Fender American Deluxe Fat Stratocaster HSS Crimson Red Transparent 2001

This is a Fender American Deluxe Fat Stratocaster HSS in Crimson Red Transparent finish. Made in the USA in 2001, this guitar features a bolt-on construction comprising an Alder body, Maple neck and 22 fret Maple fingerboard. Chrome hardware is fitted including a 2-point synchronized tremolo bridge with block saddles, LSR Roller nut & a set of sealed locking tuning machines. A trio of Fender pickups are installed in an HSS configuration, with a DH-1 humbucker in the bridge & Fender Vintage Noiseless single-coils in the neck and & middle positions. These are wired to a 5-way blade switch, master volume ‘Rhythm Tone’ which works only in position 5, and ‘Lead Tone’ which works in positions 1-4.

The Maple neck plays exceptionally well, and carved into Fender’s popular Modern ‘C’ profile, it is certainly a neck that will please the majority of players. There is plenty of substance to inspire confidence when chord playing, yet the neck remains slim enough for fast articulate lines. The traditional 9.5” fingerboard radius is well suited to both rhythm & lead playing, with the medium jumbo frets enhancing the feel of string bending and vibrato techniques. The smooth lines of the Strat body are as comfortable in the arms as ever, with the double cutaways & generous body contours ensuring practicality in both standing & seated positions.

Amplified, the trio of Fender pickups ensure that this guitar really does live up its ‘Fat Strat’ name. The DH-1 in the bridge is nice & hot, and drives the amp into a thick, saturated distortion. The pair of Fender Vintage Noiseless single-coil pickups in the neck and middle deliver thick & full bodied tones without straying too far from the Stratocaster’s roots. There is plenty of scope for funky rhythm sounds and bright leads. The control layout is a little unusual on this guitar, with rhythm & lead tone controls as opposed to the traditional Strat controls. This means that you can set the tone level for just the neck pickup and switch back to it as needed for your lead sounds. A seriously kitted-out fat Strat.

Luthier Report

Our ID: 1020426197092

Weight: 7.9lbs

Serial: DZ0260751

Aesthetic Condition:

Headstock: Overall very good condition. Light to mild indentation is scattered around the perimeter of the headstock, most notably at the top & treble side edges where the indentations lightly chip the finish. Light scratching to the front face is visible under direct light, as is common with high gloss finishes.

Neck: Overall very good condition. Mild lacquer cracking is present to the rear of the neck at the top of the Skunk stripe, as is common with Fender guitars of this age. This marking can be felt under the thumb in the playing position. Light to mild scratching & indentation is present across the register of the fingerboard. Some light discoloration can be seen at either side of the frets, consistent with playwear.

Body: Overall very good condition. Moderate to notable buckle rash/scratching is apparent to the center of the rear face. This has not exposed the wood beneath the finish and is consistent with heavy past use. A very light lacquer crack is present at the bass side of the neck pocket, seen only under close scrutiny. All other aspects of the body display light to mild scratching which can be seen under direct light, as is common with gloss finishes.

Condition of Frets:

This instrument has had a level and re-crown to ensure improved playability. There is a small amount of material remaining for future fret work.

Current Set Up:

Truss Rod: Fully functional. Truss rod tool (1/8” hex) not included.

Hardware: Very good condition. The metal hardware shows light oxidation, most notably the bridge plate & jack socket. The saddles have been replaced with GraphTec String Savers by a previous owner. The original saddles are not included.

Structural: No concerns or issues to note.

Height of the string from the 12th Fret-1.75mm - Bass 2mm

Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.

Strings on Guitar - 10-46

Electrics:

Fully functional.

Case & Accessories:

RBX gigbag.

Excellent condition. Tremolo arm included. Truss rod tool not included.