Springing from the agile and fertile mind of Leo Fender—aided and abetted by the Fender think tank—the Stratocaster was born in 1954. It has been available every single year since its birth, and true to Leo’s design scheme for a “modular” instrument, the Strat has been refined, enhanced, disrupted and upgraded for seven decades.

While many other electric guitars have come and gone over those seven decades, the Fender Stratocaster has maintained its place as Fender's top-selling electric guitar. And like its older sibling, the Fender Telecaster, it is still visibly the same Stratocaster guitar that debuted in 1954.

Of course, 70 years of evolution have culminated in a number of different Stratocaster varieties you can explore today—from vintage-inspired guitars to contemporary models, “Superstrats,” artist signature designs and exquisitely crafted marvels from the Fender Custom Shop. It’s quite an assortment to ponder, but this guide will help you find the perfect Stratocaster for you, your music and your style of play—whether you’re looking for your first Strat, or your fifth. And, if you want a deeper dive into Fender’s history, check our articles on the history of the Strat and the Tele.

Table of Contents

A Guide to the Fender Stratocaster
    70th Anniversary Stratocasters
    Best Vintage-Inspired Stratocaster Models
        Fender Vintera II Stratocasters
        Fender American Vintage II Stratocasters
        Fender JV Modified Stratocasters
        Squier Classic Vibe Stratocasters
    Best Contemporary Stratocaster Models
        Fender Player Series Saturday Night Special Stratocaster HSS
        Fender Player Plus Stratocasters
        Fender Player II Stratocasters
        Fender Player II Chambered Stratocasters
        Fender American Performer Stratocasters
        Fender American Performer Timber Series Stratocasters
        Fender American Professional II Stratocasters
        Fender American Ultra Stratocasters
        Fender American Ultra II Stratocasters
        Squier Sonic Stratocasters
        Squier Affinity Stratocasters
        Squier Contemporary Stratocasters
        Squier Paranormal Series Stratocasters
    Top-Selling Superstrat Guitars
        Charvel San Dimas and DK24
        EVH Frankenstrat and Bumblebee
        Fender Japan Aerodyne Stratocasters
        Jackson Dinky JS22 and American Series Virtuoso
    Fender Acoustasonic Stratocasters
    Best Fender Stratocaster Artist Models
        Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster NOS
        Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster in Olympic White
        Fender H.E.R. Stratocaster in Chrome Glow
        Fender Juanes Luna Stratocaster in Luna White
        Fender Bruno Mars Stratocaster in Mars Mocha
        Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster Limited-Edition
    Fender Custom Shop Stratocasters
Choose the Best Fender Stratocaster For You

A Guide to the Fender Stratocaster

70th Anniversary Stratocasters

To celebrate the Stratocaster’s 70 years of innovation and relevance, Fender has released a collection of 70th Anniversary guitars. From an American Vintage II model that pays homage to the 1954 original to a fire-breathing American Ultra HSS, to stunners such as the gorgeous Vintera II Antigua or Player series in a galactic Nebula Noir finish, the 70th Anniversary collection encapsulates the Strat’s evolutions in playability, versatility and tonal magic. 

Pictured: Fender 70th Anniversary Player Stratocaster Electric Guitar in Nebula Noir

Best Vintage-Inspired Stratocaster Models

The Fender Stratocaster has a long history of development and innovation, and many of the colors, pickup voicings and ergonomic refinements featured from 1954 onward are prized by vintage aficionados. But you don't have to fear vintage pricing if you want a V-shaped neck like the 1957 Strat, or are eyeing a '60s-era Fiesta Red finish with nitrocellulose lacquer. Both Fender and Squier offer vintage-inspired models that deliver old-school mojo at today's production-model prices. Here are some options to help you choose the best “new/old” Stratocaster for your individual tone, technique and vibe.

Pictured: Fender Vintera II '60s Stratocaster in Lake Placid Blue

Fender Vintera II Stratocasters

The Fender Vintera II series was created to put classic feel and sound in your hands. Each Stratocaster guitar is loaded with period-correct detail, like the soft V profile and vintage 7.25" radius of the maple fingerboard on the '50s model, the C profile on the '60s neck and the rounder U profile of the '70s. Pickups are likewise wound to properly summon an accurate recreation of period tones. But Fender did correct one key shortcoming of the first couple decades of the Strat—all these models have a 5-way pickup selector switch (but, hey, you would have probably swapped one in anyway).

Pictured: Fender Vintera II '70s Stratocaster in Surf Green

Fender American Vintage II Stratocasters

Designed and built at Fender's factory in Corona, California, the Fender American Vintage II series features period-correct details and Fender's Pure Vintage series pickups, as well as recreations of some of Fender's most in-demand custom color finishes, including the Fiesta Red nitrocellulose lacquer that took the U.K. by storm in the late '50s and early '60s. These may be the next best thing to a time machine.

Pictured: Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster in Fiesta Red

Fender JV Modified Stratocasters

Inspired by the Fender Japan vintage reissues of the 1990s, the Fender JV Modified series takes things a step further by applying some players’ favorite custom Stratocaster mods, such as the bridge humbucker and push/pull coil split on the modified '50s model, and the push/pull neck pickup add on the '60s model. Both are built on a resonant, lightweight basswood body.

Pictured: Fender JV Modified Stratocaster in Olympic White

Squier Classic Vibe Stratocasters

Looking for vintage vibes on a budget? The Squier Classic Vibe series makes it easy. With Fender-designed alnico pickups voiced for period-accurate tones and all with a comfortable 9.5" radius, these are a great first Strat, as well as an excellent choice for a backup guitar. Pick your decade and start playing.

Pictured: Squire Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster in Lake Placid Blue

Best Contemporary Stratocaster Models

This group of These Stratocaster guitars are the culmination of all the factors we've discussed above. They are aimed at players who love the Stratocaster tradition, yet who also and want a fine instrument with all the tweaks and design advances Fender has developed over the years. 

Pictured: Fender American Ultra II HSS Stratocaster in Sinister Red

Fender Player Series Saturday Night Special Stratocaster HSS

A limited-edition offshoot of the popular Player Series, the Fender Saturday Night Special Stratocaster HSS features a trio of Seymour Duncan Saturday Night Special pickups dressed up in a gorgeous Daytona Blue finish. While the humbucker position recalls the sounds of classic late '70s arena rock and metal, the exclusive middle and neck single-coil pickups deliver classic Strat sound with increased output.

Pictured: Fender Player Series Saturday Night Special Stratocaster HSS

Fender Player Plus Stratocasters

What's the "plus" for Fender's Player Plus? It's extra touches borrowed from Fender's Corona factory to make these Ensenada-built guitars that much more special. Things such as rolled fingerboard edges, fourth-generation Noiseless pickups, and a push/pull tone control that gives you a coil split on the HSS version, or adds the neck pickup to the bridge and bridge/middle positions for the all-single-coil version.  

Pictured: Fender Player Plus Stratocaster in Opal Spark

Fender Player II Stratocasters

It should come as no surprise that the new Fender Player II Series takes a couple of steps forward from the insanely popular Player Series. Rocking Fender’s Modern C neck profile and ultra comfortable rolled fingerboard edges, Player II Stratocasters are available in seven gorgeous finishes as either the iconic SSS configuration (loaded with Alnico V Player Series single coils) or as an even harder-rocking HSS version (loaded with a Player Series Alnico II bridge humbucker and Alnico V single coils in the middle and neck positions). There are left-handed versions as well, so southpaws can get in on the fun.

Pictured: Fender Player II Stratocaster with Rosewood Fingerboard in 3-Color Sunburst

Fender Player II Chambered Stratocasters

One of the most popular recent Fender Stratocaster variations is the chambered body, as evidenced by Eric Johnson's signature Strat. We're exceptionally glad to see this feature available in the Player II line, enabling more players to experience a unique tonal variation, as well as weight relief for less fatigue over lengthy performances. Fender has created two versions of this guitar—one in mahogany and another in ash. Both are offered with a traditional SSS configuration, as well as an HSS pickup arrangement with an Alnico II Player Series humbucker in the bridge position, along with a pair of Alnico V Player Series single coils for the middle and neck.

Pictured: Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS Chambered Ash with Maple Neck in Aged Cherry Burst

Fender American Performer Stratocasters

The Fender American Performer is the most accessible U.S.-made Stratocaster, and it's loaded with Fender's Yosemite single-coil pickups—which are wound just hot enough to present some attitude when you crank it up, but can be smoothly backed off to produce more classic Strat tones. On the HSS version, it's Fender's unique Double Tap humbucker at the bridge. Both version s have the Greasebucket tone circuit to keep out mud when you roll back the treble. The push/pull tone pot serves as a coil split for the Double Tap—or will add the neck pickup to the bridge and bridge/middle pickup-selector settings.

Pictured: Fender American Performer Stratocaster in Honey Burst

Fender American Performer Timber Series Stratocasters

Sharing basic specs with the rest of the American Performer Stratocaster series, the American Performer Timber series features three different Strat flavors with out-of-the-ordinary tonewoods. The sassafras edition offers a tight midrange and full low end. The spruce body version produces smooth, warm tones. Finally, the pine-body model—a throwback to Fender’s early  guitars—delivers the added benefit of heat-treated pine for the tone of a vintage guitar without having to wait decades.

Pictured: Fender American Performer Timber Series Pine Stratocaster in 2-Color Sunburst

Fender American Professional II Stratocasters

The Fender American Professional II Stratocasters are spiced up with Fender's new V-Mod II single-coil pickups, push/push neck pickup added, rolled fingerboard edges and a sculpted neck heel for easier upper fret access. There's an HSS version, too.

Pictured: Fender American Professional II Stratocaster in Miami Blue

Fender American Ultra Stratocasters

The top-of-the-line regular production Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is loaded with player-facing features, such as a 10–14" compound-radius, rolled-edge fingerboard in rosewood or maple, the latest generation of Fender's renowned Noiseless pickups, S1 switch to roll in the neck pickup anywhere and a collection of stunning finishes. Ultra-chic. Ultra-playable.

Pictured: Fender American Ultra Stratocaster in Ultrabusrt

Fender American Ultra II Stratocasters

The Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster takes the flagship production model and loads it up with the features most wanted by modern Strat-players. American Ultra II Stratocasters feature a Modern D profile neck, sumptuously rolled fingerboard edges, 10"–14" compound radius and Luminlay side-dots. It's available in right- or left-handed SSS configuration comes with Fender Ultra II Noiseless pickups and S-1 switch, while the HSS setup offers a powerful Haymaker humbucker in the bridge position. All Fender Ultra II Stratocaster guitars include deluxe locking tuners, soft-touch knobs and a single-ply anodized aluminum pickguard.

Pictured: Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster in Noble Blue

Squier Sonic Stratocasters

The Squier Sonic Stratocaster is an awesome choice for beginning guitarists. Whether you choose the hardtail with three single-coil pickups or the classic vibrato bridge with a humbucker in the bridge position, they've got all the essential Strat tone and playability right at your fingertips. Also available is a ready-to-go Sonic Electric Guitar Pack that includes a Squier Frontman amp, guitar strap, picks and a cable. 

Pictured: Squier Sonic Stratocaster HT in Arctic White

Squier Affinity Stratocasters

Squier Affinity series Stratocaster guitars up the game with lightweight poplar bodies and a dual-pivot floating vibrato for effortless dive bombing. A wonderful student-friendly model, the Affinity lets you get all the classic Strat look and feel that you're looking for. Also check out the Affinity Series Electric Guitar Pack, which includes a Fender Frontman amp and other goodies.

Pictured: Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster in Lake Placid Blue

Squier Contemporary Stratocasters

The Squier Contemporary Stratocaster series features models with super stable roasted maple necks, painted headstocks, a seriously premium feature for guitars at this price, Squier offers a unique three-pickup configuration with the middle pickup moved next to the bridge for an entirely new tonal palette.

Pictured: Squier Contemporary Stratocaster in Sky Burst Metallic

Squier Paranormal Series Stratocasters

The Squier Paranormal series has been one of our favorites in recent years, with twists and turns that pull features from multiple guitars to create instruments that verge on the unnatural. For example, the Strat-O-Sonic model offers a classic okoume body with a pair of P90-style single-coil pickups. The Strat-O-Sonic is warm, punchy and, when you crank up your amp, crunchy.

Pictured: Squier Paranormal Strat-O-Sonic

Top-Selling Superstrat Guitars

While none of the guitars in this section are a traditional Stratocaster, they share the same DNA, with ties to the world of customized "Superstrat" designs that came out of the 1970s and '80s.

Pictured: Jackson American Series Soloist SL3 in Riviera Blue

Charvel San Dimas and DK24

Another of the fathers of the "Superstrat," Wayne Charvel's guitars came screaming out of Azusa, California, in the '70s. Originally a repair shop that also made custom parts, Charvel is held to be responsible for the Strat-style body with a single humbucker and a whammy that became pervasive.

Charvel Guitars was reborn as part of the Fender family in 2002, and this pair of Charvel Pro Mod guitars are excellent examples of their classic style. The San Dimas model, named after the location of the old Charvel factory, features a resonant alder body, the classic combo of Seymour Duncan JB and '58 humbuckers, a Floyd Rose and a super fast graphite-reinforced neck with a 12"–16" compound radius 24-fret fingerboard. The DK24 is the iconic Dinky-style body with a caramelized maple, graphite-reinforced neck, and Duncan Full Shred and Alnico II humbuckers.

Pictured: Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HH in Burgundy Mist

EVH Frankestrat and Bumblebee

Few guitarists are more revered than the late Edward Van Halen, and few electric guitars are more iconic than his home-brewed ones, now produced by EVH. "Frankie"—a replica of his famous "Frankenstrat"— was built to Eddie’s exact specifications, and is a duplicate of the original down to the "Tone" knob on the volume control and the jammed 5-way switch. The Striped Series black-and-yellow "Bumblebee" has the classic EVH features, including the EVH D-Tuna, double-locking Floyd Rose bridge and direct-mount Wolfgang humbucker. 

Pictured: EVH Striped Series Frankie

Fender Japan Aerodyne Stratocasters

Built by Fender Japan, the Aerodyne series pays homage to the top-loaded shred machines of the '80s. The edge-bound top adds a dramatic touch, and the Jeff Babicz-designed 2-point vibrato bridge is meant for extreme use. Loaded with Aerodyne Special pickups in either an SSS or HSS configuration, the super-fast 12" radius fingerboard is just waiting for your fastest licks.

Pictured: Fender Aerodyne Stratocaster

Jackson Dinky JS22 and American Series Virtuoso

Grover Jackson's guitar designs became iconic in the hands of Sunset Strip shredders, and Jackson, under the umbrella of Fender, is continuing to turn out some serious shred-worthy axes. If you want to ride the lightning but are on a budget, you can't beat the Jackson Dinky JS22, which features a super fast, 12"–16" compound-radius fingerboard and high-output Jackson humbuckers. Or, step up to the Jackson American Series Virtuoso, which features an incredibly comfortable sculpted neck heel, a slender laminated 5-piece, lightning-fast neck with graphite reinforcement and rolled fingerboard edges, hot-rodded Seymour Duncan humbuckers and a double-locking Floyd Rose vibrato (Read how the Jackson brand was reenergized in this interview with Fender's Jon Romanowski.)

Pictured: Jackson American Virtuoso Shell Pink

While covering far more than Superstrat models, you can get additional information about Charvel, EVH and Jackson in our buyer's guide to The Best Metal Guitars of 2024.

Fender Acoustasonic Stratocaster

It may seem strange to drop this here, but the Acoustasonic Stratocaster is a unique instrument inspired by the Fender Stratocaster. Seamlessly crossing the bridge between acoustic and electric instruments, the combination of a Fender N4 Noiseless pickup with under-saddle and behind-the-bridge sensors codeveloped with Fishman give the Acoustasonic Strat a resonant voice all its own.

Pictured: Fender Acoustasonic Stratocaster in 3-Color Sunburst

Best Fender Stratocaster Artist Models

As the visionary that was Leo Fender designed the Fender Strat to be modular, easy to hot rod and particularly amenable to the performance requirements of specific players, the Stratocaster's many artist models offer straightforward access to the style and sound of celebrated guitarists. Here are some examples from rock legends to today's masters, so you can seek the best match for you and your music.

Pictured: Fender H.E.R. Stratocaster in Blue Marlin

Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster NOS

Built to the legendary guitarist's personal specifications, the Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster will take you to the Crossroads and back. And speaking of Crossroads, you can read more about some of the very special guitars created for the 2023 Crossroads Festival, like the very limited run (25 worldwide) of Blu Scozia Eric Clapton Stratocaster guitars by EC's preferred Fender Custom Shop Master Builder, Todd Krause. The Blu Scozia, Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton NOS and Fender limited-edition Eric Clapton CRASH Stratocaster also come with the guitarist’s “secret weapon”—a 25dB mid-boost control. If you want to take things even further, consider one of Clapton’s signature Stratocasters and a Fender ’57 Custom Champ tweed amp—which he famously used while recording Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs in 1970. 

Pictured: Fender Eric Clapton NOS Signature Stratocaster in Black

Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster in Olympic White

There may be no player more identified with the Fender Stratocaster than James Marshall Hendrix. A big part of his signature sound (aside from those magic fingers) was playing a right-handed instrument flipped to accommodate him being left-handed through two Marshall stacks, a Vox wah, a Fuzzface and a Uni-Vibe. The reversed headstock on his Stratocasters altered the string tension and the reversed angle of the bridge pickup changed the harmonic content of its sound. Get experienced. 

Pictured: Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster Olympic White

Fender H.E.R. Stratocaster in Chrome Glow

Exhibiting the classic Strat tones that influenced her melodies and R&B style, the Fender H.E.R. Stratocaster in a stunning chrome glow finish (with matching headstock) and anodized aluminum pickguard was chosen by the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter to inspire young girls to pick up the guitar and play. The H.E.R. Stratocaster also features a comfy ’60s C-shaped neck, Vintage Noiseless pickups and a vintage-style synchronized tremolo.

Pictured: Fender H.E.R. Signature Stratocaster in Chrome Glow

Fender Juanes Luna Stratocaster in Luna White

The Fender Juanes Luna Stratocaster is a sonically versatile guitar—kind of what you’d expect from an artist who has produced enough music to win 26 Latin Grammy Awards. The Luna Strat is armed with a Juanes Alnico II humbucker in the bridge and two custom Juanes Ultra Noiseless single-coils in the middle and neck positions, as well as a +12dB mid-boost circuit. For fiery soloing and chording, Juanes furnished his signature Stratocaster with a compound-radius, deep-C profile neck. Read about Juanes’ musical journey in our 2020 interview, Juanes | Make Music.

Pictured: Fender Juanes Luna Stratocaster in Luna White

Fender Bruno Mars Stratocaster in Mars Mocha

Silky smooth sonics with a touch of flash is an accurate description of both the artist and the Bruno Mars Stratocaster. This artist model features a marvelous Mars Mocha hue aged with an heirloom finish that matches the vintaged gold hardware and plastic control knobs. There’s a Noiseless Strat pickup in the bridge, along with custom Bruno Mars single-coils in the neck and bridge. This refined and classy Stratocaster can go from funk to pop to rock at will. 

Pictured: Fender Bruno Mars Stratocaster in Mars Mocha

Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster Limited-Edition

The Fender Cory Wong Limited Edition Stratocaster celebrates the guitar used by the versatile funk, R&B, soul, jazz and rock mastermind. The scaled-down alder body is merged to an American Ultra modern-D neck and a trio of Seymour Duncan Cory Wong Clean Machine single-coils. Wong also included a “panic button”—a push-pull pot on the second Tone knob bypasses the 5-way switch and instantly locks into the #4 switch position for those funky emergencies. 

Pictured: Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster Limited-Edition Daphne Blue

Fender Custom Shop Stratocasters

Since its origin in 1986, the Fender Custom Shop has been in the business of realizing players' fantasy instruments. With build quality that is second to none—and the facilities to do microscopic analysis of famous guitars in order to meticulously recreate instruments owned by artists like Rory Gallagher, Dick Dale and Eric Clapton—it's a mecca for serious players and builders.  

Pictured: Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster Ltd. Edition by Todd Krause in Blu Scozia

Whether it's a Master Built limited-edition or a special-order one-off, the Fender Custom Shop aims to build the guitar you've always desired. Fender's Master Builders are some of the most legendary guitarmakers in the world, and attaining that title is the cherry on top of a luthier's career. Talk with the Custom Shop about making your dream guitar a reality. 

Choose the Best Fender Stratocaster For You

While it may appear daunting to wade through all of the current Fender Stratocaster guitars we’ve profiled in this guide, we like to think it’s an exercise in fun. But here are some quick tips for a comforting and productive search …

If you love vintage vibe and retro classics: Get the right look and specs from a Vintera II, American Vintage II, Fender JV Modified or Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster.

If you’re looking for modern playability and enhanced features: Check out Fender’s Player, Player Plus, American Performer, American Professional II, and American Ultra Strats.

If you’re beginning your Stratocaster journey: Start your Strat-tastic exploration with a Squier Sonic Guitar Pack, or Squier Affinity and Squier Contemporary models.

You’re a shredder who loves humbucker and single-coil options: Well, you’re a candidate for a Superstar model from Charvel, EVH, Jackson or Fender Aerodyne.

You want the look and the tone of your favorite Strat guitarist: You can totally do that if Fender is offering an artist-signature Stratocaster from your hero. Click here to see what’s available.

You want nothing but the finest Stratocaster available: As KISS would say, “You want the best, you got the best.” And to get the most excellent Stratocasters crafted by master builders, you can rely on the Fender Custom Shop.

You’re obsessed with finding a vintage Stratocaster from the ’50s, ’60s, or ’70s: Guitar Center has excellent used and vintage collections. Obviously, you won’t find your dream vintage Strat every day, but if you check in regularly, you’ll never know what treasures may surprise and delight you.

Pictured: Fender American Professional II Anniversary Stratocaster Limited-Edition HSS HT in Eclipse

If you want to go on a deep dive into the story of the Strat, check out The History of the Fender Stratocaster, 1954–1965 | The Evolution of the Fender Stratocaster, 1965-1985 | The Fender Stratocaster During the CBS Era and How to Buy a Vintage Stratocaster.

Are you still unsure of where to start? Not a problem. Visit your local Guitar Center and talk to one of our fabulous associates. The bonus here is that you can actually play a bunch of Stratocasters and get a first-hand feel of what seems right for you. If you can’t get to one of our Guitar Center locations, seek out a knowledgeable and helpful Gear Adviser at our Call Center.