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Average Price: $800

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Description

The Fender American Special Stratocaster 2017 combines classic design with modern enhancements for an exhilarating playing experience. Crafted for musicians who crave both vintage charm and contemporary versatility, this guitar delivers with its Texas Special pickups, offering a hotter, more dynamic response. The inclusion of the innovative Greasebucket tone circuit allows you to dial down the treble without sacrificing volume or bass, ensuring a consistent and balanced sound across your performances.

With its comfortable C-shaped neck and a 9.5" radius fingerboard, this Stratocaster promotes effortless playability, whether you're navigating complex solos or laying down smooth rhythm sections. The vintage-style synchronized tremolo adds a touch of authenticity and flair to your performances, letting you explore expressive vibrato and dive-bomb effects with ease.

Whether you're stepping into the world of American-made Fenders for the first time or expanding your collection with a versatile axe, the Fender American Special Stratocaster is a reliable companion for blues, country, and indie rock genres.

Key Features:

  • Texas Special pickups for a hotter, more dynamic tone
  • Greasebucket tone circuit for consistent volume and bass
  • C-shaped neck for comfortable playability
  • 9.5" radius fingerboard
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo
  • Made in the USA

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Special Stratocaster
Finish 2-Color Sunburst, Black, Candy Apple Red, Mystic Seafoam Green Metallic, Olympic White, Sonic Blue, Surf Green, Walnut
Year 2010 - 2018
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, Green, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material 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 SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender American Special, Fender FSR Limited Edition
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Fender American Special Stratocaster 2017 Sonic Blue have?

The Fender American Special Stratocaster 2017 Sonic Blue is equipped with three Texas Special single-coil pickups, which deliver a classic Stratocaster sound with enhanced midrange and increased output.

Is the Fender American Special Stratocaster 2017 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender American Special Stratocaster 2017 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, though it also appeals to experienced players seeking classic Strat tones.

What is the neck profile of the Fender American Special Stratocaster 2017?

The neck of the Fender American Special Stratocaster 2017 features a modern "C" shape, offering a comfortable and smooth playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

Does the Fender American Special Stratocaster 2017 Sonic Blue have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Fender American Special Stratocaster 2017 Sonic Blue comes with a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation.

How does the Sonic Blue finish affect the appeal of the Fender American Special Stratocaster 2017?

The Sonic Blue finish gives the Fender American Special Stratocaster 2017 a classic and vibrant aesthetic, reminiscent of vintage Fender models, which can enhance its visual appeal for collectors and performers alike.

KAOS MUSIC CENTRE

KAOS MUSIC CENTRE

New n Cool - Fender American Special

Video thumbnail for New n Cool -  Fender American Special by KAOS MUSIC CENTRE

New n Cool - Fender American Special

KAOS MUSIC CENTRE

KAOS MUSIC CENTRE

Reviews

PROS

  • Texas Special pickups deliver powerful, distinctive sound

  • Greasebucket tone circuits offer versatile tonal options

  • "Modern C" solid maple neck enhances playability

  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended playing

  • Jumbo frets make bending notes easier

  • Vintage vibe with surf green color and 70's peghead

  • Reasonably priced for a USA-made Stratocaster

  • Diverse tonal palettes with 5-position switch

  • Built robustly, feels durable and long-lasting

  • Offers high quality compared to top Mexican models

CONS

  • Fret ends may require additional smoothing

  • Vintage-style bridge not preferred by all players

  • Noticeable seams in sunburst finish

  • Modern tuners may disappoint vintage enthusiasts

  • Discontinued, becoming harder to find and pricier

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Special Stratocaster 2017.

Features and functionality

  • The Atomic humbucker is praised for its punch and bite, reminiscent of early '80s hard rock tones.

    Source
  • Texas Special pickups are noted for their high output and pronounced mid-range bump, which can dominate in a band setting.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The guitar features a 6-screw tremolo, which some find more challenging to set up compared to a 2-point bridge.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • One owner considered lowering the Texas Special pickups nearly flush with the pickguard to manage their high output.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the tonal versatility favorably to both Les Pauls and traditional SSS Strats, highlighting its all-in-one capability.

    Source

User experience

  • Transitioning from a Les Paul, users appreciate the 22 frets, avoiding the reduction to 21 frets typical in many Stratocasters.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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1 star
dylanlloyd

Best strat I’ve ever played

Plays like a dream, built like a tank and as with most strats the amount you can get out of it tonally continues to amaze me.

Cheapest strat in the American range, but it’s own thing entirely.

From Gear Setup

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender American Special Stratocaster 2017, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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dylanlloyd

dylanlloyd

Gear IQ 111

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