Squier Sonic Stratocaster, Maple Fingerboard, White Pickguard, Black

Black with a white pickguard and maple neck -- this is the Stratocaster look that defined an era. The Sonic series delivers this classic aesthetic at the most accessible price point in the Squier lineup, making it an ideal first electric guitar or a reliable grab-and-go instrument for casual playing.

Three single-coil pickups and a 5-way switch give you the full Strat experience: glassy neck tones, snappy bridge, and those signature in-between positions that sound like nothing else. The maple fingerboard contributes brightness and note definition, while the slim C neck keeps things comfortable for newer players. The Sonic body is lightweight and slightly thinner than higher-tier Squiers, which actually makes it easier to handle. Sometimes the simple choice is the right one, and a black Strat with a maple board is about as timeless as electric guitars get.