Back to navigation


Contemporary Strat with a Novel Sound





This article was


Written By





Our Product Research Team





Get to know them!





The Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT puts a new twist on a Sweetwater favorite with several novel, unique upgrades. Starting with eye-catching black hardware and a painted headstock with sharp chrome logos, the Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT makes it known that this isn’t your ordinary Strat. But where things get really interesting is in the unique pickup configuration that puts all three single-coil pickups on a slant and shifts the middle pickup closer to the bridge, resulting in a totally new Strat sound. On top of that, the Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT boasts an eminently playable roasted maple neck with a speed-promoting 12-inch radius fingerboard. Surely made for adventurous guitar players, the Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT is a bold addition to the Strat lineage!





Related Videos: Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT - Sunset Metallic


Unique pickup configurations for all-new tones





What makes the Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT so . . . “special”? Its totally unique pickup configuration, of course! The Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT’s pickup set comprises three angled Squier SQR alnico single-coils with the middle pickup scooched closer to the bridge, allowing you to access never-before-heard sounds. Plus, with special switching options available on its 5-position blade, you’ll be blown away by the amount of tonal variation from this idiosyncratic axe!





5-position blade with special switching options


Position 1: Bridge and Middle (Series, Hum-Cancelling)


Position 2: Middle


Position 3: Middle and Neck (Parallel)


Position 4: Bridge, Middle, and Neck


Position 5: Neck


Ultra-stable roasted maple neck





Lead players will enjoy exploring the Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT’s quick, comfortable roasted maple neck, whose 12-inch radiused fingerboard flattens out toward the body to facilitate faster playing styles. Jumbo frets make bends and vibratos a cinch, too. Additionally, a sculpted neck heel enables high-register exploration without the struggle of a traditional heel!





Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special HT Electric Guitar Features:


A new twist on the classic Stratocaster design


3 Squier SQR alnico single-coils in a unique configuration


5-position blade with special switching options


Fast, comfortable Slim “C” maple neck with 12-inch radiused fingerboard and jumbo frets


Painted ’70s-era jumbo headstock with chrome logos


Premium black hardware, including hardtail bridge and die-cast sealed tuners