Fender 0370121554 Electric Guitar: Full Review

The Squier Mini Stratocaster is a small-sized, beginner-friendly guitar modeled after the classic Fender Stratocaster. As the name implies, the Mini Stratocaster retains the iconic contoured double-cutaway body shape and triple single-coil pickup configuration of its full-sized counterpart, but in a more compact and lightweight package geared towards younger players and those with smaller hands.

First introduced in 1996, the Mini Strat features a poplar body, maple neck, and Indian laurel fretboard. It is available in several bright, eye-catching finish options meant to appeal to new guitarists. While made in China for affordability, the Mini Strat utilizes several Fender-designed components to provide respectable sound and playability at a budget price point. This makes it an appealing option for aspiring guitarists looking for a playable, portable, and inexpensive Strat-style guitar.

Appearance

The Squier Mini Stratocaster has a smaller and lighter body than a full-sized Stratocaster, making it ideal for younger players and those with smaller frames. The compact size and short 24" scale length allow easy playability.

The double cutaway body shape provides good access to higher frets while retaining the iconic contoured Strat style. It comes in a vivid Dakota Red finish with a sleek black pickguard. The gloss polyurethane body finish gives it a smooth, polished look.

Other color options are available such as Surf Green, Laurel Fingerboard and Black, Metallic Blue, and Pink. The variety of colors allow you to find a Mini Strat to match your style.

The reduced size doesn't compromise on visual appeal. It has the distinctive Strat shape that looks great on stage or in the studio. The smaller proportion is perfect for new players who want the cool factor of a Strat without the full body size.

While the Squier Mini Stratocaster has an appealing, smaller form, some players may prefer the fuller sound and feel of a full-size electric guitar. The Ibanez AF55TKF is a great full-size option with a rich tonewood construction and comfortable body shape. It has a flamed maple top over mahogany back and sides for balanced tone and sustain.

The AF55TKF has a slender, contoured body that fits nicely against your body in playing position. A double-cutaway provides ample access to the 22 frets. It comes in an eye-catching Transparent Black Sunburst finish that shows off the beautiful figuring of the flamed maple top. The pickguard matches the black hardware for a cohesive look.

This Ibanez model has a pair of Quantum humbucking pickups that deliver everything from warm, rounded tones to screaming leads. A 5-way switch provides access to versatile pickup combinations. It's an intermediate model with pro features but at an accessible price point.

While the Squier Mini Stratocaster is great for new players, the Ibanez AF55TKF is a good next step. Its full size provides richer acoustic projection and more diverse tones. The flamed maple top gives it an elegant look on stage. For players ready to graduate to a pro-style instrument, the Ibanez AF55TKF is an excellent choice.

Playability

The Fender 0370121554 has excellent playability thanks to its comfortable C-shaped neck profile and smooth maple fretboard. The neck is optimized for smaller hands, with a narrow 1.65" nut width, slim profile, and short 24" scale length. Despite the mini size, the string tension is not lacking, providing crisp and lively tone when strummed or picked.

The neck is crafted from maple for brightness, with a modern 9.5" fingerboard radius that makes chording comfortable. It has a smooth satin finish that allows for fast movement up and down the neck. The narrow string spacing helps beginners easily fret chords and develop dexterity. The medium jumbo frets are nicely finished on the edges for smooth bends and vibrato. Overall, the design makes the 0370121554 fun and easy to play while still delivering the distinct Fender tone.

In comparison, the D'Angelico DAPLSG212AGDCP is known for its effortless playability with a slim C-shaped neck and low action. The 12" radius ebony fretboard has a smooth finish for fast leads. The nut width is 1.6875" so those with larger hands can still comfortably fret chords. The jumbo frets are nicely dressed for buttery bends. The guitar feels great whether you are playing intricate solos or rhythmic chords. Overall, both the Fender and D'Angelico offer excellent playability through ergonomic neck design, quality fretwork, and thoughtful hardware and electronics. While the Fender caters more towards beginners, the D'Angelico provides versatile playability for intermediate and advanced players.

Sound

Fender's Squier Mini Stratocaster Electric Guitar punches above its weight when it comes to sound quality. Featuring three single coil pickups, this short-scale guitar offers the unmistakable bell-like tone that Stratocasters are revered for.

The bridge pickup delivers that quacky, twangy snap when clean that cuts through a mix beautifully. When driven with gain, it snarls aggressively - perfect for blues and classic rock riffs. The middle pickup sweetens things up with rounded mids, while the neck pickup warms the tone for smooth lead playing.

There's also a 5-way pickup selector switch, allowing you to tap into a variety of tones from glassy and chimey, to fat and throaty. Combined with individual volume and tone knobs for each pickup, you have exceptional tonal control at your fingertips.

The volume and tone pots feel solid and retain crisp high end when rolled back. The pickup selector switch is sturdy and positive feeling. No unwanted buzzes or crackles, even when really cranking the amp.

The Mini Strat holds its own sonically against full-scale Strats. While the shorter scale slightly reduces low-end thump, the signature sparkling Strat tone absolutely shines through. An extremely versatile guitar that covers a lot of musical ground despite its diminutive size.

Hardware That Delivers On Playability and Sound

The hardware on the Fender Squier Mini Stratocaster is designed for playability, functionality, and great sound.

Bridge

The guitar features a vintage-style 6-saddle bridge which provides solid intonation and sustain. The saddles are sturdy and keep the strings stable and in tune even during aggressive playing.

Tuners

The tuning keys are chrome sealed-gear tuners which turn smoothly and hold tune reliably. String changes are easy with the string posts that have a retentive, non-slip design.

Strap Buttons

The guitar comes equipped with two strap buttons - one located at the bottom horn of the body and one at the heel of the neck. They are made of steel and allow for secure attachment of straps. The placement facilitates proper balancing of the guitar while playing standing up.

Craftsmanship

The Squier Mini Stratocaster impresses with its solid craftsmanship, especially considering its beginner-friendly price point. The body is made from basswood, which helps keep the weight down while still providing good tonal resonance. The maple neck feels smooth and comfortable in the hand. The fretwork is nicely done, with no sharp ends that can irritate fingers.

The hardware also demonstrates careful manufacturing. The vintage-style tremolo bridge stays in tune well even under heavier playing. The tuning machines turn smoothly when adjusting string tension. All parts seem securely attached with no worrying rattles.

Attention has clearly been paid to the smaller details too. The plastic components feel sturdy, not flimsy. The knobs turn smoothly. The input jack fits cables snugly. For a budget-minded guitar, the Mini Strat's craftsmanship shines through with its reliability and playability. Fender cut costs wisely to deliver an instrument that feels solid beyond its price tag.

Versatility

The Squier Mini Stratocaster is incredibly versatile and can adapt to a wide variety of musical styles. Its compact size and short scale length make it an ideal choice for young beginners or players with smaller hands who are just starting out on the guitar. However, the Mini Stratocaster has plenty to offer even more advanced guitarists.

The Mini Strat can easily handle anything from rock and blues to funk, jazz, and country. The three single coil pickups provide that signature Fender sparkle and chime, allowing you to explore the tones of classic Strat players like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Buddy Guy. The five-way pickup selector switch also allows you to tap into glassy neck tones or brighter bridge sounds.

While the Mini Strat comes standard tuned to E A D G B E, the shorter 24" scale length means alternate tunings like open G or drop D are easy to achieve. The tremolo bridge also allows guitarists to experiment with adding vibrato, dive bombs, and other expressive techniques. Whether you want to strum acoustic-style chords or emulate electric blues soloing, the Mini Strat is adaptable enough to fit the bill. Its small form factor belies its tonal versatility and potential across many styles of music.

Value

The Squier Mini Stratocaster offers incredible value for the price. At around $150, it's one of the most affordable Strat-style guitars on the market. Considering the quality of the hardware, electronics, and overall fit and finish, this guitar punches far above its weight class in terms of value.

The main question is - is the Squier Mini Strat worth the investment? For beginner and student guitarists, the answer is a resounding yes. You simply won't find many guitars with these features and playability at this ultra-low price point. Even intermediate players on a budget will find that this mini guitar holds its own in terms of tone and performance.

Some may question whether a 3/4 size guitar like the Mini Strat offers enough value compared to a full-size model. However, the slightly smaller size makes this guitar perfect for younger players and electric guitar novices who struggle with large neck profiles. The 22.75" scale length still allows for comfortable chording and soloing. Overall, the value proposition of the Mini Strat is quite appealing.

In summary, if you're looking for Stratocaster appeal and quality but need to stick to a tighter budget, the Squier Mini Strat delivers tremendous bang for your buck. It's an extremely well-made instrument that belies its affordable price point.

Alternatives

There are other great small-scale electric guitar options in a similar price range to the Squier Mini Stratocaster.

Other Small-Scale Models

Some popular alternatives in the 3/4 size electric guitar market include:

• The Ibanez GRGM21 Mikro - This affordable Ibanez model has a 22.2” scale, rosewood fretboard, and the brand's classic thin, fast neck. It produces decent tone from the Powersound humbuckers. The size makes it very playable for smaller hands.

• Jackson JS Series Dinky - With a 24” scale length, this gives you a bit more room than a true 3/4 while still being easy to handle. The poplar body brings nice resonant tones. It also features a maple neck and fingerboard.

• ESP LTD SN-200HT - The 24.75” scale length gets you even closer to a full size electric. The set neck design offers stability and sustain. It has an aggressive metal look and feel with active EMG-81/60 pickups.

• Gretsch G5420T Electromatic - This hollowbody mini electric generates warm, rich tones. The dual-coil Broad'Tron pickups and Bigsby tailpiece add character. The 23.5” scale suits smaller players.

• Martin LXM Little Martin - The top option for a mini acoustic-electric, this has a 23" scale mahogany top with spruce pattern HPL back and sides. It produces impressive volume and tone from the compact body.

So if you want an alternative scale length, body style, or sound signature, there are lots of excellent small-scale models from top guitar brands to consider alongside the Squier Mini.

Summary

The Squier Mini Stratocaster is an excellent entry-level electric guitar for beginners, children, or anyone who wants a short-scale, lightweight, and affordable Strat. The smaller size makes it comfortable for smaller hands while retaining familiar Strat style and sound.

The main pros are the short scale, lightweight design, classic Strat look and feel, quality hardware and electronics, and extremely affordable price. It's a great value electric guitar to start on and won't break the bank.

Some cons are the lack of finish options, cheaper tuning machines, and lower quality pickups compared to a standard Stratocaster. However, this is expected for the affordable price range.

Overall, the Squier Mini Stratocaster punches above its weight class, offering impressive playability and Fender tone in a compact, travel-friendly package. If you're looking for a quality beginner electric guitar, or want a comfortable short-scale Strat, this model is highly recommended. While not for professional use, it's an excellent entry-level instrument.