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Average Price: $1,178

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Step into the limelight with the Fender American Professional Stratocaster SSS, where timeless design meets contemporary innovation. This iconic solid body electric guitar blends the rich heritage of Fender craftsmanship with cutting-edge features to ignite your creativity. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this guitar offers an unparalleled playing experience that resonates with every note.

At the heart of the Stratocaster SSS are the V-Mod single-coil pickups, meticulously tailored by Tim Shaw to deliver a diverse tonal palette. From searing leads to glassy cleans, these pickups ensure your sound remains articulate and vibrant. Coupled with a treble bleed circuit, your high frequencies will shine through at any volume, allowing your solos to soar without compromise.

The neck features Fender's innovative "Deep C" profile, offering the perfect balance between comfort and speed, making it ideal for both intricate solos and rhythm work. The two-point synchronized tremolo bridge provides smooth, precise action, enabling expressive pitch manipulation without sacrificing tuning stability. With a design that respects its legendary roots while embracing modern enhancements, this Stratocaster is not just an instrument—it's an extension of your musical voice.

Key Features:

  • V-Mod single-coil pickups for versatile tones
  • Treble bleed circuit retains high frequencies at any volume
  • "Deep C" neck profile for enhanced playability
  • Two-point synchronized tremolo bridge for stable pitch control
  • Handcrafted in Fender's Corona, California facility

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Professional Stratocaster
Finish 2-Color Sunburst, 3-Color Sunburst, 50s Burst, Antique Olive, Black, Butterscotch Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Lake Placid Blue, Natural, Olympic White, Sienna Sunburst, Sonic Grey, Vintage White
Year 2017 - 2020
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Grey, Natural, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Ebony, Maple, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 9.5"
Frets Narrow Tall
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.685", 1.6875"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender American Professional, Fender FSR Limited Edition
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender American Professional Stratocaster SSS?

The Fender American Professional Stratocaster SSS features a "Modern Deep C" neck profile, which is designed to offer a comfortable grip for both chordal and lead playing, making it versatile for various playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the V-Mod single-coil pickups on this Stratocaster?

The V-Mod single-coil pickups provide a classic Stratocaster sound with a modern twist, offering bright, clear, and articulate tones suitable for rock, blues, and funk genres.

Is the Fender American Professional Stratocaster SSS suitable for beginner guitarists?

While this Stratocaster is designed with professional features, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for beginners who are serious about investing in quality gear.

What is the fretboard radius of the Fender American Professional Stratocaster SSS?

The fretboard radius is 9.5 inches, which provides a balance between comfort for chord playing and ease of bending notes for solos.

Does the Fender American Professional Stratocaster SSS come with a case?

Yes, the Fender American Professional Stratocaster SSS comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.

Guitarist

Guitarist

Fender American Pro Stratocaster Demo

Video thumbnail for Fender American Pro Stratocaster Demo by Guitarist

Fender American Pro Stratocaster Demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional II vs. American Professional Stratocaster Comparison by Alamo Music Center

Fender American Professional II vs. American Professional Stratocaster Comparison

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Reviews

PROS

  • Smooth frets and straight neck ensure excellent playability

  • Pop-in tremolo system prevents losing the spring

  • Neck has a substantial, comfortable feel with silky rosewood board

  • Narrow-tall frets are perfectly dressed for precise playing

  • V-Mod pickups and treble bleed circuit offer clear, powerful Strat tones

  • Resonant body with low action enhances playability and sound

  • High build quality compared to entry-level models

  • Attractive price point for a professional-grade instrument

CONS

  • Not the classic Strat sound some may expect

  • Lacks strap lock buttons for secure play

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The SSS configuration is favored for maintaining the classic Strat sound, unlike the HSS which some consider a compromise.

    Source
  • The Pro II Strat is often compared favorably against the Ultra series, despite lacking locking tuners and a TUSQ nut, emphasizing preference over price.

    Source
  • Compared to a Les Paul with P90s, the SSS Strat provides a more traditional single-coil sound, appealing to users seeking a classic Strat experience.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • An SSS Strat can be modified to HSS by adding a standalone humbucker, allowing customization to fit personal tonal preferences.

    Source
  • Owners recommend installing a Seymour Duncan Little '59 in the bridge for a thicker tone, achieving an HSS feel while maintaining the SSS configuration.

    Source
  • It's suggested to use a pre-wired HSS pickguard for easy installation without soldering, should one wish to modify an SSS to HSS.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • An SSS Strat is recommended for players seeking authentic tones reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and David Gilmour.

    Source

User experience

  • Users transitioning from HSS to SSS report improved sound quality, suggesting the SSS setup delivers a more quintessential Strat experience.

    Source
  • It’s frequently noted that the American Professional II Stratocaster offers superior comfort for long playing sessions, especially for fingerpicking styles.

    Source
  • V-Mod pickups are praised for versatility, capable of handling various genres unless extremely heavy tones are required.

    Source

Build quality

  • The rosewood on the neck is noted for its unique 2-tone grain, adding visual character that owners have embraced over time.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners report initial setup issues requiring attention, such as uneven frets and improperly filed nut slots.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The push-push knobs offer tonal versatility, creating sounds that resemble an acoustic guitar in certain positions.

    Source
  • The push-pull knob on the SSS model can add the neck pickup in positions 1 and 2, expanding tonal options beyond standard configurations.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Professional Stratocaster Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Fender's American Professional Stratocaster SSS captivates with its excellent build quality and versatile tones that bridge vintage charm with modern refinements. The "deep C" neck profile offers comfort, while the upgraded wiring enhances tonal control significantly. However, traditionalists may find the changes a bit jarring and not suitable for their purist tastes. At $1,399, it strikes a balance between affordability and quality, making it a compelling choice for serious players looking to expand their sonic palette. Overall, this guitar delivers a winning blend of familiarity and innovation, though it may not appease all long-time Strat fans.

positive

Fender American Professional Stratocaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender American Professional Stratocaster is a solid representation of the classic Strat, showcasing top-notch build quality and versatile tones that cater to a broad range of players. However, some might find its specifications a bit too conventional, lacking the unique flair that enthusiasts crave. While it shines in clean, bright sounds typical of a Strat, it may not satisfy those seeking a more character-rich vintage tone. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for players looking for a dependable and well-crafted instrument, though it might not excite everyone.

positive

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