Collection: Fender Stratocaster Guitars
Our collection of Fender Stratocaster guitars at Chicago Music Exchange features one of the most famous electric models in history. Known for its versatile tones and iconic design, the Stratocaster stands out as a top choice for musicians. Buy the best Stratocasters online, including new, used, and vintage options. Find the perfect guitar to elevate your sound and continue the legacy of this legendary instrument.
Fender Stratocaster Guitars
The Fender Stratocaster is one of the most iconic electric guitars ever made. Since its introduction in 1954, the Strat has shaped the sound of rock, blues, funk, pop, country, indie, and countless styles in between.
At Chicago Music Exchange, we’re proud to be one of the leading Fender Stratocaster dealers in the United States, offering everything from beginner-friendly Squier Stratocasters to elite Fender Custom Shop and Masterbuilt instruments. Our inventory spans decades of Strat history, modern innovations, and vintage-inspired reissues.
We regularly stock MIM Player Series, Vintera II, Made in Japan Traditional & Hybrid models, American Professional II, American Ultra, American Vintage II, and a deep selection of Fender Custom Shop Stratocasters, including ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s reissues, HSS hot-rodded builds, heavy relic finishes, and artist models.
Why Players Love the Fender Stratocaster
- Exceptionally versatile tone — quack, chime, sparkle, and bite
- SSS, HSS, and HSH pickup configurations
- Comfortable contoured body design
- Smooth, expressive tremolo systems
- Vintage and modern voicing options
- Wide range of neck shapes, finishes, and specs
No electric guitar has offered more tonal range, evolutionary depth, or player personalization than the Stratocaster.
Stratocaster Models Available at CME
Squier Stratocaster Models
Affordable, beginner-friendly instruments that are also favorites for modification and experimentation.
- Squier Affinity Stratocaster
- Squier Bullet Stratocaster
- Squier Classic Vibe ’50s & ’60s Stratocaster
- Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
Fender Mexico (MIM) Stratocaster Models
Mid-priced performance instruments offering excellent value and modern playability.
- Player Stratocaster
- Player Plus Stratocaster
- Vintera II ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s Stratocasters
- Vintera Modified Stratocasters
- Deluxe and Standard Stratocasters
Fender Made in Japan (MIJ) Stratocasters
Highly regarded for craftsmanship, consistency, and unique specifications.
- MIJ Traditional Series
- MIJ Hybrid II Series
- Limited and Japan-exclusive colorways
Fender American Stratocaster Models
Professional-grade instruments built for gigging, touring, and studio work.
- American Performer Stratocaster
- American Professional II Stratocaster
- American Ultra and Ultra Luxe Stratocasters
- American Vintage II — period-correct 1957, 1961, and 1973 reissues
Fender Custom Shop Stratocasters
The pinnacle of Stratocaster craftsmanship, featuring hand-built reissues and Masterbuilt instruments.
- ’56 Strat Relic
- ’59 Strat Journeyman
- ’60 Strat Heavy Relic
- ’65 Strat NOS
- Custom Shop HSS and hot-rodded builds
CME frequently offers Custom Shop Stratocasters with standout tops, custom colors, exclusive specs, and limited-run finishes.
Artists Who Shaped the Stratocaster
The Stratocaster has been central to the sound and identity of countless legendary players, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer, David Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Nile Rodgers.
Stratocaster Features & Specifications
- 21- and 22-fret configurations
- 7.25", 9.5", and compound fingerboard radii
- Vintage-style tremolo and 2-point synchronized trem systems
- Maple and rosewood fingerboards
- SSS, HSS, and HSH pickup layouts
- Noiseless and traditional single-coil options
- Vintage-style neck profiles through Modern C and Soft V
Typical Price Ranges
- $199–$499 — Squier Stratocaster
- $699–$1,199 — Fender Player and Vintera Series
- $1,299–$1,899 — Fender American Performer
- $1,899–$2,299 — Fender American Professional II
- $2,199–$2,899 — Fender American Ultra and Ultra Luxe
- $2,499–$5,499 — Fender American Vintage II
- $3,999–$10,000+ — Fender Custom Shop Stratocasters
Why Buy Your Stratocaster from Chicago Music Exchange?
- One of the largest Fender Stratocaster inventories in the U.S.
- Full spectrum selection from Squier to Fender Custom Shop
- Exclusive CME Fender runs and custom colors
- Professional setups and detailed photography
- Expert support and worldwide shipping
Stratocaster FAQ
What’s a good Stratocaster for beginners?
Squier Classic Vibe and Fender Player Series models are popular starting points.
What’s the difference between Squier, MIM, MIJ, and USA Strats?
Materials, electronics, finishes, and build details scale up across tiers.
What’s the most popular Stratocaster model?
The American Professional II Stratocaster is one of the most widely used modern Strat models.
What Stratocaster works best for blues?
’60s-style Stratocasters with vintage-voiced single-coil pickups are longtime favorites.
Does CME carry Fender Custom Shop Stratocasters?
Yes. Chicago Music Exchange regularly stocks one of the strongest Custom Shop Strat selections in the country.
Used and Vintage Fender Stratocasters
At Chicago Music Exchange, discover a curated collection of vintage and used Fender Stratocaster guitars, each with its own unique story and sonic character. For the discerning player seeking a piece of music history, we often feature highly sought-after models from notable years such as the early slab-board rosewood fretboard examples from 1959 to 1962, the transition-era models of 1964-1965, and the CBS-era instruments from the late 1960s and 1970s, each representing a distinct phase in the Stratocaster's evolution. Explore our inventory, which may include guitars from popular Fender series like the vintage-inspired American Vintage II series, the player-focused American Professional II series, and the value-driven Player series, offering a spectrum of features and specifications.
Our dedicated vintage team at Chicago Music Exchange meticulously researches every vintage Stratocaster and used Stratocaster that comes through our doors. We possess extensive knowledge of the serial number systems used on these fantastic instruments and are always eager to share our expertise with you. Contact us via chat, call, or email for detailed information about any used or vintage Fender Stratocaster listed on our website. Understanding the importance of weight for many players, we provide the weight of every used Stratocaster directly on its listing. Don't hesitate to use the "Offer" button on our used and vintage Fender Telecaster listings to submit your price and secure the best possible deal.
Fender Custom Shop Stratocasters
Immerse yourself in the pinnacle of Fender craftsmanship with our exceptional selection of Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster guitars at Chicago Music Exchange. Since the inception of the Fender Custom Shop in 1987, a dedicated team of over 50 master artisans has meticulously crafted instruments to exacting specifications, from precisely shaped necks and flawless fretwork to stunning finishes and authentic aging. Each Custom Shop Strat embodies years of hard-earned skill, delivering an unparalleled playing experience that only Fender's elite builders can achieve. Explore both our collection of new Fender Custom Shop Stratocasters and our carefully curated inventory of used Fender Custom Shop Strats, each offering a unique blend of premium features and exceptional tone.
Elevating the Custom Shop experience, discover our exclusive line of "Chicago Special" Stratocasters, a true collaboration between Chicago Music Exchange and the Fender Custom Shop. These exceptional instruments are defined by their unique Chicago Special pickups, meticulously designed by CME in partnership with Mike Lewis, Vice President of Product Development at Fender Custom Shop. These pickups, exclusive to CME and Custom Shop orders through us, represent what we believe to be the quintessential "Chicago sound"—a broad range of tones perfectly suited for any musical style. Precisely calibrated with our preferred enamel wire gauges and alnico magnets, and potted in shellac for an open, wide-range frequency response, these pickups deliver a sonic palette unlike any other. Whether you're seeking a brand-new, bespoke creation or a coveted used Custom Shop Strat, our Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster selection, including our one-of-a-kind Chicago Special Strat, offers the ultimate in Fender artistry and tone, available only at Chicago Music Exchange.
Squier Stratocasters
Unlock the iconic Stratocaster vibe and versatility without breaking the bank with our extensive collection of Squier Stratocaster guitars at Chicago Music Exchange. As the official value-oriented brand from Fender, Squier offers a fantastic entry point into the world of Stratocaster sound and style. Explore popular Squier series such as the beginner-friendly Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster, the upgraded features and classic looks of the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster, and the modern playability of the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster. Whether you're a budding guitarist or a seasoned player looking for a reliable and mod-friendly instrument, our diverse range of Squier Strats has something for everyone.
Adding a unique touch to your sonic journey, Chicago Music Exchange collaborates directly with Squier to bring you exclusive Squier Stratocasters in limited-edition finishes you won't find anywhere else. These special models offer the same great Squier playability and tone, but with eye-catching colors and aesthetics that set them apart.