Used Fender Stratocasters for Sale – What to Know Before You Buy

Few guitars are as iconic—or as versatile—as the Fender Stratocaster. Whether you’re chasing clean blues, gritty rock, or modern indie tones, the Strat is a reliable workhorse that’s been used by legends from Jimi Hendrix to John Mayer.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to buy new to get the Strat tone and feel. A high-quality used or refurbished Stratocaster can save you money and deliver a better playing experience than a brand-new budget model.

Here’s what you need to know before buying a used Strat—and how to spot a great deal.

🎸 Why the Strat Is a Beginner and Intermediate Favorite

Stratocasters are known for:

  • Three pickup positions = tons of tonal variety

  • Comfortable body contour = great for long practice sessions

  • Classic looks and legendary sound

That’s why they’re a go-to choice for many players starting out, and why they hold value incredibly well—especially used models from Squier and Fender.

🔁 Why Buying a Used Strat Makes Sense

A brand-new Fender Strat can cost well over $1,000. But a used or refurbished Strat from a trusted shop like Morris Guitar Company can get you the same tones and build quality for $300 to $500.

Here’s why buying used is often the smarter move:

✅ Better Value for the Price

You can often get a higher-end Squier or even a Mexican-made Fender Strat for the same price as a brand-new low-end beginner guitar.

✅ Already Broken In

Used guitars are often more “played in,” meaning smoother frets, settled wood, and a more comfortable feel.

✅ Professionally Set Up

At Morris Guitar Company, every Strat we sell is:

  • Cleaned and adjusted

  • Intonation set

  • Action dialed in

  • Ready to play out of the box

🕵️‍♂️ What to Look For in a Used Strat

Before you buy, here are some things we always recommend checking—or that we take care of for you:

Checkpoint What to Look For
Frets & Neck No sharp fret ends, neck should be straight
Electronics Switches and knobs should be responsive
Tuning Stability Guitar should stay in tune during light bends
Model Details Research the exact Squier or Fender series (Affinity, Player, etc.)
Cosmetics Dings are okay—just make sure they’re not structural

💡 Our Top Picks Right Now

Here’s what we currently have in the shop:

  • Squier Classic Vibe '60s Strat – $399
    Warm tone, vintage style, and smooth frets. One of the best beginner-intermediate models out there.

  • Fender Standard Strat – $499
    Made in Indonesia, pro-quality tone and build without the USA price tag.

  • Squier Bullet Strat – $149
    Lightweight, simple, and perfect for new players. Professionally set up to avoid the usual beginner guitar headaches.

🎵 Final Thoughts: Start With a Strat That Feels Right

Whether you’re buying your first electric guitar or adding a Strat to your collection, going used is one of the smartest ways to get more guitar for your money.

At Morris Guitar Company, every used Strat we sell is carefully selected, inspected, and set up—so you can skip the stress and start playing with confidence.

Previous
Previous

A Very Short History of the Acoustic Guitar

Next
Next

How much money should you spend on your first guitar?