You know what? According to this thing we are running, Fender is the best electric guitar brand. And there’s no arguing that they have amazing guitars in their lineup. Here, we have filtered the cream of the crop for you. And the #1 choice is so good that the writer of this piece and the founder of this website decided to spend their hard-earned money to buy one for themselves.
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
Editing & Research: Teemu Suomala
I first grabbed the guitar in 2009. I started this website in January 2020 because I couldn’t do window installation anymore due to my health problems. I love guitars and have played dozens and dozens of different guitars through different amps and pedals over the years, and also, building a website interested me, so I decided to just go for it! I got lucky and managed to get awesome people to help me with my website.
I also got lucky because I have you visiting my website right now. Thank you. I do all this for you guys. If you have any recommendations, tips, or feedback, just leave a comment, I would love to chat with you. I have also been fortunate to produce content for several large guitar websites, such as Songsterr, Musicnotes, GuitarGuitar, and Ultimate Guitar.
I spend my spare time exercising and hanging out with my wife and crazy dog (I guess that went the right way…).
*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! 🙂
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Imagine Having The Technique, Gear, and Sound of The GOATS… But Don’t just imagine. Find out.
Joe Satriani
Main Band
Solo Artist
Main Guitar
Ibanez Joe Satriani Signature JS2480
Joe Satriani
| Uniqueness | (4.5) |
| Accuracy | (5.0) |
| Speed | (5.0) |
| Right Hand | (5.0) |
| Techniques | (5.0) |
| Versatility | (3.5) |
| Performance | (4.5) |
| Overall Lead | (5.0) |
| Overall Rhythm | (4.5) |
Tommy Emmanuel
Main Band
Solo Artist
Main Guitar
Maton TE Personal
Tommy Emmanuel
| Uniqueness | (3.5) |
| Accuracy | (4.5) |
| Speed | (5.0) |
| Right Hand | (5.0) |
| Techniques | (5.0) |
| Versatility | (4.0) |
| Performance | (4.0) |
| Overall Lead | (5.0) |
| Overall Rhythm | (5.0) |
Steve Vai
Main Band
Solo Artist
Main Guitar
Ibanez Steve Vai JEM77
Steve Vai
| Uniqueness | (4.5) |
| Accuracy | (5.0) |
| Speed | (5.0) |
| Right Hand | (4.5) |
| Techniques | (5.0) |
| Versatility | (3.0) |
| Performance | (4.5) |
| Overall Lead | (5.0) |
| Overall Rhythm | (4.5) |
The Next Best:
Best for Intermediate Players – Fender Player Telecaster
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Summary
Pros
- Classic Telecaster look and feel
- Solid playability and intonation
- Best Fender electric guitar for beginners and intermediate players
Cons
- Telecaster purists might not like the included six-saddle bridge
- Although a budget model, synthetic bone nut still feels cheap
Who is this guitar for?
I’d highly recommend the Fender Player Telecaster for players who have already developed some level of skill and want to move up to a better-sounding, more reliable instrument.
Best Premium – Fender American Ultra Stratocaster
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Summary
Pros
- Some of the best components and hardware in the Fender lineup
- Beautifully present tone
- Improved body contour for easier access to the higher frets
- Best-sounding Fender electric guitar money can buy
Cons
- Very expensive
Who is this guitar for?
If you’re someone who values impeccable build quality, tonal flexibility, and outstanding playability, along with exceptional features like the S-1 switching system and Ultra Noiseless pickups, it’s one of the best high-end electric guitars around.
Best Budget – Fender Player Mustang 90 (Works for Small Hands Too)
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Summary
Pros
- Distinct tone with the P-90 single-coil pickups
- C-shaped neck profile provides comfortable playability
- Gorgeous vintage aesthetics
- Greatest Fender for the money
Cons
- Some players might miss out on the versatility of the traditional HSS pickup configuration.
- Although a budget model, synthetic bone nut still feels cheap
Who is this guitar for?
This guitar is great for indie guitarists looking for a distinct tone and vintage aesthetics, whether for alternative rhythm playing or heavy-hitting chords.
Best Vintage Sound – Fender American Professional II Telecaster
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Summary
Pros
- Top-of-the-line build quality and craftsmanship
- Incorporates modern features like the V-Mod II pickups and treble-bleed circuit
- Effortless playability
Cons
- Does not come with locking tuning machines, which I would have liked for the price
Who is this guitar for?
The Pro II Tele might just be the best Fender electric guitar for Telecaster enthusiasts who want a versatile, modern take on a classic.
Compare The Key Specs
Our Reviews of The Top 5
Keep These 3 Key Things In Mind When Choosing:
Listen to sound samples, compare the pickup configurations, and test the guitar if possible to get the right-sounding instrument for you.
Pay attention to the neck shape and nut width, and test the guitar if possible. Also, note that a good setup goes a long way.
In general, Fenders offer great build quality, but still, be sure to fully inspect the guitar you are purchasing or have purchased.
How Did We Choose These Guitars?
Of course, the brand has great historical significance, and each model is iconic in its own right. However, there were a few things I thought extremely important to consider beyond the three key points above.
- For starters, I considered timelessness. For example, the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster are two timeless designs that have played an influential role in shaping music history and haven’t changed much since their inception.
- I also wanted to consider both tonal versatility and playability, as these factors greatly impact how wide of an appeal a guitar will have in the overall market.
- I also considered craftsmanship and build quality. Fenders are high-quality instruments, though some stand the test of time and deliver better performance than others.
- Lastly, I relied on my own experience of playing dozens and dozens of Fenders over to years.
My treasure, Fender American Performer Stratocaster:
Most electric guitars we recommend are run through tests like these:
- We check electronics.
- We inspect the guitar carefully to get a good idea of the finish and built quality of the guitar.
- We inspect the fretwork and edges of the fretboard to make sure there are no sharp edges.
- We run the guitar usually through BOSS Katana 50 MK2 and test clean, crunch, and distorted tones with lead and rhythm playing.
- We use different playing styles to get a good feel for the playability. We use fingerpicking, sweep picking, riffs from different genres, shredding, tapping, chord playing, etc.
- We test all the possible pickup combinations and use different Volume and Tone settings from the guitar.
- We measure and weight the guitar.
- We test the guitar with drop tunings.
Learn more about GND’s testing and reviewing processes here.
Best Overall – Fender American Performer
Specs
The Fender American Performer Stratocaster, an all-time favorite, epitomizes the classic Stratocaster legacy. This Strat remains a popular choice for its blend of tradition and modernity.
Its appearance is stunning, with a satin polyurethane finish and a sleek one-piece maple neck. The fretwork is meticulously crafted, ensuring a superb playing experience from the start. Its Modern C neck profile and Yosemite single-coil pickups offer comfort and versatile sound, efficiently reducing the single-coil hum.
Equipped with a reliable six-point tremolo system, it maintains tuning stability flawlessly. This Stratocaster is a perfect blend of professional quality and practical versatility, ideal for both studio and live performances.
In this video, I highlight 3 must-know Stratocaster tones in 1 minute, using Fender American Performer Stratocaster:
Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredible playability | Vintage saddles might not be everyone’s cup of tea |
| Tonal versatility | Synthetic bone nut is cheap for this price |
| The action feels great right out of the box |
What Others Are Saying:
“I have 4 American Strats. This guitar is just amazing, the Yosemites pickups sounds hot with good bite and well balanced. The neck feels great and easy to play. Recommended 110%.”
Who Is This For?
The American Fender Stratocaster is the perfect guitar for anyone who wants a classic, high-quality, and versatile instrument that they can grow with.
Who This is NOT For?
If you’re an absolute beginner, I would recommend learning on something a bit less expensive.
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Best for Intermediate Players – Fender Player Telecaster
Specs
Upgrading from a Squier? The Fender Player Telecaster is a superb choice. Part of the Player series, it boasts a sleek one-piece maple neck and fretboard, available in various finishes like the eye-catching Sunburst.
The modern C neck profile caters to fast playing and comfort, even during extended sessions. Right out of the box, its intonation impresses, contrasting many budget guitars. Featuring a traditional two-pickup setup with a distinct Telecaster twang at the bridge and warm tones at the neck, it’s slightly less diverse than a Strat but excels in its own right.
Check these articles too:
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5 Best Ibanez Electric Guitars for 2024 (Ibanez Fanboy Picks)
Are Schecter Guitars Good? An In-Depth Analysis for Musicians
Are We Overpaying Just for the Brand Logo? Why Are Fender Guitars So Expensive?
Best Gibson Electric Guitars (By Darren THE Gibson Fan)
Gibson Les Paul Custom vs Standard – Expensive vs Pricey
Enhanced by Standard Die Cast Sealed Fender tuners, its tuning stability is remarkable. The synthetic bone nut, finely crafted, further enhances its intonation quality.
How this guitar sounds:
Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Classic Telecaster look and feel | Telecaster purists might not like the included six-saddle bridge |
| Solid playability and intonation | Although a budget model, synthetic bone nut still feels cheap |
| Great electric guitar for beginners and intermediate players |
What Others Are Saying:
“I purchased this Tele due to my undying love of Fender instruments, I could have bought the more expensive model but after receiving the Player version I don’t see how it be improved. Finish is impeccable, excellent play-ability and superior tone.”
Who Is This For?
I’d highly recommend the Fender Player Telecaster for players who have already developed some level of skill and want to move up to a better-sounding, more reliable instrument.
Who This is NOT For?
This guitar is not the best choice for metal or heavy rock players who enjoy playing with high-gain amps and pedals.
Stratocaster vs Telecaster? Which is best for you?
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Best Premium – Fender American Ultra Stratocaster
Specs
The American Ultra Stratocaster, while resembling a classic Fender Strat, boasts high-end components for those seeking a luxury guitar. It stands out with unique color options like Plasma Burst, Mocha Burst, and Texas Tea, offering a distinct aesthetic.
The comfortable playing experience is enhanced by its “Modern D” neck profile, rolled fingerboard edges, and a tapered neck heel for easy access to higher frets. Its 22 medium jumbo frets and compound radius fingerboard aid precision in soloing.
Notably, it features Ultra Noiseless Vintage pickups for Strat versatility without the hum, and an S-1 switch adds warmth and depth. The premium sealed locking tuners ensure stable tuning even during aggressive play.
How this guitar sounds:
Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Some of the best components and hardware in the Fender lineup | Very expensive |
| Beautifully present tone | |
| Improved body contour for easier access to the higher frets | |
| Best-sounding Fender electric guitar money can buy |
What Others Are Saying:
“I got one of these a year ago and it has become one of my favorite guitars. The roasted maple neck is fantastic. It is one of the best necks I have ever played. Sounds great. Plays great. Looks great. My older boutique strat sits in the closet most of the time now. For the money this guitar plays and feels like a guitar twice the price. Can’t recommend this highly enough.”
Who Is This For?
If you’re someone that values impeccable build quality, tonal flexibility, and outstanding playability, along with exceptional features like the S-1 switching system and Ultra Noiseless pickups, it’s one of the best high-end electric guitars around.
Who This is NOT For?
The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster would not be the best choice for a beginner or casual player on a budget.
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Best Budget – Fender Player Mustang 90 (Works for Small Hands Too)
Specs
The Fender Player Mustang 90, while not the cheapest, offers excellent value as a “budget” guitar with top-notch Fender sound and playability. It modernizes a classic with vintage style and versatile features. Its offset body and pearloid pickguards reflect 60s Mustang charm.
With a balanced tone from its alder body and smooth playability courtesy of its C-shaped maple neck and Pau Ferro fretboard, it stands out. The P-90 single-coil pickups provide a mid-range punch, perfect for various genres.
Reliable hardware ensures solid intonation and tuning stability. Overall, it’s a stylish, versatile guitar ideal for both seasoned players and beginners.
Read the full review of Fender Mustang P90.
How this guitar sounds:
Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Distinct tone with the P-90 single-coil pickups | Some players might miss out on the versatility of the traditional HSS pickup configuration |
| C-shaped neck profile provides comfortable playability | Although a budget model, synthetic bone nut still feels cheap |
| Gorgeous vintage aesthetics | |
| Excellent guitar for the money |
What Others Are Saying:
I love this guitar. The P-90’s sound unique in my collection being slightly thicker sounding than my single coil guitars and perhaps more articulate than my humbucking guitars. They take gain very well too.
Who Is This For?
This guitar is great for indie guitarists looking for a distinct tone and vintage aesthetics, whether for alternative rhythm playing or heavy-hitting chords.
Who This is NOT For?
I wouldn’t recommend this for traditional Stratocaster or Telecaster fans, as the pickup configuration is a bit less versatile.
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Best Vintage Sound – Fender American Professional II Telecaster
Specs
The Fender American Professional II Telecaster, a staple in Fender’s lineup, maintains the classic Telecaster design while integrating modern features. Crafted from either alder or roasted pine, it offers a balanced tone and great aesthetics.
The deep C-shape satin-finished neck ensures smooth playability. It’s equipped with new V-Mod II pickups, delivering a versatile tonal range from crisp articulation to balanced, versatile sounds, enhanced by the treble-bleed circuit for consistent tone control.
With a two-point synchronized tremolo bridge and reliable tuning machines, this guitar suits any musical style and is a preferred choice for modern playing.
How this guitar sounds:
Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top-of-the-line build quality and craftsmanship | Does not come with locking tuning machines, which I would have liked for the price |
| Incorporates modern features like the V-Mod II pickups and treble-bleed circuit | |
| Effortless playability |
What Others Are Saying:
I have to say the Pro II tele is a fantastic specimen from the smooth neck to the V-mod pickups to the push-pull tone knob, saddle and bridge upgrade and spectacular dark knight finish let alone the tones Fender left no stone unturned.
Who Is This For?
The Pro II Tele might just be the best electric guitar for Telecaster enthusiasts who want a versatile, modern take on a Fender classic.
Who This is NOT For?
If you’re a high-gain or heavy-metal player, I’d look elsewhere.
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Runner-Ups That Just Missed The Top 5
Buyer’s Guide
The Fender Range Explained
- Fender American Ultra Series – When it comes to top-tier Fender models, look no further than the American Ultra series. From Strats to Teles, all the guitars in the American Ultra range are tailored to professional musicians who need the most out of their instruments. Expect to find features like advanced pickup switching options, compound radius fingerboards, and Noiseless pickups.
- Fender American Professional II Series – Just a step down from the American Ultra range is the American Professional II range. You pretty much get the same level of craftsmanship with slightly varying features, such as the comfortable Deep C neck profiles and V-Mod II pickups.
- Fender American Performer Series – In my opinion, the Fender American Performer series is one of the best ranges all around. All of these guitars are made with quality American-made components and the Yosemite pickups are some of my favorites
- Fender Player Series – If you’re an intermediate player looking to upgrade your entry-level guitar, take a look at the Fender Player series. You get a more affordable price point with high-end materials like your standard synthetic bone nut and clean position inlays.
- Squier Series – The Squier series is the budget-friendly younger brother of Fender, perfect for beginners or budget-conscious players.
How to Choose The Right Fender Electric Guitar For You
Body Styles
- Stratocaster: The Icon of Versatility The Fender Stratocaster’s double cut-away design is instantly recognizable. It’s versatile in tone, making it a favorite across various music genres.
- Telecaster: The Rock and Country Staple The Telecaster’s single cutaway design is cherished for its unique twang, loved by rock and country musicians.
- Mustang: Compact Comfort The Mustang stands out with its shorter scale length, ideal for younger players or those with smaller hands.
- Jazzmaster and Jaguar: Indie Favorites These models, known for their offset bodies, are popular in indie and surf rock for their distinctive jangly tones.
Woods
Wood Choices and Their Impact Fender guitars use pine, ash, or alder, each influencing the sound. Alder is known for balance and light weight, ash for brightness and sustain, and pine for a smoother mid-range and lighter weight.
Pickups
Here are your Fender electric pickup options
- Single-Coil Pickups: Offer brightness and clarity but can be noisy.
- Humbucker Pickups: Powerful, eliminating unwanted hum.
- Noiseless Pickups: Single-coil tone without the noise.
- Texas Special Pickups: Grittier output for a punchy tone.
Neck Profiles
- C-Shape: Comfortable and balanced, suitable for various styles.
- D-Shape: Fuller feel, as seen in the American Ultra Stratocaster.
- V-Shape and U-Shape: Additional support and substantial feel, preferred in vintage models.
Budget Considerations
- Squier Series: Ideal for beginners or budget-conscious players.
- American Performer and Player Series: Great for intermediate players.
- American Professional and Ultra Series: Premium craftsmanship for professionals.
Choosing Based on Skill Level
- Beginners: Look for easy playability and comfort.
- Intermediate Players: Seek versatility and improved electronics.
- Advanced Players: Opt for high-end playability and craftsmanship.
Testing Tips Visit a music store to try different Fenders. Check comfort, sound, response to pedals, and seek expert advice for the best fit.
Thnx for share.. Very best post. Ty.
Thanks for stopping by!
I like my Tele,I’m a vocalist not much a guitarist,so I need help and this guitar provided it.At first,the high E kept popping out of the slot. I finally filed it and now works great. This guitar is easy for me to play and versatile.
Hi Jon and thanks for commenting! Awesome that you got things sorted out with your Tele! What exact model is it?
The public are voting with their wallet and Jazzmasters are having an unprecedented renaissance, so I’m surprised not to see one listed here, especially given there are two strats, teo teles and interestingly a mustang. Go figure.
Hi Antonio and thanks for commenting! I love Jazzmasters, Mustangs, and Jaguars. But I think that Strats and Teles serve the most players the best when it comes to Fenders
I couldn’t agree with Tyler more on number 1 here.
I have been recently tried to get my hands on one, but no stores in Finland currently have the Fender American Performer Stratocaster SSS in stock…
If someone wants to spend less, I wouldn’t shy away from Fender Player Strats…they sound and play great!
Was never much of a Strat person. Still, that Performer does look like it hits the perfect balance of price and specification.
I’d probably end up with the Player Tele, but I’d want to play a bunch before settling down with one. Need to have “that” moment with the guitar.
Oooh, but you mention the Thinline in the runners up…now, that’s made a bit of a problem for me.
Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telecaster is a cool one. But it’s a bit pricey, it’s made in Indonesia. That being said. the quality could still be great, I just mean that since it’s cheaper to manufacture, it could cost a little bit less IMO.
Never going to discount an Indonesian made guitar. My PRS SE is the most at home that I have felt on a PRS ever. I have been lucky enough to play some American made PRS too, yet the Indo SE I have is just perfect.
What’s up, GND community!
Question for anyone here: How do you approach selecting the right Fender for the specific style of music you’re playing? If you’re someone who has multiple Fender guitars, do you have different favorites for different genres?