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Fender Special Edition Standard Stratocaster HSS

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Fender Special Edition Standard Stratocaster HSS

$499.99 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (4)

2 Reviews

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Page last updated May 21, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated May 21, 2026.

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4.0 (5)

$499.99 2 available Used

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Average Price: $500

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender Special Edition Standard Stratocaster HSS is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation with the Fender Special Edition Standard Stratocaster HSS. This iconic guitar takes the classic Stratocaster design and injects it with a modern twist to cater to musicians who crave both versatility and power. Equipped with a high-output humbucker in the bridge position, this Strat HSS delivers a robust tone that cuts through any mix, while the two single-coil pickups in the neck and middle maintain the signature Fender clarity.

The guitar features a solid alder body, known for its balanced tonal qualities, and a sleek maple neck that promises both speed and comfort with its Modern "C" profile. The rosewood fretboard not only complements the guitar’s aesthetics but also adds a touch of warmth to your sound, making it perfect for any style from blues to rock.

Visually striking, the Stratocaster HSS boasts a sophisticated look with its understated design elements, creating an instrument that sounds as good as it looks. Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or commanding the stage, this guitar ensures you're doing so with both style and substance.

Key Features:

Solid alder body for balanced tone
Modern "C" maple neck for comfortable play
Rosewood fretboard for warm tonal quality
High-output humbucker in the bridge for powerful sound
Two single-coil pickups in the neck and middle for classic Fender clarity
Vintage-style tremolo for expressive playing
Sleek, understated visual design

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Special Edition Standard HSS Stratocaster with Maple Fretboard
Finish	Black
Year	2010 - 2015
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
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Maple
Model Family	Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	HSS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Fender FSR Limited Edition, Fender Standard
Wood Top Style	Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender Special Edition Standard Stratocaster HSS?: The Fender Special Edition Standard Stratocaster HSS features a modern "C" neck profile, which offers a comfortable and familiar feel for most players, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles.
What type of pickups are used in the Fender Special Edition Standard Stratocaster HSS?: This Stratocaster model features two classic Fender single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions, and a high-output humbucker at the bridge, providing a versatile range of tones from bright and clear to warm and powerful.
Is the Fender Special Edition Standard Stratocaster HSS suitable for beginner guitarists?: Yes, the Fender Special Edition Standard Stratocaster HSS is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile, versatile pickup configuration, and reliable build quality, making it an excellent choice for those starting their musical journey.
What is the body material of the Fender Special Edition Standard Stratocaster HSS?: The body of the Fender Special Edition Standard Stratocaster HSS is made from alder, known for its balanced tone and lightweight properties, which contribute to the guitar's overall playability and sound quality.
Does the Fender Special Edition Standard Stratocaster HSS come with a tremolo bridge?: Yes, this Stratocaster model features a synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and expressive playing techniques.

Reviews

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PROS

Super low action for smooth playability
HSS pickup configuration for versatile tone options
Glossy finish enhances aesthetic appeal
Screw-in whammy bar for precise tone modulation
Smooth fretboard offers comfortable playing experience
Well-balanced guitar with great feel

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Special Edition Standard Stratocaster HSS.

Mods and upgrades

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Some owners recommend wiring the HSS Strat like Suhr models, using a super switch to optimize resistance for each pickup, enhancing tone consistency across positions.
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Some users suggest replacing the factory humbucker with a Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates for improved bridge tone.
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A few users consider replacing the humbucker with a single coil to regain the classic Strat bridge sound they feel is lost in the HSS configuration.
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Installing a coil split on the HSS Strat's humbucker is suggested to achieve a more authentic single coil sound, enhancing tonal versatility.
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Features and functionality

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The HSS configuration provides versatility with a humbucker in the bridge for heavier tones, while maintaining classic Strat neck and middle single coil sounds.
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The HSS Strat offers a notable volume jump when switching from neck to bridge pickup, requiring players to adjust the volume for consistent output.
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Comparisons

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An HSS Strat is often seen as versatile but may not fully capture the distinct bridge twang of a traditional SSS Strat.
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The Sterling Cutlass HSS, G&L Legacy HSS, and Schecter Nick Johnston are recommended alternatives, noted for features like roasted maple necks that improve tuning stability.
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A used Gibson Les Paul Studio is considered superior within the $500-$700 range, offering higher quality than comparable Epiphone and Fender models.
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User experience

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Users report that the HSS Strat is ideal for players owning only one guitar due to its tonal flexibility across various genres.
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Build quality

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The American Deluxe HSS Strat features locking tuners and an LSR roller nut, praised for stability and handling heavier strings.
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Some owners report fret sprout issues and a lighter body weight of around 7.75 lbs, which may affect comfort during extended play.
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Use cases and applications

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HSS Strats are noted for their suitability in pop-rock genres, offering a powerful bridge pickup for punchy leads.
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Positions 4 and 5 on the HSS Strat are highlighted for delivering single coil clarity, while 1 and 2 provide crunch, making it suitable for diverse musical styles.
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The tremolo on a Strat is noted as a double-edged sword, adding versatility but potentially reducing sustain, impacting genres requiring long sustain.
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Value and pricing

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Many recommend purchasing used for $250-$350, offering better value than paying full retail for a MIM Fender or non-custom Epiphone.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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swaggy_fishkins

over 9 years ago

Amazing guitar.

Of course everyone prefers different guitars, but this is a very well-balanced guitar with a great feel to it. Not only does it have the standard Stratocaster single-coil pickups, but it also has the HSS hum buckers, so you can always have the right tone for whatever you are playing. Wonderful glossy finish, and the fretboard is as smooth as butter. It has an awesome screw-in whammy bar which can drop and rise tone. Overall, this is a pleasure to own with the classic Fender style.