Fender Standard HSS Stratocaster, Candy Cola, Electric Guita

Quick Product Summary

The Fender Standard HSS Stratocaster in Candy Cola delivers the unmistakable feel and versatility of a Stratocaster with the added power of a humbucking bridge pickup. Combining a poplar body, Modern C maple neck, Indian laurel fingerboard, 9.5" radius and 2-point tremolo, it is designed to offer comfortable playability and genuine Fender character at an accessible price.

Its HSS pickup configuration makes this an especially versatile Stratocaster, pairing two traditional-style Standard single coils with a more powerful Standard humbucker at the bridge. From sparkling cleans and blues tones to rock rhythm work and higher-gain lead sounds, this is a guitar capable of covering an impressively wide range of music.

Why Choose the Fender Standard HSS Stratocaster?

Versatile HSS Pickup Configuration

The HSS configuration is one of the most flexible Stratocaster layouts available. Fender's Standard Humbucking bridge pickup delivers extra output and thickness for rock, overdrive and lead playing, while Standard Single-Coil Strat pickups in the middle and neck positions retain the clarity, snap and open character associated with a Strat.

Classic Stratocaster Feel

A Modern C-shaped maple neck provides a familiar, comfortable profile that works well for chord playing, rhythm work and lead techniques. The satin urethane finish on the back of the neck gives it a smooth feel without the stickiness sometimes associated with heavily glossed necks.

Comfortable 9.5" Fingerboard Radius

The 9.5" radius Indian laurel fingerboard strikes an excellent balance between traditional Fender feel and modern playability. Combined with 21 medium jumbo frets, it is comfortable for everything from open chords and rhythm playing to bends and faster lead work.

Modern 2-Point Tremolo

A Standard 2-point tremolo bridge with satin chrome steel block saddles provides smooth pitch control while maintaining the familiar expressive capability that has helped make the Stratocaster one of the world's most recognisable electric guitars.

Distinctive Candy Cola Finish

Candy Cola gives the classic Stratocaster silhouette a rich metallic red appearance. Paired with a white 3-ply pickguard, chrome hardware and white controls, it creates a timeless Fender aesthetic with a slightly more distinctive edge.

Why Choose an HSS Stratocaster?

An HSS Stratocaster is ideal for players who love traditional Strat sounds but want more power from the bridge position. The two single coils retain the clear, articulate tones associated with blues, funk, indie, pop and classic rock, while the bridge humbucker offers the thicker response often preferred for heavier rhythm guitar and driven lead sounds.

For musicians who regularly move between clean and distorted tones, an HSS guitar can reduce the need to switch instruments between styles.

Who Is It For?

The Fender Standard HSS Stratocaster is an excellent choice for:

• Players wanting their first Fender electric guitar

• Guitarists looking for a versatile HSS instrument

• Rock, blues, pop, indie and alternative players

• Students progressing to a higher-quality electric guitar

• Home and studio musicians needing a flexible instrument

• Players who want Strat single-coil sounds with a more powerful bridge pickup

• Guitarists who prefer a Modern C neck profile

• Musicians looking for a striking Candy Cola Stratocaster

Story & Context

The Stratocaster has been one of Fender's defining electric guitar designs since its introduction in 1954. Its contoured double-cutaway body, three-pickup concept and vibrato bridge helped establish a design that would become central to countless styles of popular music.

The Fender Standard Series brings the essential character of Fender's most famous instruments to players looking for straightforward specifications, comfortable modern playability and authentic Fender design. The HSS Stratocaster expands on the traditional formula by replacing the bridge single coil with a humbucker for greater output and tonal versatility.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Fender
Model	Standard HSS Stratocaster
Series	Standard
Finish	Candy Cola
Condition	New
Body	Poplar
Neck	Maple, Modern C
Fingerboard	Indian Laurel
Pickup Configuration	HSS
Main Appeal	Classic Strat feel with a powerful humbucking bridge pickup
Best For	Rock, blues, pop, indie and versatile everyday playing

What's Included

• Fender Standard HSS Stratocaster

• Screw-In Tremolo Arm

• Factory Documentation

Not Included:

• ✘ Gig Bag

• ✘ Hard Case

• ✘ Guitar Strap

• ✘ Instrument Cable

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

As a brand-new Fender Standard HSS Stratocaster, this guitar is supplied as new and will receive Fair Deal Music's normal pre-dispatch checks.

Our team checks the instrument for general operation and presentation before dispatch so it arrives ready for you to tune up, plug in and play.

Technical Specifications

Body

Specification	Details
Body Shape	Stratocaster
Body Material	Poplar
Body Finish	Gloss Polyurethane
Body Style	Solid Body
Colour	Candy Cola

Neck

Specification	Details
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Shape	Modern C
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Finish	Satin Urethane with Gloss Urethane Headstock Face
Fingerboard Material	Indian Laurel
Fingerboard Radius	9.5" / 241 mm
Number of Frets	21
Fret Size	Medium Jumbo
Scale Length	25.5" / 648 mm
Nut Material	Micarta
Nut Width	1.6875" / 42.86 mm
Position Inlays	White Dot
Truss Rod	Dual-Action Head Adjust
Truss Rod Nut	4 mm Hex

Electronics

Specification	Details
Bridge Pickup	Fender Standard Humbucking
Middle Pickup	Fender Standard Single-Coil Strat
Neck Pickup	Fender Standard Single-Coil Strat
Pickup Configuration	HSS
Controls	Master Volume, Tone 1, Tone 2
Pickup Selector	5-Position Blade

Pickup Switching

Position 1: Bridge Humbucker
Position 2: Bridge and Middle Pickups
Position 3: Middle Pickup
Position 4: Middle and Neck Pickups
Position 5: Neck Pickup

Hardware

Specification	Details
Bridge	Standard 2-Point Tremolo
Bridge Saddles	Satin Chrome Steel Block Saddles
Bridge Mounting	2-Point Modern
Tuning Machines	Fender Standard Cast/Sealed with Hex Buttons
Hardware Finish	Chrome
Pickguard	3-Ply White
Control Knobs	White
Pickup Covers	White
Neck Plate	4-Bolt
Tremolo Arm	Screw-In
Strap Buttons	Standard
String Trees	Dual-Wing
Factory Strings	Nickel Plated Steel .009–.042

Fender Standard HSS Stratocaster Compared

HSS vs Traditional SSS Stratocaster

A traditional SSS Stratocaster uses three single-coil pickups, including a brighter and leaner bridge sound. The Standard HSS Stratocaster replaces that bridge pickup with a humbucker, providing greater output, additional midrange and a thicker response that works particularly well with distortion and overdrive.

Standard HSS Stratocaster vs Telecaster

A Telecaster typically offers a more direct, cutting response with its traditional two-pickup layout. The Standard HSS Stratocaster offers a broader selection of five pickup combinations, a contoured body and a tremolo bridge, making it a particularly versatile option for players who want to explore multiple styles.

Standard HSS Stratocaster vs Higher-Priced Fender Models

Higher-tier Fender instruments may feature upgraded pickups, different body woods, additional switching options, premium hardware or more elaborate finishing. The Standard HSS Stratocaster focuses on the essential Fender playing experience, making it a strong choice for players who want an authentic Fender-branded guitar without moving immediately into the more expensive ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Fender Standard HSS Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

Yes. Its comfortable Modern C neck, familiar controls and versatile pickup arrangement make it a very approachable guitar for a developing player, while its specification is capable enough to remain useful as their playing progresses.

What does HSS mean?

HSS stands for Humbucker-Single-Single. This Fender has a humbucking pickup at the bridge and traditional-style single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions.

Is an HSS Stratocaster good for rock?

Yes. The bridge humbucker provides the extra output and fuller sound that many players prefer for distorted rhythm and lead tones, making the HSS configuration particularly well suited to rock.

Can it still produce traditional Stratocaster sounds?

Yes. The neck and middle positions use Fender Standard Single-Coil Strat pickups, giving you access to many of the clear, articulate tones associated with the Stratocaster.

Does it have a tremolo bridge?

Yes. It features a 2-point tremolo bridge with satin chrome steel block saddles and a screw-in tremolo arm.

Does the guitar come with a case?

A gig bag or hard case is not included as standard. Suitable Fender cases and gig bags can be purchased separately.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Fair Deal Music is a family-run music retailer established in Birmingham in 1987, with decades of experience helping musicians choose the right instruments and equipment.

As Birmingham's largest independent music store, we combine competitive pricing with knowledgeable advice from a team who genuinely understand musical instruments.

When you buy your Fender Standard HSS Stratocaster from Fair Deal Music you benefit from:

• Family-run service since 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• More than 6,000 Excellent Trustpilot reviews

• Around a 4.9-star Trustpilot rating

• Experienced musician-led advice

• Fast UK delivery

• Secure ordering

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Support before and after your purchase

• Part-exchange and pre-owned buying options available

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender Standard HSS Stratocaster in Candy Cola is an excellent all-round electric guitar for players who want recognisable Fender feel with a little more muscle at the bridge. The combination of two Strat single coils and a humbucker makes it considerably more adaptable than a conventional three-single-coil setup for musicians who regularly switch between cleaner tones and heavier overdrive.

Add in the comfortable Modern C neck, 9.5" Indian laurel fingerboard, 2-point tremolo and striking Candy Cola finish, and this is a compelling way to get into a genuine Fender Stratocaster while retaining enough versatility to cover a broad range of musical styles.