Few guitars have reshaped the electric guitar—as well as hard rock and metal music—like the Superstrat. As the hot-rodded descendant of Leo Fender’s iconic Stratocaster design, the Superstrat, or “S-style” guitar, in its myriad forms made by various makers, became the instrument of choice for a generation of players who demanded speed, precision and power. Born from the musical trends of the late 1970s into the ’80s—think shred guitar heroes, prog rockers, speed metal demons, and the legions of glam and hair metal bands that broke into the mainstream—the Superstrat evolved into a high-performance machine, designed to push the boundaries of what a guitar could do. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Superstrat, from its inception to its lasting legacy, and dive into the features and brands that have defined this groundbreaking approach to guitar design and manufacturing.

Pictured: Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG Electric Guitar

Table of Contents

The Birth of the Superstrat
The Physical Features of a Superstrat
From Superstrat to High-Performance Axes
   The Fender Stratocaster: The Grandfather of All Superstrats
   Charvel’s Superstrat Offerings
      Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HSS
      Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 2H FR
   Jackson’s Superstrat Offerings
      Jackson Dinky JS22 DKA Arch Top
      Jackson American Series Soloist SL3
      Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG
   Ibanez’s Superstrat Offerings
      Ibanez RG470PB
      Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection
      Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature JEM Series
   Kramer’s Superstrat Offerings
      Kramer Baretta Special
      Kramer Pacer Carrera
      Kramer Striker HSS
   EVH’s Superstrat Offerings
      EVH 5150 Standard Series
      EVH Striped Series Frankie
      EVH Wolfgang USA
   Schecter’s Superstrat Offerings
      Schecter Guitar Research Hellraiser C-1 With Floyd Rose and Sustainiac
      Schecter Guitar Research Reaper-6 FR S Elite
Pick Up That Guitar

The Birth of the Superstrat

The story of the Superstrat begins in 1974, when Eddie Van Halen wanted something that combined that fluid Fender Strat look with a mammoth, humbucker-driven sound. As he recalled, “I didn’t have the money, and the guitar that I wanted to play did not exist.” So, he famously picked up a $50 Strat-style body and paired it with an $80 wide neck sporting an especially thin profile and large frets, both from a Charvel supplier. He then soldered in a P.A.F. humbucking pickup—taken from his Gibson ES-335, and having dipped it in paraffin wax to reduce feedback—in the bridge position, and disconnected the middle and neck pickups to create his iconic “Frankenstrat,” when it was still white, as heard on Van Halen’s debut self-titled album.

This one-of-a-kind guitar brought the best of both worlds: the tonal versatility of a Strat and the thicker, hotter sound of a humbucker—and was further modified for even better pitch bending and tuning stability in the years to come. It was the spark that set off the Superstrat revolution.

Pictured: EVH Striped Series Frankie Electric Guitar

Van Halen’s legendary Frankenstrat set the tone for what would become the Superstrat: a guitar specially engineered for speed, tone and technical precision. With its humbucking pickup, Floyd Rose locking vibrato bridge and custom wiring, the Frankenstrat ended up a far cry from the classic Stratocaster—but its DNA was unmistakable.

Over the next decade, musical styles like shred rock and glam metal would dominate the airwaves, demanding guitars that could handle rapid-fire solos, dive bombs and complex head-turning techniques. This need for a high-performance instrument sparked an "arms race" among manufacturers, with brands such as Charvel, Jackson, Kramer and Ibanez leading the charge. Each sought to outdo the other, creating guitars that were faster, more versatile and more durable than anything that had come before.

Pictured: Kramer Striker HSS' pickups, controls and Floyd Rose bridge

Beyond the big names of the time, boutique builders like Anderson Guitarworks and Schecter also threw their hats into the ring, constantly challenging the status quo of conventional guitar craftsmanship. These early pioneers and disruptors laid the groundwork for the modern Superstrat, a guitar that was as much a tool for innovation as it was a response to the demands of a new musical era.

The Physical Features of a Superstrat

At first glance, the greatest common factor of any Superstrat is the iconic contoured double-cutaway body shape of the classic Strat. But, aside from brand and model name, what sets a Superstrat apart from its Stratocaster ancestor? The devil, as they say, is in the details. While the original Stratocaster brought unmatched versatility and clarity to the table, the Superstrat doubled down on high-performance modifications to meet the demands of shredders and metal players. These features weren’t just cosmetic—they were thoughtfully engineered to elevate playability, tone and durability.

Pictured: Schecter Guitar Research Hellraiser C-1 with Floyd Rose Bridge

Locking vibrato bridges, like the Floyd Rose, became synonymous with the Superstrat, offering face-melting dive bombs and pitch modulation without sacrificing tuning stability. Hot-rodded pickups, often a mix of humbuckers and single coils, provided a broader tonal palette to cover everything from searing leads to chunky, chugging rhythms. Locking tuners and locking nuts also became a defining feature of the Superstrat. Players loved the streamlined controls, often opting for simple wiring layouts to maximize on-the-fly adjustments during intense performances.

Pictured: Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG locking tuners

Over the years, these features have evolved, with modern Superstrats taking on multi-scale necks, advanced electronics and lightweight body designs. The result: a guitar that continues to set the standard for high-performance instruments.

From Superstrat to High-Performance Axes

The Superstrat may have started as essentially a modified Stratocaster, but it soon inspired an entire category of high-performance guitars that categorically broke away from the original design. As the arms race for innovation heated up, guitar makers began exploring bold new directions—experimenting with exotic woods, aggressive body contours and unconventional pickup configurations.

Pictured: Jackson American Series Soloist SL3 cutaways and contours

Modern Superstrats often feature neck-through construction for enhanced sustain and access to upper frets, as well as ergonomic body designs that prioritize both comfort and style. Manufacturers like Ibanez and Schecter have pushed the envelope with multi-scale designs and extended-range models, catering to players in progressive metal and other more technical genres.

Pictured: Various Superstrat Headstocks

Even as some high-performance guitars have moved beyond the classic Strat silhouette, the spirit of the Superstrat lives on—serving as a bridge between tradition and revolution for players seeking the ultimate musical expression.

The Fender Stratocaster: The Grandfather of All Superstrats

But before Eddie Van Halen set out on his DIY project that would culminate in the Frankenstrat and beyond, it all really began with the Fender Stratocaster, the best-selling guitar model of all time. Introduced in 1954, the Stratocaster wasn’t just a game-changing guitar in its own right—it was a blueprint for innovation. With its sleek, ergonomic double-cutaway body, three single-coil pickups and a vibrato system (coined by Leo Fender as “tremolo”—the technical misnomer stuck), it was quickly renowned as one of the most versatile instruments on the market. And it’s remained so. But it was its modular design and ease of customization that would later pave the way for the Superstrat.

Fender itself would later enter the Superstrat fray with models like the HM Strat, which debuted in the late ’80s and saw a limited run reissue in 2020. With features like high-output pickups and Floyd Rose-style bridges, the HM Strat marked Fender’s bigger-picture recognition of the genre-defining trends the massively influential company had inadvertently inspired.

Charvel’s Superstrat Offerings

Founded by former Fender employee Wayne Charvel in 1974, Charvel started out as a repair company for out-of-warranty Fender guitars, eventually building their own Strat-specific parts and full-guitar builds at the advice of Charvel employee Grover Jackson. In effect creating the canvas for the one that started it all, the Frankenstrat, Charvel has a storied legacy going back to the very beginnings of the Superstrat phenomenon, and has kept up ever since. In 2002, Charvel, along with its parent company, Jackson, joined the Fender family of guitar makers, FMIC (Fender Musical Instruments Corporation)—a fitting move for a brand whose association with the Strat is strong.

Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HSS

The Pro-Mod DK24 HSS is built for versatility, featuring a Seymour Duncan Full Shred humbucker in the bridge and Custom Flat Strat single coils in the neck and middle. Its caramelized maple neck and compound-radius fretboard provide silky smooth playability across all frets. It’s the perfect Swiss Army knife for players who want a guitar that can coolly handle anything from bluesy riffs to jazzy licks to full-throttle shredding oblivion.

Shop Now: Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HSS Electric Guitar

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 2H FR

A slightly more budget-friendly option, the So-Cal Style 1 pairs a true Strat-like appearance with some go-to Superstrat performance features, like locking tuners and nut, as well as a Floyd Rose vibrato bridge that delivers bold pitch bending with precise tuning stability. It also packs a pair of Seymour Duncan Distortion humbuckers wired in series. With its gorgeously put-together classic looks and a sleek neck made for speed, this guitar is as visually enticing as it is tonally potent.

It's worth mentioning that out of 13 reviews, Guitar Center customers have rated the Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 a perfect 5/5 stars. And we highly recommend you see for yourself what the hype is about.

Shop Now: Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 2H FR Electric Guitar

Jackson’s Superstrat Offerings

Grover Jackson founded Jackson in 1980 after having built the first guitars bearing the Charvel name in the mid-’70s, and subsequently even buying the Charvel company in 1978 from Wayne Charvel himself. While the Jackson brand itself owes its beginnings to a collaboration with Randy Rhoads to create an entirely new instrument shape, and signaled a departure from the Strat-based models Charvel had been producing, it’s made its mark on the evolution of the Superstrat with its JS and Soloist lines.

Jackson Dinky JS22 DKA Arch Top

The Dinky JS22 DKA is a budget-friendly introduction to Jackson’s legendary 7/8-body-size (hence the name) Dinky lineup, which burst into the scene in 1986. Featuring a sleek arch top, a fast neck and high-output humbuckers, this guitar delivers all the tone and fast playability metalheads and hard rockers crave. Its lightweight and timeless design make it an alluring choice for beginners stepping into the world of Superstrats. 

A top-selling hit, this Dinky isn’t just for beginners, however. This veteran Guitar Center reviewer says it all: “I have owned nice Strats, and I have very high-end acoustic gear, so I know quality, and this Jackson is solid … I used to do the endless modding thing but now just want to spend my time playing guitar. This one fits my needs exactly.”

Shop Now: Jackson Dinky JS22 DKA Arch Top Electric Guitar

Jackson American Series Soloist SL3

For those seeking a top-shelf axe, the American Series Soloist SL3 is a Superstrat designed with shredders’ uncompromising need for precision in mind. Its neck-through-body construction enhances sustain, while Seymour Duncan pickups in an HSS configuration provide a wide tonal range well suited for everything from clean ballad riffs to mega overdriven solos. With its 12"–16" compound-radius carve that flattens out as you go up the neck, the SL3 is as comfortable as it’s versatile.

It’s also available in four eye-catching finishes, paying homage to the look of loud that’s adorned Soloist guitars since their debut in 1984.

Shop Now: Jackson American Series Soloist SL3 Electric Guitar

Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG

And for the ones really looking to kick it up to 11, the SL2MG delivers the goods with a pair of EMG 81/85 active pickups that produce searing leads and tight rhythms. This Corona, California-built guitar features a smooth ebony fingerboard and a contoured neck-through alder body, offering impeccable comfort and balance during high-energy performances. Built for modern, discerning players, it pairs aggressive tone with immaculate craftsmanship.

Shop Now: Jackson American Series Soloist SL2MG Electric Guitar

Ibanez’s Superstrat Offerings

Ibanez has a well-documented story of originally imitating and later drawing heavy inspiration from the Strat, and is often tightly linked to the Superstrat. They’ve since specialized in a wide array of designs that have become massively popular in heavier rock and metal circles. Debuting in 1987, the RG Series and JEM Series have been serious contenders for those on the hunt for a souped-up, high-performance guitar.

Ibanez RG470PB

The RG470PB combines stunning angular Strat-derived aesthetics with the performance-driven playability Ibanez is famous for. Its Wizard III neck offers lightning-fast action, Quantum HSH pickups yield deliver crisp, responsive tones; while the Edge-Zero II double-locking bridge design provides a ton of expressive potential. And a poplar burl top adds a touch of elegance to this high-performance workhorse at a mid-level price.

Shop Now: Ibanez RG470PB Standard Electric Guitar

Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection

RG550 Genesis pays homage to Ibanez’s iconic 1980s designs, featuring a fast Super Wizard neck and V7/V8 pickups for tonal versatility. With its classic basswood body and modern updates, this guitar is a dream for players who love vintage styling with contemporary playability. It’s perfect for shredders and admirers of Ibanez’s legacy.

Shop Now: Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection Electric Guitar

Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature JEM Series

The JEMJR brings Steve Vai’s signature design to an accessible price, complete with its iconic “monkey grip” and decorative inlays. Its HSH pickup configuration and Edge trem system make it incredibly versatile for everything from sweeping solos to dynamic rhythms. A truly distinctive model, it embodies Vai’s one-of-a-kind approach to guitar design.

Shop Now: Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature JEM Series Electric Guitar

Kramer’s Superstrat Offerings

While Kramer got its start in 1974 specializing in guitars with aluminum necks, it caught on to Charvel’s Strat-style popularity and dove into the Superstrat game in 1981—so much so that it received a cease-and-desist letter from Fender for copying its patented headstock shape. But Kramer also had the Rockinger vibrato system that stayed in tune, which caught Eddie Van Halen’s attention. Van Halen joined Kramer as an endorser in 1982, and the Rockinger became known as “Edward Van Halen tremolo,” before Floyd Rose replaced it the following year.

Kramer Baretta Special

Originally designed to EVH’s signature specs, the Baretta was released in 1983. Today, the jaw-droppingly affordable Baretta Special harkens back to the heyday of ’80s shred and glam rock. With a single diagonal humbucker and Floyd Rose tremolo, it’s designed for sheer simplicity and power, making it an enticing choice for budget-minded players who love straightforward controls and hard-hitting tones.

Shop Now: Kramer Baretta Special Electric Guitar

Kramer Pacer Carrera

In the early ’80s, the Pacer was Kramer’s Superstrat offering that featured new and improved Floyd Rose/Kramer bridge designs—a partnership that EVH himself helped foster. Today, the Pacer Carrera adds some fast car-inspired throwback bravado to Kramer’s lineup with dual humbuckers and a push-pull coil-split for added tonal options. Its Seymour Duncan SH-2N and JB pickups, Floyd Rose 1000 Series bridge and R2 locking nut make it a favorite among shredders.

Shop Now: Kramer Pacer Carrera Electric Guitar

Kramer Striker HSS

The next step up in terms of feature set and price, the Striker HSS combines affordability with tonal versatility, featuring a zebra-coil bridge humbucker and two single coils to run the gamut. Its K-Speed SlimTaper C-profile maple neck and lightweight mahogany body make it ideal for beginners and intermediate players seeking their first high-performance guitar. With its smooth playability, it’s a fantastic entry into the world of Superstrats.

Shop Now: Kramer Striker HSS Electric Guitar

EVH’s Superstrat Offerings

As we know by this point, the Superstrat owes its start to the neurotic hot-rodding, tone-seeking experimentation by one of the most game-changing guitarists of all time, Eddie Van Halen. Taking his DIY ethos to the next level, he collaborated with Kramer, Ernie Ball Music Man, Steinberger and Peavey, before founding EVH Gear, licensed under FMIC, in 2005.

EVH 5150 Standard Series

EVH 5150 Standard channels the legacy of Eddie Van Halen with modern upgrades that extend beyond the classic Frankenstrat/Strat-style canvas. Its basswood body and EVH-branded Floyd Rose R3 ensure stability during extreme dive bombs, while a pair of Wolfgang Alnico 2 humbucking pickups deliver a powerful, articulate tone. It even comes with a red kill switch on the lower bout for those rhythmic signal cutouts, and a D-Tuna system on the tailpiece, which lets you change from standard to drop-D tuning with the flick of a finger. The 5150 Standard’s razor-sharp ingenuity matches its aesthetic.

Shop Now: EVH 5150 Standard Series Electric Guitar

EVH Striped Series Frankie

The Striped Series Frankie is a tribute to Eddie’s legendary Frankenstrat in its most familiar red form, complete with its iconic striped finish and single-humbucker configuration. The Floyd Rose tremolo and custom-wound EVH pickup ensure it delivers the tone and feel players would expect from an EVH guitar. Frankie is a must-have for players inspired by Van Halen’s revolutionary sound.

With an above-4.5-star average Guitar Center customer review out of 28 submissions, it’s a faithful recreation of one of the most famous guitars of all time. Looking to earn your stripes for less? Not a problem—the EVH Striped Series guitar with red and black stripes, as well as a left-handed option, have you covered with a more accessible option than the Frankie.

Shop Now: EVH Striped Series Frankie Electric Guitar

EVH Wolfgang USA

While it strays from the Strat-shaped foundation of many EVH guitars, Wolfgang USA Edward Van Halen Signature is the pinnacle of EVH’s lineup, blending premium craftsmanship with cutting-edge features. In addition to the kill switch and D-Tuna present on the 5150 Standard, its custom pickups and baked maple neck offer a combination of warmth, clarity and comfort, making it perfect for both intricate solos and powerful rhythm playing. With meticulous attention to detail, this guitar is a true performer’s instrument. 

And because it’s in our Platinum collection, you can view all our available individual models for both colorways, with exact weights and serial numbers listed.

Shop Now: EVH Wolfgang USA Edward Van Halen Signature Electric Guitar

Schecter’s Superstrat Offerings

Somewhat similar to Charvel’s beginnings, Schecter Guitar Research—known as just Schecter—got its start in 1976 making spare parts for Fender and Gibson guitars, before delving into the world of full-blown guitar making in 1979. Often mimicking Fender (usually Strat) designs in those early years, these high-end guitars attracted the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen and other virtuosos who demanded the most out of their instruments.

Schecter Guitar Research Hellraiser C-1 With Floyd Rose and Sustainiac

A turbocharged variant of the metal-friendly Schecter C-1, the Hellraiser C-1 is a powerhouse guitar designed for extreme performance, featuring an active EMG 81 bridge pickup and a Sustainiac system in the neck position for infinite sustain. Its Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo rock-solid tuning stability during all your whammy bar antics.

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research Hellraiser C-1 With Floyd Rose and Sustainiac Electric Guitar

Schecter Guitar Research Reaper-6 FR S Elite

The Reaper-6 FR S Elite combines stunning looks with cutting-edge features, including an ebony fretboard, quilted maple top, as well as Schecter USA San Andreas, and Sustainiac bridge and neck pickups. Its mahogany body, neck-through construction and sleek design make it as comfortable to play as it is visually striking upon glance.

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research Reaper-6 FR S Elite Electric Guitar

Pick Up That Guitar

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, sometimes you just know what you’re looking for in a Superstrat and have already decided on one of these. And it’s also easy to go down the rabbit hole of feature and spec comparisons, so we believe the best way to find your sound is to pick it up and try it out for yourself. Talk to one of our in-store associates or on-call Gear Advisers, who are ready to help you narrow down your search to the Superstrat that’s just right for you. And if you’re looking to supercharge a Stratocaster or Strat-style guitar to create your own Superstrat, our Repairs techs at your local Guitar Center are always ready to trick out your Strat to your specs.