These Squier Strat electric guitars are mostly aimed towards newbie and intermediate players, so do keep in mind that you will not find a pro tool here, but you will still find some killer instruments for the price. The main factor we took into consideration is quite simple: how close is it to a Fender Strat? Apart from that, we valued the usual stuff – durability, build quality, and, of course, value for money.
Here are our recommendations for the 4 best Squier Strats on the market:
Squier Bullet Strat Guitar
We’ll get this thing on the move with a very affordable option – the Squier Bullet. Universally hailed as one of the best cheap guitars in the world, this classic Strat copy brings us the staple Fender attack with budget cuts made at just the right places.
The six-string utilizes a solid basswood body with a maple neck and classic rosewood fingerboard with 21 medium jumbo frets and a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius. In the electronics department, the instrument features that classic Fender setup – 3 single-coil pickups plus a five-way pickup selector switch.
As for the tone, the guitar has many sonic features of the classic guitar it replicates, except thinner and with more brightness. It is far from bad but far from professional as well. It is what it is: a good beginner instrument that you might be able to take into the intermediate stage as well with a solid amp and a pedal or two. For the listed price tag, a fine choice it is and likely among the best Squier Strat guitars.
Squier Deluxe Stratocaster Guitar
Picking it up a notch or two, we bring you the guitar that proves Squier can get pretty darn close to a Fender – at least, the Mexican Fender. The key factors that make this model stand out from the other Squiers are build quality and higher-level electronics.
Merely grabbing this fella (see full specs) after a Bullet model, for example, makes it clear that we are dealing with a higher-quality item, a much slimmer and more comfortable neck, and a sturdier body in general.
In the pickup section, we’re looking at three single-coil Duncan Designed pickups, along with two tone control knobs, a single Master Volume knob, and a five-way tone switch. The guitar also has a twin-pivot tremolo.
In terms of tone quality, this six-string can easily be used by intermediate players of many genres. While we’ve seen pros using this fella, we say that it mostly belongs in the intermediate segment.
Squier Vintage Modified ’70s Stratocaster Guitar
If you’re going for that classic rock vibe of the ’70s, with a burning desire to attain the tone of, say, Pink Floyd master David Gilmour, this is your best shot in the budget-friendly department.
Packed with classic Squier Strat features such as basswood body, maple neck, three single-coil pickups and a five-way pickup selector, this fella stands out a bit with a maple fretboard and the inner circuitry, all of which have been optimized for the classic rock sound.
Other features include a 9.5-inch neck radius, a set of 21 medium jumbo frets, black dot fret markers, a set of bolt-on tuners, a Vintage Style synchronized tremolo, two tone knobs – one for the neck pickup + one for the bridge pickup – and an obligatory Master Volume control.
Needless to say, it’s not just about rock, and you can easily churn out any blues, jazz, pop or country classic on this fella as well. And while we shouldn’t judge guitars based on their looks, this black beauty really stood out as the prettiest, most elegant thing on the whole list (at least, in our opinion). Hands down, it’s one of the best Squier Strats on the market.
Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Strat Guitar
Now, if you like your Squier Strat to come with a roar, check out the Classic Vibe ’50s guitar. Unlike the rest of the guitars on the list, this one rocks a solid alder body.
First and foremost, alder is a staple tone-wood of classic Fender Stratocasters, so that’s plain awesome. Secondly, it’s known for a darker, fuller, and more roaring tone than basswood, which some of you folks might find as neat.
Another factor that stands out are three single-coil Vintage Style pickups with staggered magnet pole pieces, securing a strong tone that’s easy to control. The rest of the package (see full specs) is standard – a maple neck, a maple fretboard, 21 medium jumbo frets, a synchronized tremolo, two tone knobs, a Master Volume knob, a five-way pickup selector switch, black dot inlays, plus die-cast tuners.
The guitar is available in four gorgeous color finishes, all of which give an impression of a serious instrument, which this fella most definitely is. Don’t think of Squier guitars as beginner-only six-strings; sure, some models are exactly that, but then there are fellas like this one that can rock any stage or studio.
What Makes the Best Squier Strat Guitars?
It’s pretty simple – a good guitar is made from good tone, good build quality, and maybe some nice design on the side, and Squier Strats are no different. However, there are a few things to take into consideration when purchasing this exact type of instrument.
First and foremost, if you’re getting this it means that you are after the sound of Fender Stratocaster at a budget price, which is cool. So with that in mind, one of the key factors is also to get a guitar that’s as close to classic Fender as possible in terms of tone and feel.
Additionally, since Squier is a subsidiary of Fender, top-level build quality is always expected, and don’t ever accept anything less. With that out of the way, feel free to treat yourself with one of these fellas as early as today. It could mark the beginning of an amazing musical journey. Good luck!
