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$1001+

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Description

The Fender MIJ Hybrid '50s Stratocaster HSS is a nod to the golden era of electric guitars, combining classic design with modern playability. Crafted in Japan, this guitar blends vintage aesthetics with contemporary features. Its HSS configuration (humbucker-single-single) provides a versatile sonic palette, allowing musicians to effortlessly switch from warm, full tones to sharp, cutting leads. The sleek maple neck offers exceptional comfort, catering to rapid fretwork with ease, while the 9.5-inch radius enhances playability for both rhythm and lead players.

The guitar’s body retains the iconic Stratocaster silhouette, ensuring familiarity for seasoned players and an attractive allure for newcomers. A vintage-style synchronized tremolo adds to its dynamic range, making it perfect for expressive playing styles. The combination of an alder body and maple neck provides a balanced tonal foundation, suitable for various genres from blues to rock.

Key Features:

  • Made in Japan (MIJ) craftsmanship ensuring high-quality construction
  • HSS pickup configuration for versatile sound options
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge for expressive play
  • 9.5" radius maple neck for comfortable playability
  • Classic Stratocaster body shape and design
  • Alder body for balanced tone and resonance
  • 21 vintage-style frets for a traditional feel

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model MIJ Hybrid '50s Stratocaster HSS
Year 2019 - 2020
Made In Japan
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, Green, Grey, Yellow
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 9.5"
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender MIJ Hybrid

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Fender MIJ Hybrid '50s Stratocaster HSS have?

The Fender MIJ Hybrid '50s Stratocaster HSS features a humbucker in the bridge position and single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.

Is the Fender MIJ Hybrid '50s Stratocaster HSS suitable for beginners?

While the Fender MIJ Hybrid '50s Stratocaster HSS can be played by beginners, its features and build quality are more appreciated by intermediate to advanced players looking for a versatile and durable instrument.

What is the neck profile of the Fender MIJ Hybrid '50s Stratocaster HSS like?

The neck of the Fender MIJ Hybrid '50s Stratocaster HSS has a comfortable "C" shape profile, offering a familiar feel that is easy to play for most hand sizes.

How does the alder body affect the sound of the Fender MIJ Hybrid '50s Stratocaster HSS?

The alder body of the Fender MIJ Hybrid '50s Stratocaster HSS provides a balanced tone with a good mix of lows, mids, and highs, making it versatile for different musical styles.

Does the Fender MIJ Hybrid '50s Stratocaster HSS have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Fender MIJ Hybrid '50s Stratocaster HSS is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing for pitch modulation effects and dynamic playing techniques.

What is the fretboard radius of the Fender MIJ Hybrid '50s Stratocaster HSS?

The fretboard radius of the Fender MIJ Hybrid '50s Stratocaster HSS is 9.5 inches, offering a comfortable playing surface that suits a variety of playing styles from chordal work to soloing.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender MIJ Hybrid '50s Stratocaster HSS.

Features and functionality

  • The Hybrid series combines vintage and modern elements, featuring a Modern C neck and unique auto-locking tuners that resemble vintage Fender tuners but function differently.

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  • The MIJ Hybrid II features narrow tall frets, contrasting with the jumbo frets of the American Performer, potentially influencing playability and personal preference.

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  • The neck humbucker provides a warm, smooth tone and adapts well to coil splitting, offering crisp Fender bell tones.

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  • The Hybrid II SH configuration includes a coil-split feature enhancing versatility by providing both humbucker warmth and single-coil clarity.

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Build quality

  • The finish is referred to as Flame Sunset Orange, and it's noted for its impressive maple top, despite some confusion with a foto-flame appearance.

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  • One owner highlights the MIJ Hybrid II's thick poly finish, which they prefer over thinner nitro finishes for durability.

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  • The rosewood fretboard has unique figuring and a porous quality, contributing to its aesthetic character and smooth playability.

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User experience

  • Owners report a classic Strat tone with plenty of bite, satisfying those who prefer traditional Stratocaster sound characteristics.

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  • Several owners express that the MIJ Hybrid II Stratocaster feels slightly heavier than American models, potentially due to the use of basswood.

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  • Owners appreciate the premium feel of the neck's satin finish, describing it as exceptionally comfortable.

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Use cases and applications

  • One owner successfully transported the guitar internationally by purchasing a hard case and paying for oversize baggage, suggesting this as a viable option for travelers.

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Comparisons

  • Some players argue that the MIJ Hybrid II's vintage locking tuners and bone nut offer a superior feel compared to the American Performer's ClassicGear tuners and synthetic nut.

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  • The MIJ Hybrid II is noted for its more traditional Strat wiring, while the American Performer offers additional tone options with its greasebucket and parallel neck + bridge configurations.

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  • The color "Forrest Blue" is likened to Lake Placid Blue with a hint of Miami, enhanced by a mint pickguard that brings out green tones.

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Value and pricing

  • Owners express that the build quality of MIJ models meets or exceeds MIA versions while being more affordably priced.

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