Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,612

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$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

The Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS is a true testament to the evolution of the iconic Stratocaster, blending classic style with modern ingenuity. At its heart, this guitar features a Shawbucker humbucker in the bridge position, paired with two Ultra Noiseless Hot Strat single coils in the middle and neck, providing a versatile tonal palette that caters to both traditional and contemporary players. The S-1 switching system and a unique Passing Lane button allow for seamless transitions between sounds, while the 2-point Deluxe Synchronized Tremolo with a pop-in arm ensures smooth pitch modulation.

Crafted with an alder body and a sleek maple neck, the Stratocaster offers a balanced and comfortable playing experience, enhanced by a modern D-shaped neck profile and a compound fretboard radius. This makes it ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists. With 22 medium jumbo frets and a bone nut, every note is delivered with precision and clarity. The Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking tuners keep your tuning stable, even during the heaviest of performances.

Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS stands as a reliable partner, delivering a rich tapestry of sound that can only come from a guitar of this caliber.

Key Features:

  • Body: Alder
  • Neck: Bolt-on Maple with Modern D profile
  • Fretboard: Rosewood with white pearloid dot inlays
  • Compound radius: 10" - 14"
  • Scale length: 25.51" (648 mm)
  • Nut width: 1.69" (42.8 mm) with a bone nut
  • 22 Medium jumbo frets
  • Pickups: Shawbucker humbucker (bridge) and 2 Ultra Noiseless Hot Strat single coils (middle and neck)
  • Controls: Master volume with S-1 switch, tone 1 (bridge), tone 2 (middle and neck), 5-way switch
  • 2-Point Deluxe Synchronized Tremolo with pop-in arm
  • Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking machine heads
  • Includes Elite molded case
  • Made in USA

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Elite Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Autumn Blaze Metallic, Champagne, Mystic Black, Ocean Turquoise Metallic, Olympic Pearl, Satin Ice Blue Metallic, Satin Jade Pearl Metallic, Sky Burst Metallic
Year 2016 - 2019
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Orange, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Ebony, Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender American Elite

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS?

The Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS offers a versatile tonal range, featuring a Shawbucker humbucker for powerful, warm tones, and 4th Generation Noiseless single-coil pickups for crisp, clear highs. This combination makes it suitable for various genres, from rock to jazz.

What is the neck profile of the Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS?

The neck of the Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS features a modern C to D compound profile, providing comfort for both chording and soloing. The satin finish enhances playability by reducing friction, making it ideal for fast playing styles.

Is the Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS is equipped with locking tuners and a 2-point synchronized tremolo bridge, ensuring tuning stability and smooth vibrato effects, making it reliable for live performances.

Does the Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS come with any special electronics?

The Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS features S-1 switching and a Push-Push Passing Lane switch, allowing players to engage the bridge pickup and bypass tone controls for more tonal options during performance.

What materials are used in the construction of the Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS?

The Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS is crafted with an alder body for balanced tone, a maple neck for stability, and options of ebony, maple, or rosewood fretboards for different tonal and aesthetic preferences.

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS

Video thumbnail for Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS by Ola Englund

Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Video thumbnail for Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS W Shawbucker   Olympic Pearl by Steven James Guitar & Amp Centre

Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS W Shawbucker Olympic Pearl

Steven James Guitar & Amp Centre

Steven James Guitar & Amp Centre

Video thumbnail for Max Guitar Short - Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker by Max Guitar B.V.

Max Guitar Short - Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker

Max Guitar B.V.

Max Guitar B.V.

Video thumbnail for Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker MN | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker MN | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker, Olympic Pearl | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker, Olympic Pearl | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional build quality surpassing typical American Standard models

  • Versatile tonal range with HSS configuration and S-1 switching system

  • Comfortable compound radius fretboard and C to D neck shape

  • Quiet performance from noiseless pickups, reducing unwanted hum

  • Stays in tune well, even with extensive tremolo use

  • Enhanced body contour for improved playing comfort

  • Durable, high-quality finish and elegant appearance

  • Robust design, offers modern feel and sound

  • Locking tuners and 2-point tremolo system improve tuning stability

CONS

  • Stock electronics may not meet expectations for some, leading to costly upgrades

  • Passing lane switch can be too bright and unadjustable

  • Tremolo arm design may not suit everyone's preference

  • Heavier than traditional Stratocasters, which may not appeal to vintage enthusiasts

  • Initial setup may require adjustments for optimal playability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners prefer YJM Fury pickups over the stock noiseless ones for enhanced tone without the high-end loss typical of noiseless single coils.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A persistent buzz on the A string was unresolved, even after expert intervention, suggesting potential factory setup issues.

    Source

Build quality

  • Instances of dried glue on the fretboard edges were found, indicating possible factory oversight in finishing.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A Suhr HSS was noted for superior playability and setup compared to the Elite, particularly in eliminating fret buzz.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The compound radius fretboard effectively prevents fretting out during bends, enhancing playability for expressive techniques.

    Source
  • The bypass switch eliminates both tone and volume controls, exclusively engaging the bridge humbucker for a distinct, sharp sound.

    Source
  • A bass boost button is available, enabling a warmer tone that expands beyond the traditional Stratocaster sound profile.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the addition of the humbucker in the bridge position, significantly broadening tonal possibilities compared to standard Strat configurations.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Reviewed: Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

The Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker excels with its top-notch build quality, modern hardware, and versatile sound range. Its noiseless pickups deliver impressive tones, and the S-1 switching system offers extensive tonal options. However, some positions may sound overly muddy, complicating live play. A strong choice for those seeking innovation and variety.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ichika uses Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS

Ichika

Guitarist, Bassist

Dios

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Ichika plays a Fender American Elite HSS Stratocaster.

See how Wyclef Jean uses Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS

Wyclef Jean

Singer, Guitarist

Soul Assassins

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo from Woodstock 99 you can see Wyclef with a Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS.

See how Elizabeth Powell uses Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS

Elizabeth Powell

Singer, Guitarist

Land of Talk

...
Verified via BrooklynVegan

This is the only photo in which I've seen her with a Stratocaster

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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