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Average Price: $450

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster is a testament to classic design infused with modern innovation, making it an ideal choice for both budding musicians and seasoned guitarists. Known for its versatility and tonal quality, this solid body electric guitar draws inspiration from the iconic Stratocaster shape, renowned for its comfortable contours and distinctive style. Whether you're jamming in your garage or performing on stage, the Pro Tone Stratocaster offers a dynamic range of sounds that cater to a variety of musical genres.

Equipped with three single-coil pickups, this guitar delivers the classic, bright tones that Stratocasters are famous for. The 5-way pickup selector switch allows for easy access to a plethora of tonal combinations, giving players the freedom to experiment and find their unique sound. The maple neck and fingerboard provide a smooth playing experience, while the vintage-style tremolo bridge enables expressive pitch control and sustain for your licks and riffs.

This instrument is not just about sound; it's crafted for the modern player's comfort and reliability. The body is lightweight yet robust, ensuring it stands up to the rigors of regular use. With its sleek design and high-quality construction, the Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster is a reliable companion for any guitarist looking to enhance their musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar inspired by iconic Stratocaster design
  • Three single-coil pickups for bright, versatile tones
  • 5-way pickup selector for a variety of sound combinations
  • Maple neck and fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Vintage-style tremolo bridge for expressive pitch control
  • Lightweight yet durable construction for comfort and reliability

Product specs

Brand Squier
Model Pro Tone Stratocaster with Maple Fretboard, Pro Tone Stratocaster with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Crimson Red Transparent, Olympic White, Sapphire Blue Transparent, Vintage Blonde
Year 1997
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Ash
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Blue, Brown, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Squier Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.65"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Squier Pro Tone
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the body of the Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster, and how does it affect the sound?

The Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster features an ash body, which typically provides a bright and resonant tone with good sustain. This makes it suitable for a variety of musical styles, including rock, blues, and pop.

How does the pickup configuration of the Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster influence its sound?

The Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster has a single-coil SSS (three single-coil pickups) configuration, offering a classic Stratocaster sound known for its clarity, bright highs, and versatile tonal range, ideal for genres like rock, blues, and funk.

What are the differences between the maple and rosewood fretboard options on the Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster?

The maple fretboard tends to provide a brighter, snappier tone, while the rosewood fretboard offers a warmer, smoother sound. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference in feel and tonal characteristics.

Is the Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster suitable for beginners or more advanced players?

The Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster is well-suited for both beginners and advanced players due to its comfortable playability, classic design, and versatile sound, making it a reliable choice for practice and performance.

Does the Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster come with a tremolo bridge, and what does that mean for playability?

Yes, the Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster features a tremolo bridge, allowing players to add vibrato effects by altering string tension. This can enhance musical expression but may require occasional tuning adjustments.

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 "Saturday Jam" - 1997 Vintage Blonde Fender Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster by Zen Garage

"Saturday Jam" - 1997 Vintage Blonde Fender Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster

Zen Garage

Zen Garage

Video thumbnail for Squier Pro Tone Series Stratocaster 1997 Korea soundcheck by Tamás Pógyor

Squier Pro Tone Series Stratocaster 1997 Korea soundcheck

Tamás Pógyor

Tamás Pógyor

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

Video thumbnail for 1997 Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster - Made in Korea by Zen Garage

1997 Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster - Made in Korea

Zen Garage

Zen Garage

Reviews

PROS

  • High-quality craftsmanship rivaling American-made Fender guitars

  • Limited production run increases rarity and collector's value

  • Exceptional value with features surpassing Mexican Strats

  • Stunning visual appeal with aesthetic finishes

  • Historical significance as a sought-after collector's item

  • Comparable playability to higher-end models

CONS

  • Discontinued, making them difficult to find

  • Potentially high market price due to collectibility

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Pro Tone Stratocaster features metal trem blocks and Fender-imprinted saddles, which are superior to typical Squier parts used today.

    Source
  • The Pro Tone Stratocaster features an ash body and a neck that owners describe as particularly comfortable to play.

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  • Some Pro Tone Stratocasters may feature a one-piece body, although this is rare and typically seen in higher-end models.

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  • There have been observations of significant grain differences in the wood, potentially indicating a multi-piece body, despite appearances suggesting otherwise.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Initial tuning issues were resolved by tightening loose tuner nuts and correcting the stringing method.

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  • It's crucial to check for heavy fret wear on Pro Tones due to their age, especially considering the influence of players using heavy strings.

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Comparisons

  • Owners compare the Pro Tone Stratocaster favorably to American Standards, noting impressive build quality and component use.

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  • Owners equate the Pro Tone's quality to Mexican Fender models from the same era, suggesting they could be superior in some aspects.

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  • It's noted that some Pro Tone Stratocaster models include American parts, suggesting comparable or superior quality to some American-made Fenders.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Users have swapped out saddles for Graph Techs and upgraded bridge pickups to a Gold Lace Sensor for enhanced performance.

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Features and functionality

  • The bridge pickup is bypassed from the tone pot, but wiring it for tone control is a suggested and simple modification.

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Other

  • The translucent emerald finish may appear blue in photos but can fade to green over time as the clear coat yellows.

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Value and pricing

  • These guitars were discontinued due to their quality potentially impacting Mexican Fender sales, making them a sought-after model among enthusiasts.

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User experience

  • Owners of the Mary Kaye blonde variant often express high satisfaction, frequently ranking them as favorite guitars in their collections.

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Critic Reviews

Pro-Tone Stratocaster Review: This is what I needed and finally convinced me I'm really... | Squier | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Squier Pro Tone Stratocaster shines with its bright, punchy sound that rivals even MIM Strats. Its build quality impresses, boasting a durable ash body and a smooth one-piece neck. However, the tremolo system demands practice to maintain tuning stability, and it can produce unwanted feedback if not properly grounded. While the fit and finish are generally good, some may find the action slightly off. Still, for a Squier, this guitar is a gem—rare and unique, making it a worthy addition for any Strat enthusiast. If you're looking for a versatile instrument that feels like a true Strat, this one will not disappoint, though it might require a bit of tweaking to reach its full potential.

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4.5 out of 5

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