Fender Stratocaster Models Buying Guide [2021 Update]

These cheap guitars are perfect for beginners, with series such as Affinity, Classic Vibe and Bullet making a fantastic first guitar. Their Classic Vibes and Vintage Modified series are great guitars and offer extremely good value for money for intermediate players.

Of all the Fender Stratocaster models, these are the most budget-friendly.

But don't let that fool you as they are made with meticulous attention to detail and provide a massive sound. Most pro-level guitarists have one of these for writing and recording with as they're a no frills option that still gives you that classic Strat sound, for less investment. Shop all Fender Squier Stratocasters here.

Pictured: the Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster MN Black

Aimed at entry-level players who take their playing seriously and want a real Fender strat with a unique look about it. The HSH pickup setup makes this a great option for both clean and heavy rock playing. Ideal if you are upgrading to your first professional guitar.

• 2019 Status: Sadly no longer in production but replaced by Fender Player Series Stratocasters here.

If you wanted a traditional Stratocaster then a Standard was the best way to get one on a budget. The same design that has been around since the 50s with some improvements made over the years. A no-frills strat made in the Mexico factory that you couldn't go wrong with.

• 2019 Status: Sadly no longer in production but replaced by Fender Player Series Stratocasters here.

Built to the exact specifications as the strats of the 50s, 60s and 70s, you can get yourself a real gem from the classic series. Period-correct parts have been replicated to make these exactly the same as the guitars of that era. 

• 2020 Update - this line has now been replaced by the Fender Vintera Series

A similar traditional design to the Standard series, but with better pickups and switching options with some extra touches cosmetically (gold hardware, tortoiseshell pickguards) that make these both look and sound deluxe. At the time, these were some of the most versatile Fender Stratocaster models. 

The Fender Player series guitars replace the Made In Mexico series, ensuring there’s a budget-friendly option that everyone can afford. Don’t be fooled by the price tag, these are highly professional guitars crafted to offer exceptional playability and superb sound for all genres of music.

A modern "C" shaped neck has been crafted for added comfort, new pickups have been developed specifically for the range and an array of new finished have been added. These are absolute workhorses waiting to be gigged with.

Shop the Fender Player Series Stratocasters here.

The Fender Vintera series of guitars takes what the Classic series guitars did and builds upon its success.

Named after 'Vintage' and 'Era' the Vintera is designed for the musician who loves a vintage style guitar.

The made in Mexico Vintera Stratocaster reimagines, consolidates and replaces the Classic series, which had included Classic Player, Road Worn and Baja models.

The Vintera series guitars take specific design features of guitars from the 50s, 60s and 70s offering up the chance to essentially step back in time and grab a guitar from the history books.

Each decade and period-correct guitar has a 'Modified' counterpart version that offers upgraded features and hotter pickups for the modern musician.

The Vintera also has a 'big brother' in the American Original series, but the Vintera offers a budget-friendly way for players to get a vintage spec guitar that can still be considered a premium model.

Shop Fender Vintera Series here. 

This was previously the most affordable way to get an authentic Fender USA Stratocaster, the American Special had a vintage feel about it, with some special looks that make it live up to its name. The American Special Stratocaster featured a 70s style large headstock and some powerful pickups. 

The American Standard is a real workhorse - Fender call it the "heart of their family". Plain and simple, the American Standard is one that pleases everyone - you can't go wrong with one. And with Custom Shop pickups, it is sounding better than ever.

• 2019 Status: Sadly no longer in production but replaced by Fender American Professional Stratocasters here.

With some modern enhancements and quality parts, the American Deluxe is a fantastic player. N3 Noiseless Strat pickups and reconfigured S-1 switching give you complete control over your sound. The compound radius fretboard makes fretting notes a delight. Although this series is no longer available look out for the 'Plus' series with their interchangeable 'personality' cards.

• 2019 Status: Sadly no longer in production.

After dissecting some real vintage gems from the past and studying their parts, Fender have created the exact replicas of their guitars of the past. The American Vintage series is their name - with the legendary '56, '59 and '65 strats all returning to life. Re-live the past!

• 2019 Status: Sadly no longer in production but replaced by Fender American Original Stratocasters.

The Fender American Performer Stratocaster is the most affordable option out of all the current 2019 American Strat models, which replaces the Special series. Within these beautifully designed guitars you have a set of Yosemite single coil pickups and a push-pull pot which activates the neck AND bridge pickup – something we’ve wanted for many years.

A new Greasebucket tone circuit rolls off highs without adding extra bass when you turn down the Tone knob which is ideal for keeping your tone clean. Jumbo frets and a “Modern C” shaped neck all add to the playability and comfort, whilst the 70s style larger headstock adds resonance due to the extra wood, and it just looks cool!  Ideal for players of all levels.

Shop all Fender American Performer Stratocasters here.

Fender has always worked closely with artists that love their gear. From Eric Clapton to John Mayer, Fender have created them a guitar to their exact requirements and spec from the artist's personal input. If it is good enough for Eric Johnson, it is certainly good enough for you! 

Pictured: The Fender EOB Sustainer Stratocaster Ed OBrien Signature Guitar

Shop all Fender Artist Stratocaster guitars here.

The Fender American Original guitars give players the opportunity to take a step back in time and play an American made Fender Strat designed to the specifications of a particular decade. These “best-of-the-decade” models take all the best ingredients from the decade they were designed in yet offer modern improvements that help with playability and reliability.

Shop all Fender American Original Stratocaster guitars here.

The Fender American Elite (replaced by American Ultra) Stratocaster guitars feature an array of modern appointments offering beautiful playability and far more control over your sound.

A new truss rod adjustment wheel allows you to adjust the instruments neck relief with ease, whilst new sot touch knobs makes changing the tone and volume easier overall.

Locking short post tuners provide increased tuning stability and redesigned body contours are far more comfortable to play! Noiseless pickups ensure there's no unwanted squeals or feedback when you decide to rock out.

• 2020 update: Now replaced by the Fender American Ultra Series

The Fender American Ultra Series was released towards the tail end of 2019 and featured some very interesting changes. For the first time in decades, Fender had redesigned the body contours if its most iconic guitar designs.

The Stratocaster featured an all-new back body contour and sculpted neck heel allowing for a far more comfortable playing experience. The HSS Strat, in particular, was a highlight as it featured a new Double Tap Humbucker with an overwound coil which ensured a consistent volume between pickups in coil-split mode.

Noiseless pickups, advanced wiring options and treble bleed circuits were also included. These Stratocaster models were VERY different to anything that came before and really pushed the envelope.

Pictured: The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster, MN, Texas Tea

The holy grail of Fender - the best of the best. Their Fender Custom Shop series instruments are truly a work of art, with the best hardware and techniques money can buy. If you have the money for a Fender Custom Shop, you will never look at another guitar. Shop all Fender Custom Shop Guitars here. 

Pictured: Fender CS LTD 1959 Strat Heavy Relic Aged Sherwood Green Metallic