Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (15)
$499.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (27)
$499.99
Amazon
4.5 (213)
$499.99 New
$372.33 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (16)
$447.16 New
$299.95 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$499.99
Thomann
4.5 (72)
$457.00
Gear4Music
£419.00

Average Price: $467

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* 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

Inspired by Tim Armstrong's iconic '60s Fender acoustic, the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat is a true signature piece that marries vintage charm with modern flair. This acoustic-electric guitar is not just an instrument but a testament to Armstrong's influence on punk rock. The Hellcat showcases a striking design with pearl acrylic Hellcat inlays on the third, fifth, and seventh frets, complemented by double-skull motifs at the 12th fret. Its solid mahogany top, paired with mahogany back and sides, delivers a rich, warm tone that resonates beautifully whether you're unplugged or amplified. The Fishman Tim Armstrong preamp, complete with a built-in tuner, ensures your sound is always spot-on, from intimate gigs to larger stages. The concert-sized body, vintage-style open-gear tuners, and 4-ply tortoiseshell pickguard further add to its distinctive style and playability. Ideal for musicians who appreciate both aesthetics and tonal excellence, the Hellcat is ready to accompany you from porch jams to professional performances.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany top with laminated mahogany back and sides
  • Concert body shape with advanced scalloped bracing
  • Maple neck and walnut fingerboard
  • Fishman Tim Armstrong preamp with built-in tuner
  • Pearl acrylic Hellcat inlays and double-skulls at the 12th fret
  • Vintage-style open-gear tuners
  • Black painted headstock and 4-ply tortoiseshell pickguard

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Concert
Back & Sides Wood Laminated Mahogany
Top Wood Solid Mahogany
Finish Satin
Body Bracing Scalloped X-bracing
Binding Multiple
Neck Wood Maple
Neck Shape C
Radius 11.81"
Fingerboard Inlay Hellcat
Number of Frets 19
Scale Length 25.3"
Nut Width 1.692"
Nut/Saddle Material Nubone/Nubone compensated
Bridge Material Rosewood
Tuning Machines Vintage-style with Aged White Plastic Buttons
Electronics Fishman Isys III
Strings Fender, .012-.052
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately
Body Length 19.25"
Body Width 15.25" Lower Bout, 11.75" Upper Bout

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat?

The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat features a solid mahogany top and laminated mahogany back and sides, providing a warm, resonant tone ideal for a variety of musical styles.

What electronics are included with the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat?

The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat is equipped with a Fishman Isys III preamp system, which includes an onboard tuner, volume control, and EQ settings for easy amplification.

Is the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable concert body shape and easy playability, making it a great choice for those starting their musical journey.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat?

The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat features a C-shaped maple neck, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for most players.

Does the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately.

MusicNerdStuff

MusicNerdStuff

Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat model acoustic

Video thumbnail for Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat model acoustic by MusicNerdStuff

Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat model acoustic

MusicNerdStuff

MusicNerdStuff

Video thumbnail for Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat Acoustic-Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat FSR in Ruby Red - Demo Review by PMTVUK

Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat FSR in Ruby Red - Demo Review

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat Acoustic-Electric Guitar TEST by Guitar Joint

Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat Acoustic-Electric Guitar TEST

Guitar Joint

Guitar Joint

Video thumbnail for Walkthrough on My Tim Armstrong Hellcat Fender Acoustic Guitar by Randy Reviews

Walkthrough on My Tim Armstrong Hellcat Fender Acoustic Guitar

Randy Reviews

Randy Reviews

Video thumbnail for The AWESOME Fender Tim Armstrong Signature Hellcat Acoustic! - New Checkerboard Finish! by PMTVUK

The AWESOME Fender Tim Armstrong Signature Hellcat Acoustic! - New Checkerboard Finish!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning mahogany finish with unique inlays adds visual appeal

  • Excellent playability with comfortable neck and ergonomic body shape

  • Surprisingly rich and full sound for a concert body size

  • Effective built-in tuner and electronics for versatility

  • Holds tuning well, even with vintage-style tuners

  • Perfect intonation out of the box, enhancing sound quality

  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended playing sessions

  • Versatile sound suitable for various musical styles

  • Great value for money, offering features beyond its price range

  • Easy to set up and requires minimal adjustments for optimal play

CONS

  • Sharp fret edges may require additional sanding for comfort

  • Some units come with basic pickups instead of advertised models

  • Plastic tuning knobs feel less durable and premium

  • Initial string setup might need improvement for better playability

  • Occasional inconsistencies in sound quality across different units

Owner Insights

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

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Hellcat's smaller size and durability, making it a favored choice for travel and varied climates.

    Source
  • The guitar's warm, raspy tone is described as having a unique character, appealing to players despite its lower price point.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the guitar's delightful smell, adding to the tactile experience and overall enjoyment of playing.

    Source
  • The Hellcat is praised for its impressive sound quality straight out of the box, requiring no immediate setup adjustments.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Hellcat's distinct inlays, often receiving positive comments for their unique aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • Left-handed versions of the Hellcat are available, making it accessible for lefty players seeking a quality acoustic-electric guitar.

    Source
  • Transitioning from a Rogue dreadnought, players found the Hellcat significantly improved playability and enjoyment.

    Source
  • The guitar's action often requires no adjustment, providing a satisfying playing experience right out of the box.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's lower volume is viewed positively for amplified live performances, where its built-in electronics excel.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners note the guitar's ability to withstand rough handling and extreme weather conditions over several years.

    Source
  • The Hellcat neck, part of Fender's "playable necks" series, resembles an electric neck with jumbo frets and a C-shape, offering a unique feel compared to other C-necks.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The built-in tuner is highlighted as a convenient feature, eliminating the need for additional equipment.

    Source
  • The zero fret design replaces the traditional nut, sitting in front of the nut for a seamless transition, enhancing playability without noticeable adjustment needed.

    Source
  • Owners of the 12-string version highlight its impressive sound and visual appeal, suggesting it as a worthy alternative to the 6-string model.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • One owner notes the importance of proper care, as neglect led to structural issues rendering the guitar unplayable.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat Guitar Expert Review (Updated 2025)

sixstringacoustic.com

The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat offers solid value for under $500, distinguished by its warm mahogany tone and compact concert body. Playability is decent, though the high action may require adjustment for optimal comfort. While the laminated back and sides aren't top-tier, scalloped x-bracing adds a nice touch. Ideal for beginners and those favoring smaller guitars, it excels in strumming but isn't a standout for fingerpicking. Minor upgrades like replacing the plastic nut and saddle can elevate its performance, potentially making it feel like a pricier instrument. A strong contender for budget-conscious guitarists seeking a warm, balanced sound.

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4.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how FINNEAS uses Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat

FINNEAS

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

In a Facebook post, Finneas mentioned Fender sent him a Tim Armstrong Hellcat acoustic guitar

See how Tim Armstrong uses Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat

Tim Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Rancid

...
Verified via Photo

Inspired by “Ruby Soho”, Fender released a special edition Tim Armstrong Hellcat in Ruby Red.

See how Casey Cavaliere uses Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat

Casey Cavaliere

Guitarist

The Wonder Years

...
Verified via YouTube

For this in store acoustic set, Casey can be seen using a fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat acoustic.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Community setups

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bcmessplay

bcmessplay

Gear IQ 89

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