Stratocaster Dimensions – Deep Dive

Author: Tyler Connaghan

Tyler Connaghan is a guitarist, singer, producer, composer & engineer based in Los Angeles, California. Tyler has been playing the guitar since 2007. In between writing for guitar publications, he produces music for film and television. His favorite axe is his custom Pelham Blue Fender Stratocaster.

Expertise: music industry, producing, acoustic & electric guitars, songwriting

Bachelor of Science in Music Industry Studies, Music Industry

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Editor: Edward Bond

Edward has been playing the guitar since 2002. So Edward has over 20 years of experience as a guitarist, has authored 15 guitar books, has written for renowned music blogs, and spent a decade teaching music. He began merging his passion for writing and music in 2020 and has written for big guitar websites such as Guitar Head Publishing and KillerGuitarRigs.com.

Originally from Seattle, Edward moved to Norway in 2021 for a master’s in music. He’s studied at the Jazz Institute Berlin and Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and currently resides in Trondheim. His education includes a European Jazz Master’s, a diploma in Film and Game Scoring from Sofia, and a Bachelor’s in Jazz from University of Oregon.

Edward has played in numerous bands and currently, Edward works on his own project Starship Infinity

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The Fender Stratocaster might be the most instantly recognizable guitar on Earth. For more than half a century, it has paved its way through the halls of rock n’ roll, funk, blues, pop, and beyond. From Eric Clapton to Jimi Hendrix to Stevie Ray Vaughan, the legendary musicians who have used the Stratocaster to create their unique hits are countless. 

Beyond its status as one of the great guitars, one thing that makes the Strat so unique is its dimensions — the nuanced yet critical specifications that shape every subtlety of its character.

Whether you’re getting ready to build your own Stratocaster or want a deeper insight into the anatomy of this electric guitar, continue reading as we explore the Stratocaster dimensions.

Fender Stratocaster Measurements & Dimensions

The Standard Strat Dimensions

For these measurements, I used my American Performer Stratocaster (above). Fender uses the imperial system for manufacturing, so all guitar dimensions are given in inches and pounds.

Super-strats & Other Modern Strat Designs

Jackson Soloist

Charvel 5150

Ibanez Prestige

Mini Stratocaster Dimensions

For these measurements, I used a standard Squier Mini Stratocaster.

Key Features Of Stratocasters

• Wood: Most Fender Stratocasters are made with alder, though some Deluxe models use ash.
• Necks: While most popular Fender Stratocasters use classic “C” necks, depending on the model you get, it could also have a “D”, “V”, or “U” neck profile.
• Fingerboard: Depending on the model you get, your Strat could come with a rosewood or maple fingerboard.
• Electronics: Most standard Stratocaster models have three single-coil pickups and a five-way pickup switch.
• Tremolo: Synchronized tremolo systems can change depending on the model. You can either get a 6-saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo or a modern 2-point Pop-In Tremolo

Which Stratocaster Design Is Right For Me?

With so many different Stratocaster models out there, there are several things to consider before making the ultimate choice. 

Let’s take a look at a few of the most important considerations. 

• Your Size: Are you relatively small? How about your hands or arms? If so, consider a smaller Strat, such as the Squier Mini, the smallest Stratocaster.
• Neck Profile: Though the “C” neck shape is pretty versatile, some people prefer something different, such as a rounded “U” neck for a more substantial feel or a “Slim C” neck for a slightly narrower grip.
• Scale Length: The biggest influence scale length has is the tension on the strings. While 25.5” is standard for Strats, you might consider shorter Stratocaster neck dimensions for smoother, easier bends with less tension. 
• Body Size: This is entirely preferential, and you might be best off going to your local guitar shop and sitting down with a bunch of different Strat models to decide which contour fits your body best.
• Weight: How much a guitar weighs can be a huge consideration if you plan to play out live. The lighter the guitar, the easier it will be to play standing up for hours on end.
• Tone: Hundreds of small characteristics can impact the overall tone of your guitar, from the type of pickups to the wood on the neck. Again, I recommend checking out your local guitar shop or watching a few video reviews of these guitars to find one that best suits your tonal preferences.

Now that you better understand Strat body dimensions and why they’re so important, you might also consider seeing how they compare to other electric guitar body shapes.

5 Best Stratocasters

• Best Overall: Fender American Performer Stratocaster.
• Best Premium Option: Fender American Ultra Stratocaster.
• Best Super-Strat: Jackson Soloist.
• Best Mini-Strat: Squier Mini Stratocaster.
• Best Budget: Squier Affinity Stratocaster.

*Consider all links in this post to be affiliate links. If you purchase, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission. It helps us to keep the lights on, thanks! 🙂

Conclusion

While Stratocaster dimensions might look like plain old numbers to some people, true guitarists know how much impact they can have on a guitar’s playability and tone. 

With this in mind, your next step is to get out there and start testing some different Fender models! 

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