Best Value in Stratocasters?

[misterwhizzy]

So I'm starting to shop for a Strat, and it's really just to have a Strat to pair with my Les Paul. I don't know if I want a single-coil or humbucker in the bridge, I do know I don't want to spend USA-made money on it, though. What would you suggest?

 

[GuitarStv]

Play a whole bunch, buy one in a colour you like. Often times cheaper strats are nicer than expensive ones and it's very easy to swap pickups if you don't initially love the tone out of the amp.

 

[NegativeEase]

Does this search includes Super Strats of all kinds as well?

If so, I'd look into the Kramer re-issues... so retro sweet!

 

[PFDarkside]

Best value? Probably a Yamaha Pacifica.

The Fender guitars I really like are:
-Squier Classic Vibe
-Fender Classic Player/Vintera Modified

The Squier has a nasty gloss finish, so avoid that if you aren’t into it, but the guitar a very capable. The old Classic Player line is awesome. It’s a CS design built in Mexico and updates some of the annoying vintage features (6 screw, 7.5” radius, small frets) while keeping the core tone and Strat vibe.

 

[JOLLY]

I love my 2000s Fender Deluxe Players Strat. I think I paid $475 for it about a year ago. The main reason I chose to buy that model Strat was because of the 12" radius neck, like a Les Paul.

 

[ErikH]

I really like my Squier Classic Vibe. I've made a few modifications to it (swapped the bridge for MIM Standard, shorter saddle screws, larger tone cap). Out of the box though, can't complain. Had my budget allowed, I would have pickup up a Players Series Strat. Every one of those has been solid that I've picked up at various local shops. Fender did a great job with those. If you don't want a Squier and don't want to spend USA Strat money, look at the Players Series.

 

[Mincer]

Either a new Classic Vibe or any used MIM Strat is gonna be a great guitar. You don't have to keep it pristine to keep the value, so they are great mod platforms, and there are 1000s of them out there in any color and configuration you'd want.

 

[misterwhizzy]

I really like my Squier Classic Vibe. I've made a few modifications to it (swapped the bridge for MIM Standard, shorter saddle screws, larger tone cap). Out of the box though, can't complain. Had my budget allowed, I would have pickup up a Players Series Strat. Every one of those has been solid that I've picked up various local shops. Fender did a great job with those. If you don't want a Squier and don't want to spend USA Strat money, look at the Players Series.

I haven't played one yet, but this is basically what I had been thinking. Might be slightly out of my price range, though, and I don't see them come up used locally very often.

I'm surprised no one has suggested looking at G&L yet.

 

[ErikH]

G&L is another great option. Their Tribute Series are really nice. I don't see them around here much anymore since a local chain that carried them closed. Closest dealer to me is an hour away and I'm not in that part of town much since working from home starting March 2020. I wish they offered more colors / fingerboard combinations though. The Legacy comes with cherry fingerboard only with surf green body, the S-500 comes in only 3 colors. Can't get a black with dark fingerboard (they've been using cherry instead of rosewood for a while). So those limitations turned me away.

 

[NegativeEase]

Yeah, if a retro Kramer is out of budget -I'd say a Squire or Yamaha Pacifica are the brilliant budget Strats.

 

[esandes]

US G&L

 

[misterwhizzy]

No thanks on the Squiers. I can't deal with the giant headstock.

 

[NegativeEase]

the import G&Ls are regularly sold on Musicians Friend Deal of the Day for around 350-450 USD

 

[ErikH]

No thanks on the Squiers. I can't deal with the giant headstock.

The Classic Vibe has the small headstock. I'm not a fan of the large headstock either.

 

[jeremy]

i actually like the large headstock though i only own one and it happens to be a squire which is a great guitar for the price i paid

 

[NegativeEase]

me like big 70s headstock.

 

[Clint 55]

Get a pos bullet hardtail lol.

 

[Securb]

Go get a used MIM and start making it yours.

 

[ehdwuld]

EART
roasted maple neck
Stainless steel frets
Nice pickups

Looks.like a nice strat for less than $300 new
The purple is beautiful

 

[beaubrummels]

me like big 70s headstock.

My '66 Strat has not only the big headstock, but it's thicker as well. The tuner holes just clear the wood. It sustains like my Les Paul Standard. They make a great stereo left/right pair.