Fender Player Stratocaster (HSS) 6 String Electric Guitar
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Gearank High Notes
Gearank Recommended
The Fender Player Telecaster appeared on our recommended list for Mixed Pickup Solidbody Electric Guitars from $500 to $1000 when we published the first edition in August 2022 and it remains on that list today.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| YouTube | Surjo Bhattacharjee | 92/100 |
Cons
- Does not come with a case
Pros
- 100% Fender Stratocaster with a twist - gorgeously warm Alnico 2 humbucker pickup at the bridge for added versatility
- Updated Alnico 5 single coils from ceramic in older Mexican Fenders
- Dedicated tone knob for bridge humbucker provides even more tonal possibilities
The Fender Player Stratocaster HSS is today's Mexican Fender "Fat Strat". It follows the classic Strat alder body design, with pickups akin to modern guitars.
Like its other Fender Player siblings, this guitar comes upgraded with Alnico V single coil pickups. But what sets this apart in terms of pickup ensemble is the warm and characterful Alnico II bridge humbucker.
It's great for that muscular "fifth gear" when single coils just won't cut it in terms of hum-cancelling. They also provide thickness especially in modern high-gain situations.
It shares most of its dimensions and materials with the SSS Fender Player Strat. The HSS is also equipped with an easy to play "Modern C" neck that's like the "Classic C" shape but a little flatter to fit most playing styles.
It also has a maple fretboard that's expected from classic Strat designs. While it won't be up to the specs of what people consider as metal guitars, but it can get the job done.
It has two tone controls. The dedicated tone knob for the bridge pickup is put to extra good use here commanding the humbucker for even more flexibility!
Also, the 2-point bridge tremolo is fast and accurate just like in the SSS Player Stratocaster.
Looking hard for cons, I wish this guitar (and the others in the Fender Player series) came with at a soft case so you can gig with it right away. Although it's at the lower end of the Fender spectrum, there are electric guitars above and below it in terms of price that come with some sort of case.
If you're looking for a Fat Strat that gets you in the door of Fender quality and reliability, this fantastic guitar fits the bill.
Specifications
- Body: Alder
- Finish: Gloss Polyester
- Bridge: 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Bent Steel Saddles
- Pickups: Bridge - Player Series Alnico 2 Humbucking, Middle & Neck - Player Series Alnico 5 Strat Single-Coil
- Neck: Maple
- Scale Length: 25.5"
- Fingerboard: Maple
- Fingerboard Radius: 9.5"
- Frets: 22
- Nut Width: 1.650"
- Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck/Middle Pickups), Tone 2. (Bridge Pickup)
- Pickup Selector: 5-Position Blade
