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Description
Fender’s American Select Mahogany Stratocaster HSS merges classic design with modern innovation, offering a unique twist for guitar enthusiasts and professional musicians alike. This remarkable solid body electric guitar features a select mahogany body that delivers a warm, rich tonal palette, perfectly complemented by a high-gloss urethane finish that enhances its natural beauty. The guitar is equipped with an HSS pickup configuration—featuring a humbucker at the bridge and single-coils at the neck and middle positions—allowing for a versatile range of sounds, from crisp and bright to thick and powerful.
The neck is fashioned from maple and showcases a modern “C” shape profile, ensuring comfort and playability during long sessions. The rosewood fingerboard, adorned with 22 medium jumbo frets and white pearloid dot inlays, offers a smooth playing experience. The contoured body ensures ease of access to all frets, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
A synchronized tremolo bridge further enhances this Stratocaster’s versatility, allowing for expressive bends and vibrato effects. With its fusion of high-quality materials and craftsmanship, the Fender American Select Mahogany Stratocaster HSS stands as a testament to Fender's commitment to excellence in guitar making.
Key Features:
- Select mahogany body with a high-gloss urethane finish
- HSS pickup configuration with a humbucker and two single-coil pickups
- Maple neck with a modern “C” shape profile
- Rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
- Synchronized tremolo bridge
- White pearloid dot inlays on the fingerboard
- Fender quality and craftsmanship
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | American Select Mahogany Stratocaster HSS |
| Year | 2005 - 2011 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Bridge |
| Color Family | Red |
| Finish Style | Satin |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Fender Stratocaster |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HSS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Series | Fender American Select |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender American Select Mahogany Stratocaster HSS?
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The HSS configuration provides versatility, with the humbucker offering warm, full tones ideal for rock and heavier styles, while the single-coil pickups deliver bright, crisp sounds suitable for blues and pop.
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Is the Fender American Select Mahogany Stratocaster HSS suitable for advanced players?
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Yes, this guitar is well-suited for advanced players due to its premium materials, versatile pickup configuration, and excellent build quality, offering a range of tones and smooth playability.
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How does the mahogany body affect the sound of the Fender American Select Mahogany Stratocaster HSS?
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The mahogany body provides a warmer, richer tone with enhanced sustain compared to traditional alder or ash bodies, making it ideal for players seeking a fuller sound.
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What is the neck profile like on the Fender American Select Mahogany Stratocaster HSS?
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The neck typically features a modern "C" shape, providing a comfortable grip that suits a wide range of playing styles, from fast solos to rhythm playing.
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Does the Fender American Select Mahogany Stratocaster HSS come with a tremolo bridge?
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Yes, it features a tremolo bridge, allowing for pitch modulation and expressive playing techniques, enhancing its versatility for various musical styles.
Reviews
PROS
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Unique mahogany body offers rich, fat tones and character
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S-1 switching system allows extensive tonal variety
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Roller nut and locking tuners enhance tuning stability
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Abalone inlays and black headstock add aesthetic appeal
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Contoured heel and asymmetrical backplate for comfortable neck play
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Metal pickup selector switch tip feels solid and durable
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Rare model, offering exclusivity and collectibility
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Combines Strat and Gibson-like tones for versatility
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Deluxe features like push-in vibrato arm are practical
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Highly praised for its versatility across music genres
CONS
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Heavier than other Stratocasters, potentially affecting playability
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Twisted neck issue reported in some cases
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Requires proper setup to unlock full potential
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Rarity makes it harder to find and potentially more expensive
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Select Mahogany Stratocaster HSS.
Features and functionality
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The mahogany body, more common in Gibsons, offers a unique, thicker tone compared to typical Fender Strats, appealing to players seeking a non-traditional sound.
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The guitar includes an S1 switch, allowing for versatile pickup combinations and increased tonal variety, enhancing its appeal for diverse musical styles.
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The rounded heel and neck plate improve access to higher frets, catering to lead guitarists who require comfortable playability.
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The Stratocaster features Burstbucker in the bridge and Tex-Mex noiseless pickups in the neck and middle, providing a versatile range of tones.
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Setup and maintenance
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A proper setup by a guitar tech is recommended as intonation issues were noted, impacting sound and playability.
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Some owners recommend adding more springs to the tremolo system to convert it into a fixed bridge for better sustain and tuning stability.
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Owners report that achieving optimal tuning stability with the VII can require iterative setups at a shop, particularly for those not accustomed to vintage-style necks.
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User experience
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Owners praise the abalone fret markers and black headstock, which add a visually striking aesthetic not commonly found on standard Strats.
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Despite having a roller nut, aggressive use of the whammy bar can lead to tuning instability, prompting some to modify the tremolo setup.
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Despite some issues with tuning and setup, the playability and tone versatility of the American Select Mahogany Strat HSS are praised by those who have spent time with the instrument.
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Use cases and applications
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This model is ideal for guitarists transitioning from Gibson guitars, offering familiar tonal qualities with the versatility of a Strat.
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Build quality
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The guitar often comes with a flight case, locking strap nuts, and a snap-on tremolo bar, enhancing its portability and ease of use.
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Comparisons
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The American Select is likened to the American Deluxe series, offering near custom shop quality at a lower price, making it highly desirable for collectors.
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Users contemplating a trade with an American Vintage II 1961 Strat highlight concerns over the different neck radii, with some finding the switch from 9.5" to 7.25" manageable.
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