Pricing and availability

Average Price: $775

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into the realm of sonic clarity and vintage aesthetics with the Fender Classic Player Stratocaster HH. Crafted by the visionary Yuriy Shishkov, this guitar marries the iconic Stratocaster silhouette with robust Wide Range humbucking pickups for a sound that's both pure and powerful. It's a nod to the past with its '60s and '70s inspired design elements, yet fully equipped to handle the modern musician's needs. Whether you're shredding through a solo or crafting lush, layered tracks, this Stratocaster delivers versatility and tone that's as limitless as your creativity.

Key Features:

  • Wide Range humbucking pickups offer a rich, versatile tone
  • Alder body and Maple neck with a Rosewood fretboard for a balanced sound profile
  • Vintage-inspired design with neck binding and a large CBS-style headstock
  • Includes a 5-way selector switch and three control knobs for tone shaping
  • Equipped with a two-point tremolo system for expressive playability

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Classic Player Stratocaster HH
Finish Dark Mercedes Blue
Year 2015 - 2016
Made In Mexico
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Blue
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material 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 Classic Player

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Fender Classic Player Stratocaster HH have?

The Fender Classic Player Stratocaster HH features a dual humbucking pickup configuration, providing a thicker, more powerful sound compared to traditional single-coil pickups, making it ideal for rock and heavier music styles.

Is the Fender Classic Player Stratocaster HH suitable for beginners?

While it offers versatile tones and solid build quality, the Fender Classic Player Stratocaster HH might be better suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its unique pickup configuration and features.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Classic Player Stratocaster HH?

This guitar features a comfortable "C"-shaped neck profile, which is designed to provide a smooth playing experience for various playing styles and hand sizes.

Does the Fender Classic Player Stratocaster HH have a tremolo system?

Yes, it is equipped with a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects.

How does the Fender Classic Player Stratocaster HH compare to a traditional Stratocaster?

Unlike traditional Stratocasters with single-coil pickups, the Classic Player Stratocaster HH uses humbuckers for a fuller, warmer sound, appealing to players who prefer a more robust tone.

Fender

Fender

Fender Classic Player Strat HH Designed by Master Builder Yuriy Shishkov | Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Player Strat HH Designed by Master Builder Yuriy Shishkov | Fender by Fender

Fender Classic Player Strat HH Designed by Master Builder Yuriy Shishkov | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Player HH Stratocaster | N Stuff Music by N Stuff Music

Fender Classic Player HH Stratocaster | N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender - Classic Player Stratocaster HH Demo at GAK by GAK

Fender - Classic Player Stratocaster HH Demo at GAK

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster Classic Player HH in Mercedes Blue  {Mexico} by bennievee

Fender Stratocaster Classic Player HH in Mercedes Blue {Mexico}

bennievee

bennievee

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Player Stratocaster HH by fightingzero

Fender Classic Player Stratocaster HH

fightingzero

fightingzero

Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster  Classic Player HH Unboxing by bennievee

Fender Stratocaster Classic Player HH Unboxing

bennievee

bennievee

Reviews

PROS

  • Combines humbucker and single-coil tones with no noise

  • Smooth, noiseless 2-point vibrato system

  • Gorgeous Mercedes Blue finish

  • Comfortable bound rosewood neck

  • High-quality fit and finish

  • Versatile 5-position coil tap switch

  • Full, rich pickup sound

  • Custom Shop design quality at a lower price

  • Unique hybrid guitar experience

CONS

  • Lack of out-of-phase sounds with single coils

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The bridge pickup is favored for low-gain applications and supports coil splitting, allowing for versatile sound options.

    Source
  • The 5-way switch with two humbuckers allows for coil tapping without the need to pull the tone knob, providing a unique switching setup.

    Source
  • The guitar's coil blend feature provides unique tonal versatility, allowing for a wide range of sounds from a single guitar.

    Source

Build quality

  • The guitar features a bound neck and a rosewood fingerboard, which enhance playability and aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • The model features wide-range humbuckers and a painted headstock, distinguishing it from the Blacktop series.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners enjoy its smooth playability, with a wide fretboard suitable for larger hands, providing a sense of control during play.

    Source
  • Users report the neck pickup as significantly hotter and beefier than the bridge, with some preferring to roll it halfway between single and humbucking.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Classic Player HH's resilience and emotional significance, often considering it irreplaceable due to its personal history and versatility.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The guitar is often found used for significantly less than new, with prices around $600 being considered a bargain.

    Source
  • Owners note that finding this model in mercedes blue with its specific features is rare, making a $600 purchase feel like a significant bargain.

    Source
  • Originally purchased for around $900, prices for used models now range from $1,200 to $2,000, reflecting increased demand and limited availability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • This model is versatile, suiting multiple genres like rock, R&B, and jazz, performing well both clean and distorted.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend the Chinese Seymour Duncan SH-4 for a hotter and more piercing bridge pickup tone while maintaining the coil-split blend function.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A recommended bridge replacement involves using a Mustang or Halon bridge; measure post distance carefully to avoid fit issues.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Vintera 60s Jaguar Modified HH is mentioned as a similar model, although it has also been discontinued, adding to the Classic Player's rarity.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender’s Classic Player Strat HH | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

Fender's Classic Player Stratocaster HH is a nontraditional take on the iconic Strat, boasting humbuckers while retaining a Fenderesque tone. With a substantial neck and a versatile five-way selector, it covers a wide range of genres from jazz to metal. The guitar's heft may be a drawback for some, but its sexy Mercedes Blue finish and performance make it a compelling mid-price option for players seeking a blend of classic and modern features.

positive

Fender Classic Player Strat HH review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender Classic Player Stratocaster HH is a stylish addition to the Strat family, offering dual Wide Range humbuckers for a versatile tone. It shines for players seeking more options beyond a standard Strat, thanks to its excellent build and finish. While the neck coil-split doesn't meet spec expectations, the guitar delivers lush 60s sounds and a smooth, stable vibrato. Some may find the neck pickup too thick, especially in bands with another humbucker guitarist. Despite these minor drawbacks, its unique voice and aggressive pricing make it an enticing choice for Fender enthusiasts seeking variety.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jim Root uses Fender Classic Player Stratocaster HH

Jim Root

Guitarist

Slipknot

...
Verified via Photo

Photo from Jim's official Instagram showing his work on this guitar

See how Serj Tankian uses Fender Classic Player Stratocaster HH

Serj Tankian

Singer, Guitarist

System of a Down

...
Verified via YouTube

Serj can be seen in the video playing an HH Fender Stratocaster.

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 Classic Player Stratocaster HH, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

More Fender Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides