Best Stratocaster Style Guitars With Black Hardware in 2024

Here are the top Stratocaster style guitars with Black hardware.

After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.

There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.

1. Fender Jim Root Stratocaster

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Fender Jim Root Stratocaster
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Reverb logoAmazon logoSweetwater logoMusician's Friend logoFender logo
Playability 72
Sound 77
Build quality 74
Value for money 64
Overall Score 74

What our users think

  • Neck access to high frets: Easy (2 votes)
  • Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
  • Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
  • Weight: Slightly heavy (2 votes)
  • Neck profile shape: C (36 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (34 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Noiseless (9 votes)
  • Pickups power: Clean (5 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
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  • From Fender's 2012 Artist series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Mahogany body
  • Maple neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: EMG 81 (Humbucker/Active)
  • Neck pickup: EMG 60 (Humbucker/Active)
  • 1 volume and 0 tone Bell knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • 6-Saddle String-Through-Body Hardtail With Block Saddles bridge
  • Modern C Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Jumbo frets
  • Deluxe Staggered Cast/Sealed Locking tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Show all Specs
  • From Fender's 2012 Artist series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Mahogany body
  • Maple neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: EMG 81 (Humbucker/Active)
  • Neck pickup: EMG 60 (Humbucker/Active)
  • 1 volume and 0 tone Bell knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • 6-Saddle String-Through-Body Hardtail With Block Saddles bridge
  • Modern C Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Jumbo frets
  • Deluxe Staggered Cast/Sealed Locking tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Fender Jim Root Stratocaster
  • Locking Tuners
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Synthetic Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Strap Lock
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio

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2. Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH FR

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Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH FR
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Sweetwater logoReverb logoAmazon logoMusician's Friend logoFender logo
Playability 70
Sound 73
Build quality 54
Value for money 76
Overall Score 66

What our users think

  • Neck access to high frets: Easy (2 votes)
  • Fret edges: Slightly sharp (1 vote)
  • Tuning stability: Holds tune well (2 votes)
  • Weight: Lightweight (2 votes)
  • Neck profile shape: C (29 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (25 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
  • Pickups power: Slightly Hot (4 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
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Sweetwater logoReverb logoAmazon logoMusician's Friend logoFender logo
  • From Fender Squier's 2021 Contemporary series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Poplar body
  • Roasted Maple neck
  • Roasted Maple fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Squier SQR Atomic Humbucking (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Squier SQR Atomic Humbucking (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Bell knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • Floyd Rose by Floyd Rose Double Locking Tremolo bridge
  • Modern C Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Jumbo frets
  • Sealed Die-Cast with Split Shafts tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Show all Specs
  • From Fender Squier's 2021 Contemporary series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Poplar body
  • Roasted Maple neck
  • Roasted Maple fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Squier SQR Atomic Humbucking (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Squier SQR Atomic Humbucking (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Bell knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • Floyd Rose by Floyd Rose Double Locking Tremolo bridge
  • Modern C Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Jumbo frets
  • Sealed Die-Cast with Split Shafts tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH FR
  • Locking Nut
  • Tremolo
  • Retainer Bar
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in China
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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3. Harley Benton ST-20HSS

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Harley Benton ST-20HSS
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Thomann logoReverb logo
Playability 70
Sound 64
Build quality 50
Value for money 76
Overall Score 61

What our users think

  • Neck profile shape: C (13 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (8 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (6 votes)
  • Pickups power: Clean (7 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
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Thomann logoReverb logo
  • From Harley Benton's 2016 Standard series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
  • Basswood body
  • Maple neck
  • Purpleheart fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: HB Humbucker (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Middle pickup: HB Single Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: HB Single Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 2 tone Bell knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • Harley Benton Tremolo bridge
  • Harley Benton Modern C Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Medium Jumbo frets
  • Die-Cast Machine Heads tuners
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Show all Specs
  • From Harley Benton's 2016 Standard series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
  • Basswood body
  • Maple neck
  • Purpleheart fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: HB Humbucker (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Middle pickup: HB Single Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: HB Single Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 2 tone Bell knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • Harley Benton Tremolo bridge
  • Harley Benton Modern C Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Medium Jumbo frets
  • Die-Cast Machine Heads tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Harley Benton ST-20HSS
  • Tremolo
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in China
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No High-Quality Nut
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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4. Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT

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Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT
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Playability 75
Sound 68
Build quality 49
Value for money 74
Overall Score 64

What our users think

  • Neck profile shape: C (29 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (25 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
  • Pickups power: Slightly Hot (1 vote)
Own it? Share your opinion
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Reverb logoSweetwater logoMusician's Friend logoFender logo
  • From Fender Squier's 2021 Contemporary series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Poplar body
  • Roasted Maple neck
  • Indian Laurel fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Squier SQR Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Middle pickup: Squier SQR Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Squier SQR Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Bell knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • 6-Saddle String-Through-Body Hardtail With Block Saddles bridge
  • Modern C Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Jumbo frets
  • Sealed Die-Cast with Split Shafts tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Show all Specs
  • From Fender Squier's 2021 Contemporary series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Poplar body
  • Roasted Maple neck
  • Indian Laurel fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Squier SQR Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Middle pickup: Squier SQR Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Squier SQR Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Bell knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • 6-Saddle String-Through-Body Hardtail With Block Saddles bridge
  • Modern C Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Jumbo frets
  • Sealed Die-Cast with Split Shafts tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in China
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No High-Quality Nut
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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5. Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special

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Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special
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Reverb logoSweetwater logoMusician's Friend logoFender logo
Playability 73
Sound 68
Build quality 50
Value for money 74
Overall Score 64

What our users think

  • Neck access to high frets: Easy (2 votes)
  • Fret edges: Smooth (2 votes)
  • Tuning stability: Holds tune well (2 votes)
  • Weight: Slightly heavy (1 vote)
  • Neck profile shape: C (29 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (25 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
  • Pickups power: Slightly Hot (1 vote)
Own it? Share your opinion
FIND IT ON:
Reverb logoSweetwater logoMusician's Friend logoFender logo
  • From Fender Squier's 2021 Contemporary series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Poplar body
  • Roasted Maple neck
  • Roasted Maple fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Squier SQR Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Middle pickup: Squier SQR Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Squier SQR Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Bell knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Block Saddles bridge
  • Modern C Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Jumbo frets
  • Sealed Die-Cast with Split Shafts tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Show all Specs
  • From Fender Squier's 2021 Contemporary series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Poplar body
  • Roasted Maple neck
  • Roasted Maple fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Squier SQR Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Middle pickup: Squier SQR Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Squier SQR Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Bell knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Block Saddles bridge
  • Modern C Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Jumbo frets
  • Sealed Die-Cast with Split Shafts tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special
  • Tremolo
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in China
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No High-Quality Nut
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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6. Harley Benton ST-20HH Active

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Harley Benton ST-20HH Active
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Thomann logoReverb logo
Playability 72
Sound 62
Build quality 49
Value for money 76
Overall Score 61

What our users think

  • Neck access to high frets: Normal (3 votes)
  • Fret edges: Smooth (2 votes)
  • Tuning stability: Not bad (2 votes)
  • Weight: Lightweight (2 votes)
  • Neck profile shape: C (13 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (8 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (3 votes)
  • Pickups power: Hot (5 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
FIND IT ON:
Thomann logoReverb logo
  • From Harley Benton's 2022 Standard series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Poplar body
  • Maple neck
  • Roseacer fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: HBZ Hi-Gain Humbucker (Humbucker/Active)
  • Neck pickup: HBZ Hi-Gain Humbucker (Humbucker/Active)
  • 1 volume and 0 tone Bell knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Hardtail bridge
  • Harley Benton Modern C Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Medium Jumbo frets
  • Diecast tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Show all Specs
  • From Harley Benton's 2022 Standard series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Poplar body
  • Maple neck
  • Roseacer fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: HBZ Hi-Gain Humbucker (Humbucker/Active)
  • Neck pickup: HBZ Hi-Gain Humbucker (Humbucker/Active)
  • 1 volume and 0 tone Bell knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Hardtail bridge
  • Harley Benton Modern C Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Medium Jumbo frets
  • Diecast tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Harley Benton ST-20HH Active
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in China
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No High-Quality Nut
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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