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Average Price: $975

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Fender American Standard HSS Stratocaster is a blend of classic design and modern innovation, perfect for the guitarist who craves versatility without sacrificing the iconic Strat feel. Crafted in the USA, this Stratocaster retains the beloved contoured body shape and five-way pickup switch that Fender enthusiasts adore. However, it distinguishes itself with a powerful configuration: two Custom Shop Fat '50s single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions, and a searing humbucker at the bridge for those high-gain solos.

This guitar also boasts a robust, copper-infused high-mass bridge block, enhancing sustain while maintaining the classic Strat whammy bar action. With the addition of a thinner body undercoat, Fender has optimized the guitar's resonance, allowing its tonal characteristics to shine through while preserving a durable finish. The result is a guitar that not only offers the chimey cleans and gritty leads typical of a Stratocaster but also provides a modern aesthetic and improved sound quality.

Whether you're playing smooth blues licks or driving rock riffs, the Fender American Standard HSS Stratocaster offers unmatched playability and a rich palette of tones, making it an essential tool for any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

  • Custom Shop Fat '50s single-coil pickups in neck and middle positions
  • High-output humbucker at the bridge
  • Copper-infused high-mass bridge block for enhanced sustain
  • Thinner body undercoat for improved resonance
  • Classic Stratocaster design with modern features
  • Made in the USA at Fender’s Corona, CA factory
  • Includes hardshell case, cable, strap, and polishing cloth

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Standard Stratocaster HSS
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Blizzard Pearl, Bordeaux Metallic, Jade Pearl Metallic, Mystic Blue, Mystic Red, Ocean Blue Metallic, Sienna Sunburst
Year 2008 - 2015
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, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
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 HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender American Standard
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What does HSS mean on the Fender American Standard Stratocaster?

HSS stands for Humbucker-Single-Single, indicating the pickup configuration. It features a humbucking pickup at the bridge and single-coil pickups at the middle and neck positions, offering a versatile range of tones.

Is the Fender American Standard HSS Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender American Standard HSS Stratocaster is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable playability, versatile tone options, and high-quality build, which also makes it appealing to more advanced players.

What kind of music genres is the Fender American Standard HSS Stratocaster best suited for?

The Fender American Standard HSS Stratocaster is versatile, making it ideal for rock, blues, and jazz. The humbucker provides powerful tones for rock and metal, while the single-coils deliver clarity for blues and jazz.

How does the Fender American Standard HSS Stratocaster handle overdrive and distortion?

The humbucker in the bridge position of the Fender American Standard HSS Stratocaster handles overdrive and distortion well, offering a thick and powerful tone, while the single-coils provide clarity and definition.

What is the neck profile like on the Fender American Standard HSS Stratocaster?

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

What materials are used in the construction of the Fender American Standard HSS Stratocaster?

The body is made from alder or ash, with a maple neck and a choice of maple or rosewood fretboard, providing durability and a classic tone associated with Fender guitars.

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS Tone Review and Demo

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS Tone Review and Demo by MusicStoreLive.com

Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS Tone Review and Demo

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar by N Stuff Music

Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS Tone Review and Demo by MusicStoreLive.com

Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS Tone Review and Demo

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Video thumbnail for Fender - American Standard Stratocaster HSS Demo at GAK by GAK

Fender - American Standard Stratocaster HSS Demo at GAK

GAK

GAK

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest fitting the HSS Strat with a coil-split humbucker and using Dimarzio pickups for enhanced versatility and tone variety.

    Source
  • A suggestion was made to replace the bridge pickup with a Tele style pickup for a unique tonal blend, particularly for those seeking a classic Strat sound with a twist.

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Features and functionality

  • It's noted that some HSS Strats are pre-routed for a neck humbucker, allowing easy modification to an HSH setup.

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  • It's been noted that using the volume and tone knobs effectively can significantly impact tone, a technique often underutilized by players.

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Comparisons

  • Some users recommend the Fender Player II series over the Standard for improved pickup quality, referencing specific comparisons in Andertons YouTube videos.

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  • This model is noted for being brighter and slightly thinner than the American Special Strat with Texas Special pickups, offering less mid punch.

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  • The Player Series neck is reportedly thinner and its pickups are brighter than the American Standard, with some owners preferring the MIM FSR's roasted maple neck for comfort.

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  • Some owners recommend exploring Schecter models for features like neck-thru construction and the sustainiac, which offer a different set of tonal possibilities compared to Fenders at a similar price point.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Proper wiring for HSS is crucial; using a 500k pot for the humbucker and appropriate capacitors prevents dull and muddy tones.

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  • Owners often customize action to medium/low and prefer 11-gauge strings with Graphtech saddles for optimal performance.

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  • One owner improved the feel of a poly neck by stripping the fretboard and applying a hand-rubbed lacquer, sanding with 1500 grit for a smoother finish.

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Value and pricing

  • For those seeking a cost-effective option, a Classic Vibe upgraded with a Seymour Duncan or DiMarzio humbucker is suggested as a good alternative to the Standard.

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Build quality

  • The American Standard HSS Strat in Sienna Sunburst features a rosewood fretboard, praised for its smooth playability and spotless finish.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Inspires creativity and playing diversity, making it ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with different tones and styles.

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User experience

  • One owner reported that the guitar's aesthetic, with its wood grain and finish contrast, adds significant visual appeal.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how The Art of Guitar uses Fender American Standard HSS Stratocaster

The Art of Guitar

Guitarist, Bassist

...
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In the Video, Mike is using a Fender HSS Stratocaster.

Genre Usage

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