[NAMM] Fender American Elite Stratocasters

See all NAMM Show 2016 news items »

Fender introduces new models of guitars and basses in their American Elite series, including of course new Stratocasters.

A replacement for the American Deluxe series, American Elite instruments are growing popular and Fender enriches their rosters with several new models to be introduced at the NAMM, among which these new Stratocaster models.

Announced as “an entirely new breed of guitar designed for 21st-century players who constantly push the envelope”, the American Elite Stratocaster indeed features over a dozen new innovations (including all-new fourth generation Noiseless single-coil Stratocaster pickups, compound profile neck, redesigned contoured neck heel for improved upper register access, and S1 switch to activate alternate wiring options for even more tonal variations), all while keeping the traditional appearance of the legendary model.

Features:

Body:

Body Material: Alder
Body Finish: Gloss Polyurethane
Body Shape: Stratocaster

Neck Material: Maple
Neck Finish: Satin Urethane Finish on Back of Neck with Gloss Urethane Headstock Face
Neck Shape: Compound Back Shape, Modern “C” to “D”
Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood or Maple
Fingerboard Radius: 9.5"-14" Compound Radius (241 mm-355.6 mm)
Number of Frets: 22
Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
Nut Material: Synthetic Bone
Nut Width: 1.685" (42.8 mm)
Position Inlays: Large Pearloid Dots
Truss Rod: 2-Way Adjustable
Truss Rod Nut: Heel-Mounted Spoke Wheel Adjustment

Bridge Pickup: New 4th Generation Noiseless
Middle Pickup: New 4th Generation Noiseless
Neck Pickup: New 4th Generation Noiseless
Controls: Master Volume (with S-1 switch), Tone 1 (Neck Pickup), Tone 2 (Middle and Bridge Pickups; No-Load Tone control)
Switching: 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup
Configuration: SSS

Bridge: 2-Point Deluxe Synchronized Tremolo with Pop-In Arm
Hardware Finish: Chrome
Tuning Machines: Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking (all short posts)
Pickguard: 3-Ply Mint Green
Control Knobs: Aged White Soft Touch Knobs
Switch Tip: Aged White
Neck Plate: 4-Bolt Asymmetrical

Miscellaneous:

Strings: Fender USA, NPS, (.009-.042 Gauges)

Case/Gig Bag: Elite Molded Case

A left-handed version will also be released (in a 3-color sunburst finish only, compared with 8 available finishes for the right-handed model), and both version are announced at an MSRP of $1,799.

The American Elite Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker is a humbucker-equipped variation on the classic Stratocaster model. Equipped with a Shawbucker double-coil pickup in the bridge position, it is available in four different finishes (but no left-handed version is announced).

It also will retail for the same $1,799 price tag.