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Average Price: $2,209

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$1001+

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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.

Guitar World

Guitar World

Guitar World Gear Review - Fender Select Stratocaster HSS

Video thumbnail for Guitar World Gear Review - Fender Select Stratocaster HSS by Guitar World

Guitar World Gear Review - Fender Select Stratocaster HSS

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Fender Select 2013 Stratocaster HSS Demo | Fender by Fender

Fender Select 2013 Stratocaster HSS Demo | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Select Series Stratocaster HSS Antique Burst Demo | PMTVUK by PMTVUK

Fender Select Series Stratocaster HSS Antique Burst Demo | PMTVUK

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender Select Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar by N Stuff Music

Fender Select Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender 2013 Select Strat HSS Demo by PMTVUK

Fender 2013 Select Strat HSS Demo

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender Select Stratocaster HSS: Tone Review and Demo by MusicStoreLive.com

Fender Select Stratocaster HSS: Tone Review and Demo

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Video thumbnail for zZounds.com: Fender Select Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar by zZounds

zZounds.com: Fender Select Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar

zZounds

zZounds

Video thumbnail for The Fender Select Strat HSS by ericdentonmusic

The Fender Select Strat HSS

ericdentonmusic

ericdentonmusic

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

Use cases and applications

  • A user mentioned the guitar's humbucker is versatile enough to be EQ'd for single-coil-like tones, useful for covering a range of musical styles.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Select Stratocaster HSS review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender Select Stratocaster HSS impresses with its upscale feel, versatile HSS configuration, and a vintage-inspired neck that offers modern playability. While the guitar boasts top-quality woods and a unique neck construction, it could benefit from a more robust setup. Ideal for those seeking single-coil spank with the added punch of a bridge humbucker, this Strat is a worthy investment for players who appreciate both classic and contemporary tones.

positive

Review: Fender Select Stratocaster HSS | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Fender Select Stratocaster HSS is an elegant blend of classic and modern for dedicated Fender enthusiasts. Its standout features include a flame maple top, premium alder body, and a versatile humbucker/single/single pickup configuration that caters to both fat tones and sweet single-coil sounds. The guitar's upscale design, combined with its performance prowess, such as the balanced humbucker and responsive single-coil pickups, makes it competitive with pricier custom models. However, it's not just a pretty face; the guitar delivers robust tones and maintains tuning stability under heavy tremolo use.

positive

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Artist usage

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See how Alon Farkash uses Fender Select Stratocaster HSS

Alon Farkash

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

"Alon Farkash is occasionally seen playing a Fender Select Stratocaster HSS, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo."

See how Hunter Walls uses Fender Select Stratocaster HSS

Hunter Walls

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Hunter Walls is seen with a Fender Select Stratocaster HSS, highlighting its natural beauty in a photo shared on Instagram by @the__chief.

Genre Usage

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Community setups

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chad_addington

chad_addington

Gear IQ 138

chad_addington

chad_addington

Gear IQ 138

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