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Average Price: $1,059

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS Black is where classic Fender craftsmanship meets modern innovation. Perfect for guitarists who crave the versatility of a humbucker but don’t want to stray too far from the iconic Stratocaster sound, this guitar offers an impressive balance of tone and style. Its sleek black finish is complemented by a contoured alder body, providing not only an eye-catching aesthetic but also a comfortable playing experience for any genre.

What sets this model apart is the inclusion of the S-1 switching system, which expands your tonal palette with a single push of a button, allowing for seamless transitions between sonic textures. The combination of two Fender Noiseless single-coil pickups and a powerful humbucker in the bridge position makes it an ideal choice for those who refuse to compromise on sound quality. Plus, the unique "Passing Lane" switch instantly boosts your lead lines by bypassing the tone circuit and routing your signal directly to the humbucker, ensuring you cut through the mix when it matters most.

The neck features a modern “C” shape with a satin finish, offering smooth playability and effortless navigation across the fretboard. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a budding enthusiast, the American Deluxe HSS Black delivers a rich and dynamic sound that’s unmistakably Fender.

Key Features:

  • Alder body with sleek black finish
  • S-1 switching system for expanded tonal options
  • Two Fender Noiseless single-coil pickups
  • Bridge humbucker for powerful, full-bodied sound
  • "Passing Lane" switch for instant lead boost
  • Modern “C” neck profile with satin finish for comfortable playability

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Deluxe Fat Stratocaster HSS
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Amber, Black, Olympic Pearl, Sunset Metallic, Tungsten
Year 2011 - 2015
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, Silver, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender American Deluxe
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS Black have?

The Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS Black 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.

How does the S-1 switch on the Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS Black work?

The S-1 switch on this guitar allows you to access additional pickup configurations, providing more tonal options by enabling series and parallel wiring of the pickups.

Is the Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS Black suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS Black is designed with features like a compound radius neck and advanced electronics, making it well-suited for advanced players seeking a versatile and high-performance instrument.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS Black?

The neck of the Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS Black features a modern "C" shape with a compound radius, providing comfortable playability for both chord work and soloing.

Does the Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS Black come with a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS Black is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects.

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster HSS

Video thumbnail for Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster HSS by N Stuff Music

Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster HSS

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Incredible playability with a comfortable, high-radius neck

  • Versatile tone with S-1 switch and Noiseless pickups

  • Smooth tuning stability thanks to locking tuners and roller nut

  • Excellent fit and finish; feels premium

  • Great sound variety from HSS setup, perfect for different genres

  • Easy bending with LSR nut providing enhanced feel

  • Durable build, maintains quality over time

  • Unique features like passing lane switch and micro-adjust neck

  • Beautiful color options and aesthetic appeal

  • Highly recommended for both seasoned players and newcomers seeking a premium experience

CONS

  • Some users report minor issues with tone control components

  • Heavier body due to mahogany, noticeable for some players

  • Mixed feelings on diamond humbucker; may require upgrading

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The LSR Roller nut and Schaller locking tuners significantly enhance tuning stability and ease string changes, praised for maintaining tuning even with extensive tremolo use.

    Source
  • The 60th anniversary edition neck plate is meant to be decorative, often included as "case candy" and not typically installed, suggesting modifications if already attached.

    Source

Build quality

  • The compound radius neck is highlighted for its comfort, offering a smooth playing experience that many find superior to standard neck profiles.

    Source
  • Owners note that the black screws on the neck plate are not standard and should be chrome, raising concerns about potential neck modifications or replacements.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The American Deluxe HSS has been compared to the American Standard for having a more versatile sound, accommodating cleaner tones and aggressive settings with the S1 switch.

    Source
  • The American Deluxe HSS is equated to the current Ultra series, but the latter boasts rolled steel frets and a compound D neck, offering a superior feel.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners suggest replacing the noiseless pickups to achieve a more traditional Strat tone, with preferences leaning towards boutique pickups like Lindy Fralin.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Fender locking trem is noted for its reliability, although it's been advised to switch to a regular deluxe trem for easier maintenance and intonation.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Third-owner guitars with mods, like the Deluxe HSS, are often priced steeply at $1500; some recommend paying $1000-1250 based on condition.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find the anniversary designation less significant unless it includes unique features exclusive to that model year, like special pickups or finishes.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

A versatile and modern take on the classic Fender Strat, the American Deluxe HSS Shawbucker offers a great selection of tonal options thanks to its Shawbucker humbucker and noiseless N3 pickups. While the N3s may not capture the true single-coil sound at lower volumes, the Passing Lane switch provides a noticeable boost in volume and bite. With its compound radius fretboard, the guitar delivers a smooth playing experience, making it ideal for session musicians and modern rockers. Despite a minor critique on pickup performance, this guitar is highly recommended for its versatility and pro-spec features.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
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jeff_breen

Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster Mahogany Black headstock

I have the limited run of this guitar for either Musiciansfriend or the Guitar Center. It has a nice dark red mahogany body with a black head-stock which I think is pretty cool. The mahogany body makes it a little heavier however it's not that noticeable to me. It's got the diamond humbucker in it which is OK. I'm thinking about swapping it out but not sure yet (any suggestions???) since the guitar is new to me. The play-ability of the guitar is what you would expect for a fender although I'm not getting that nice strat sound out of the neck PUP...could be my current setup so I need to play with it. Overall I like the feel of the guitar, the action is nice and I like having the best of both worlds with the HSS config. I'm not sure if the LSR nut has anything to do with it however there's a noticeable difference while bending. It seems to provide more feeling than what I'm used to. It would be interesting to see what others on this website say about the LSR nut since this is the first time I played a guitar that has one. That's it for now.

jimmarchi1

one of my friends had the exact guitar you own, I thought it looked sexy as heck, but the slim neck and the pickups really rubbed me the wrong way... dude sold it after copious modifications when he got hip to fatter necks

Artist usage

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See how Nicky Palermo uses Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS

Nicky Palermo

Singer, Guitarist

Nothing

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official music video for "Bent Nail" by NOTHING, Nicky Palermo is seen playing a Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS in black, featuring a tortoise pickguard.

See how Max Becker uses Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS

Max Becker

Singer, Guitarist

SWMRS

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see him use this guitar here

See how Akın Eldes uses Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS

Akın Eldes

Guitarist

Bulutsuzluk Özlemi

...
Verified via YouTube

Akın Eldes uses modified Fender Strat Black HSS on this pedalboard review.

Album Usage

The Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS has been featured on the following albums:

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 Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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edgedancer

edgedancer

Gear IQ 26291

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