Build Quality: | |
Hardware: | |
Electronics: | |
Sound: | |
Value: | |
Average: |
Pros:
- Smooth fretboard
- Easy to play
- Excellent sound
Cons:
- Bridge might have a rough part which can break your high E string
Have you ever thought about how it feels to own a guitar shop? During my younger years, when I was just starting to play music, my family couldn’t afford fancy guitars. I remember the first time my dad took me to the guitar shop. I stepped in feeling excited, it was amazing to see all my dream instruments in one place. At that moment I envied the owner because he could play any guitar and feel all that excitement of a new sound. While going through all the guitars and dreaming about my own shop, I saw Fender’s first Squier Contemporary series and had the feeling that I found my soulmate. Today we are going to take a look at the modern version of the Contemporary series – Contemporary Stratocaster HSS.
Build
This guitar stands out in the crowd with an original look created by black and white pickup bobbins and headstock in a matching color with the body. With no doubt design is extremely attractive. The body is made from poplar, so the construction is solid and durable. The bolt-on, modern, slim “C” shaped maple neck makes playing more comfortable, especially if you play with your thumb on the back. Its scale length is 25.5”, that’s why Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HSS is good for newbies, as well as experienced guitar players. 12” Indian laurel fretboard features 22 narrow-tall frets. This may not say anything to you, but such design is convenient to get a better grip on those strings. That’s why this guitar is ideal for bending notes.
Hardware
We all agree that technical details are as important as visual appearance. The bridge has a 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with block-shaped saddles. This design adds some extra sharpness to the look. Though all the parts are well-built, the bridge has a rough part and it can break high E string. The nut is 1.650” and it’s made from synthetic bone. One of the interesting features of this guitar is a single-action truss rod. It will help you adjust the headstock and add or reduce tension on strings. There is nothing extraordinary about tuning machines, they are standard die cast pegs and perfectly manage to fulfill their task. The instrument has two control knobs, made from parchment plastics, the functionality of which we’ll discuss a bit later. One more valuable part is a pickguard, which is made from 3 ply white material. It balances the color and adds final touch to the design.
Electronics
This sassy guitar comes with 3 pickups: a ceramic humbucker on the bridge, and two ceramic single coils in the middle and on the neck. A 5-way switch makes it easier to vary between the following positions: 1. Bridge Pickup; 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup; 3. Middle Pickup; 4. Middle and Neck Pickup; 5. Neck Pickup. You can choose a more suitable one for certain tones. Even though the guitar is in an affordable price range, the pickups are of a good quality. As mentioned above, the instrument has 2 control knobs: Master Volume and Master Tone. The volume knob helps you adjust the level of the sound, while the Tone knob allows you to deliver a wide variety of tones from bassy to trebly.
Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Sound
Since I don’t want you to judge a book only by its cover, now it’s time to describe how Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HSS sounds. We already know that it has two controls and five pickup positions, which means their combinations reveal true powers of this guitar. Tremolo bridge provides sustain and vibrant sonority. You can easily experiment with tones, that’s why the instrument is perfect for beginners. The sound is excellent, with no extra hums. You can enjoy every note at a desirable volume and feel the music rushing through your body. If you haven’t played the Squier series electric guitars before, this can be your lifetime experience.
Conclusion
As you already know this guitar is one of my favorites, so it is difficult to find flaws here. Electronics, sound, design – everything is well combined and works amazing. If you are looking for something in a lower price range this is your guy. I believe you will fall in love with it from the very first chords. Moreover, if you are a beginner Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HSS sounds can be your guide to the world of music. An unforgettable experience is awaiting you. Good luck!
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I was interested to read your comment about the rough bridge spot contributing to breaking the high e-string repeatedly. I am trying to sort out this same or similar issue on my identical guitar. Other than this unusual issue the guitar feels and plays great. I need to play it more but not sure I am hearing differentiated sounds with the single coil pickups …