Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,209
High-end/Boutique
$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
The Fender Select Stratocaster HSS is not just another guitar; it’s a harmonious blend of craftsmanship and innovation. Designed for the discerning guitarist, this solid body electric guitar marries timeless style with modern enhancements. At its core, the custom electronics are the heart of this beast, offering a unique combination of two single-coil pickups and a humbucker, all meticulously overwound for a vibrant and dynamic sound that's exclusive to this series. The carefully chosen premium tonewoods elevate both its sound and aesthetic appeal, featuring a luxurious flame maple top and a resilient quartersawn birdseye maple neck.
With a compound-radius rosewood fretboard ranging from 9.5" to 14", the Select Stratocaster HSS ensures smooth transitions across the neck, catering to both intricate solos and lush chords. Its contoured heel adds to the comfortable playability, making long sessions feel effortless. Whether you’re on stage or in the studio, the Fender Select Stratocaster HSS delivers a rich, versatile sound that has defined generations of music. This guitar is a testament to Fender’s dedication to quality and innovation, promising not only a remarkable performance but also a collectible appeal for guitar aficionados.
Key Features:
- Solid body electric guitar with a flame maple top
- Exclusive custom electronics: two single-coil pickups and a humbucker
- Overwound pickups for a dynamic, vibrant sound
- Quartersawn birdseye maple neck for enhanced stability
- Compound-radius rosewood fretboard (9.5"–14") for smooth playability
- Contoured heel for comfortable access to higher frets
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | American Select Stratocaster HSS |
| Finish | Antique Burst, Tobacco Sunburst |
| Year | 2012 - 2013 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Bridge |
| Color Family | Brown |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| 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 | HSS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Series | Fender American Select |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
-
What kind of music is the Fender Select Stratocaster HSS best suited for?
-
The Fender Select Stratocaster HSS is versatile, making it ideal for rock, blues, and pop. The humbucker in the bridge position provides powerful tones for heavier genres, while the single-coils offer clarity and brightness for cleaner styles.
-
How does the HSS pickup configuration affect the sound of this Stratocaster?
-
The HSS configuration combines a humbucker with two single-coil pickups, offering a wide tonal range. The humbucker delivers a thicker, more powerful sound, while the single-coils provide classic Strat clarity and brightness.
-
Does the Fender Select Stratocaster HSS have a comfortable neck profile for playing?
-
Yes, it features a modern "C" shaped neck profile, which is comfortable for most players and allows for easy playability across different musical styles.
-
Is the tremolo bridge on the Fender Select Stratocaster HSS stable for tuning?
-
The tremolo bridge is designed for moderate use and provides decent tuning stability. However, for extensive tremolo use, occasional retuning might be necessary.
-
What materials are used for the fretboard on the Fender Select Stratocaster HSS?
-
The fretboard options include maple and rosewood, each offering distinct tonal qualities—maple provides a brighter sound, while rosewood offers a warmer tone.
Videos
Guitar World
Guitar World Gear Review - Fender Select Stratocaster HSS
Reviews
PROS
-
Exceptional tonal range from twang to thick tones, ideal for diverse music styles
-
Beautiful flame and birdseye maple aesthetics, a stunning visual centerpiece
-
Smooth, fast, and oiled neck enhances playability, avoiding stickiness
-
S1 switching system offers versatile tone options for various settings
-
Stays in tune well, even with frequent use of the whammy bar
-
Lightweight design reduces fatigue during extended play sessions
-
Great value for the quality, making it a cost-effective choice
-
Durable build suited for live performances and rigorous use
CONS
-
None
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Select Stratocaster HSS.
Build quality
-
The channel-bound fretboard, where rosewood is set in a maple neck, enhances resonance significantly compared to traditional fretboards.
Source -
The neck is noted for its unique construction, where the 'binding' is actually part of the maple neck, with the rosewood inlaid into it.
Source -
Owners have observed birdseye maple detailing in the headstock, adding a unique visual element not commonly found in other Stratocasters.
Source
User experience
-
Owners describe the sustain as exceptional, even among other Fenders, making it stand out for its resonance and playing enjoyment.
Source -
Owners appreciate the guitar's aesthetic, particularly the clear binding with a dark fretboard, which is uncommon in Stratocasters.
Source -
A user has highlighted the joy of receiving the guitar as a family gift, emphasizing its sentimental value beyond its musical attributes.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The channel-bound fretboard is noted for its comfort, contributing to enhanced resonance and playability.
Source -
The guitar's finish is often praised for its aesthetic appeal, noted as particularly striking compared to standard models.
Source -
Channel-bound fretboards are highlighted as a significant innovation, with players hoping for more widespread adoption in future models.
Source -
The guitar features a visually striking curly maple top, which contributes to its standout aesthetic appeal.
Source -
The black humbucker in the bridge position is noted for its striking visual appeal, adding a bold look to the guitar's aesthetics.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistGenre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Community setups
Show yoursMore Fender Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
PpillowfromhomeGear IQ 66
-