Squier Sonic Stratocaster Left-Handed vs Yamaha Revstar Element RSE20L

The Revstar Element RSE20L is the better-built guitar: set-in neck, chambered mahogany body, rosewood board and two Alnico V humbuckers. The Sonic Stratocaster is the lighter, simpler choice with classic single-coil Strat tone and a bolt-on maple neck. Owners of the Sonic praise its weight and playability but note the pickups and hardware are basic; Revstar owners rate the neck feel and tuning stability higher. Buy the Yamaha if you want one guitar that covers rock and clean tones with less noise; buy the Squier if you want the Strat sound and feel and plan to upgrade parts later.

• Choose the Squier Sonic Stratocaster if you want classic Strat single-coil tone, the lightest possible body, and a platform you intend to modify.
• Choose the Yamaha Revstar Element RSE20L if you want humbucker tones with less hum, a set-in neck and a more substantial, resonant body.