comfortably and versatility

Because they're cheap (see comparable Gibsons), and everyone makes aftermarket accessories for Strats.

For example, my next guitar will be a MIM Strat with a set of Chevalier 1954s, non-RWRP.

Yes this is the question you must answer for your wife when she asks "Don't you already own a stratocaster?". OR "DIDN"T I BUY YOU A STATOCASTER!?" I never noticed that fact until this post, I collected guitars that I played for years, and waited forever to get my Les Paul. But I only have one of everything except strats - I have 4 real ones and 3 copies. I have a

Mexican 2-tone sunbusrt,
Jeff Beck surf green signature series,
Pink Paisley 60's reissue (Japan),
a 82-87(?) E-series Japanese strat,
3 unmentionable imitations.

Personally the way the guitar looks means something, each one looks different, some are just gorgeous. Also very different tonal ranges, and for the price of my Les Paul I could have bought 5 Mexican strats. I want more of them! I'd like one of the new American Deluxes discussed in another forum, and I'd like to experiment with different tremolo systems.
Different tremolos is another good reason for different models justification. My E-Series has a Schaller locking tremolo, it doesn't lock at both ends, just the nut. It's good and the Jeff Beck stays in tune good too. The Mexican strat which didn't even come with a trem spring does not handle tremolo use well without going out of tune. The Jury's still out on the Paisley which I just got and adjusted the neck for a string guage change, it's still not settled in yet.
Don

The answer you are seeking is right there in your question. In terms of popularity, the Strat is one of the big three (along with LP's and Teles). Obviously, aside from being a good guitar, there are a vast variety of different models within the line to be had. Most people own multiple Strats, but they are all usually somewhat different; even if it's a different color from the same era.

Cheers.

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60th Anniversary AD Strat, Deluxe Nashville Tele, Player's P Bass. Mesa/Boogie Mk IV combo, Marshall JCM800, 1960A cab, Genz Benz El Diablo 60, Genz 2x12" cab, too many neat little practice amps and kit projects!

What makes you say that? I know lots people who own multiples of just about every guitar imaginable. I just depends on how deep your pockets are and what your needs are.

Leo's signature on those was a marketing gimmick, he signed stacks of those stickers before they went on the guitars, the odds he touched your guitar itself are near zero. that said if i could find an older G&L in decent shape around here I would buy it in a heartbeat. they are great guitars. The problem is, i have been seeing new cheap line G&L's (still excellent for the money new,) dressed up as the more expensive lines, because not many people know enough about them.

I like their variation of the Tele better than their variation of the Strat.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Didn't Leo sell Fender in 1965? There's no way he signed your guitar. Sorry.

The reason why people own multiple Strats is because its an entry level "student" type of guitar, and the price is lower than Teles, Gibsons, G&L, etc.

The reason I own 2 strats is because I needed a better Strat than the first Stratocaster I owned, a CBS 1970 model. Those models were horrible with their 3-way switches, whiny bridge pickups, and unreliable 6-point tremelos. I had to get another one just to 'solve' the problems. I bought a Strat Ultra and I haven't needed another Strat since 1991. It has a 5-way switch, HSS set of pickups, and a 2-point tremelo with locking tuners.

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2007 Classic Player Baja Telecaster
1991 Strat Ultra
1990 Gibson ES-347
1986 Yamaha SBG2100
1980 Gibson L6-S
1971 Stratocaster
Fender Stage Lead Combo
Marshall MOSFET 100 watt Amp

hahahahaah...now there's a good one...somebody comes on a Fender forum to enlighten us about G & L guitars.
Like it's something unheard of.

If you have to ask, you'll never truly understand.

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Live guitars: 2009 LTD Truckster, 1989 Strat Plus, 2001 Am Standard Strat, 1996 MIJ Jaguar, 2007 Gibson Explorer 76 reissue, 1999 Ibanez RG7621, LTD MH-301, LTD FM400, 1999 Jackson Kelly, Mystery Les Paul, Hamer Chaparel, Fender FM 62SCE A/E Mandolin

I have a 65 Strat with the 3 way and 6 screw trem and would never change that setup even though it takes some diddling to get the out of phase 2 pup sound.The 6 point bridge has never presented any tuning problems for me and was a deciding factor in buying my Jimmy Vaughn model.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Cost is certainly a factor, but if you're comparing the other Rock Guitar Standard (Gibson) then size and weight become a factor as well.

Les Paul's are amazing guitars, but they are a bit heavy. ES-355's are nice, but a bit larger as well.

Versatility - they extend beyond humbucker for the single coil "chimes" and definition, they are represented "style/genre" wise in nearly any genre from blues to shred to classical to heavy metal.

You can see one being played in 60's Blues-Rock or Chicago Blues, 70's Punk or NWOBHM, 80's shred, 90's grunge, 00's Hard Rock......

I bought my HSS because the Humbucker gives me a perfect AC/DC or EVH growl, the middle position gives me an excellent "hot" blues sound for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, SRV, U2, modern Buddy Guy or Hendrix, and the neck pickup is more round for 60's Clapton, 70's Buddy Guy, "ballads" (eg. Under the Bridge, Slow Dancing in a Burning Room) etc.

It's beautiful, easy to play standing or sitting (unlike a V or large-body guitar), and........I could go on.

My HSS can do anything. My hands? Eh....not so much. Just started this year @ 36.

But it sure is a lot of fun trying! And it beats the Hangovers from my previous hobby!

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Electric Guitar #1: Fender American Select Mahogany Stratocaster HSS
Electric Guitar #2: Agile Al-3110 Les Paul
Acoustic: Fender CD200SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Amp: Line 6 Spider III 75 75W 1x12 Combo Amp
Piano: Yamaha M450

Because the are the best, most versatile guitar that Fender makes.

The body shape balances perfectly
It's comfortable to play sitting or standing
The shape is aesthetically appealing

Get one in SSS
Get one in HSS
Get one in HH
Get one HSH (if you want to really get crazy)

You got all musical genres covered covered

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"Life is like eating jalapenos. What you do today may burn your arse tomorrow"

Again, that is your opinion and you are certainly entitled to it. I own both and I agree that G&L's are well made guitars. As for taking one on "Top of the Pops" - well, there was a Strat on Lawrence Welk so why not?

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Frank
A legend in my own mind.

Top of the Pops....?????is that a TV show?
I remember seeing plenty of Strats on Hullabaloo and Shindig.