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Average Price: $950

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Crafted for musicians who crave versatility and power in their sound, the Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS stands as a testament to the legendary Strat design, with a modern twist. Designed in the USA, this guitar merges the classic Stratocaster aesthetic with a powerful humbucker pickup, offering a dynamic range of tones that cater to both vintage purists and modern rockers alike.

The striking body contours and sleek finish encapsulate Fender's iconic style, while the HSS configuration (Humbucker-Single-Single) provides an expanded tonal palette. This setup includes a robust humbucking pickup at the bridge, delivering a punchy, high-output sound perfect for hard-hitting solos and heavy riffs. Meanwhile, the single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions maintain the bright, crisp clarity Fender is renowned for.

Equipped with a five-way switch, this guitar offers seamless transitions between a myriad of sonic landscapes, allowing musicians to explore everything from bluesy warmth to searing rock tones. The comfortable neck profile ensures effortless playability, making it a reliable companion for both studio sessions and live performances. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring guitarist, the Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS is engineered to enhance your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Made in the USA
  • HSS pickup configuration: Humbucker bridge and two single-coils
  • Five-way pickup selector switch
  • Iconic Stratocaster body shape
  • Comfortable neck profile for enhanced playability
  • Versatile tonal range for various genres

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 the HSS configuration on the Fender American Standard Stratocaster mean?

The HSS configuration on this Stratocaster refers to a humbucker pickup at the bridge position and single-coil pickups at the middle and neck positions, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.

Is the Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable modern C-shaped neck and versatile pickup configuration, which allows players to explore different tones.

How does the Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS perform for rock music?

With its Diamondback humbucker at the bridge, the Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS provides a powerful, punchy tone ideal for rock music, while the single-coil pickups offer clarity and brightness for clean and rhythm parts.

What is the neck profile of the Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS?

The neck of the Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS features a modern C shape, providing a comfortable grip for players, enhancing playability across various styles.

Does the Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS come with a case?

Yes, the Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS includes a hardshell case, providing protection and easy transport for the guitar.

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, 3-Color Sunburst by N Stuff Music

Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS, 3-Color Sunburst

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

Video thumbnail for R.I.P. Fender American Standard Stratocaster Unboxing/Sound Sample by badbrad

R.I.P. Fender American Standard Stratocaster Unboxing/Sound Sample

badbrad

badbrad

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS Review Demo by juligan01

Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS Review Demo

juligan01

juligan01

Video thumbnail for Fender USA American Standard Stratocaster HSS Sienna Sunburst Maple Fretboard guitar close up video by Oxford Guitars

Fender USA American Standard Stratocaster HSS Sienna Sunburst Maple Fretboard guitar close up video

Oxford Guitars

Oxford Guitars

Video thumbnail for My New (old) 2015 Fender American Standard HSS Stratocaster Shawbucker by Jack's Guitar Trax

My New (old) 2015 Fender American Standard HSS Stratocaster Shawbucker

Jack's Guitar Trax

Jack's Guitar Trax

Reviews

PROS

  • Smooth neck and fretboard allows for easy bending and playability

  • Seymour Duncan 'Trembucker' in the bridge delivers superior sound quality

  • Lightweight and maintains tuning well despite heavy play

  • Versatile sound suitable for rock, blues, funk, and jazz

  • Excellent intonation and resonant tone

  • High-quality finish and vintage design appeal

  • Comfortable contour and forward-thinking design by Leo Fender

  • Pickups, especially the bridge, provide great clean or crunchy tones

CONS

  • Some units have semi-dead spots on the neck affecting note resonance

  • Protective film on pickguard requires complete disassembly to remove

  • Single-coil pickups can be noisy

  • Jack and volume pot issues reported on new units

Owner Insights

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

User experience

  • An owner of a 2006 American Deluxe HSS Strat praises its durability and quality neck feel, noting only routine maintenance needed over years of use.

    Source
  • Owners describe the guitar as inspiring creativity, with its smooth playability and superb craftsmanship, enhancing the enjoyment of writing and exploring new musical ideas.

    Source
  • An owner switched from HSS to SSS due to aesthetic preferences, despite acknowledging the HSS's versatility.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is noted for its versatility, making it suitable for different playing styles and inspiring players to explore beyond their typical repertoire.

    Source
  • HSS Strats are favored by those needing versatility in one guitar, covering genres from rock to blues without switching instruments.

    Source
  • It's mentioned that noiseless pickups, like those from DiMarzio, are preferred in noisy environments, enhancing the HSS Strat's usability in diverse settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the American Special with Texas Special pickups, the American Standard HSS is brighter and slightly thinner, complementing each other in tonal variety.

    Source
  • Fender's HSS Strats compete with Ibanez and Jackson models, which also offer HSS configurations, often preferred by those seeking hybrid sounds.

    Source
  • Owners suggest that the Player II series offers superior pickups compared to the Standard range, with noticeable tonal improvements especially for higher quality recordings.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Custom setups with 11-gauge strings and medium/low action using Graphtech saddles are recommended for optimal performance and personal comfort.

    Source
  • Some users emphasize ensuring proper HSS wiring, particularly with a 500k bridge tone pot, to avoid a dull humbucker sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Sienna Sunburst finish on the 2013 model shows a more pronounced wood grain contrast, adding character to the guitar's appearance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • HSS Strats retain classic neck and middle single-coil tones but sacrifice the traditional bridge single-coil sound for a more powerful humbucker output.

    Source
  • The American Deluxe HSS Strat has an S1 switch, which enhances pickup combinations and adds versatility, but some users find the humbucker tone slightly anemic.

    Source
  • It's noted that some HSS Strats are pre-routed for neck humbuckers, enabling easy conversion to HSH setups without additional routing.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users suggest installing Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates in the bridge for a richer tone compared to the stock humbucker.

    Source
  • Several owners recommend installing coil-splitting mods, like the Gilmore mod, to increase versatility, allowing for more tonal options from the humbucker.

    Source
  • Owners recommend wiring HSS Strats like Suhr models using a super switch, allowing humbuckers to see 500k and single coils to see 250k for optimal tone.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS and Telecaster HH Guitars — Video | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS combines vintage charm with modern versatility, making it a standout for players seeking more power without losing the classic Strat essence. Its Diamondback humbucker and Custom Shop Fat ’50s single-coils offer a dynamic tonal range, perfect for both nostalgic and contemporary sounds. The guitar's build quality, featuring refined finishes and ergonomic design, ensures long-term reliability and comfort. However, traditionalists might miss the all-single-coil setup, but for those wanting that extra punch, this Strat is a winner. Overall, it's a reliable blend of tradition and innovation.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 20 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
mrrstrat

The working Pro's Strat

The HSS pattern covers about anything. Mine is highly customized with a Fender Custom Shop rosewood fretboard neck, 902D Custom pickguiard with Dimarzio-furnished 36 Anniversary PAF, Dimarzio Area 67 in the middle, and the Dimarzio Heavy Blues II in the neck. The vintage bridge was hand-selected and expertly worked to perform flawlessly live. I also use Fender locking tuners. This one is my number 1.

stekfdd

cool guitar, but pickups chage to EMG

Very fast native pickups dead. And its good. Set 81/85 set of EMG pickups. Its brilliant guitar. Few times try to change it but not. Its my guitar for all time (only can buy anything new and save this).

lexplexus

Strat!

Wanted a Strat for awhile now, and I like this one. It has HSS, which is great. The single coils are pretty noisy of course but what the hey. I need to get the action raised again. I just love the sound and feel of a good Strat! Mine has a black pickguard.

baguspamungkas

because strato is the greatest guitar in the world

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Hozier uses Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS

Hozier

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Hozier can be seen playing a Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS at approximately 09:42 in this video, live at KCRW. Hozier's guitar appears to be mystic red with a maple fingerboard.

See how Devin Townsend uses Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS

Devin Townsend

Singer, Guitarist

The Wildhearts

...
Verified via YouTube

0:31 into this video Devin can be seen playing on a Fender Stratocaster Sienna Sunburst.

See how Doyle Bramhall II uses Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS

Doyle Bramhall II

Guitarist, Music Producer

Bryan Adams & Roger Waters

...
Verified via Photo

This photo, sourced from the official site of Doyle Bramhall II, shows him playing a Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar in a black finish with a rosewood neck. He has turned the guitar upside-down.

See how Ben Bruce uses Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS

Ben Bruce

Guitarist

Asking Alexandria

...
Verified via YouTube

The guitar was played in music video of A Prophecy, the guitar is visible in the 3:27-3:29 mark

See how Mami Sasazaki uses Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS

Mami Sasazaki

Guitarist, Composer

SCANDAL

...
Verified via Photo

Originally purchased as a regular Fender American Standard Strat HSS in black with a white pickguard near the end of 2009. Around March 2010, MAMI customized this guitar with a paint job that she designed on Photoshop. The result is the all-black guitar with a "melting ice-cream" design that you see today, painted by RADICAL BRATS DESIGNS. -SCANDAL HEAVEN

RADICAL BRATS http://www.radical-brats.com/

Currently, MAMI's HSS strat is missing the volume knob (which had been for some while, c. 2014) and she seems to leave it missing.

See how Lemaitre uses Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS

Lemaitre

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this fan-shot video of Lemaitre playing their track "Continuum" live (Stereosonic 2013 Melbourne), they can be seen playing a Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar in a Sienna Sunburst finish with a rosewood fingerboard. The guitar can be seen throughout.

See how Taylor Lumley uses Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS

Taylor Lumley

Guitarist

Beartooth

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen at 1:13 into this video, stating, "I have an American Standard Strat, same setup as this, except it is a Fender twin head humbucker in it." His stratocaster like he has said is modified as the pickups and pickguard have seem to be swapped.

See how Paco Huidobro uses Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS

Paco Huidobro

Guitarist, Composer

Fobia

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Sunburst

In the concert video "Sasha, Benny y Erik - Vivo / Veneno Vil (En Vivo Entre Amigos) ft. Fobia," Paco Huidobro is seen using a Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS.

See how Andy Westhead uses Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS

Andy Westhead

Guitarist

As It Is

...
Verified via Facebook

In this facebook's picture, we can see Andy playing a Fender Stratocaster HSS American Standard

Album Usage

The Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

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

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