What does 'FMT' stand for in the model name?

FMT stands for Flame Maple Top, referring to the decorative carved wood layer on the face of the guitar body.

What pickups are used in this model?

The guitar is equipped with high-quality Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups, providing a modern and thick sound.

Does this Telecaster have a bolt-on neck?

No, this specific model features a set-neck construction, which is different from the traditional Fender bolt-on design and typically increases sustain.

What is the body material of the Fender FMT HH?

The body is constructed from mahogany, which is paired with a carved flame maple top for a warmer, denser tone.

Can I get single-coil sounds out of this guitar?

Yes, the guitar includes coil-tap capabilities, allowing you to split the humbuckers to achieve thinner, single-coil-like tones.

What kind of bridge is installed on the FMT HH?

It features a hardtail bridge with block saddles, which simplifies tuning and improves string stability compared to a tremolo system.

What is the hardware finish?

The guitar is appointed with black nickel hardware, providing a sleek and modern aesthetic complement to the Amber finish.

Is the top of the guitar flat like a standard Telecaster?

No, this model features a carved top, giving it a more contoured and three-dimensional appearance similar to a boutique or 'archtop' electric guitar.

What kind of music is this guitar best suited for?

Due to its humbuckers and mahogany body, it is ideal for rock, blues, and harder styles, though its coil-tap makes it versatile enough for most genres.

How does this compare to a Jim Root Telecaster?

While both use humbuckers, the FMT HH has a carved maple top and more traditional 'luxury' appointments, whereas the Jim Root model is designed for a minimalist, high-gain aesthetic.

Does this model come in other finishes besides Amber?

While this specific article covers the Amber finish, the Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT HH series has historically been produced in other translucent finishes that highlight the maple flame.

Gear article

Fender Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT HH Amber

The Fender Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT HH is a modern iteration of the classic Telecaster design, featuring a mahogany body with a carved flame maple top. It distinguishes itself from traditional models by utilising high-output Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups and a set-neck construction, bridging the gap between Fender aesthetics and Gibson-style tonality.

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Background and Design

The Fender Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT HH (Flame Maple Top, Humbucker-Humbucker) represents a significant departure from the standard ash or alder bolt-on designs typically associated with the Telecaster. It is designed to offer a 'modern thick sound' while retaining the iconic single-cutaway silhouette that has defined Fender since the 1950s.

The aesthetic is defined by its Amber finish, which highlights the grain of the carved flame maple top. The body is bound and paired with black nickel hardware, giving it a premium appearance compared to more utilitarian standard models. The use of a mahogany body and neck suggests a design intent aimed at increased sustain and warmth.

Technical Specifications

This model is equipped with a versatile electronics suite, most notably a pair of Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups. To enhance its utility across genres, Fender has included coil-tap capabilities, allowing players to split the humbuckers for thinner, single-coil-style tones.

The hardware includes a hardtail bridge with block saddles, providing stable tuning and a direct transfer of string energy to the mahogany body. The neck construction is a set-neck design, which is relatively rare for Fender, further contributing to the instrument's resonance and modern feel.

Tonal Character

The FMT HH is characterised by a dense, powerful sound. While a traditional Telecaster is known for its 'twang' and brightness, the combination of mahogany and Seymour Duncan humbuckers produces a thicker, more compressed output suitable for rock, blues, and metal.

However, the inclusion of the coil-tap switch ensures the guitar remains flexible. By engaging the tap, the player can access snappier tones that approximate the clarity of a standard Telecaster, though the underlying mahogany construction ensures a warmer fundamental note than a standard maple-neck model.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to other Fender offerings, the FMT HH sits in a unique category. While the Fender Jim Root Telecaster is also geared towards heavier styles with humbuckers, it lacks the ornate carved top and mahogany/maple tonewood combination of the FMT.

In terms of construction, the guitar shares more DNA with a Gibson Les Paul Standard or similar mahogany-based instruments than it does with a vintage-spec Telecaster like the Custom Shop 61 Relic. It offers a middle ground for players who prefer the ergonomics and scale length of a Fender but require the output and sustain typically associated with humbucker-equipped mahogany guitars.

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Frequently asked questions

What does 'FMT' stand for in the model name?: FMT stands for Flame Maple Top, referring to the decorative carved wood layer on the face of the guitar body.
What pickups are used in this model?: The guitar is equipped with high-quality Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups, providing a modern and thick sound.
Does this Telecaster have a bolt-on neck?: No, this specific model features a set-neck construction, which is different from the traditional Fender bolt-on design and typically increases sustain.
What is the body material of the Fender FMT HH?: The body is constructed from mahogany, which is paired with a carved flame maple top for a warmer, denser tone.
Can I get single-coil sounds out of this guitar?: Yes, the guitar includes coil-tap capabilities, allowing you to split the humbuckers to achieve thinner, single-coil-like tones.
What kind of bridge is installed on the FMT HH?: It features a hardtail bridge with block saddles, which simplifies tuning and improves string stability compared to a tremolo system.
What is the hardware finish?: The guitar is appointed with black nickel hardware, providing a sleek and modern aesthetic complement to the Amber finish.
Is the top of the guitar flat like a standard Telecaster?: No, this model features a carved top, giving it a more contoured and three-dimensional appearance similar to a boutique or 'archtop' electric guitar.
What kind of music is this guitar best suited for?: Due to its humbuckers and mahogany body, it is ideal for rock, blues, and harder styles, though its coil-tap makes it versatile enough for most genres.
How does this compare to a Jim Root Telecaster?: While both use humbuckers, the FMT HH has a carved maple top and more traditional 'luxury' appointments, whereas the Jim Root model is designed for a minimalist, high-gain aesthetic.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price range for the Fender Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT HH is approximately GBP 999.
Does this model come in other finishes besides Amber?: While this specific article covers the Amber finish, the Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT HH series has historically been produced in other translucent finishes that highlight the maple flame.