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Average Price: $499

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Elevate your sound with the Fender Blacktop Series Stratocaster, the perfect blend of classic Stratocaster design and modern sonic innovation. This electric guitar is primed to deliver an impressive tonal range with its dual high-gain Hot Vintage Alnico humbuckers, packing a punch for those who crave power without sacrificing the iconic Strat feel. Ideal for musicians who appreciate simplicity without compromising on quality, its straightforward three-way pickup switch and trio of control knobs offer effortless tonal adjustments, keeping you focused on what matters most: your music.

Crafted for versatility, the Blacktop Stratocaster caters to a wide array of playing styles, making it a favorite among rock, blues, and jazz players alike. Its solid body ensures durability and longevity, while the sleek profile offers a comfortable playing experience for both seasoned performers and newcomers. Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or commanding the stage live, this guitar promises to be a reliable companion in every setting.

Key Features:

  • Dual Hot Vintage Alnico humbuckers for powerful, high-gain output
  • Three-way pickup switch for versatile tonal control
  • Solid body construction for robust sound and durability
  • Classic Stratocaster design with modern enhancements
  • Three control knobs for volume and tone adjustments

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Blacktop Stratocaster HH
Finish Black, Candy Apple Red, Sonic Blue
Year 2011 - 2014
Made In Mexico
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, Red
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Blacktop

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Fender Blacktop Series Stratocaster have?

The Fender Blacktop Series Stratocaster features Hot Vintage alnico humbucking pickups in both the neck and bridge positions, offering a powerful and versatile tone suitable for various music genres.

Is the Fender Blacktop Stratocaster suitable for heavy music styles like rock and metal?

Yes, the Blacktop Stratocaster's HH pickup configuration with Hot Vintage alnico humbuckers provides a thick, high-output sound ideal for rock and metal genres.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Blacktop Series Stratocaster?

The Fender Blacktop Series Stratocaster has a comfortable modern "C" shaped maple neck, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles and techniques.

How does the pickup switching work on the Fender Blacktop Stratocaster?

The Fender Blacktop Stratocaster features a 5-position blade switch allowing for various pickup combinations, including full humbucker and coil-split options for versatile sound shaping.

Does the Fender Blacktop Series Stratocaster come with a case?

No, the Fender Blacktop Series Stratocaster does not include a case. It is sold separately, so you may want to purchase one to protect your guitar.

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Fender Blacktop HH Stratocaster demo - Damon Chivers @ PMT

Video thumbnail for Fender Blacktop HH Stratocaster demo - Damon Chivers @ PMT by PMTVUK

Fender Blacktop HH Stratocaster demo - Damon Chivers @ PMT

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH by ProGuitarShopDemos

Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH video review demo Guitarist Magazine HD by Guitarist

Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH video review demo Guitarist Magazine HD

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Fender Blacktop Strat Guitar Gear Review by Musora

Fender Blacktop Strat Guitar Gear Review

Musora

Musora

Video thumbnail for Fender Blacktop HH Stratocaster Review - YandasMusic.com by Yandas Music

Fender Blacktop HH Stratocaster Review - YandasMusic.com

Yandas Music

Yandas Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH Humbuckers & Why You Should Buy This Strat! by Mike From Nashville

Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH Humbuckers & Why You Should Buy This Strat!

Mike From Nashville

Mike From Nashville

Video thumbnail for Fender Blacktop Strat vs. Les Paul | Gear Check | Thomann by Thomann's Guitars & Basses

Fender Blacktop Strat vs. Les Paul | Gear Check | Thomann

Thomann's Guitars & Basses

Thomann's Guitars & Basses

Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster Blacktop Demo by Tom Roger Thu

Fender Stratocaster Blacktop Demo

Tom Roger Thu

Tom Roger Thu

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound versatility suitable for various music styles

  • Humbucker pickups provide clear, articulate tones with impressive sustain

  • Vintage looks with head-turning aesthetic appeal

  • High-quality fit and finish, even on used models

  • Neck feels great for both chords and lead playing

  • Smooth blade switch and responsive volume/tone knobs

  • Easy to mod due to swimming pool route design

  • Sonic Blue color is popular and visually striking

  • Offers more guitar for the dollar than expected

  • Maintains classic "straty jangle" despite high output pickups

CONS

  • Poly gloss neck can become sticky during play

  • Heavier than most traditional Stratocasters

  • Did not originally come with a hard case

  • High output pickups may not suit everyone’s taste

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Blacktop Series Stratocaster, Electric Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • The Blacktop Stratocaster HH is known for its huge sound while retaining classic Strat tones in the neck and in-between positions.

    Source
  • The Blacktop Stratocaster HH typically comes with three control knobs; any variations might indicate custom modifications or alterations.

    Source
  • Blacktop Stratocaster pickups marked "Neck and Bridge BHK" are consistent across models, indicating no significant tonal difference between regular and Floyd Rose-equipped versions.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some Blacktop Telecasters experienced volume issues due to improperly soldered pickup wires, which required user repair.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A Blacktop Telecaster user struggled with persistent intonation and fret buzz issues, even after professional setup attempts.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • One user upgraded their Blacktop Strat HH with Dimarzio Air Norton and AT-1 pickups for a personalized sound.

    Source
  • Owners often replace stock pickups due to muddiness, with Dimarzio models being a popular upgrade for clearer tone.

    Source
  • The debate between covered and uncovered Blacktop humbuckers suggests covered pickups might be smoother and more versatile, with subtle differences noted in tonal brightness.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the Blacktop series is comparable in quality to Mexican-made Fenders but offers unique pickup configurations.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the comfort of the neck, highlighting it as a standout feature despite any pickup shortcomings.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the smooth and transparent sound of covered Blacktop humbuckers, despite some considering them less exciting.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Blacktop series is one of the few ways to acquire a Fender with a 22-fret neck and genuine Rosewood.

    Source
  • Pickup covers, once primarily nickel, are now often copper, which can slightly reduce high-end output compared to older models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A genuine Fender Blacktop Stratocaster for $260 is considered an exceptional deal, with some suspecting issues or modifications at that price.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Fender's Blacktop Stratocaster HH is a robust and versatile guitar that delivers great value for its price. With its beefy humbuckers and smart switching options, it offers a wide range of tones and a classic yet quirky look. While the gloss neck finish might become sticky for some players, the overall build quality, playability, and tonal versatility make it a standout. The guitar's setup and action are excellent, providing comfort and ease in playability. Though some may see it as a marketing ploy, it remains one of the best instruments from Fender's Ensenada factory.

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