro Tone Series Stratocaster - www.guitarcolonel.com

The Guitar Colonel

The Guitar Colonel

Video thumbnail for SQUIER PRO TONE demo and review by Foxy's Guitar Show

SQUIER PRO TONE demo and review

Foxy's Guitar Show

Foxy's Guitar Show

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers versatile tones, combining twangy single-coil with punchy double-coil sounds

  • High-quality craftsmanship and parts comparable to American Fenders

  • Great value for budget-conscious guitarists

  • Ideal for fans of bands like Weezer seeking a specific sound

CONS

  • Licensed Floyd Rose is considered cheap and may require replacement

  • Tremolo arm often left unused due to issues with the Floyd Rose

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • The neck pickup wire often needs resoldering, and the input jack may lose signal due to poor soldering.

    Source
  • A user successfully uses 8-gauge strings, tuned a whole step down, with no buzzing issues, indicating the guitar's neck stability and adaptability to string modifications.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the licensed Floyd Rose with an original model is suggested for better performance. New Fender tuners are recommended due to rust issues.

    Source
  • Graph Tech string trees and Ratio locking tuners have been highlighted as effective upgrades for maintaining tuning stability on the Squier Pro Tone Fat Strat.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Pro Tone series features solid builds with great-sounding alnico pickups, superior to some Mexican models of its time.

    Source

User experience

  • String changes can be challenging, especially during live performances, but electronic tuners help maintain precise tuning.

    Source
  • The neck is noted to be slightly thinner, but overall performance is highly regarded, even by professionals who use it for lessons.

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  • Owners report the Squier Pro Tone Fat Strat's thinner neck profile encourages faster, more fluid playing compared to thicker Fender necks, enhancing expressiveness for some players.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Pro Tone Fat Strats in good condition typically range from $300-$400, offering great value compared to similar models.

    Source
  • A 1997 Blonde Pro Tone Strat can command prices up to $695, highlighting its desirability and perceived value among enthusiasts.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the Pro Tone Fat Strat to the Classic Vibe series, with some claiming it surpasses them in quality and sound.

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  • Some players find Korean-made Squier Pro Tone models offer superior playability and comfort over certain American-made Fender Stratocasters, despite the latter's higher price and brand prestige.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's favored by professionals for its quality and reliable performance, making it a practical choice for riskier gigs.

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Features and functionality

  • The Pro Tone's decked tremolo system reportedly maintains tuning stability better than floating bridges on some American Fender models.

    Source
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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4 star
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jeff_musselman

My main guitar

I love this guitar. Lots of tone, very well built. The only issue I have with this guitar is the licensed Floyd Rose it's cheap. Plan on replacing it but haven't got to it yet. But I do have it blocked for dive only. Most of the time I leave the arm in the case, so I may never replace it. Lol have a good one, thanks for reading.

thatmattthere

Twaaaang ...BOOM.. oh look I can still afford to eat!

Great compromise if you want the twang of a squire with that punch of a double coil On a budget

If you're a broke Weezer fan it's must

C

Love it

The Pro Tones were top of the line Squier when they came out and had high quality parts/craftsmanship. Many say they are as good as the American Fenders of that day.

Genre Usage

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