Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $208

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Squier Stratocaster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Squier Stratocaster is a classic icon reimagined for budding guitarists and seasoned players alike. Known for its Fender-quality craftsmanship, this guitar offers a seamless blend of vintage charm and modern playability. Its solid body design coupled with a sleek maple neck ensures both durability and a comfortable grip, making it ideal for hours of jamming without hand fatigue. The laurel fingerboard, adorned with 21 medium jumbo frets, allows for smooth transitions and effortless note bends, catering to both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Equipped with three standard single-coil pickups, the Squier Stratocaster delivers the signature crisp, bell-like tones that have defined rock and blues for decades. The guitar also features dedicated tone controls for the neck and middle pickups, offering a tailored sound experience that aligns perfectly with your unique style. Whether you're experimenting with a new sound or perfecting your solos, this Stratocaster promises versatility with every strum.

The Squier Stratocaster's vintage-style synchronized tremolo adds an expressive edge to your performance, allowing for dynamic pitch variations. Its standard die-cast tuners ensure stable tuning, so you can focus on your creativity rather than constant adjustments. This guitar embodies the essence of Fender at an accessible price, making it a perfect match for musicians seeking quality without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

  • Fender quality at an affordable Squier value
  • Three single-coil Strat pickups for dynamic tone
  • Individual tone controls for neck and middle pickups
  • Solid maple neck with laurel fingerboard
  • 21 medium jumbo frets for comfortable play
  • 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo
  • Standard die-cast tuners for reliable tuning stability
Darrell Braun Guitar

Darrell Braun Guitar

Make Your SQUIER Sound Like a FENDER for $20!!

Video thumbnail for Make Your SQUIER Sound Like a FENDER for $20!! by Darrell Braun Guitar

Make Your SQUIER Sound Like a FENDER for $20!!

Darrell Braun Guitar

Darrell Braun Guitar

Video thumbnail for Fender vs Squier Stratocaster | Which one sounds better? | Tone Battle | by Paul Davids

Fender vs Squier Stratocaster | Which one sounds better? | Tone Battle |

Paul Davids

Paul Davids

Video thumbnail for Unboxing The Squier Stratocaster Pack | Fender by Fender

Unboxing The Squier Stratocaster Pack | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for How To Turn An $80 Squier into a John Frusciante 1962 Stratocaster by Wilson Guitars

How To Turn An $80 Squier into a John Frusciante 1962 Stratocaster

Wilson Guitars

Wilson Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gear Thursday: Fender vs Squier Strat Comparison | Marty Schwartz by Marty Music

Gear Thursday: Fender vs Squier Strat Comparison | Marty Schwartz

Marty Music

Marty Music

Video thumbnail for SQUIER vs FENDER - Stratocaster Tone Comparison!! by Darrell Braun Guitar

SQUIER vs FENDER - Stratocaster Tone Comparison!!

Darrell Braun Guitar

Darrell Braun Guitar

Video thumbnail for Exploring The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Models | Fender by Fender

Exploring The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Models | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for The 5 best Squier Strat mods by Pherotone Studios

The 5 best Squier Strat mods

Pherotone Studios

Pherotone Studios

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • It's recommended to adjust the saddle heights for optimal playability, as improper saddle setup can affect action and intonation significantly.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest adding a heavier bridge for improved sustain and tone; a recommended option is a $29 aftermarket bridge.

    Source
  • It's suggested to opt for the Classic Vibe series for better tuning stability and sound, comparable to a Mexican Fender.

    Source
  • Users recommend Squier Vintage Modified models with Duncan Designed pickups for superior sound quality over stock Affinity pickups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The tremolo system can benefit from adding all springs and screwing it down for stability, making it easier for beginners to handle.

    Source
  • A humbucker is recommended to avoid the 60-cycle hum common with single-coil pickups in lower-end models.

    Source
  • Newer Affinity Strats include a 2-point tremolo system, noted for its improved stability and ease of use.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users prefer the Yamaha THR series over the Boss Katana for home practice due to better sound quality and user-friendly tone presets.

    Source
  • Sonic series guitars, though cheaper, are preferred by some owners for their better hardware compared to Affinity models.

    Source

User experience

  • The factory setup on a Squier Strat is often adequate for beginners; however, many find that a professional setup enhances playability and enjoyment.

    Source
  • The Classic Vibe series is praised for its quality control, making it a safer bet than cheaper $200 Squier models, which may have tuning and setup issues.

    Source
  • Affinity Strats are regarded as excellent modding platforms, with their thinner bodies being advantageous for portability and casual, unplugged play.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Classic Vibe models are highlighted as rivaling Mexican Fenders in quality, suggesting they're worth considering despite being a Squier.

    Source
  • Older Affinity models, especially pre-2000 with rosewood fretboards, are often found at pawnshops for as low as $80 and are praised for their sound quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Players who enjoy electric guitar music, like Iron Maiden, find transitioning to an electric guitar from an acoustic significantly boosts motivation and practice frequency.

    Source

Build quality

  • Affinity models typically have thinner bodies than standard Strats, making them lighter and more comfortable for some players during extended play sessions.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Squier Stratocaster Review | Gear4music

gear4music.com

The Squier Sonic Stratocaster impresses as a nimble entry-level guitar, offering surprising versatility through its HSS pickup configuration. While its lightweight design and comfortable playability make it ideal for beginners and casual players, it does fall short for professional gigging due to its limited hardware and tremolo system. The build quality holds up well against pricier options, though the neck lacks the durability of higher-end models. For those seeking a budget-friendly Stratocaster with reliable Fender-inspired sound and playability, the Sonic is a standout choice.

positive

Review: Squier Standard Stratocaster

reviewingthis.com

The Squier Standard Stratocaster is a budget-friendly option that offers decent quality for beginners and seasoned players needing a secondary guitar. While the agathis wood body and unbranded parts might raise eyebrows, the overall construction is surprisingly solid, with a well-fitted neck and sturdy hardware. Sound-wise, it delivers acceptable tones, though the bridge pickup can be harsh. The guitar excels with the middle pickup, providing a versatile sound for chords and solos. Playability is adequate, albeit with a high action out-of-the-box. Overall, the Squier Stratocaster is a practical choice for entry-level players and a solid backup for experienced musicians.

positive
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 62 Reviews and 256 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
S

Headstock says "Squier", but I got a unicorn

I was looking for a Christmas present to myself, and I've been on a Beatles kick, so I originally was looking for something like an Epiphone Casino to get the Beatles twang and snarl.

Unfortunately, the semi/hollowbody option wasn't in the cards.

Then I saw it.

Two tone sunburst, dark fingerboard. It was $300 on the tag. Found out that the previous owner had done a ton of quality of life updates - sanded the neck so it was silky smooth. Rounded the frets so they didn't shred your hand. Guyker locking tuners. New AlNiCo V pickups. New input jack. Treble bleed on the volume pot. New trem block. And most importantly: shielded cavities - practically no sixty-cycle hum.

This thing plays like a guitar five times its price.

And to make things even crazier? I checked the serial number - no results. This thing is an absolute unicorn. It's official - I'm a Strat player now.

I'm thankful to the previous owner for putting all that time and love into this guitar - I hope to take the best care of it.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

If you're willing to put in the time and money, a simple Squier Stratocaster can become something as good, if not better, than an American Fender!

mikeytheguitarist

Alright

It's a great guitar for those who are starting out on guitar. The build quality isn't the best and it's obviously meant to be a budget guitar. However, it does its job and can help beginners get better until they can afford higher-end guitars. If you need a single-coil guitar and don't want to break the bank, a Squier Stratocaster can be a great option for you. It is also a great base for modifications.

Roles:
Genres:
yuzu
yuzu

182

Basis Of A Good Guitar

I love my Squier Stratocaster to death, for the price it does its job extremely well. It’s job being a beginner/budget intermediate guitar. You’re probably wondering why I gave it a 4/5 then? Well for the exact reason I said its job is. Eventually this guitar will not be enough to satisfy playing needs or tones you will try to achieve unless you wanna dump a few hundred into mods. Aside from that this guitar is a great all-around guitar and it’s such a fun one to have!

kylers8911

I think this is an amazing guitar for the price

this guitar is amazing for The price, the cons about are the fretwork ain’t the greatest and the string are cheaper, else than that this is a amazing guitar.

From Gear Setup
retrovoider

A solid starting choice.

They'll play well, they'll sound good; they'll come in varying quality. Fender QC is nothing to write home about on the best days, especially when buying from a subset of the main company. In my experience the QC on these models are especially lackluster, most coming with one to two problems, all the way to needing a full setup.

Again, plays extremely well if you're on the lucky side.

ianm_sings

Same tones as original Fender

People at the School of Rock bring those Stratocasters to rehearsal all the time. Not quite my type, so I prefer the original Fender Stratocaster, but it still has the same tone and such.

hashimoto

A Good Guitar to Start with.

Its build soild Versitile Pick Ups are Good, typical Strat Sound and not overdone Freds will worn out after years, but are good Fredwork is OK Stays in Tune Electric is OK No Hum and Hiss Tremolo is fine Paint will age after years, but is good Action hight is not too high Light weight Can be played well when sitting Neck does need a bit ajustment

From Gear Setup
ltlemonade

Good for what it does

I got this guitar about two years ago. I started playing guitar in my freshman year, and I got an electric guitar because I quite enjoyed playing guitar. The fretboard is smaller than an Ibanez, meaning I can't play some of the higher notes necessary, so there is a drawback. The whammy bar sometimes detunes the guitar, so I can't use it too much. But the guitar plays well, and it does what I need, so it will work until I can buy an Ibanez.

mishacookies1

amazeing guitar

i have had this guitar since 2015, it was my first ever guitar and i play it every day and it still sounds amazing. the quality is good and its good for beginners and experienced players. im currently in a band and this is the only guitar i use in it. this guitar can play metalcore and emo metal amazingly. if you are a metal head on a budget then get this guitar. it is cheep, easy to play, and has a nice texture and its verry light. overall just an amazing guitar.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

i use this guitar with a green day dookie drive, a classic flanger, and a wah wah pedal, it always sounds amazing with any settings

asce0fspades

It's a Stratocaster

Mine has a humbucker in it so it's HSS but it's a Stratocaster it's lightweight it has a f*** ton of Versatility because the stuff I put on it but I would say that it needs better tuners cuz I have the stock ones on it and sometimes I'm playing and it just detunes on me I don't have thick strings I have top heavy light bottom Ernie ball and it's always the lighter strings that detune I don't know what it is about it but yeah it's a good guitar

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Mayer uses Squier Stratocaster

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via YouTube

Putting together a few sources, it can be inferred that one of John Mayer's first electric guitars - if not his very first one - was a Fender Squier Stratocaster.

From the documentary film Someday I'll Fly, starting at the 2:00 mark:

"I picked up the guitar from time to time at friends' houses, and I was always intrigued by it. It wasn't until I was 13 my dad rented one of my brothers and I an acoustic guitar from the music store. We were gonna take guitar lessons. caption reads: January, 1991 - John has lessons every Monday with guitar teacher Al Ferrante at Fairfield's Professional Music Center. I remember I'd get home from school, play for the whole rest of the night, and just never really catch up with sleep. My mom set up a rule - 9:30pm - so I would play all the way to 9:30pm, then I'd have to stop."

At 2:28 into the video, a Fender Squier sticker can be seen, with a sticker on top of it "Property of JCM." In the very next scene, a photo from 1994 of a 16-year-old John Mayer can be seen where he's holding what looks like a guitar with a Fender Stratocaster shaped body, black finish, white pickguard, and rosewood fingerboard. He shared this photo on his Instagram with the caption, "#tbt 1994. 16 years old."

In another video entitled John Mayer 2007 summer tour, starting at 3:12 into it, in an interview John Mayer says:

"My first guitar - my first electric guitar - was a Squier. So I've kind of grown up native to the shape and the sound and the feel of a Stratocaster, and kind of learned my way around a guitar on it."

See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Squier Stratocaster

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Billie Joe Armstrong's signed Squier Stratocaster guitar can be seen as part of an auction where he sold a car, his ’72 BMW 2002tii. An article from Dec 2013 details the auction here.

See how Kirk Hammett uses Squier Stratocaster

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

in this image he is seen holding a squire strat

See how Stevie Ray Vaughan uses Squier Stratocaster

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Singer, Guitarist

The Vaughan Brothers

...
Verified via Photo

In the photo, Stevie Ray Vaughan is seen playing a Squier Stratocaster, likely borrowed from a tour crew member.

See how Mac DeMarco uses Squier Stratocaster

Mac DeMarco

Singer, Guitarist

Mac DeMarco

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Mac explains that he has been using a 1992 Squier stratocaster in his recent 2016 tour

See how George Harrison uses Squier Stratocaster

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video titled "George Harrison & Eric Clapton - While My Guitar Gently Weeps Live 1987," at the 1:40 mark, the headstock of George Harrison's guitar is visible, revealing it to be a Squier Stratocaster. This guitar may be a Squier JV Stratocaster, known for its high quality between 1982 and 1986, rivaling American-made Fender Strats. It is suggested that George Harrison acquired this guitar for his son, but he found it to be superior to his recent Stratocasters. Despite his early preference for Fender Stratocasters, George initially struggled to obtain one due to availability issues in 1957 Liverpool, leading him to use a Futurama, a Czech Stratocaster copy. He later expressed dissatisfaction with certain guitars, notably the Fender Rosewood Telecaster, which he reportedly disliked.

See how Thomas DeLonge uses Squier Stratocaster

Thomas DeLonge

Singer, Guitarist

Blink-182

...
Verified via Photo

This guitar is a red Made In Korea Squire Stratocaster. Not much else known about it. Assumed to be the guitar found in the trash and given to Tom by a friend but we don't have definitive proof of that. Covered with stickers over the years.

It has all 3 stock single coil pickups. Tom oddly played and recorded with this guitar set to position 4, using and blending the middle and neck single coil pickups. This gives the recordings it was used on a very odd, distinct sound, especially for punk rock.

The recordings this guitar was used on are Flyswatter, Demo 2, Buddha, Short Bus and Cheshire Cat. I have photos of Tom in the studio recording Cheshire Cat with this guitar. It's the only electric guitar we know of him owning until he used the advanced money from Cargo Records, after signing with them, and bought his 1994 Fender American Standard 40th anniversary edition Stratocaster aka the "sticker strat".

Photos: https://i.imgur.com/KU87wIh.png https://i.imgur.com/WnR16l4.png

See how Ed O'Brien uses Squier Stratocaster

Ed O'Brien

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Black and White Year: 1986

"I got my first strat, it was a Squier strat. And it was 1986...I played it on Pablo Honey and The Bends," Ed O'Brien says, at 1:40 in this video. Ed is pictured here with his Squier Stratocaster.

See how Grimes uses Squier Stratocaster

Grimes

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

During the "Art angels" tour, Grimes plays a red Squier Stratocaster Rosewood fretboard.

See how Dave Murray uses Squier Stratocaster

Dave Murray

Guitarist

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via Photo

Dave Murray uses a Squier Stratocaster as one of his backup guitars, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Lst.

See how Davie504 uses Squier Stratocaster

Davie504

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

Davie played the Squier in this video

See how Jared Dines uses Squier Stratocaster

Jared Dines

Singer, Guitarist

SION

...
Verified via YouTube

Jared starts off with this guitar in the video

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 Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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hashimoto

hashimoto

Gear IQ 14339

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hashimoto

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hashimoto

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hashimoto

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bebop

Gear IQ 87

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Gear IQ 127

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ashleiiiiiiiii

Gear IQ 143

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tommy_taber

Gear IQ 480

tom_is_boring

tom_is_boring

Gear IQ 226

emilio

emilio

Gear IQ 233

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onira

Gear IQ 70

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josephfarris

Gear IQ 78

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duxity

Gear IQ 68

kylers8911

kylers8911

Gear IQ 125

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mr_mulberry

Gear IQ 91

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kultofskaro

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nero134

Gear IQ 104

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thatoneguitarbro

Gear IQ 181

thatoneguitarbro

thatoneguitarbro

Gear IQ 181

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tom_is_boring

Gear IQ 226

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klabunde

Gear IQ 233

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Gear IQ 556

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weirdhairypants

Gear IQ 440

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doomrecords

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Gear IQ 147

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Gear IQ 211

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lminiero

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andrew_ledford

Gear IQ 91

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Gear IQ 80

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thatoneguitarbro

Gear IQ 181

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alex_casillas

Gear IQ 265

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manos_hatzikonstantinos

Gear IQ 110

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beastie_bastien

Gear IQ 118

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Gear IQ 101

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thatoneguitarbro

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