What is the bridge pickup on this model?

This guitar features a Coastline humbucker at the bridge position, designed for tight driven leads and higher output compared to standard single-coils.

What type of single-coil pickups are used?

The neck and middle positions are equipped with Coastline 57 single-coil pickups, which provide traditional glassy Stratocaster cleans.

How does the Greasebucket tone system work?

The Greasebucket circuit allows you to reduce high frequencies without adding extra bass frequencies, preventing the sound from becoming muffled or 'muddy' as you roll back the tone knob.

What is the neck profile of this Stratocaster?

It features a Modern 'C' maple neck, which is designed to be comfortable for both rhythm work and lead playing.

What is the fingerboard radius?

The fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius, which is a modern standard that balances comfortable chording with smooth string bending.

What kind of frets does this guitar have?

The neck is fitted with 22 medium jumbo frets, offering a larger surface area for easier vibrato and bending.

What bridge system is installed?

It uses a 6-saddle vintage-style synchronised tremolo, providing expressive pitch modulation with a reliable return to pitch.

What are ClassicGear tuners?

ClassicGear staggered tuners combine a vintage look with modern gear ratios for better tuning stability without adding excessive weight to the headstock.

What wood is used for the body?

The body is made of alder, a classic tonewood known for its balanced resonance and traditional Fender feel.

What is the finish on the neck?

The maple neck features a satin finish, which is designed to stay 'fast' and smooth even during intense stage use.

Which notable artists are associated with this type of gear?

Artists such as Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green are known to use this specific gear model.

How many frets does the American Professional Classic Stratocaster HSS have?

This model features 22 frets, providing a full two-octave range for certain keys and more versatility than 21-fret vintage models.

Gear article

Fender American Professional Classic Stratocaster HSS

The Fender American Professional Classic Stratocaster HSS is a US-manufactured electric guitar that integrates traditional aesthetic elements with a versatile humbucker-equipped pickup configuration. Finished in Faded Lake Placid Blue, it features an alder body and a Modern 'C' neck profile designed for contemporary playability.

See live prices

Background and Construction

The American Professional Classic Stratocaster HSS represents a fusion of mid-century design and modern functional upgrades. The instrument is constructed with a solid alder body, a choice wood for Stratocasters due to its balanced tonal properties, finished in a gloss urethane Faded Lake Placid Blue. The neck is crafted from maple with a satin finish on the back to reduce friction during play, paired with a maple fingerboard featuring 22 medium jumbo frets.

Electronics and Hardware

This model utilizes an HSS pickup arrangement to offer a broader tonal palette than standard triple single-coil configurations. It is equipped with a Coastline humbucker in the bridge position for higher output and increased mid-range, while the neck and middle positions feature Coastline 57 single-coil pickups for traditional clarity. A key electronic feature is the Greasebucket tone system, which allows the player to roll off high frequencies without adding bass 'mud' or losing definition. The hardware includes a 6-saddle vintage-style synchronised tremolo and ClassicGear staggered tuners, which aim to provide modern tuning stability while maintaining a period-correct appearance.

Performance and Character

The guitar is designed to handle diverse musical styles, from glassy cleans to high-gain leads. The 9.5-inch fingerboard radius is flatter than vintage 7.25-inch models, facilitating easier string bending and technical precision. The presence of the bridge humbucker makes this specific model more suitable for hard rock and heavy blues than a standard SSS Stratocaster, while the single-coils maintain the 'quack' and chime associated with the 1950s era.

Market Context

Positioned within the mid-to-high tier of Fender's American-made production line, this model sits alongside other professional-grade instruments like the American Professional II series. While it shares the versatility of HSS models like the Jim Root Telecaster or the Kurt Cobain Jaguar, it retains a more traditional 'Classic' aesthetic and feel. It serves as a professional alternative to entry-level instruments such as the Squier Mini Stratocaster or Stagg SES-30BK, providing the build quality required for touring and studio work.

Artists who play it

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the bridge pickup on this model?: This guitar features a Coastline humbucker at the bridge position, designed for tight driven leads and higher output compared to standard single-coils.
What type of single-coil pickups are used?: The neck and middle positions are equipped with Coastline 57 single-coil pickups, which provide traditional glassy Stratocaster cleans.
How does the Greasebucket tone system work?: The Greasebucket circuit allows you to reduce high frequencies without adding extra bass frequencies, preventing the sound from becoming muffled or 'muddy' as you roll back the tone knob.
What is the neck profile of this Stratocaster?: It features a Modern 'C' maple neck, which is designed to be comfortable for both rhythm work and lead playing.
What is the fingerboard radius?: The fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius, which is a modern standard that balances comfortable chording with smooth string bending.
What kind of frets does this guitar have?: The neck is fitted with 22 medium jumbo frets, offering a larger surface area for easier vibrato and bending.
What bridge system is installed?: It uses a 6-saddle vintage-style synchronised tremolo, providing expressive pitch modulation with a reliable return to pitch.
What are ClassicGear tuners?: ClassicGear staggered tuners combine a vintage look with modern gear ratios for better tuning stability without adding excessive weight to the headstock.
What wood is used for the body?: The body is made of alder, a classic tonewood known for its balanced resonance and traditional Fender feel.
What is the finish on the neck?: The maple neck features a satin finish, which is designed to stay 'fast' and smooth even during intense stage use.
Which notable artists are associated with this type of gear?: Artists such as Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green are known to use this specific gear model.
How many frets does the American Professional Classic Stratocaster HSS have?: This model features 22 frets, providing a full two-octave range for certain keys and more versatility than 21-fret vintage models.