Djordje LukovicThere’s more to this guitar than its upscale features and eye-catching design.
If you want to find out what makes this Squier Strat model so special (especially concerning the price), make sure to read on.
Not only are we going to lay it all out in terms of grading its features, but we’re going to compare it with other similar options on the market.
All in all, this guitar offers some legendary tones at a very affordable price!
This is a model that will only be available in 2022, so let’s jump right in ASAP!
Our verdict on the 40th Anniversary Gold Edition Stratocaster
By all means, this is a great guitar for this pricing point. Even the less impressive features can be modified since the Strat is a highly customizable guitar design.
The folks at Squier really stepped up their game for this 40th Anniversary model. Their dedication to quality really shows in, both, the looks of this babe, and its stunning playability.
Another important feat here is the high portability of this guitar. The fine selection of tonewood provides great sound while also making this a lightweight guitar.
Finally, the tones are a dream come true for any vintage guitar enthusiast.
Woodwork
The finely contoured Strat body is made in the best Fender tradition with all of the distinct features present.
Having said that, the choice to use different tonewoods is rather unique. Namely, the body itself is made of nyatoh which ensures a lightweight guitar.
The neck is made of maple and the fingerboard is made of Indian laurel which ensures smoothness of the neck.
The elegant block inlays and the neck binding provide a suave feel to the design.
Electronics
The pickups that we have here are everything a vintage guitar enthusiast would dream of. The pickups are Alnico V.
Combining the pickups with the 5-way pickup switches is sure to give you a nearly infinite array of sonic textures and capabilities.
This guitar comes with that traditional Strat pickup confo. Three single-coil pups are sure to give you that signature Fender bell-like twang.
However, if you are into playing some high-gain type stuff, you might need a humbucker in the bridge. So, you may need to find a different option on the market or invest in a bridge pickup change.
The good thing about the Strat is that it’s highly customizable.
Hardware
Design-wise, the hardware here is definitely something that any guitar player would drool over. The gold-plated design really adds to the sleek look of this bad boy.
However, with all of the guitars in this price range, the hardware quality isn’t quite top-notch.
Build quality
Since this is a commemorative piece that celebrates the 40th anniversary of Squier, they have really stepped up their game in this department.
All of the rough fret edges and similar hiccups are really ironed out here. Even more so than usual, you should expect perfection here.
Squier has really taken their time to make sure everything is ironed out.
Playability
This guitar really aims to honor the tradition of the Strat as well as Squier themselves. You are sure to have a great playing experience.
The 9″5 fretboard radius is something that made Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton fall in love with this style of electric guitar design. The good news is that’s exactly what you are getting here!
The C shape may be an acquired taste for any ultra-modern guitar design fan, but it really is worth getting familiar with.
In our experience, the slight uphill battle of taming the C-shaped beast makes for a more expressive guitar-playing performance.
The vintage-style synchronized tremolo ensures that you can do all the dive bombs your rocker ass would like to.
Also, if you want exceptional tuning stability, just set up your bridge to a non-floating position, and voila! There you have it!
Pricing
The pricing is one of the main superstars here! No buts about it! The sheer number of high-quality features and build quality itself are sure to put this as one of the most desired models for non-professional players in 2022.
Compared to other electric guitars
Now, let’s compare this one to some of the prominent market competitors in a similar pricing range.
40th Anniversary Stratocaster vs. Squier Affinity Stratocaster FMT HSS
If you want a Strat, but would like a more modern variant, you can check the Affinity Series Stratocaster FMT HSS.
The 40th-anniversary model is not better or worse than this one, it’s just a matter of your personal preference or … Affinity … See what we did there?
40th Anniversary Stratocaster vs. Schecter Demon-6
If you are really into playing metal or any other high-gain rock form, make sure to check the Schecter Demon-6. It’s a truly outstanding guitar with a lot of perks to offer for any aspiring metalhead.
In comparison to the 40th-anniversary Squier Strat, again, it is not better nor worse. It’s just different.
40th Anniversary Stratocaster vs. Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Telecaster Thinline
Also, if you’re an alternative/grungy/indie freak, make sure to check out the Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Telecaster Thinline.
Although this Squier Strat is sure to give you some great sounds in this regard, the Tele Thinline model may just be a tad more specialized in that area of music and guitar playing.
All in all, this guitar is one of the best in this price range. It’s just a matter of your personal taste.
Our fine folks here at Higher Hz made sure that you have some of the other options laid out here as well.
Who is the Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster best suited for?
First of all, stylistically this guitar is great for any classic rock situation. The same goes for pop, jazz, and even some hard rock. Not to mention the ever-so-popular lo-fi guitar genre.
However, if you are into playing metal, or any other high-gain genre, you are going to deal with some 60 cycle hum problems.
Overall, this guitar is geared towards intermediate players. Also, it is great for any traveling musician, since it is very lightweight and highly portable.
Having said that, with a few investments, this could be a great guitar for professionals as well.
As far as beginners go, if this one is within your budget, go for it! You’ll have a guitar that will serve you well for years to come!
- Legendary tones at an affordable price.
- Suave look/design.
- High playability and high portability.
- Mediocre hardware.
- Single-coil pickups may be a turn-off for some.
