Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$549.99
Guitar Center
4.0 (4)
$549.99
Amazon
4.5 (214)
$540.99
Reverb
4.0 (6)
$499.99 New
$199.99 Used
Musician's Friend
$549.99 $545.99 $4.00 · All time low
Thomann
4.5 (29)
$488.00 $483.00 $5.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£449.00

Average Price: $489

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 Acoustic-Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Rev up your musical journey with the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 Acoustic-Electric Guitar, a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern performance. Inspired by the legendary Tim Armstrong's personal axe, this guitar is crafted for those who crave exceptional sound and striking aesthetics. The Hellcat 12 delivers a rich, resonant tone that only a 12-string can provide, allowing your music to soar with depth and richness.

This acoustic-electric marvel is designed to stand out both visually and sonically. With a mahogany top, back, and sides, it offers a warm and balanced acoustic resonance. The maple neck and rosewood fingerboard provide smooth playability, while unique hellcat and skull inlays add a touch of rock-inspired flair. Whether you're strumming unplugged around the campfire or plugged in on stage, the Fishman Isys III onboard electronics ensure your sound is always stage-ready with precise control over your tone.

Ideal for versatile musicians who want an instrument that can keep up with their dynamic style, the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 is the perfect companion for your musical adventures.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany top, back, and sides for warm, balanced tone
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Unique hellcat and skull inlays for distinctive style
  • Fishman Isys III onboard electronics for enhanced sound control
  • 12-string configuration for rich, resonant sound

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Tim Armstrong Signature Hellcat-12
Finish Natural
Year 2013 - 2025
Made In China
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars, Concert Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Artist Tim Armstrong
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Concert
Color Family Brown, Natural
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Fender Hellcat
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 12-String
Pickup Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Artist Series
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Mahogany
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 Acoustic-Electric Guitar?

The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 features a solid mahogany top with mahogany back and sides, offering a warm and resonant tone.

Does the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 come with an onboard tuner?

Yes, the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 is equipped with a Fishman Isys III pickup system that includes an active preamp and an onboard tuner.

Is the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 suitable for live performances?

Absolutely, the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 is designed for live performances with its built-in Fishman Isys III preamp and undersaddle piezo pickup, ensuring clear amplification.

How many frets does the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 have?

The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 features a 20-fret walnut fingerboard.

What kind of strings does the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 use?

The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 uses steel strings, which contribute to its bright and vibrant sound.

Fender

Fender

Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat-12 Demo | Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat-12 Demo | Fender by Fender

Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat-12 Demo | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 by Robin Smith

Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12

Robin Smith

Robin Smith

Reviews

PROS

  • Solid mahogany top enhances the guitar's durability and sound quality

  • Smaller body size makes it less bulky and easier to handle

  • Built-in preamp with tuner offers convenient tuning and sound control

  • Guitar sounds vibrant when plugged in, especially with tuning adjustments

  • Low action provides smooth playability for beginners and seasoned players

CONS

  • Low E and A strings can initially sound weaker acoustically

  • Discrepancies in nut width could affect player preference

  • Issues with battery compartment can cause inconvenience

  • Potential need for saddle adjustment due to bridge issues

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 Acoustic-Electric Guitar.

Build quality

  • The guitar holds up well to extreme conditions and travel, showing exceptional durability despite being a budget model.

    Source
  • The mahogany body is described as beautiful but may be too mellow in tone for some players.

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  • The guitar's fretboard is praised for its unique, almost electric-like feel with jumbo frets, part of Fender's "playable necks" series, offering a distinct C-neck experience.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend sanding and burnishing frets and lubricating tuners and nut for smoother playability.

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User experience

  • The smaller body size is praised for comfort, especially by those who find dreadnoughts cumbersome.

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  • Owners report that the guitar offers a delightful scent upon unboxing, adding an unexpected sensory enjoyment to the ownership experience.

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Features and functionality

  • The built-in tuner is highlighted as a convenient feature, eliminating the need for external tuning devices.

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  • The unique inlays are a standout feature, often catching the attention of prospective buyers.

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  • The zero fret, a less common feature, is integrated just in front of the nut, providing a smooth transition without noticeable difference to traditional nut designs.

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Use cases and applications

  • Described as a reliable workhorse, the guitar is frequently used as a go-to instrument for everyday play.

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  • When played plugged in, the Hellcat delivers a particularly sweet sound, making it suitable for live performances.

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Comparisons

  • It's noted that while it may not compete with higher-end models like the Martin X series in sound quality, it offers unique character and vibe.

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  • An owner transitioned from the Hellcat to a Martin X series 00, indicating a preference change but expressing regret in selling the Hellcat.

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  • The 10th anniversary edition is noted to have a glossy finish and solid spruce top, resulting in a punchier sound compared to the regular model.

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Value and pricing

  • The guitar is noted as an attractive option for those searching within a $300 price range, especially when considering used models.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Connor Doyle uses Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12 Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Connor Doyle

Guitarist

BØRNS

...
Verified via Photo

This guitar was given to Doyle by Fender; he used it for the upcoming show at the SXSW.

Genre Usage

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

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