Fender 0370121506 Electric Guitar: Full Review

to the Fender Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar

The Fender Squier Stratocaster is an affordable, entry-level electric guitar modeled after Fender's famous Strat design. As part of Fender's Squier series, the Squier Stratocaster aims to deliver the look, sound, and feel of a real Stratocaster at a beginner-friendly price point.

Fender has been producing the Stratocaster since 1954, and it quickly became one of the most popular electric guitars ever made. Artists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and many others helped cement the Strat's legacy. The Squier Stratocaster is Fender's budget-minded version, allowing beginners to get started on a "real" Strat without spending a fortune.

While there are some cost-cutting measures, the Squier Stratocaster retains much of the vibe and playability of its pricier Fender counterparts. Its classic double cutaway body shape is similar, with three single coil pickups and a 5-way pickup selector switch. It comes in a variety of eye-catching finishes to give players a cool-looking instrument right out of the box.

The Squier Stratocaster reviewed here aims to capture the spirit of the original while making a few smart compromises to meet a very attractive price point. It's a great choice for new guitarists who want the Stratocaster experience without emptying their bank account.

Design and Hardware

The Squier by Fender Stratocaster is a solid-bodied electric guitar with a contoured double cutaway design. This model comes with a gloss polyester finish in 2-Color Sunburst, Black, or Candy Apple Red color options that showcase the classic Strat body shape.

The hardware consists of a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge that allows for expressive pitch bending effects. It has a set of die-cast tuning machines and a master volume control knob. There are three single-coil Stratocaster pickups that provide the signature bright and chimey tone that this guitar model is known for. The pickups are controlled by a 5-way pickup selector switch which allows for a wide tonal palette.

The contoured body shape and smooth finish make this guitar comfortable to play for long periods of time. The 25.5" scale maple neck has a modern "C" profile that most guitarists find accessible. There are 22 medium jumbo frets installed on the rosewood fingerboard. Overall, the Squier Stratocaster provides versatile sound options and great playability at an affordable price point, making it a top choice for beginner and intermediate players looking for that classic Strat tone and feel.

Another popular electric guitar model to consider in this price range is the Washburn WD7SCE-A. This guitar has a single-cutaway mahogany body with a gloss finish. The neck is also mahogany with a smooth satin finish. It has 22 frets and a rosewood fingerboard. Hardware includes Grover tuners and a Tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece for good tuning stability and sustain.

The Washburn WD7SCE-A is equipped with two Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups that deliver a warmer, thicker sound compared to single-coil pickups. Between the two pickups, there is a three-way toggle switch along with individual volume and tone controls. The cutaway body style provides excellent upper fret access. Overall, the Washburn WD7SCE-A offers versatility with its dual humbucking pickups and traditional single-cut design.

Sound and Playability

The Squier Stratocaster electric guitar provides classic Fender Stratocaster tone and playability at an entry-level price point. The tonewood combination of basswood body and maple neck and fretboard produces the signature bright, snappy Strat sound. The three single-coil pickups offer crystal clear tone for chords and single-note lines. While the pickups don't have quite the richness and harmonics of higher-end Fenders, they still deliver the versatile and familiar Strat tone. The 5-way pickup selector switch lets you choose neck, middle, or bridge pickups alone or in combination for a variety of tones.

This Squier Strat is easy for beginners to learn on with its comfortable contoured body shape, C-shaped neck, and medium jumbo frets. The tapered heel allows easy upper fret access. More experienced players may find the hardware and pickups limiting over time, but the guitar still provides a solid platform for practice, jamming, and gigging. While not a professional-grade instrument, it's playable straight out of the box.

For those looking for a more affordable electric guitar option, the Monoprice 625904 is worth considering. This is another entry-level model that delivers decent sound and playability without breaking the bank. It has a basswood body with a maple neck and rosewood fretboard. The two humbucking pickups provide thick, warm tone that works for rock and metal. While it doesn't have the crisp single-coil snap of a Strat, the humbuckers still give a versatile range of tones.

The neck has a comfortable slim taper C profile that makes it easy to play. The frets are finished nicely without sharp edges. The tuners keep the guitar in tune well, which is important for a beginner model. Overall the hardware and electronics are decent quality for the low price point. Of course, it's not going to match up to more expensive guitars in terms of craftsmanship and components. But it provides good value if you're just starting out or want a solid beater guitar.

The tone and playability allow you to practice and jam with confidence. While the pickups lack some richness and definition, they still sound good enough for both practicing and gigging. The guitar stays in tune and intonates well up the neck. The neck shape and width make chords and leads comfortable without buzzing. For home use or as a backup gigging guitar, the Monoprice offers a lot of value. It likely won't be a lifelong guitar, but it's a great entry point into the world of electric guitars.

Quality and Construction

The Squier Fender Stratocaster Beginner Electric Guitar delivers above average fit and finish for the price. The body feels solid and well put together. The neck is smooth and the fret edges are nicely finished and won't snag.

Setup out of the box is decent, with action that is playable though higher than more expensive models. Intonation is acceptable, and most buyers won't need a professional setup though it can help optimize playability. Electronics and hardware also perform adequately.

There are some expected quality control issues as is typical for a budget guitar model. Occasionally there may be some cosmetic blemishes in the finish, though nothing major. The tuners can have a bit of looseness and may need to be tightened over time. Overall though, for a beginner's first electric guitar in this price range, the quality and construction hold up well. Players report the Squier Strat feeling solid enough to learn on and play for years.

Value and Cost

The Squier Stratocaster offers exceptional value for the price. As a beginner electric guitar priced under $200, it provides great quality and playability that exceeds expectations.

Compared to other beginner electric guitars in a similar price range, the Squier Stratocaster punches above its weight. Models from brands like Epiphone and Ibanez often retail for $200-300 yet don't necessarily provide better build quality or sound.

Many budget guitars around the $100-150 mark tend to cut more corners, with laminate wood bodies, poorer hardware and electronics. The Squier Stratocaster has a solid poplar body and the fit and finish is impressive for an affordable instrument.

Overall, Fender's reputation for quality shines through with the Squier Stratocaster. While not as premium as American-made Fender models, it encapsulates great Strat tone and playability at a fraction of the cost. Beginners would be hard pressed to find a better electric guitar at this price point.

Pros

• The Squier Stratocaster electric guitar has classic and iconic Fender design and styling. It looks, feels, and plays like the more expensive Fender models, with smooth contours, a double cutaway for easy fret access, and the recognizable headstock shape.

• The guitar features quality hardware and electronics, including three single coil pickups for versatile tones from sparkling cleans to growling drive. The pickups provide classic Fender Stratocaster tones and allow for experimenting with different sounds.

• The slim, comfortable "C"-shaped neck profile with rosewood fingerboard allows for fast and smooth playing up and down the neck. The construction quality exceeds other guitars in this price range.

• This Squier model provides excellent value for the money. While not a professional level instrument, it performs far above other beginner guitars. For those starting out or looking for a solid backup option, it's hard to beat the quality and tone provided at this accessible price point.

Cons

• The pickups and hardware are lower quality than more expensive Fender models. The pickups can lack crispness and definition.

• The tuning stability is not as robust as higher-end guitars. It may require more frequent tuning to stay in pitch.

• The lower quality tuners and bridge can cause issues like string slippage or incorrect intonation over time. This may require replacement down the road.

• The lighter body wood and cheaper hardware impact the overall tone and sustain. It won't have the same acoustic resonance or lively harmonics as pricier options.

• While playable, the neck shape and fretwork are more basic than American-made Fender guitars. Those expecting premium feel may be disappointed.

• Electronics like the volume and tone pots, switch, and jack are more prone to wear than pro-grade components. Durability issues could arise.

• The fit and finish is not as refined. Tooling marks, uneven frets, and other small flaws may be present from the factory.

Ideal Buyer

The Squier Stratocaster is best suited for beginners and younger players, or those on a tight budget. It provides an affordable entry point into the Stratocaster style guitar, allowing new players to learn on an instrument with the look, feel, and sound of the legendary Fender model.

With its lightweight, comfortable body size and fast slim neck, the Squier Strat is ideal for smaller hands and younger players. The short scale length reduces tension on the strings, making it easier for beginners to press down notes and chord shapes.

The classic single coil pickup configuration allows guitarists to explore Strat-style tones across genres like rock, blues, country, and more. Though it may not stand up to heavy use and abuse, the Squier Strat gives an authentic Stratocaster experience perfect for learners developing their skills.

Intermediate players may also appreciate the Strat as an inexpensive beater or backup guitar. However, more advanced guitarists and professionals will likely want to invest in a higher-end Fender model with better components and craftsmanship.

Overall, the ideal buyer for this Squier Stratocaster is a new guitarist or student on a budget, looking for their first electric guitar with the iconic style and sound of a Fender Strat.

Alternatives

The Squier by Fender Stratocaster Beginner Electric Guitar is a fantastic starter instrument, but there are a couple other beginner electric guitars worth considering as alternatives:

Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar

The Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II is another high quality, budget-friendly electric guitar for beginners. It has a similar price point to the Squier Stratocaster but features a mahogany body and slim taper neck for a different feel and sound. The Les Paul shape produces a thicker, punchier tone compared to the brighter, twangier Strat. The Epiphone also comes in several eye-catching color finishes. Overall, the Les Paul SPECIAL-II is ideal for beginners looking for that classic rock and roll vibe.

Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V Electric Guitar

For beginners needing versatility, the Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V is an excellent alternative choice. It combines a Strat-style body with humbucker and single coil pickups for a wide range of tones. The Pacifica usually costs a bit more than the Squier Stratocaster but delivers excellent build quality and components for the price. It's comfortable to play and suitable for many music genres. The Pacifica 112V is arguably the best beginner electric guitar under $300.

Conclusion

The Squier by Fender Stratocaster is an excellent choice for beginner guitarists or those on a budget looking for that classic Strat tone and feel. With its lightweight agathis body, maple neck and Indian laurel fingerboard, it retains the look, sound and playability of the Fender Stratocaster design.

The build quality is quite good for the price, and the hardware performs well staying in tune and intonating accurately. While you won't get US-made Fender pickups and electronics, the pickups still deliver that versatile Strat tone from sparkling cleans to growling grit when overdriven.

The playability is comfortable and fast thanks to the thin, satin-finished neck and medium jumbo frets. The guitar feels solidly put together, unlike other very cheap Strat copies. Overall, while not a American-made Fender, the Squier Stratocaster punches way above its class in terms of quality and value.

For beginners or those on a tight budget, the Squier Stratocaster is highly recommended as an affordable way to get into the Strat sound and experience. More advanced players may want to go for a higher-end Fender model, but for most players this Squier hits the sweet spot of price versus performance. You'd be hard pressed to find a better Strat-style guitar for under $200.