Welcome to Fender Squier Deluxe Stratocaster Review.
You came to my page because you want to know if this guitar model is worth its price and its overall performance.
My review will answer your questions as well as it will give a good comparison to other models. I have been modifying and repairing guitars for more than 15 years.
What is Fender Squier Deluxe Stratocaster?
The Fender Squier Deluxe Stratocaster is a great guitar for beginners and those advanced players with a limited budget, and planning to modify this guitar.
At first glance, there may not much difference between the Squier Deluxe Stratocaster and the Stratocaster sold directly under the Fender name.
However, the fundamental difference between the two comes in price point, with the Squier guitar coming at hundreds, if not thousands of dollars cheaper.
While the Fender version of the Stratocaster is undoubtedly one of the best instruments in today’s market, the fact that most of its tone and feel is replicated in the Squier makes the more affordable instrument all the more appealing.
Fender Squier Deluxe Stratocaster Review
Summary
Model: Squier Deluxe Stratocaster
Manufacturer: Fender China or Fender Indonesia
Recommended for modification: Yes
Price: $299
Rating Stars: 5/5 Bottom line:
This is a much better upgrade from the Squier Standard Stratocaster considering that you have a Basswood body whereas the rest of the Squier Series uses Agathis.
Basswood is a tonewood used by some high-end guitar models on brands like Ibanez.
A Basswood Body and A Maple Neck with Indian Laurel Fretboard
The body of the Fender Squier Deluxe Stratocaster is manufactured using basswood, which is an affordable and highly abundant material. It gives a full, but fairly well-balanced sonic quality to this guitar.
It also provides a good quality mid-range. It is a light and softwood, which makes it easy to work within the manufacturing process as well as making it easy and comfortable to play.
This guitar also features a three-ply parchment pickguard to protect the body during heavy playing.
The urethane finish on it also helps with this purpose and gives the Fender Squier Deluxe Stratocaster a similar look to more expensive Stratocasters.
The bridge on the Squier Deluxe Stratocaster has a synchronous twin pivot tremolo. On the other hand, maple wood is used on both the neck and the fretboard of the Squier Deluxe Stratocaster.
Not only does this give the guitar a firmer feel when played, but it also adds some much-needed clarity and brightness to the guitar’s sound.
The modern C-shape, as well as the use of this material on the neck and fretboard of the guitar, also allow this Squier model to share a similar look with the Fender version, which uses the same type of neck shape and wood.
The fretboard features 22 medium jumbo-sized frets with dot inlays, again similar to the Fender.
Fender Squier Deluxe Stratocaster Review
Summary
Model: Squier Deluxe Stratocaster
Manufacturer: Fender China or Fender Indonesia
Recommended for modification: Yes
Price: $299
Rating Stars: 5/5 Bottom line:
This is a much better upgrade from the Squier Standard Stratocaster considering that you have a Basswood body whereas the rest of the Squier Series uses Agathis.
Basswood is a tonewood used by some high-end guitar models on brands like Ibanez.
Three Duncan Designed HR-101 Hotrails Humbucker Pickups
The Fender Squier Deluxe Stratocaster makes use of three Duncan Designed Humbucking pickups. These are the affordable version of the Seymour Duncan Hotrails, yet it gives the guitar a more balanced tone along with increased sustain.
Each of the Duncan Designed pickups in the neck, middle, and bridge positions are specifically calibrated to produce a chimney and bright tone. The Squier Deluxe Stratocaster has a five-position blade for switching between pickups.
There are three control knobs on the Squier Deluxe Stratocaster: one for its volume and the other two for the tone of the neck and middle pickup respectively.
The machine heads are standard die-cast tuners, while the rest of the metallic hardware has a chrome finish to increase their durability and resistance against corrosion.
The Fender Squier Deluxe Stratocaster comes in a wide array of colors and configurations. Aged plastic parts are added to this guitar to give it a more retro look.
These features, as well as those mentioned above, coupled with its affordability, make it a sensible choice for anyone on even the tightest of budgets looking for a quality made instrument with the looks to match.
Pricing
The Squier Deluxe Stratocaster retails at $299 which is about $50 more expensive than the Squier Standard Stratocaster.
I think the $50 is worth the upgrade considering that you have a Basswood body while the Squier Standard Stratocaster has Agathis body.
Conclusion
This guitar is great for beginners and those players who are planning to use this guitar for modifications. The basswood body is a very good upgrade over the Squier Standard Stratocaster.
I highly recommend this guitar for modifications than the other Squier Stratocaster Series guitars. This is a cheaper and a great option to modify than a Fender Standard Stratocaster which is made in Mexico and costs twice as much.
Remember, when selecting a guitar to modify, what matters is the body and neck. Basswood and 22 frets on a Squier Deluxe Stratocaster? That is a good deal.
At a Glance
Fender Squier Deluxe Stratocaster Review
Summary
Model: Squier Deluxe Stratocaster
Manufacturer: Fender China or Fender Indonesia
Recommended for modification: Yes
Price: $299
Rating Stars: 5/5 Bottom line:
This is a much better upgrade from the Squier Standard Stratocaster considering that you have a Basswood body whereas the rest of the Squier Series uses Agathis.
Basswood is a tonewood used by some high-end guitar models on brands like Ibanez.
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