The Guitar Behind Hundreds of Millions of Records

Few guitars in history have shaped modern music quite like The Hitmaker.

From Le Freak and Good Times through to Get Lucky, Let's Dance, Like A Virgin, Notorious, I'm Coming Outand countless other iconic recordings, Nile Rodgers' unmistakable Stratocaster sound has helped define pop, funk, disco, rock and R&B for over four decades. Fender's Nile Rodgers Hitmaker Stratocaster faithfully recreates the instrument responsible for some of the most recognisable guitar tones ever recorded, combining vintage-inspired craftsmanship with modern reliability.

Handcrafted in the USA, this premium signature model captures every important detail of Nile's famous 1960 hardtail Strat—from its uniquely contoured alder body and Olympic White lacquer finish to its custom-voiced pickups, mirrored chrome-plated brass pickguard and locking tuners.

Whether you're chasing authentic Nile Rodgers rhythm tones, pristine clean sounds or simply investing in one of Fender's finest artist instruments, the Hitmaker delivers exceptional feel, clarity and collectability.

Key Features

• Made in USA Fender Artist Signature Series
• Authentic recreation of Nile Rodgers' legendary "Hitmaker"
• Unique slim alder body with enhanced contours
• Gloss Olympic White lacquer finish
• One-piece maple neck with custom 1959 "C" profile
• 9.5" fingerboard radius
• 21 Medium Jumbo frets
• Three Custom Nile Rodgers Hitmaker Single-Coil pickups
• Vintage-style hardtail string-through-body bridge
• Bent steel saddles
• Deluxe locking tuners
• Chrome-plated brass mirrored pickguard
• Custom Hitmaker neck plate
• Deluxe limited-edition hard case included
• Certificate of Authenticity included

Built for Legendary Rhythm Guitar

Most Stratocasters are associated with soaring solos.

The Hitmaker became famous for something different.

Nile Rodgers' precise rhythmic style demands incredible note definition, fast attack and sparkling top-end clarity. Every aspect of this guitar has therefore been designed to produce exceptional articulation, allowing every chord inversion and percussive strum to cut effortlessly through a mix.

The result is a Stratocaster that feels incredibly responsive whether you're recording in the studio or performing live.

Custom Hitmaker Pickups

At the heart of the guitar are three specially developed Custom Nile Rodgers Hitmaker Single-Coil Strat Pickups.

These pickups have been voiced to recreate the unmistakable:

• glassy high-end
• bell-like clarity
• hollow "quack"
• articulate rhythm attack
• balanced output

that made the original Hitmaker so famous.

Clean sounds remain rich and dynamic while driven tones retain impressive note separation.

The reverse-wound middle pickup also provides hum-cancelling performance in switch positions 2 and 4 for quieter operation.

Unique Hardtail Stratocaster Design

Unlike most Stratocasters, the Hitmaker uses a vintage-style hardtail bridge.

Without a tremolo system, more string energy transfers directly into the body, helping produce:

• improved sustain
• stronger attack
• greater tuning stability
• enhanced resonance
• tighter low-end response

The string-through-body construction combined with bent-steel saddles also preserves classic Fender character while adding impressive reliability.

Comfortable Custom Body

One feature often overlooked is the body itself.

Rather than using a standard Strat shape, Fender recreated the slightly smaller and more heavily contoured alder body found on Nile's original instrument.

This provides:

• exceptional comfort
• lighter playing feel
• improved balance
• easier access while standing

making long rehearsals and performances remarkably comfortable.

Fast Vintage-Inspired Neck

The one-piece maple neck features a faithful 1959 "C" profile, offering the perfect blend of vintage feel and modern comfort.

Combined with:

• Satin nitro neck finish
• 9.5" fingerboard radius
• Medium Jumbo frets
• Bone nut

the neck feels smooth, quick and incredibly playable.

Whether you're playing intricate funk rhythms, blues licks or modern pop sessions, the Hitmaker encourages fast, effortless performance.

Premium Hardware Throughout

Every component has been selected to match the original instrument whilst improving modern reliability.

Highlights include:

• Deluxe locking tuners
• Vintage-style string trees
• Bent steel saddles
• Chrome-plated brass mirrored pickguard
• White speed knobs
• Custom Hitmaker neck plate
• Premium hardshell case

The result is a professional touring instrument built to perform night after night.

Perfect For

The Fender Nile Rodgers Hitmaker Stratocaster is ideal for:

• Professional musicians
• Recording artists
• Session guitarists
• Funk players
• Pop musicians
• Blues guitarists
• Collectors
• Premium Fender enthusiasts
• Players wanting maximum tuning stability
• Guitarists seeking exceptional clean tones

Sounds Great With

Many customers choose to pair the Hitmaker with:

• Fender Tone Master amplifiers
• Fender Deluxe Reverb
• Boss compression pedals
• Chorus pedals
• Wah pedals
• Wireless systems
• Premium guitar stands
• High-quality instrument cables
• Locking guitar straps

Why Choose the Fender Nile Rodgers Hitmaker?

Unlike many signature guitars that simply feature cosmetic changes, the Hitmaker recreates one of the most influential recording guitars ever made.

Its unique body shape, carefully voiced pickups, hardtail construction and premium appointments combine to create an instrument that stands apart from every standard Stratocaster in the Fender lineup.

If rhythm guitar is your passion—or you're simply looking for one of the finest USA-made Stratocasters available—the Hitmaker is an exceptional choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this made in the USA?

Yes. The Fender Nile Rodgers Hitmaker Stratocaster is proudly manufactured in the USA as part of Fender's Artist Signature collection.

Does it have a tremolo bridge?

No. It features a vintage-style string-through-body hardtail bridge for enhanced sustain and tuning stability.

Is this suitable for more than funk music?

Absolutely. While designed around Nile Rodgers' legendary tone, the guitar excels across pop, blues, indie, rock, soul, worship, country and studio session work.

Does it include a case?

Yes. A deluxe limited-edition Fender hard case with Hitmaker embroidery and a Certificate of Authenticity are included.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music you're buying from passionate musicians with decades of experience helping players choose the right instrument.

We offer:

• Expert product advice
• Friendly, knowledgeable support
• Competitive finance options (where available)
• Secure UK delivery
• Careful pre-dispatch inspection
• Trusted customer service
• One of the UK's largest selections of new and pre-owned musical instruments

Whether you're buying your first USA Fender or adding a flagship signature model to your collection, we're here to help you choose with confidence.

🎵 Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

★★★★★

Best suited for
Professional musicians, collectors, recording artists and players seeking the unmistakable Nile Rodgers clean Stratocaster sound with premium USA craftsmanship.

Customers usually upgrade from
American Professional II Stratocaster, American Vintage II Stratocaster, Eric Johnson Stratocaster or standard USA Strat models.

Most commonly paired with
Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb, premium guitar stand, quality instrument cable, locking strap and hard case accessories.

Our tip
This guitar truly comes alive through a clean valve-style amplifier with a touch of compression. Experiment with pickup positions 2 and 4 to unlock the iconic "chuck" rhythm tones that made The Hitmaker famous.

Showroom feedback
Players are often surprised by how different this feels compared to a standard Stratocaster. The hardtail bridge, custom body contours and incredibly articulate pickups give it a uniquely fast, precise playing experience that's equally at home on stage or in the studio.