Fender American Professional Classic Stratocaster HH vs Squier Classic Vibe '70s Stratocaster HH

The American Professional Classic Stratocaster is the better-built guitar: US-made alder body, maple neck, 22 medium jumbo frets and a gig bag included. The Squier Classic Vibe '70s is a faithful 1970s tribute with a slim C neck and vintage-tinted gloss finish, and it plays well for the money. Buy the American if you want a long-term instrument with better hardware and resale; buy the Squier if you want the 1970s look and feel on a tighter budget. Note the two listings disagree on pickups: the American page names single-coils while the model name says HH, and the Squier page describes three single-coils despite an HH name, so confirm the actual pickup set before ordering.

• Choose the American Professional Classic Stratocaster if you want a US-made, gig-ready guitar with a gig bag and hardware that holds up over years of playing.
• Choose the Squier Classic Vibe '70s Stratocaster if you want the 1970s large-headstock look and a slim, easy-playing neck without stepping up to a US model.