Is the Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS good for beginners?

Yes. The light body, comfortable satin neck and familiar Strat layout make it easy to learn on, and the humbucker adds heavier tones a single-coil starter guitar lacks.

How does it compare with the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster?

The Classic Vibe uses better pickups and hardware and costs more. The Sonic is lighter and simpler, with a humbucker option the Classic Vibe Strat usually does not have.

Does the bridge humbucker make it good for rock and metal?

It handles classic rock and heavier rhythm work better than single-coils alone. For very high-gain metal, expect to pair it with a suitable amp or pedal.

Does it stay in tune with the tremolo?

Sealed tuners help, but the tremolo can pull tuning sharp with heavy use. Light vibrato and a proper setup keep it more stable.

The guitar itself. A cable, strap, gig bag and amp are usually sold separately, so budget for those if you are starting out.

Is the neck easy for smaller hands?

The C-shaped profile and satin finish are generally comfortable, and the 25.5-inch scale is standard Strat length. Beginners with small hands often find it manageable.

What do buyers say about the Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar?

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 216 ratings.

Where can I buy the Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar?

13 stores we checked sell it, including musicstore.com, Lisbon Music Shop, Guitar Center, Fender, Musicians Friend.

Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar

Q: Where is the Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar cheapest?

At musicstore.com, for $185.00, 26% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Best price now

$185.00at musicstore.comChecked Nov 3

26% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 13 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit musicstore.com

What reviewers say

4.7 / 5216 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 across 216 ratings, buyers treat it as a strong first or budget guitar. Most praise the comfortable neck, light body and the humbucker-plus-single-coil range for the money.

What people mention

Neck feelPraisedOwners find the satin C-shaped neck smooth and easy to play, especially for beginners.
Pickup rangePraisedThe humbucker and two single-coils let players move between rock distortion and cleaner Strat tones.
SetupCriticisedSeveral buyers say it needs a setup, and sometimes fretwork, before it plays its best.
TremoloMixedThe six-saddle tremolo works for light vibrato but can knock tuning out with heavier use.
BuildMixedThe light body is comfortable, but hardware and pickups feel basic next to higher Squier models.

About the Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar

The Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS is an electric guitar with the classic double-cutaway Stratocaster shape. Its body is lightweight. The neck has a C-shaped profile with a smooth satin finish and a maple fingerboard.

It has an HSS pickup layout. A humbucker in the bridge position delivers a high-output tone for heavier styles. The single-coil neck and middle pickups give a crisp, clear sound for rock, blues and country.

A six-saddle tremolo bridge allows note bending and vibrato effects. Sealed tuning machines help keep the guitar in tune through hours of playing.

Body shape

Double-cutaway Stratocaster

Neck

C-shaped, slim profile, satin finish

Fingerboard

Maple

Pickups

HSS: bridge humbucker, neck and middle single-coils

Bridge

Six-saddle tremolo

Tuners