Head to head
Cort G280 Select vs Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS
They are closely matched on paper, so the differences are in the detail. Below, every specification we hold for both instruments is lined up, with the 27 rows that actually differ marked out.
G280 Select
Amber
A Stratocaster layout with the upgrades most players end up paying for anyway
Standard Stratocaster HSS
Black, laurel fingerboard
The Standard Strat with a humbucker, which is the version that covers more ground
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Score profile
Six editorial axes, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where the instrument gains ground.
- Cort G280 Select8.7
- Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS8.3
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
Specification by specification
| G280 Select | Standard Stratocaster HSS | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Cort | Fender |
| Model | G280 Select | Standard Stratocaster HSS |
| Finish | Amber | Black, laurel fingerboard |
| Instrument | Electric guitar | Electric guitar |
| Fretline score | 8.7 / 10 | 8.3 / 10 |
| Value for money | 9 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | 5.0 / 5 (3) | 4.9 / 5 (16) |
| Price | $500 - $1,000 | $500 - $1,000 |
| Type | Solidbody electric guitar | Electric guitar |
| Body | G-series double-cutaway | Stratocaster solidbody |
| Body wood | Alder | Poplar |
| Top | Flamed maple | — |
| Neck joint | Bolt-on, two-way truss rod with spoke nut | Bolt-on, four-bolt neck plate |
| Neck wood | Hard maple | Maple |
| Neck profile | Ergo-V (21 mm at first fret, 23 mm at twelfth) | Modern "C" |
| Scale length | 25.5" (648 mm) | 25.5" (648 mm) |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood | Indian laurel |
| Radius | 12"-15.75" compound (R305-R400) | 9.5" (241 mm) |
| Frets | 22 | 21 |
| Fret size | Medium-jumbo, nickel silver | Medium jumbo |
| Nut | Bone | Micarta |
| Nut width | 1.65" (42 mm) | 1.6875" (42.86 mm) |
| Bridge | Cort CFA-III tremolo | Standard two-point tremolo with satin chrome steel block saddles |
| Tuners | Cort staggered locking | Fender Standard cast/sealed with hex buttons |
| Neck pickup | Cort Voiced Tone VTS63 single-coil | Standard single-coil Strat |
| Bridge pickup | Cort Voiced Tone VTH77 humbucker | Standard humbucking |
| Configuration | HSS | HSS |
| Electronics | Passive | Passive, ceramic magnets |
| Controls | Volume, tone | Master volume, tone 1 (neck/middle), tone 2 (bridge) |
| Switching | Five-way switch | Five-position blade |
| Orientation | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Styles | Rock, Blues, Pop, Funk, Country, Indie | Rock, Blues, Metal, Pop, Funk, Indie, Punk |
| In the box | — | — |
A marked row is one where the two differ. A highlighted cell is the stronger figure where one can be judged objectively. Empty cells are specifications the manufacturer does not publish — never estimates.
Which one should you buy?
Computed from the specifications and our editorial scores for these two instruments only. It is not a general ranking.
Most versatile
Cort G280 SelectHighest editorial versatility score, backed by pickup layout and switching.
Most comfortable
Cort G280 SelectHighest editorial comfort score: neck profile, radius and body ergonomics.
Best for beginners
Fender Standard Stratocaster HSSStrongest overall score among the instruments we rate as beginner-friendly.
Best for metal
Fender Standard Stratocaster HSSStrongest overall score among the instruments suited to metal.
Best for the studio
Cort G280 SelectBuild and tone scores combined, with credit for tuning-stability hardware that matters when tracking.
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
Want a third opinion?
The comparator takes as many instruments as you like, not just two, and recomputes the whole table and every conclusion as you add them.
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