Fender Limited Edition American Special Stratocaster HSS

General

Fender issued several Limited Editions to celebrate the Stratocaster's 60th anniversary, including this American Special Stratocaster HSS. The American Special Stratocaster is the cheapest American-made Stratocaster, but that doesn't mean that Fender skimped on its construction, oh no. For one, American Special Stratocasters feature Texas Special single-coils - very popular pickups for their high output and bite. Additionally, this Limited Edition is equipped with a powerful Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates in the bridge position.

Limited Edition with Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates

This American Special Stratocaster turned out to be a very versatile guitar thanks to its pickup configuration. Its two Texas Special single-coil pickups - in neck and mid position - give you the distinctive Strat quack for funky rhythms and David Gilmoure-like solos. Their higher output and fierce bite make that the Texas Specials are also very well suited for gritty Texas Shuffles along the lines of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Moreover, the Pearly Gates in the bridge position sounds warm, powerful and spicier than a vintage humbucker, ideal for blues, classic rock and louder types of music.

Construction

Stratocasters from Fender's American Special series have an alder body. The balanced tone of this lightweight body is complemented by the maple fretboard on the neck, a combination that pairs exceptionally well with the bright Texas Specials and the Pearly Gates humbucker in the bridge position. Like all American Special Strats, this Limited Edition is equipped with a Grease Bucket tone circuit that allows you to filter the trebles without giving free range to the bass, keeping the overall sound well-balanced.

• Limited Edition