Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $180
Budget/Beginner
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
If you're looking to capture the essence of a true classic without breaking the bank, the Squier Standard Stratocaster is your gateway to iconic sound and style. Crafted with the backing of Fender, this guitar resonates with the timeless appeal of the original Strat design, while offering modern enhancements that make it a perfect fit for today's musicians.
The 22-fret fast-action neck ensures smooth playability, allowing for seamless transitions and effortless chord changes. Its slimmer profile invites both seasoned players and beginners to explore new sonic territories with ease. The twin-pivot bridge system allows for silky tremolo action, mirroring the precision and stability of the Fender American Series Strat.
Equipped with three Alnico single-coil pickups, the Squier Standard Stratocaster delivers the authentic, bright tones that have defined rock and blues for generations. Whether you're jamming at home or performing on stage, the die-cast tuners, which are lifetime-lubricated, promise consistent tuning stability and longevity.
Key Features:
- 22-fret fast-action neck with a slimmer profile
- 3 Alnico single-coil pickups for classic Strat tones
- Twin-pivot bridge with satin-anodized saddles for smooth tremolo action
- Lifetime-lubricated, sealed die-cast tuners for reliable tuning stability
- Multi-ply pickguard
Transform your musical journey with the Squier Standard Stratocaster, where classic design meets modern innovation.
Product specs
| Brand | Squier |
| Model | Standard Stratocaster with Maple Fretboard, Standard Stratocaster with Rosewood Fretboard |
| Finish | Arctic White, Black, British Racing Green, Brown Sunburst, Crimson Red Metallic, Electric Blue, Frost Red, Galactic Purple, Lake Placid Blue, Midnight Blue, Midnight Wine, Torino Red |
| Year | 1989 - 2000 |
| Made In | Mexico |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Bridge |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Purple, Red, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss, Metallic |
| Fretboard Material | Maple, Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 9.5" |
| Frets | Medium Jumbo |
| 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 Standard |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What kind of pickups does the Squier Standard Stratocaster have?
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The Squier Standard Stratocaster is equipped with Alnico single-coil pickups, which provide a punchy and powerful sound, suitable for a variety of music genres.
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How does the neck profile of the Squier Standard Stratocaster affect playability?
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The Squier Standard Stratocaster features a slimmer neck profile with a 9.5" fretboard radius, offering smoother playability and easier bends, making it comfortable for both beginners and experienced players.
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Is the Squier Standard Stratocaster suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Squier Standard Stratocaster is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile, versatile sound, and player-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for learning and developing guitar skills.
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What is the difference between the Squier Standard Stratocaster and the Squier Affinity Stratocaster?
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The Squier Standard Stratocaster typically features a thicker body and higher-quality materials compared to the Affinity series, offering improved resonance and durability, while the Affinity is more budget-friendly.
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Does the Squier Standard Stratocaster have a tremolo bridge?
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Yes, the Squier Standard Stratocaster is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing for pitch modulation and expressive playing techniques.
Videos
Darrell Braun Guitar
SQUIER vs FENDER - Stratocaster Tone Comparison!!
Reviews
PROS
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Affordable and great for beginners and experienced players alike
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Offers a classic "Strat" sound with versatile tones
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Comfortable playability with a smooth neck and fingerboard
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Tremolo bridge system stays in tune reasonably well
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Good platform for modifications and upgrades
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Durable and reliable for long-term use
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Pickups provide bright, clear sound
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Lightweight and easy to handle
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Great value for its price point
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Vintage aesthetic with modern features
CONS
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Plywood body and lower quality hardware
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Stock pickups could be better, often replaced
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Tremolo use can cause tuning issues
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Fret edges can be a bit sharp
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Not comparable to a higher-end Fender Strat
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Tall frets might not suit everyone's taste
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Heavier than some other beginner guitars
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Squier Standard Stratocaster.
Features and functionality
Setup and maintenance
Value and pricing
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Models from 2005, especially those "Crafted in China by Yako," can often be found for around $100, providing good value for modding and entry-level playing.
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A 2000 Squier Standard Stratocaster can be found in Australia for 245 AUD, considered a good deal given the typically higher local prices.
Source
Build quality
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The older Affinity models had issues with a non-standard body depth, complicating tremolo upgrades, and poor-quality machine heads.
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The maple neck on early 2000s Squier Standard Strats is praised for its durability and playability, often described as a standout feature of these guitars.
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User experience
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One user found a 2012 model for $120 and noted the ice-tea burst with tortoiseshell pickguard as particularly appealing.
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Owners report that the color options, such as galactic purple, are particularly appealing and often a significant factor in their purchasing decision.
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Those with starter packs often upgrade their gear over time, indicating a good starting point but not a permanent solution for all players.
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Mods and upgrades
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Installing Fender locking tuners, priced around $65, is a recommended upgrade for improving tuning stability and easing string changes on the Squier Standard Strat.
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It's suggested to upgrade the amp from the starter pack to models like the Fender Mustang LT-25 or Boss Katana 50 mkII for improved sound and effects.
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Comparisons
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The Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112J and PAC112V are recommended as alternatives, praised for better construction and electronics compared to comparably priced Squiers.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 26 Reviews and 103 Ratings
466
Great Guitar.
The Squier Standard Stratocaster plays great, with traditional vibe and modern feel. Player-friendly features like the slimmer neck and 22-fret rosewood fingerboard make for easier playing, and the die-cast tuners are lifetime-lubricated for years of trouble-free service and tuning stability. A twin-pivot bridge with satin-anodized saddles provides smooth tremolo action, and the single-coil alnico pickups sound great!
466
Oh ive also put some seymour duncan hot rails onto the bridge pickup.
First electric guitar with versatile single-coil pickups
This guitar was my first leccy guitar I picked up. It has three excellent single-coil strat pickups that sound fantastic. I enjoyed experimenting with having the tone for the middle pickup at a medium setting and using it at the same time as the bridge pickup, while running it through some effects and amp modifications on my old practice amp to get it sounding even better.
87
Good for Beginning to Intermediate, Experts will be left wanting.
It's a decent Guitar, it has all of your basic needs. Don't expect to go crazy on it, if so go buy a Fender Stratocaster. The frets are too tall for my taste though.
430
First Electric Guitar
my first electric guitar was this squier standard stratocaster. i saved just over £100 for it and i still play it regularly.
Great guitar for my value
My Squier is a really good early 90s standard. Much better quality than the new ones i've tested today.
41029
that's probably the same as my first guitar... is yours Japanese or Korean?
Great Guitar
Very good biting "Strat" sound. If setup properly it is a great reliable guitar. I have had an awesome time with it.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this Fender video interview with Ed O’Brien, Ed O’Brien talks about his first guitar, a 1986 Squier Stratocaster electric guitar, black finish with a white pickguard. He says, “I got my first Strat - it was a Squire Strat - and it was 1986. This Squier Strat was about £180 and I saved up, and I got it. It was black with a white pickguard, and I don’t think it was the nicest neck [laughs], but I loved it, I didn’t give a shit. And I had that [guitar] all the way through until 1995 when all our gear was nicked in the yellow Penske van. So I played it on Pablo Honey, and on The Bends…” (1:43)
Ed O' Brien can also be seen playing the guitar with On A Friday some time in the late eighties. http://piemerica.org/tired/88c.jpg
Doug can be seen using this guitar as a backup during his KEXP performance after a string breaks on his Strat Plus.
In a YouTube video titled "Steve Rothery Squier Strat Demo," Steve Rothery demonstrates his use of the Squier Standard Stratocaster.
This Squier strat is my main writing guitar. Not gunna lie. It was $50 on Craigslist. Some girl wanted to get rid of it because her ex-boyfriend had bought it for her
Raven Milligan recently added the Squier Standard Stratocaster to their collection, as mentioned in an Instagram post. This guitar, gifted by Kelcie Mossholder and rebuilt with the help of Shaun and Mall Milligan, has started replacing the Washburn Raven as the backup in Peacehead shows, as seen in past live streams.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Squier Standard Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.