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Average Price: $850

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$1001+

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Description

Experience the seamless blend of vintage allure and modern innovation with the Fender Stratocaster Special. Crafted in Fender’s renowned Corona, California factory, this solid body electric guitar is a testament to American-made quality, offering players an affordable pathway to iconic Strat sound and style. The alder body provides that classic Stratocaster resonance, while the Greasebucket tone circuit ensures you maintain volume and bass integrity as you dial back the highs, giving you unparalleled tonal control on stage or in the studio.

The guitar’s neck features a contemporary C-shaped profile and jumbo frets, making it remarkably comfortable for both seasoned shredders and budding musicians. Equipped with three Texas Special single-coil pickups, this Stratocaster delivers that timeless chime with an added punch, perfect for blues, rock, or indie genres. The vintage-style synchronized tremolo allows for expressive bending and vibrato, harking back to the classic Fender playability.

This guitar is not only a statement piece with its large '70s-style headstock, but also a workhorse for any gigging musician or hobbyist seeking that quintessential Strat experience without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

  • American-made quality at an accessible price
  • Comfort-contoured alder body
  • Modern C-profile maple neck with jumbo frets
  • 3 Texas Special single-coil pickups
  • Greasebucket tone circuit for precise tonal control
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo
  • Includes gig bag for easy transport and protection

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Special Stratocaster
Finish 2-Color Sunburst, Black, Candy Apple Red, Mystic Seafoam Green Metallic, Olympic White, Sonic Blue, Surf Green, Walnut
Year 2010 - 2018
Made In United States
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, Brown, Green, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 9.5"
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.6875"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender American Special, Fender FSR Limited Edition
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Fender Stratocaster Special have?

The Fender Stratocaster Special is equipped with three Texas Special single-coil pickups, known for delivering a hot output with increased midrange, making it ideal for blues and rock tones.

How does the Greasebucket tone circuit on the Fender Stratocaster Special work?

The Greasebucket tone circuit allows you to roll off highs without adding bass, maintaining clarity and preventing muddiness in your sound.

Is the Fender Stratocaster Special suitable for beginners?

While the Fender Stratocaster Special offers features appealing to seasoned players, its comfortable neck profile and versatile tone make it accessible for beginners looking to invest in a quality instrument.

What neck profile does the Fender Stratocaster Special have?

The Fender Stratocaster Special features a modern "C" neck profile, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for most players, suitable for various playing styles.

What is the finish style of the Fender Stratocaster Special?

The Fender Stratocaster Special has a gloss body finish with a satin neck finish, offering a smooth playing experience while showcasing the guitar's aesthetic appeal.

Guitar World

Guitar World

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Fender American Special Guitars

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Guitar World

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Introducing American Special Fender® Guitars | Fender

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Fender

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Fender American Special Stratocaster Tone Review and Demo

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MusicStoreLive.com

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Fender American Special Stratocaster • Wildwood Guitars Overview

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Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Special Stratocaster Review by PMTVUK

Fender American Special Stratocaster Review

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PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster "American Special" by GregsGuitars

Fender Stratocaster "American Special"

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GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Special Stratocaster (with Texas Specials) | Review & Demo by Sergio Serra Music

Fender American Special Stratocaster (with Texas Specials) | Review & Demo

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Sergio Serra Music

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Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Value and pricing

  • A mint condition American Special Stratocaster is valued at around $800, considered a good deal by multiple owners.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The American Special Stratocaster evolved into the American Performer series, positioned as an entry-level USA model.

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  • The Player series guitars are praised for their value, with some owners suggesting they're an excellent choice until a higher-end US model can be acquired.

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  • Some buyers prefer the aesthetic of the Player series over the sunburst finish of the American Special, associating sunburst with entry-level models.

    Source
  • Users highlight the MIJ JVMOD's soft V neck as uniquely comfortable, contrasting with the American Special's C shape, which some find less engaging.

    Source
  • Several users emphasize the MIJ's superior neck quality versus MIA models, citing ease of replacing electronics versus the neck.

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User experience

  • An owner reports daily use of the American Special Stratocaster, expressing high satisfaction over nearly a year of ownership.

    Source
  • The American Special Strat maintains tuning stability well, which is appreciated by users who prioritize reliable performance during play.

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  • An owner expressed satisfaction with the satin finish on the MIJ JVMOD's neck, noting it enhances playability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Texas Special pickups are noted for providing non-traditional Strat tones, prompting some users to consider swapping them out for a different sound profile.

    Source
  • The American Special Strat has a C shape neck, while the MIJ JVMOD features a soft V neck, often preferred for its comfortable fit for smaller hands.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • One owner plans to replace the Texas Special pickups with humbuckers for a different tonal character, indicating a common interest in customizing the sound.

    Source
  • The 2012 American Special Strat was upgraded with David Allen Tru 54 pickups, treble bleed mod, 0.47uf tone capacitor, CTS pots, CRL selector switch, and a Switchcraft output jack.

    Source
  • The 2022 Fender MIJ JVMOD comes with upgraded CS Fat 50s pickups, CTS pots, and copper shielding, offering a vintage-voiced tone preferred by some users.

    Source

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