Hey everyone,

I recently purchased a new stratocaster in a very unusual factory format (at least to me!). It's a 2011 MIM Stratocaster, with a grey satin finish and pickups in a HSH covered format. The back of the headstock has a "Special Edition" sticker, but I cant find any information about the guitar anywhere. It was purchased at GC with the hang tag on it, and has a great sound. If anyone knows anything about these, please let me know.

I"ll try to add pictures this afternoon if anyone wants to see them.

Regards,
Daegan

I saw the same guitar at our local GC this past weekend and I picked it up and checked it out. I liked it better from a distance, never been a fan of the flat finish, but it still looked like a pretty cool guitar. I believe it's another Factory Special Run for GC - very limited production and when it's gone, it's gone. Now if it had been SHINY - I might have added another Strat to my arsenal. Good thing it wasn't!

If you can't find anything on it, don't worry - it's brand new.

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Dennis in CR
Rockin' since 1963

I was kind of in the same boat, but the unique sound it gives the Strat is what won me over. I appreciate your feedback.

Looking forward to the pics. Fender puts out a good number of FSR Strats. I will soon be converting my newest purchase to a HSH configuration.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

I saw one of those FSRs when I was at Guitar Center last week. I was strong and walked away without playing it but my resistance is weakening. The combination of two humbuckers and a covered Tele style middle pickup intrigues me. How does it sound in the in between positions?

John

I saw a black FSR Blacktop Strat with the HSH set up.

The humbuckers had covers. The middle single coil looked like it had a chrome cover too. It had the black amp-type knobs.

I wonder if that's just a black version of the grey one the OP saw?

I just found a pic:

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

Hey, that is what I planned to do to my Blacktop. Except mine will have Seymour Duncan pickups and since my Blacktop is the Floyd Rose equipped one, it will ready for pulls and dives as well. This is the second time I had an idea for a guitar and a company beat me to the punch.

Fender, if you need more ideas you have my e-mail address on file, just get in touch.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

That's basically the same guitar. I went back to GC and took a closer look yesterday. The Special Edition has the Passing Lane mod that was introduced on the 2010 American Deluxe HSS Strat. Push down the button from any pickup position and it goes straight to the bridge humbucker with no tone control.

I'm tempted.

John

would that be routed hsh or swimming pool?

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http://www.youtube.com/user/nazareneart ... ature=mhee

If it is a Blacktop body, it is most likely a swimming pool route.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

22 frets - - interesting! Looks like a Tele neck pup in the middle too.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

I was wondering if it was a Tele neck pup. That would give a different sound for sure.

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

One other note on the Guitar Center Special Edition Gray Blacktop Strat... it has a hardtail bridge and 21 frets. I visited it again yesterday but didn't take it home. Perhaps those Gear Addicts Anonymous meetings are working.

John