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Average Price: $1,099
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Description
Discover a new dimension of sound and playability with the Fender American Professional Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker. This guitar is not just an instrument—it's a statement, merging classic Fender craftsmanship with modern innovations. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring musician, the Stratocaster HSS offers a tonal palette that covers the entire spectrum, from warm, velvety lows to sparkling, articulate highs.
At the heart of this beast is the Shawbucker humbucking pickup, designed by the legendary Tim Shaw. It delivers a full-bodied, expressive tone that remains crisp and clear, even when pushed to the limits. Complemented by two V-Mod single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions, this guitar provides a versatile tonal range that can handle any genre with ease.
The ergonomic "Deep C" neck profile and 22 narrow tall frets ensure a smooth, fast playing experience, perfect for intricate solos and complex chord progressions alike. The newly integrated treble bleed circuit maintains high-end clarity when you roll back the volume, ensuring your sound remains vibrant and dynamic.
Whether you're recording in the studio or tearing up the stage, the Fender American Professional Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker is your perfect partner in crime—powerful, precise, and ready to rock.
Key Features:
- Shawbucker humbucking pickup at the bridge for rich, powerful tone
- Tim Shaw-designed V-Mod single-coil pickups in neck and middle positions
- "Deep C" neck profile for enhanced playability
- 22 narrow tall frets for precise intonation
- Treble bleed circuit for maintaining high-end clarity
- Alder body with gloss polyurethane finish
- 5-position blade switch for versatile tonal options
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | American Professional Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker |
| Finish | 3-Color Sunburst, Antique Olive, Black, Candy Apple Red, Olympic White, Sienna Sunburst, Silverburst, Sonic Grey |
| Year | 2017 - 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, Brown, Green, Grey, Red, Silver, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss, Metallic |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony, Maple, Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 9.5" |
| Model Family | Fender Stratocaster |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Nut Width | 1.6875" |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HSS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Series | Fender American Professional |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Fender American Professional Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker?
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The neck features a "Deep C" profile, providing a comfortable grip that suits both chordal and solo playing, making it ideal for a variety of playing styles.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Shawbucker pickup in this Stratocaster?
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The Shawbucker humbucker offers a rich, warm tone with clear note definition and reduced noise, making it versatile for genres ranging from rock to blues.
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Is the Fender American Professional Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker suitable for beginners?
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While it is a high-quality instrument that can be appreciated by beginners, its features and price point are often better suited for intermediate to advanced players.
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Does the Fender American Professional Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker have a tremolo bridge?
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Yes, it features a two-point synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and expressive playing techniques.
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What materials are used for the body and fretboard of this Stratocaster?
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The body is made from alder, known for its balanced tone, while the fretboard is available in ebony, maple, or rosewood, each offering distinct playability and tonal qualities.
Videos
Guitar Center
2017 Fender American Pro Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile sound covering classic rock to jazz, thanks to Shawbucker humbucker
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Comfortable neck profile and body carve for smooth playability
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Exceptional "bell tones" that enhance sound quality
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High-quality construction comparable to higher-end models at a lower price
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Comes with a durable locking molded case
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Ideal for small hands, enhancing playability for more users
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Stunning Candy Apple Red finish with a strong visual impact
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Enhances effects pedals' performance, especially with Boss ME-80 through Vox AC30
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Professional Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker.
User experience
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Owners highlight that the humbucker is slightly louder due to higher output, offering a distinct tonal balance with single coils.
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The blizzard pearl finish changes significantly with light, offering a unique aesthetic that some find polarizing but generally appreciated for its distinct appearance.
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Comparisons
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The 2nd and 4th positions replicate the signature "Strat quack," making it versatile for those needing varied tones alongside a Stingray or Telecaster.
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Owners who play metal prefer the HSS for its versatility and reduction of single coil noise, suggesting it as a practical choice over SSS configurations.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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An owner replaced the HSS configuration with three single coils for a traditional Strat sound, suggesting the guitar's flexibility for customization.
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Some owners prefer wiring the Shawbucker with a coil split for a traditional position 2 sound, noting it avoids losing the "quack" loved by many.
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Use cases and applications
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Described as a "Swiss Army knife" guitar, it's valued for its versatility in covering both humbucker and single coil tones efficiently.
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Combining the Shawbucker with the middle pickup yields a Dire Straits-like tone, appealing to fans of that specific sound despite being different from Mark Knopfler's SSS setup.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 7 Ratings
116
Great Tones!
Most versatile Guitar I've played. Covers everything from Classic and Modern Rock to Blues and Jazz.
Artist usage
Add artist
On his Instagram account, Mac thanks Fender for sponsoring him. He shows a dozen Fender American Professional Stratocasters HSS Shawbucker in olympic white, and one Tele.
According to an article by Mike Duffy on the official Fender website titled "Fender in Focus: Deap Vally, Slowdive and Lindsay Ell," Lindsay Ell is confirmed to use a Fender American Professional Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker.
In this video, Cecilia Della Peruti talks about her Fender American Professional Stratocaster HSS in an olympic white finish. She praises the guitar's clarity and brightness.
In this photo Mike uses a Fender American Professional Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker in olive green.
Ayden Daniel can be seen holding the Fender American Professional Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker in the Hurricane promo photo.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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