Strat vs. Strat style guitars? Is the boutique world doing it better than Fender?

Let’s discuss the fender Stratocaster versus the many Strat style competitors out in the market.  is Fender the only game in town when it comes to the Strat or are there boutique builders who are actually beating them at the game? 

[@tier5958]

Hi, thank you for this vid. Ive had Fender Stratocasters in the past. I now have a couple fender telecasters. But as far as Stratocasters, i have a "custom " Parts caster my local shop built for me . I bought the parts and they built it. I got EXACTLY the colors i wanted, in the EXACT Configuration. Hard tail, double humbuckers and a roasted maple neck with 10" radius. I love it. A custom strat style at a fraction of the Fender Custom shop price. No regrets

[@shadsguitarshow]

I hear about a lot of people going that exact route with buying the parts and putting it all together to get exactly what they want which is certainly a really cool idea! Sounds like it worked perfectly for you!

[@ro307805]

Hell, Tokai did it better in 1979 for 80 or $100....

[@shadsguitarshow]

There are some killer Japanese guitars!