Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,277
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS is a modern take on an iconic instrument that delivers a sound and feel that's authentically Fender. This US-made guitar features a duo of Yosemite single-coil pickups and a DoubleTap humbucking bridge pickup, offering a vast array of tones. Whether you're after the classic Strat sparkle or a sizzling solo, this guitar delivers.
The DoubleTap humbucker gives you the option to split the pickup with a push-pull tone knob, offering an extended range of single-coil tones. The guitar also features the Greasebucket master tone circuit, which rolls off highs without reducing gain, keeping your tone clear and balanced.
The Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS is not just about innovative electronics. Its classic contoured alder body and comfortable maple neck make it a joy to play. Available in a classic black finish or a subdued satin surf green, this guitar looks as good as it sounds.
Key Features:
- Yosemite single-coil pickups with flat-staggered pole pieces to increase output
- DoubleTap humbucking bridge pickup with push-pull tone knob for extended range of single-coil tones
- Greasebucket master tone circuit rolls off highs without reducing gain
- Classic contoured alder body and comfortable maple neck
- Available in classic black finish or subdued satin surf green
- Modern "C" profile maple neck with 22 jumbo frets
- 6-screw vintage-style Synchronized Tremolo bridge
- Quality crafted in America
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | Stratocaster |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyurethane |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | Modern C |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Radius | 9.5" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Black Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22, Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Nut Width | 1.685" |
| Nut Material | Synthetic |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | 6-saddle Vintage-style Synchronized Tremolo |
| Tuners | Fender Classic Gear |
| Neck Pickup | Yosemite Strat Single-coil |
| Middle Pickup | Yosemite Strat Single-coil |
| Bridge Pickup | Performer DoubleTap Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x tone (neck/middle push/pull coil-split), 1 x tone (bridge) |
| Switching | 5-way blade pickup switch |
| Strings | Fender USA, .009-.042 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Gig Bag |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS?
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The Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS features a Modern C neck profile, which offers a comfortable and familiar feel, suitable for a variety of playing styles.
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What type of pickups does the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS have?
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This guitar is equipped with Yosemite single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions, and a Performer DoubleTap humbucker in the bridge, providing versatile tonal options.
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Is the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS is suitable for beginners, offering easy playability and a versatile range of tones that can accommodate various musical styles.
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How does the coil-split feature work on the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS?
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The coil-split feature on the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS is activated by a push/pull tone control, allowing the bridge humbucker to switch to a single-coil mode for additional tonal versatility.
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What kind of music genres is the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS best suited for?
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The Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS is versatile and well-suited for genres like rock, blues, and pop, thanks to its combination of single-coil and humbucking pickups.
Videos
Guitar Center
Fender American Performer Series Stratocaster HSS | Demo and Overview with Nicholas Veinoglou
Reviews
PROS
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The Doubletap humbucker offers powerful output with clear, distortion-free notes
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Versatile tonal range from clean to blues, rock, and some metal
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Smooth, fast neck with jumbo frets enhances playability
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High-quality build with no fret buzz or dead notes
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Offers classic Strat tones with additional tonal options from humbucker
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Tremolo system performs well, maintaining tuning with moderate use
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Distinctive satin finish available in unique Surf Green color
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Comfortable rolled neck with a luxurious feel
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Made in the USA, ensuring superior craftsmanship
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Ready to play out of the box with excellent setup
CONS
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Issues with tuning stability, especially when using tremolo
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Some reports of metal shavings or debris within the finish
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Frets may develop divots over time
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Stock tuners may need upgrading for better tuning stability
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Push/pull tone control knob can have fitment issues
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS.
Comparisons
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The Player Series offers a two-point tremolo, whereas the Performer uses a classic 6-screw tremolo, impacting stability and feel.
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The Player Series is often compared to the American Standards, sharing similar parts like fret wires, tuners, and pickguards, with primary differences being country of manufacture.
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The Player Plus HSS features rolled fretboard edges and a flatter radius, which some players find more comfortable compared to the Performer's traditional design.
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The Performer model is seen as a sweet spot in the Fender range due to features like Yosemite pickups and Greasebucket pots, combining quality with affordability.
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Features and functionality
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The Performer has a Greasebucket tone circuit, which maintains tone when the volume is lowered, suitable for distortion and overdrive but less so for classic Strat tones.
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The Performer HSS allows humbucker splitting, providing versatility, but some find the sound shrill when split, especially compared to the full humbucker tone.
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The Player Plus requires pulling the knob to split the humbucker, which some find cumbersome compared to simpler mechanisms.
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Jumbo frets are a defining characteristic of the Performer model, offering a distinct feel that may not suit all players.
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User experience
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The transition from an Epiphone to a Fender Stratocaster reveals a noticeably lighter and more comfortable playing experience, especially for long sessions.
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Owners appreciate the Performer's ability to hold value better due to its USA-made status, making it a solid investment choice.
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Some users find the split humbucker feature on the Performer handy for on-the-fly tone changes during performances, praising its ease of use.
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Owners describe the neck as smooth and comfortable, which enhances playability, though jumbo frets may take getting used to for some players.
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Value and pricing
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For those wanting a USA-made guitar without a high budget, the Performer is a preferred choice, offering quality at a more accessible price point than higher-tier American models.
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A near-mint condition American Performer at €850 is considered a good deal by multiple owners, especially compared to higher-tier models.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings
116
Great Tones!
This thing is a SLEDGEHAMMER! It's great for a Hendrix, SRV, Trower kind of sound.
65
Versitile and Timeless
I can play all styles on this axe. Really suprised how versitile it is.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Keep the bridge pickup in Humbucker mode if you want a heavier tone but then split it for that classic Strat Sound.
Artist usage
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Ciaran McDonald aka 'bearface' often uses this guitar on stage while performing 'SUMMER' but also other songs.
Bobby Tench is known to have used a Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS, as evidenced by a photograph showing the guitar with a humbucker in the bridge position.
Christoph Hochheim can be seen playing a Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS MN BLK in a photo posted on The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart's official Instagram account. The image, credited to Em Grey, was shared with the caption "#brooklynvegan #thepainsofbeingpureatheart #octfest."
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.