First Look

Squier releases well-spec’d Contemporary Active Stratocaster HH

While attention was focused on Fender’s American Original and Parallel Universe lines, Squier quietly unveiled some tasty new electrics for 2018, most notably the Contemporary Series, whose flagship is the Active Stratocaster HH that adorns these very pages. As you’ll note, it’s a departure from traditional Strat stylings, boasting a Floyd Rose locking vibrato, active humbuckers and a very-cool reverse headstock. It also possesses a lightweight poplar body, available in Olympic White or Flat Black. None of those features exactly scream ‘contemporary’ to us, but regardless of the name, this is a very nicely spec’d Strat indeed, especially given its £420 price tag. Here’s why it’s got us developing a fresh need for speed…