Head to head
Cort G280 Select vs Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
The short answer is that they sit in different price brackets ($500 - $1,000 against Under $300), and the pickup layouts differ (HSS against SSS). 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
Affinity Series Stratocaster
3-Color Sunburst, Laurel fingerboard
The default first Stratocaster, and it earns the position
As an Amazon Associate we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through our links, at no additional cost to you. We do not publish prices, because Amazon prices change constantly and a stale figure helps nobody. Follow the link for the current price and availability.
Score profile
Six editorial axes, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where the instrument gains ground.
- Cort G280 Select8.7
- Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster7.5
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 | Affinity Series Stratocaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Cort | Squier |
| Model | G280 Select | Affinity Series Stratocaster |
| Finish | Amber | 3-Color Sunburst, Laurel fingerboard |
| Instrument | Electric guitar | Electric guitar |
| Fretline score | 8.7 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 |
| Value for money | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | 5.0 / 5 (3) | 4.6 / 5 (531) |
| Price | $500 - $1,000 | Under $300 |
| 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, 4-bolt Squier neck plate |
| Neck wood | Hard maple | Maple |
| Neck profile | Ergo-V (21 mm at first fret, 23 mm at twelfth) | C shape |
| 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 | Synthetic bone |
| Nut width | 1.65" (42 mm) | 1.650" (42 mm) |
| Bridge | Cort CFA-III tremolo | 2-point synchronised tremolo with block saddles |
| Tuners | Cort staggered locking | Sealed die-cast with split shafts |
| Neck pickup | Cort Voiced Tone VTS63 single-coil | Ceramic single-coil |
| Bridge pickup | Cort Voiced Tone VTH77 humbucker | Ceramic single-coil |
| Configuration | HSS | SSS |
| Electronics | Passive | Passive |
| Controls | Volume, tone | Master volume, tone 1 (neck/middle), tone 2 (bridge) |
| Switching | Five-way switch | 5-position blade |
| Orientation | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced | Beginner, Intermediate |
| Styles | Rock, Blues, Pop, Funk, Country, Indie | Rock, Blues, Pop, Funk, Indie, Country |
| 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
Squier Affinity Series StratocasterStrongest overall score among the instruments we rate as beginner-friendly.
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.
Other comparisons
JS Series Dinky JS11Q vs Affinity Series Stratocaster
Jackson · Squier
GIO GRX70QA vs Affinity Series Stratocaster
Ibanez · Squier
GIO GRX70QA vs Affinity Series Stratocaster
Ibanez · Squier
GIO GRX70QA vs Affinity Series Stratocaster
Ibanez · Squier
Standard Stratocaster vs Affinity Series Stratocaster
Fender · Squier
Affinity Series Stratocaster vs Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster
Squier · Squier