Gear article

Fender American Professional Classic Hotshot Telecaster RW Faded Sherwood Green Metallic

The Fender American Professional Classic Hotshot Telecaster is a specialised electric guitar featuring an SSS pickup configuration and a rosewood fingerboard. Finished in Faded Sherwood Green Metallic, this model blends traditional alder body construction with versatile electronics to bridge the gap between vintage aesthetics and modern utility.

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Overview and Design

The Fender American Professional Classic Hotshot Telecaster represents a fusion of iconic Fender designs. Built with an alder body and a gloss urethane finish, the instrument is designed for resonance and sustain. The Faded Sherwood Green Metallic aesthetic provides a vintage-inspired look, complemented by a rosewood fingerboard and a maple neck. The guitar utilises a 25.5-inch scale length, maintaining the standard tension and snap associated with the Telecaster platform.

Pickups and Electronics

Unlike a traditional two-pickup Telecaster, this model features an SSS (single-single-single) configuration. It is equipped with '63 Coastline Telecaster pickups in the neck and bridge positions, providing the signature 'snap' and 'twang' of the early 1960s. These are paired with a '57 Stratocaster pickup in the middle position, allowing for the 'glassy' in-between tones typically reserved for Stratocasters. A 5-way selector switch facilitates access to these varied sonic textures, offering greater versatility than a standard 3-way toggle.

Playability

The neck is carved to a Modern 'C' profile, designed to suit a wide range of playing styles. It features a satin finish on the back to prevent friction during position shifts. The rosewood fingerboard is fitted with 22 medium jumbo frets, providing a contemporary feel that facilitates easier string bending and vibrato compared to vintage-spec wire. The combination of these features ensures the instrument meets the demands of modern technical players while retaining a classic feel.

Sound and Character

The tonal profile of the Hotshot Telecaster is defined by its clarity and punch. The alder body provides a balanced foundation with warm lows and clear highs. The inclusion of the '57 Stratocaster middle pickup introduces a chime and 'quack' that expands the instrument's utility for funk, blues, and pop. The '63 Coastline pickups ensure that the bridge position remains cutting for lead work, while the neck remains smooth and articulate.

Target Audience and Comparisons

This model is particularly suited for session musicians and performers who require the ergonomics of a Telecaster but the tonal variety of a Stratocaster. It is frequently associated with artists such as Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green. When compared to the American Professional II Stratocaster, the Hotshot offers a more focused, 'punchy' bridge tone. In contrast to high-gain models like the Jim Root Telecaster, the Hotshot is geared towards cleaner, more expressive genres where nuance and vintage character are paramount.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the pickup configuration of this model?
The guitar features an SSS configuration, consisting of two '63 Coastline Telecaster pickups in the neck and bridge, and a '57 Stratocaster pickup in the middle.
What wood is used for the body of the Hotshot Telecaster?
The body is constructed from alder, a classic tonewood known for its balanced resonance and clear upper-midrange.
What neck profile does this guitar have?
It features a Modern 'C' maple neck, which is designed to provide a comfortable, sleek feel for a variety of hand sizes.
How many frets are on the fingerboard?
The instrument is equipped with 22 medium jumbo frets, offering a modern playing experience and easier note articulation.
What is the finish on the neck?
The back of the neck has a satin finish, which reduces drag and provides a smoother feel during play compared to gloss finishes.
What type of bridge and neck pickups are installed?
The bridge and neck positions utilize '63 Coastline Telecaster pickups, designed to deliver authentic early-60s Fender snap and warmth.
What does the 5-way selector switch do?
The 5-way switch allows players to select individual pickups or combinations of them, similar to a Stratocaster, providing five distinct tonal options.
What is the typical price for this guitar?
The typical price range for this specific Fender American Professional model is approximately GBP 1,441.
Which artists are known to use this gear?
Notable artists associated with this equipment include Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green.
What is the fingerboard material?
This specific model features a rosewood fingerboard, denoted by the 'RW' in its product name, which adds a touch of warmth to the tone.
What is the specific colour finish of this model?
The guitar is finished in Faded Sherwood Green Metallic, a vintage-style green with a metallic sheen and gloss urethane topcoat.
How does the '57 Stratocaster middle pickup affect the sound?
The middle pickup adds the 'glassy' cleans and chime characteristic of a 1950s Stratocaster, offering tones not usually found on a standard Telecaster.