Head to head
Cort G290 FAT II vs Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS
The short answer is that the pickup layouts differ (HH against HSS). Below, every specification we hold for both instruments is lined up, with the 28 rows that actually differ marked out.
G290 FAT II
Bright Blue Burst
Two humbuckers and a five-way switch — far more sounds than the layout suggests
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 G290 FAT II8.8
- 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
| G290 FAT II | Standard Stratocaster HSS | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Cort | Fender |
| Model | G290 FAT II | Standard Stratocaster HSS |
| Finish | Bright Blue Burst | Black, laurel fingerboard |
| Instrument | Electric guitar | Electric guitar |
| Fretline score | 8.8 / 10 | 8.3 / 10 |
| Value for money | 9 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | 5.0 / 5 (1) | 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 veneer | — |
| Neck joint | Bolt-on | Bolt-on, four-bolt neck plate |
| Neck wood | Roasted maple | Maple |
| Neck profile | Ergo-V | Modern "C" |
| Scale length | 25.5" (648 mm) | 25.5" (648 mm) |
| Fingerboard | Roasted maple | 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 | Graph Tech Black TUSQ | 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 VTH77 humbucker | Standard single-coil Strat |
| Bridge pickup | Cort Voiced Tone VTH77 humbucker | Standard humbucking |
| Configuration | HH | HSS |
| Electronics | Passive | Passive, ceramic magnets |
| Controls | Volume, tone | Master volume, tone 1 (neck/middle), tone 2 (bridge) |
| Switching | Five-way super switch | Five-position blade |
| Orientation | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced, Professional | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Styles | Rock, Blues, Metal, Funk, Pop, 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 G290 FAT IIHighest editorial versatility score, backed by pickup layout and switching.
Most comfortable
Cort G290 FAT IIHighest 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 the studio
Cort G290 FAT IIBuild 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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