Fender Deluxe HSS Stratocaster Guitar Review

The top of Fender's line of guitars includes some real beauties. These include the Deluxe American Stratocaster and Deluxe American Telecaster. Though both are absolute classics in the guitar world, a third gives both a run for their money. The Fender Deluxe American HSS Stratocaster puts a humbucking spin on the classic Strat, and makes it its own complete entity. Let's take a closer look at the Deluxe American HSS Startocaster to see just how well it measures up.

Features: The body of the Deluxe HSS Strat is made of only the best quality alder wood. Unlike the Stratocasters made in Mexico, or even the Standard Strats, there aren't any subpar blocks of wood going into the factory to make this axe. There are a few very sharp finishes available as well. They are all Fender classics, like amber and three tone sunburst. Each finish also comes with its own colored pickguard. They are all tortoise shell, and range in color to match the finish on the body perfectly. Aesthetically, the Deluxe HSS Strat is about as good looking as it gets. The neck is made of premium quality maple, and like the body it's finished beautifully. The edges of it, as an added feature, are hand rolled. The tuning heads are locking and specially designed to keep the strings in tune in even the most extreme conditions. The bridge has six stainless steel saddles, and is chrome finished to complete its sleek look. Electronically, the Deluxe HSS Stratocaster has three Fender SCN Pickups, one volume and two tone control knobs, and a five way S-1 switching selection system. All are made with extreme care and attention to detail.

Playability: The neck's smooth finish makes it very comfortable to play. And the hand rolled edges guarantee that there won't be any rough frets. The body of the Deluxe HSS Strat is countoured beautifully and has a perfect fell. You can tell it's nice and sturdy, but it's far from cumbersome or heavy. Also, the action and string bendability is superb. You can sound like Stevie Ray Vaughan in no time with this guitar.

Sound: The Pickups on the Fender Deluxe HSS Strat are what give it its namesake. Instead of the traditional Strat design of three single coil pickups, the HSS Strat has single coil pickups in the neck and middle position with a humbucker in the bridge position. They aren't your average pickups, either. The SCN design is specifically made to eliminate all excess sounds most musicians are annoyed with yet accustomed to. Combined with the extra versatility given by the humbucker, the Deluxe HSS Strat can span any genre wonderfully.

Overall: The Fender American Deluxe HSS Stratocaster is a premium quality instrument. It has all the playability and visual qualities of a classic Strat with a sound all its own. If you can afford it, don't overlook it. You can find the Deluxe HSS Strat in music stores for about $1,250.