Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $899

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$400

$1001+

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Description

In the realm of electric guitars, the USA Fender "Fat" Stratocaster stands as a bold testament to both versatility and power. This guitar, celebrated by seasoned musicians and newcomers alike, is part of Fender's Hot-Rodded series and offers a striking blend of classic and modern elements. With an alder body that resonates with rich, full tones, the Stratocaster's true hallmark is its HSS Texas Special Strat pickups configuration. This setup provides dynamic soundscapes, from crisp, bright highs to warm, throaty lows, perfect for a wide array of musical styles.

The guitar's maple neck ensures smooth playability and a comfortable grip, while the choice between maple or rosewood fretboards caters to personal tonal preferences. Not only does the "Fat" Stratocaster excel in delivering legendary Fender sounds, but it also supports intricate techniques and articulated riffs, making it a favored choice for those looking to explore and expand their musical horizons. Whether you're unleashing blistering solos or laying down smooth rhythms, this guitar is engineered to keep up with your creative demands.

Key Features:

  • Alder body, with ash bodies in select finishes
  • HSS Texas Special Strat pickups for versatile sound
  • Maple neck with optional maple or rosewood fretboard
  • Part of Fender's renowned Hot-Rodded series
  • Suitable for a variety of musical styles and techniques

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Fat Stratocaster Texas Special
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Candy Apple Red, Chrome Silver, Shoreline Gold, Sienna Sunburst, Surf Pearl, Teal Green Metallic, White Blonde
Year 2000 - 2003
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Brown, Gold, Green, Red, Silver, Teal, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender American Series
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What makes the USA Fender "Fat" Stratocaster different from a standard Stratocaster?

The USA Fender "Fat" Stratocaster features a unique pickup configuration with Texas Special pickups, offering a hotter output and more pronounced midrange, ideal for blues and rock tones.

Is the USA Fender "Fat" Stratocaster suitable for beginner guitarists?

While it's a high-quality instrument, the USA Fender "Fat" Stratocaster is better suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its specialized features and higher price point.

What types of music is the USA Fender "Fat" Stratocaster best suited for?

The USA Fender "Fat" Stratocaster excels in blues, rock, and country genres, thanks to its Texas Special pickups which provide a rich, versatile tone.

Does the USA Fender "Fat" Stratocaster have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the USA Fender "Fat" Stratocaster is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation effects.

What neck profile does the USA Fender "Fat" Stratocaster have?

The USA Fender "Fat" Stratocaster typically features a comfortable modern "C" neck profile, providing a smooth playing experience for most hand sizes.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The LSR roller nut enhances tuning stability by reducing string binding, which is beneficial for players who frequently use the tremolo or bend strings.

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  • The guitar features noiseless single-coil pickups, which were highly regarded at the time for reducing hum without sacrificing tone.

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  • The American Deluxe Fat Stratocaster includes a humbucker in the bridge position, increasing tonal versatility compared to traditional Stratocasters.

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  • The model includes locking tuners and a pop-in tremolo, which were considered high-end features in the late 90s for ease of use and stability.

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  • The rosewood fretboard with abalone dot inlays and a 9.5” radius offers a distinct look and feel, differing from the typical maple fretboards.

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  • The guitar features a push-pull coil split for the DH-1 humbucker, enhancing tonal versatility by allowing access to single-coil tones.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Incorrect string winding can affect tuning stability and intonation; strings should pull straight through the nut to minimize angles and potential tuning issues.

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User experience

  • The maple body of the guitar makes it heavier than it appears, which can be tiring during prolonged use.

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  • The guitar is noted for its smooth playability and durability even after 20 years, maintaining tuning and intonation despite heavy use.

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  • Despite being stock, the chrome red finish and minor paint nicks are seen as adding character to the guitar, enhancing its visual uniqueness.

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Build quality

  • The raised metal Fender Stratocaster logo adds a unique visual appeal compared to traditional waterslide decals.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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joerocco

2001 Fender Fat Strat. One of my main Guitars

Love this guitar so much only mod is a locking tuners, pick guard and complete re fret in 2015.

Artist usage

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See how James Gorry III uses USA Fender "Fat" Stratocaster

James Gorry III

...
Verified via Tijuanajesus

the American Fender FAT Strat, Sunburst, can be seen on the webpages cover photo

Genre Usage

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

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