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Average Price: $499

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH is a powerhouse in the world of electric guitars, designed for musicians who crave a bold, high-gain sound without unnecessary frills. This solid body electric guitar features dual covered humbuckers that deliver rich, full-bodied tones ideal for both the stage and studio. The Hot Vintage Alnico humbuckers provide an exhilarating blend of clarity and punch, ensuring you can cut through any mix with ease.

Aesthetically, the Blacktop Strat retains the classic Stratocaster vibe, complete with a sleek body and comfortable neck profile. Its intuitive layout includes three control knobs and a three-way pickup switch, allowing you to explore a variety of tonal possibilities effortlessly. Whether you're diving into gritty rock riffs or sailing through smooth jazz solos, this Strat doesn't just play the part—it looks it too.

For those who appreciate versatility and value, this guitar is a perfect fit. It offers the essential elements that have made the Stratocaster a legend, with a modern twist tailored for today's discerning players.

Key Features:

  • Dual covered Hot Vintage Alnico humbuckers
  • Three-way pickup switch
  • Classic Stratocaster body shape
  • Comfortable neck profile
  • Sleek, durable finish
  • High-gain output for versatile sound options
  • Ideal for both stage and studio settings

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 type of pickups does the Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH use?

The Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH features two covered humbucker pickups, which provide a thicker, more powerful sound compared to single-coil pickups, making it ideal for rock and heavier music genres.

Is the Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, but it is also favored by experienced players for its powerful humbucker tone.

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

The Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH typically features a modern "C" neck profile, which is comfortable for most hand sizes and playing styles, offering smooth playability.

How does the tremolo bridge on the Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH affect its playability?

The tremolo bridge on the Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH allows for pitch bending and vibrato effects, adding expressiveness to your playing while maintaining stable tuning with proper setup.

What are the finish options available for the Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH?

The Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH is available in Black, Candy Apple Red, and Sonic Blue finishes, offering a range of aesthetic choices to suit different player preferences.

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 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 Stratocaster HH Black 2011 Mexico by Loud Lemon Demo

Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH Black 2011 Mexico

Loud Lemon Demo

Loud Lemon Demo

Reviews

PROS

  • Sonic Blue color is highly praised and visually appealing

  • Humbucker pickups offer clear, mellow tones with impressive sustain

  • Versatile sound suitable for various music styles

  • Responsive pickups enhance playing dynamics and tone

  • Easy to mod due to swimming pool route

  • High quality for the price, exceeds expectations

  • Smooth blade switch with no static issues

  • Neck is comfortable for both chords and lead

  • Retains traditional Stratocaster ergonomics with unique wiring and humbuckers

CONS

  • Poly gloss neck can become sticky, may require modification

  • Slightly heavier than typical Stratocasters, might affect preference

  • High output pickups may not suit those preferring vintage tones

  • No hard case included with purchase

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH Covered Humbuckers.

Features and functionality

  • The Blacktop Strat HH is known for its enormous sound but still offers classic Strat tones in the in-between pickup positions.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners replace stock pickups with Dimarzio Air Norton and AT-1 for improved tone, and consider rewiring for two volumes and a master tone.

    Source
  • Owners recommend replacing stock pickups with Seymour Duncan Slash 2.0 in the neck and SH-1N '59 in the bridge for improved tone suited for hard rock.

    Source
  • A potential upgrade includes swapping the Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 for an SD Invader to better match a band's hard rock sound.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • One user experienced a volume issue where pickups weren't soldered but just wrapped around the pot lead, requiring a simple fix.

    Source
  • Despite some fretwire issues, the guitar's fit and finish are often regarded as fine, with some setups requiring only minor intonation adjustments.

    Source

User experience

  • A Blacktop HSH Strat owner notes that multiple friends were surprised it was a Mexican-made guitar due to its quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Blacktop series is likened to the Mexican Special series, but offers more interesting pickup configurations.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Blacktop HH Telecaster is noted for its versatility and handling distortion well, with a twangy sharp bridge pickup and warm neck tone.

    Source
  • The guitar's sound is considered versatile, with upgrades making it particularly suitable for hard rock genres.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users report issues with fretwire extending over the fingerboard edges, suggesting a need for careful inspection or adjustment by a luthier.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH impresses with its muscular humbuckers and versatile tonal range, offering a fresh twist on the classic Strat design. Its robust build and gig-ready features are complemented by a smart five-way switch, allowing a wide variety of sounds from warm jazz tones to heavy rock. While some might see the series as a marketing move, the Strat delivers excellent playability and quality for its price, making it a standout in Fender's lineup. The only downside might be the gloss neck finish, which can get sticky, but overall, it's a fantastic value.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
jeffsimmons1960

My Best Player

My best playing guitar. I took the covers off of the pickups, I think it looks better. The chrome covers look to gaudy on that guitar, IMO.

Roles:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Albert Hammond Jr uses Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH Covered Humbuckers

Albert Hammond Jr

Singer, Guitarist

The Strokes

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo from The Strokes set at Lollapalooza Paris in 2019, Albert Hammond Jr. is seen playing the Blacktop Strat, albeit with a red pickguard.

See how Kenneth Harris uses Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH Covered Humbuckers

Kenneth Harris

Guitarist

Panic! at the Disco

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:44 in this video, we can see Kenneth playing this guitar

See how Joe Bunton uses Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH Covered Humbuckers

Joe Bunton

Guitarist

Strawberry Lace

...
Verified via Instagram

this is Joe's main guitar, he uses this in a majority of his live performances and videos.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH Covered Humbuckers, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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awiechcz

awiechcz

Gear IQ 295

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