Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,612
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$400
$1001+
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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
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS?
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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.
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What is the neck profile of the Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS?
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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.
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Is the Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS suitable for live performances?
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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.
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Does the Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS come with any special electronics?
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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.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS?
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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.
Videos
Ola Englund
Fender American Elite Stratocaster HSS
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional build quality surpassing typical American Standard models
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Versatile tonal range with HSS configuration and S-1 switching system
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Comfortable compound radius fretboard and C to D neck shape
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Quiet performance from noiseless pickups, reducing unwanted hum
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Stays in tune well, even with extensive tremolo use
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Enhanced body contour for improved playing comfort
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Durable, high-quality finish and elegant appearance
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Robust design, offers modern feel and sound
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Locking tuners and 2-point tremolo system improve tuning stability
CONS
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Stock electronics may not meet expectations for some, leading to costly upgrades
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Passing lane switch can be too bright and unadjustable
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Tremolo arm design may not suit everyone's preference
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Heavier than traditional Stratocasters, which may not appeal to vintage enthusiasts
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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
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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
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A persistent buzz on the A string was unresolved, even after expert intervention, suggesting potential factory setup issues.
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Build quality
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Instances of dried glue on the fretboard edges were found, indicating possible factory oversight in finishing.
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Comparisons
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A Suhr HSS was noted for superior playability and setup compared to the Elite, particularly in eliminating fret buzz.
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Features and functionality
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The compound radius fretboard effectively prevents fretting out during bends, enhancing playability for expressive techniques.
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The bypass switch eliminates both tone and volume controls, exclusively engaging the bridge humbucker for a distinct, sharp sound.
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A bass boost button is available, enabling a warmer tone that expands beyond the traditional Stratocaster sound profile.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
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