What does 'HSS' mean in the context of this guitar?

HSS stands for Humbucker-Single-Single. It refers to the pickup configuration where a humbucking pickup is placed at the bridge for thicker tones, while single-coil pickups occupy the middle and neck positions for traditional Stratocaster clarity.

What is the primary benefit of the Floyd Rose bridge?

The Floyd Rose is a double-locking tremolo system that locks the strings at both the bridge and the nut. This allows the player to perform aggressive pitch bends and dive bombs while ensuring the guitar stays perfectly in tune.

How do Ultra Noiseless pickups differ from standard single-coils?

Ultra Noiseless pickups are designed using a stacked coil construction. This allows them to produce the bright, articulate tone of a single-coil while cancelling the 60-cycle hum typically associated with vintage pickups.

What is unique about the Mystic Black finish?

Mystic Black is a premium Fender finish that typically features a subtle metallic sparkle or depth when viewed under stage lights. It provides a more modern and sophisticated appearance than a standard solid black finish.

Does the American Ultra Luxe feature rolled fretboard edges?

Yes, this model includes rolled fretboard edges. This manufacturing process rounds off the sharp corners of the fretboard and frets to provide a smoother, more comfortable feel for the player's hand.

What type of wood is used for the fingerboard on this specific model?

This version of the American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster features a rosewood (RW) fingerboard. Rosewood is prized for its dark aesthetic and its ability to slightly mellow the high-frequency response of the guitar.

Is the neck profile suited for fast playing?

Yes, the guitar features an Ultra 'C' shaped neck. This profile is designed to be slim and ergonomic, facilitating fast movement and technical playing styles without causing hand fatigue.

How does this model compare to the Fender American Professional II?

The Ultra Luxe is more modern and feature-rich, offering a locking tremolo and noiseless electronics. The American Professional II is geared toward players who prefer traditional hardware and classic, non-noiseless pickup tones.

Can this guitar handle heavy metal and hard rock?

Absolutely. The combination of the bridge humbucker and the Floyd Rose locking tremolo makes it ideal for high-gain genres that require both tonal power and mechanical stability during lead work.

What is the typical price for this model in the UK?

The Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster HSS FR RW generally retails for approximately £2,499. This reflects its status as one of Fender's most advanced and premium production-line instruments.

Does this guitar require special tools for string changes?

Because it features a Floyd Rose system, you will need a small Allen key (hex key) to unlock the nut and bridge saddles during string changes. This is a standard requirement for all double-locking tremolo systems.

Who is the ideal player for the American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster?

This guitar is designed for the high-performance player who needs the versatility of a Stratocaster but requires modern upgrades. It is especially suited for those who use tremolo extensively and need a hum-free signal for recording or high-gain performance.

Gear article

Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster HSS FR RW Mystic Black

The Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster HSS is a high-performance electric guitar designed for modern technical players, featuring a Floyd Rose locking tremolo and a versatile pickup configuration. Representing the pinnacle of Fender's modern production line, it combines classic Stratocaster aesthetics with contemporary refinements such as rolled fretboard edges and Ultra Noiseless pickups.

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Background and Design

The American Ultra Luxe series serves as the evolution of Fender's modern design philosophy, succeeding the standard Ultra line with even more performance-oriented features. While Fender is traditionally associated with vintage-style hardware, the Ultra Luxe HSS FR model is engineered specifically for players who require the stability of a locking tremolo system and the high-output capabilities of a humbucking bridge pickup. The Mystic Black finish provides a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that distinguishes it from the more traditional sunburst or pastel finishes found in the Player or American Professional II series.

Neck and Playability

A defining characteristic of this model is the attention to ergonomic detail. It features an Ultra "C" shaped maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, designed to facilitate fast playing across all registers. The fretboard edges are rolled to provide a "broken-in" feel, enhancing comfort during long sessions. The choice of rosewood adds a touch of warmth and luxury to the playing surface, contrasting with the high-tech hardware found elsewhere on the instrument.

Electronics and Hardware

The guitar is equipped with a versatile HSS pickup configuration, consisting of Ultra Noiseless Hot single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions, and a high-output humbucker at the bridge. This setup is designed to provide the iconic "quack" and chime of a vintage Stratocaster without the traditional 60-cycle hum, while the bridge humbucker delivers the necessary power for heavier rock and metal styles. The inclusion of a Floyd Rose locking tremolo system allows for extreme pitch manipulation, such as dive bombs, while maintaining tuning stability through the locking nut.

Comparative Performance

When compared to other Fender models, the Ultra Luxe HSS FR occupies a specific niche for technical players. While the American Professional II Stratocaster offers a more traditional experience with its roasted pine options and standard tremolo, the Ultra Luxe is built for high-gain environments and aggressive vibrato use. It sits above the Squier Limited Edition Mini or entry-level Stagg models in both build quality and price, competing more directly with high-end instruments like the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s for a place in a professional's touring rack.

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Frequently asked questions

What does 'HSS' mean in the context of this guitar?: HSS stands for Humbucker-Single-Single. It refers to the pickup configuration where a humbucking pickup is placed at the bridge for thicker tones, while single-coil pickups occupy the middle and neck positions for traditional Stratocaster clarity.
What is the primary benefit of the Floyd Rose bridge?: The Floyd Rose is a double-locking tremolo system that locks the strings at both the bridge and the nut. This allows the player to perform aggressive pitch bends and dive bombs while ensuring the guitar stays perfectly in tune.
How do Ultra Noiseless pickups differ from standard single-coils?: Ultra Noiseless pickups are designed using a stacked coil construction. This allows them to produce the bright, articulate tone of a single-coil while cancelling the 60-cycle hum typically associated with vintage pickups.
What is unique about the Mystic Black finish?: Mystic Black is a premium Fender finish that typically features a subtle metallic sparkle or depth when viewed under stage lights. It provides a more modern and sophisticated appearance than a standard solid black finish.
Does the American Ultra Luxe feature rolled fretboard edges?: Yes, this model includes rolled fretboard edges. This manufacturing process rounds off the sharp corners of the fretboard and frets to provide a smoother, more comfortable feel for the player's hand.
What type of wood is used for the fingerboard on this specific model?: This version of the American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster features a rosewood (RW) fingerboard. Rosewood is prized for its dark aesthetic and its ability to slightly mellow the high-frequency response of the guitar.
Is the neck profile suited for fast playing?: Yes, the guitar features an Ultra 'C' shaped neck. This profile is designed to be slim and ergonomic, facilitating fast movement and technical playing styles without causing hand fatigue.
How does this model compare to the Fender American Professional II?: The Ultra Luxe is more modern and feature-rich, offering a locking tremolo and noiseless electronics. The American Professional II is geared toward players who prefer traditional hardware and classic, non-noiseless pickup tones.
Can this guitar handle heavy metal and hard rock?: Absolutely. The combination of the bridge humbucker and the Floyd Rose locking tremolo makes it ideal for high-gain genres that require both tonal power and mechanical stability during lead work.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster HSS FR RW generally retails for approximately £2,499. This reflects its status as one of Fender's most advanced and premium production-line instruments.
Does this guitar require special tools for string changes?: Because it features a Floyd Rose system, you will need a small Allen key (hex key) to unlock the nut and bridge saddles during string changes. This is a standard requirement for all double-locking tremolo systems.
Who is the ideal player for the American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster?: This guitar is designed for the high-performance player who needs the versatility of a Stratocaster but requires modern upgrades. It is especially suited for those who use tremolo extensively and need a hum-free signal for recording or high-gain performance.