What pickups are used in the American Professional Classic Hotshot Telecaster?

It uses the 'Coastline' set, featuring '63 Tele single coils in the neck and bridge, and a RWRP '57 Strat pickup in the middle position.

What is the benefit of the RWRP middle pickup?

The Reverse-Wound/Reverse-Polarity design provides hum-cancelling properties when the middle pickup is combined with the bridge or neck pickups.

What is the Greasebucket tone circuit?

The Greasebucket circuit allows you to roll off high frequencies without increasing the low-end frequencies, preventing the sound from becoming muddy or muffled.

What neck shape does this model have?

The guitar features a Modern 'C' shaped maple neck, designed for a comfortable and familiar feel for most players.

What is the fingerboard radius?

The maple fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius, which is a standard modern Fender specification for balanced playability.

What body material is used for this Telecaster?

The body is constructed from resonant alder, finished in a gloss urethane Faded Lake Placid Blue.

How does the 5-way switch function on this model?

The 5-way blade switch allows players to access five different pickup combinations, similar to a Stratocaster but within a Telecaster layout.

What kind of bridge does the Hotshot Telecaster have?

It features a vintage 3-saddle Tele bridge with slotted brass barrels for classic sustain and intonation.

Who are some notable artists associated with this guitar?

Artists such as Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green have been associated with this specific model.

How does this compare to a standard Telecaster?

Unlike a standard Telecaster with two pickups and a 3-way switch, this model has three pickups and a 5-way switch for expanded tonal options.

Is the fingerboard made of rosewood or maple?

This specific model features a maple fingerboard (indicated by the 'MN' in the manufacturer description).

Gear article

Fender American Professional Classic Hotshot Telecaster

The Fender American Professional Classic Hotshot Telecaster is a versatile electric guitar featuring an alder body and a unique SSS pickup configuration. Combining vintage aesthetics with modern utility, it is distinguished by its 'Coastline' pickup set and Faded Lake Placid Blue finish.

See live prices

Overview

The Fender American Professional Classic Hotshot Telecaster, specifically the SSS MN version in Faded Lake Placid Blue, represents a hybrid approach to guitar design. It utilises the traditional Telecaster body shape and alder construction but deviates from standard specifications by incorporating a third pickup. The instrument is designed to provide the utility of a Stratocaster within the ergonomic and aesthetic framework of a Telecaster, retailing at a price point of approximately £1,449.

Construction and Playability

The guitar features an alder body finished in gloss urethane, providing a resonant and lively foundation for the electronics. The neck is crafted from maple with a 'Modern C' profile, paired with a 9.5" radius maple fingerboard. This combination is intended to offer a fast and familiar playing experience that accommodates both rhythm and lead styles. The hardware includes a vintage-style 3-saddle Tele bridge with slotted brass barrels, which contributes to the instrument's sustain and traditional 'twang'.

Electronics and Sound

The defining feature of the Hotshot Telecaster is its 'Coastline' pickup set. This consists of '63 Tele single-coil pickups in the neck and bridge positions, paired with a Reverse-Wound/Reverse-Polarity (RWRP) '57 Strat pickup in the middle.

Control is managed via a 5-way blade switch, offering five distinct voices. Furthermore, the inclusion of Fender's Greasebucket tone circuit allows players to roll off high frequencies without adding bass or 'clouding' the low end, which is particularly effective when using high-gain drive pedals or bright amplifiers.

Comparative Analysis

While standard Telecasters typically offer two pickups, the Hotshot competes with models like the American Professional II Stratocaster in terms of tonal variety. It serves as a middle ground between the traditional vintage feel of a Custom Shop '61 Telecaster and the modern high-output requirements of instruments like the Jim Root Telecaster. Its SSS configuration provides a thinner, glassier alternative to P90-equipped models such as the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s.

Artists who play it

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What pickups are used in the American Professional Classic Hotshot Telecaster?: It uses the 'Coastline' set, featuring '63 Tele single coils in the neck and bridge, and a RWRP '57 Strat pickup in the middle position.
What is the benefit of the RWRP middle pickup?: The Reverse-Wound/Reverse-Polarity design provides hum-cancelling properties when the middle pickup is combined with the bridge or neck pickups.
What is the Greasebucket tone circuit?: The Greasebucket circuit allows you to roll off high frequencies without increasing the low-end frequencies, preventing the sound from becoming muddy or muffled.
What neck shape does this model have?: The guitar features a Modern 'C' shaped maple neck, designed for a comfortable and familiar feel for most players.
What is the fingerboard radius?: The maple fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius, which is a standard modern Fender specification for balanced playability.
What body material is used for this Telecaster?: The body is constructed from resonant alder, finished in a gloss urethane Faded Lake Placid Blue.
How does the 5-way switch function on this model?: The 5-way blade switch allows players to access five different pickup combinations, similar to a Stratocaster but within a Telecaster layout.
What kind of bridge does the Hotshot Telecaster have?: It features a vintage 3-saddle Tele bridge with slotted brass barrels for classic sustain and intonation.
Who are some notable artists associated with this guitar?: Artists such as Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green have been associated with this specific model.
How does this compare to a standard Telecaster?: Unlike a standard Telecaster with two pickups and a 3-way switch, this model has three pickups and a 5-way switch for expanded tonal options.
What is the typical price range for this instrument?: The typical price for the Fender American Professional Classic Hotshot Telecaster is approximately £1,449.
Is the fingerboard made of rosewood or maple?: This specific model features a maple fingerboard (indicated by the 'MN' in the manufacturer description).