Fender American Pro II Stratocaster HSS RW Mercury - Electric Guitar
The most versatile Stratocaster ever created, without any compromises.
The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster® HSS combines the crystalline chime of V-Mod II single-coil pickups with the raw power of a Double Tap™ humbucker in the bridge position. Featuring a "Deep C" neck profile and a sculpted heel for ultimate ergonomics, it offers a limitless tonal palette. From creamy blues to heavy rock, this guitar is the surgically precise instrument every session musician needs, available now at Garage à Musique.
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The Hybrid Sound Authority: Why choose the HSS II Stratocaster?
The HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single) configuration is the modern guitarist's Swiss Army knife, but Fender takes it to the next level here. It definitively solves the volume imbalance problem when switching from humbucker to single-coil pickups thanks to Double Tap™ technology. Its new cold-rolled steel vibrato block increases mass and sustain, ensuring that every note resonates with exceptional clarity. This is the go-to instrument for the musician who needs to cover all styles in a single gig with the authority of Garage à Musique.
Full Technical Specifications
Body & Construction
| Characteristic | Details |
| Series | American Professional II |
| Body material | Alder or Roasted Pine depending on the finish |
| Body finish | Glossy polyurethane (Gloss Urethane) |
| Body shape | Stratocaster® |
| Configuration | HSS (1 Humbucker, 2 Single-Coils) |
Neck & Fingerboard
| Characteristic | Details |
| Handle material | Maple |
| Construction | 4 screws with sculpted heel (4-Bolt) |
| Handle finish | Satin "Super-Natural" (back), Glossy (head) |
| Handle profile | Deep "C" |
| Tuning fork | 25.5" (648 mm) |
| Touch | Maple or Rosewood |
| Touchdown radius | 9.5" (241 mm) |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Type of frets | Narrow Tall |
| Nut | Bone |
| Nut width | 1.685" (42.8 mm) |
| Inlays | Black or white spots |
| Adjustment rod | Standard |
Electronics & Marine Hardware
| Characteristic | Details |
| Bridge Microphone | V-Mod II Double Tap™ Humbucking |
| Micro Central | V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat® |
| Micro Neck | V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat® |
| Controls | Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck/Center), Tone 2 (Bridge) |
| Selector | 5 positions (Blade) |
| Special Electronics | Push-Push on Tone 2 (Activates Double Tap™ mode on the Humbucker) |
| Easel | Synchronized 2-point vibrato with steel saddles and cold-rolled steel block |
| Mechanics | Fender® Standard Cast/Sealed Staggered |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply (Mint Green, Black or Tortoiseshell) |
| Buttons | "Aged White" Plastic |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome |
Dimensions & Accessories
| Characteristic | Details |
| Ropes | Fender® USA 250L NPS (.009-.042 Gauges) |
| Case included | Deluxe Molded Hard Case |
| Origin | USA (Corona, California) |
Comparative Analysis
Based on consensus from Sound on Sound, MusicRadar and Gearspace.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Available at Garage à Musique |
| Ibanez AZ2204 Prestige | Studio Super-Strat | More pickup combinations, but lacks the organic Fender tone. | Available here |
| Suhr Standard Plus | HSS Shop | Superior finish and stainless steel frets, but costs twice as much. | Product not listed |
| PRS Fiore | Signature / Hybrid | Excellent answer, but very specific sleeve profile vs the Deep C. | Available here |
| Fender Player II Strat HSS | Mid-range | Very effective, but without the steel block or the Double Tap electronics. | Available here |
| Yamaha Pacifica 612VII | Value for money | Excellent Seymour Duncan pickups, but less resale value. | Available here |
| Music Man Cutlass HSS | Modern Ergonomic | Active noise reduction system, but with a more neutral sound character. | Available here |
| Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 | Shred / Performance | Designed for pure speed, it lacks finesse in its clean tone. | Available here |
| Fender American Ultra Strat HSS | High Performance | Noiseless pickups and compensated radius, but more expensive. | Available here |
| G&L Legacy HSS (USA) | Leo's Evolution | The PTB system is very useful, but the vibrato design is different. | Product not listed |
| Schecter Nick Johnston USA | Signature Boutique | Incredible wenge neck, but very modern-sounding. | Product not listed |
History & Evolution
Born from the "Super-Strat" culture of the 80s, where musicians modified their guitars to install a humbucker, the Stratocaster HSS became a mainstay of the Fender lineup. The American Professional II perfects this concept with the Double Tap™ pickup. Unlike older coil-split systems that often sounded thin, the Double Tap™ delivers a true, robust single-coil tone while retaining the full humbucker power, eliminating the need to switch guitars between songs.
Cultural References & Artists
Eddie Van Halen - Le pionnier de la Strat à humbucker (Frankenstrat).
Steve Lukather (Toto) - Maître de la polyvalence HSS en studio.
Scott Henderson - A utilisé la Strat HSS pour fusionner le blues et le jazz.
Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) - Sa célèbre "Blue" est une Strat HSS.
Dave Murray (Iron Maiden) - Utilise la puissance du humbucker en position chevalet.
Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi) - Adepte de la polyvalence HSS pour les stades.
Janick Gers (Iron Maiden) - Exploite le mordant du humbucker en live.
Michael Landau - Une référence du son de session HSS à Los Angeles.
Wayne Krantz - Utilise la Strat pour des textures improvisées complexes.
Nile Rodgers - Bien que fidèle à sa "Hitmaker", il a exploré les modèles HSS en studio.
The Edge (U2) - Utilise des versions HSS pour les morceaux nécessitant plus de gain.
Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) - Pour l'équilibre entre crunch et clarté.
Kirk Hammett (Metallica) - A souvent utilisé des Strats modifiées HSS en studio.
Tom Morello - Pour ses sons de distorsion massifs sur une base Strat.
Lincoln Brewster - Un virtuose moderne de la Stratocaster HSS.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the purpose of the "Push-Push" button on this HSS Strat?
It allows you to split the bridge humbucker into a single-coil pickup. Thanks to Double Tap™ technology, you get a clear and punchy sound without the usual volume drop—a major innovation available at Garage à Musique.
Is the Double Tap™ humbucker quiet?
In humbucker mode, it naturally cancels hum and RF interference. In single-coil mode, it remains extremely well shielded to minimize background noise while preserving the instrument's organic character.
Why is the vibrato block made of cold-rolled steel?
Cold-rolled steel is denser than zinc or cast steel. This directly improves sustain , frequency response, and tuning stability, giving each note greater sonic authority.
What is the advantage of the "Deep C" sleeve profile?
It's a hybrid profile: thin enough at the nut for speed, but thicker towards the body for optimal palm support. The rounded fretboard edges and "Super-Natural" finish ensure playability with no physical latency .
Can I use the vibrato lever extensively?
Yes. Fender's 2-point system, combined with staggered tuners and a bone nut, ensures a return to perfect tuning, even after expressive use of vibrato.
What is the "Treble Bleed" circuit on the volume control?
This circuit preserves your high frequencies when you lower the guitar's volume. Your sound never becomes muddy or muddy, which is essential for precisely cleaning up your gain at Garage à Musique.
Does the sculpted neck heel really make it easier to access the higher frets?
Absolutely. By thinning the neck joint, Fender allows your hand to reach the 22nd fret effortlessly. There's no longer any physical obstruction, which is a real benefit for lead guitarists.
Why choose an HSS over an SSS?
If you play a variety of styles, including distorted rock, the humbucker offers a thickness and lack of noise that single-coil pickups don't have. It's the ultimate all-around configuration recommended by our experts.
Is the Deluxe case included with the guitar?
Yes, each American Professional II comes with its own Deluxe molded hard case. It offers complete thermal and physical protection, essential for musicians who travel to Quebec.
Does this guitar require phantom power?
No, it's a 100% passive instrument. It requires no batteries, guaranteeing absolute reliability and a pure signal that respects the soul of your amplifier at Garage à Musique.
The Hybrid Sound Authority: Why choose the HSS II Stratocaster?
The HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single) configuration is the modern guitarist's Swiss Army knife, but Fender takes it to the next level here. It definitively solves the volume imbalance problem when switching from humbucker to single-coil pickups thanks to Double Tap™ technology. Its new cold-rolled steel vibrato block increases mass and sustain, ensuring that every note resonates with exceptional clarity. This is the go-to instrument for the musician who needs to cover all styles in a single gig with the authority of Garage à Musique.
Full Technical Specifications
Body & Construction
| Characteristic | Details |
| Series | American Professional II |
| Body material | Alder or Roasted Pine depending on the finish |
| Body finish | Glossy polyurethane (Gloss Urethane) |
| Body shape | Stratocaster® |
| Configuration | HSS (1 Humbucker, 2 Single-Coils) |
Neck & Fingerboard
| Characteristic | Details |
| Handle material | Maple |
| Construction | 4 screws with sculpted heel (4-Bolt) |
| Handle finish | Satin "Super-Natural" (back), Glossy (head) |
| Handle profile | Deep "C" |
| Tuning fork | 25.5" (648 mm) |
| Touch | Maple or Rosewood |
| Touchdown radius | 9.5" (241 mm) |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Type of frets | Narrow Tall |
| Nut | Bone |
| Nut width | 1.685" (42.8 mm) |
| Inlays | Black or white spots |
| Adjustment rod | Standard |
Electronics & Marine Hardware
| Characteristic | Details |
| Bridge Microphone | V-Mod II Double Tap™ Humbucking |
| Micro Central | V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat® |
| Micro Neck | V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat® |
| Controls | Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck/Center), Tone 2 (Bridge) |
| Selector | 5 positions (Blade) |
| Special Electronics | Push-Push on Tone 2 (Activates Double Tap™ mode on the Humbucker) |
| Easel | Synchronized 2-point vibrato with steel saddles and cold-rolled steel block |
| Mechanics | Fender® Standard Cast/Sealed Staggered |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply (Mint Green, Black or Tortoiseshell) |
| Buttons | "Aged White" Plastic |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome |
Dimensions & Accessories
| Characteristic | Details |
| Ropes | Fender® USA 250L NPS (.009-.042 Gauges) |
| Case included | Deluxe Molded Hard Case |
| Origin | USA (Corona, California) |
Comparative Analysis
Based on consensus from Sound on Sound, MusicRadar and Gearspace.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Available at Garage à Musique |
| Ibanez AZ2204 Prestige | Studio Super-Strat | More pickup combinations, but lacks the organic Fender tone. | Available here |
| Suhr Standard Plus | HSS Shop | Superior finish and stainless steel frets, but costs twice as much. | Product not listed |
| PRS Fiore | Signature / Hybrid | Excellent answer, but very specific sleeve profile vs the Deep C. | Available here |
| Fender Player II Strat HSS | Mid-range | Very effective, but without the steel block or the Double Tap electronics. | Available here |
| Yamaha Pacifica 612VII | Value for money | Excellent Seymour Duncan pickups, but less resale value. | Available here |
| Music Man Cutlass HSS | Modern Ergonomic | Active noise reduction system, but with a more neutral sound character. | Available here |
| Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 | Shred / Performance | Designed for pure speed, it lacks finesse in its clean tone. | Available here |
| Fender American Ultra Strat HSS | High Performance | Noiseless pickups and compensated radius, but more expensive. | Available here |
| G&L Legacy HSS (USA) | Leo's Evolution | The PTB system is very useful, but the vibrato design is different. | Product not listed |
| Schecter Nick Johnston USA | Signature Boutique | Incredible wenge neck, but very modern-sounding. | Product not listed |
History & Evolution
Born from the "Super-Strat" culture of the 80s, where musicians modified their guitars to install a humbucker, the Stratocaster HSS became a mainstay of the Fender lineup. The American Professional II perfects this concept with the Double Tap™ pickup. Unlike older coil-split systems that often sounded thin, the Double Tap™ delivers a true, robust single-coil tone while retaining the full humbucker power, eliminating the need to switch guitars between songs.
Cultural References & Artists
Eddie Van Halen - Le pionnier de la Strat à humbucker (Frankenstrat).
Steve Lukather (Toto) - Maître de la polyvalence HSS en studio.
Scott Henderson - A utilisé la Strat HSS pour fusionner le blues et le jazz.
Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) - Sa célèbre "Blue" est une Strat HSS.
Dave Murray (Iron Maiden) - Utilise la puissance du humbucker en position chevalet.
Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi) - Adepte de la polyvalence HSS pour les stades.
Janick Gers (Iron Maiden) - Exploite le mordant du humbucker en live.
Michael Landau - Une référence du son de session HSS à Los Angeles.
Wayne Krantz - Utilise la Strat pour des textures improvisées complexes.
Nile Rodgers - Bien que fidèle à sa "Hitmaker", il a exploré les modèles HSS en studio.
The Edge (U2) - Utilise des versions HSS pour les morceaux nécessitant plus de gain.
Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) - Pour l'équilibre entre crunch et clarté.
Kirk Hammett (Metallica) - A souvent utilisé des Strats modifiées HSS en studio.
Tom Morello - Pour ses sons de distorsion massifs sur une base Strat.
Lincoln Brewster - Un virtuose moderne de la Stratocaster HSS.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the purpose of the "Push-Push" button on this HSS Strat?
It allows you to split the bridge humbucker into a single-coil pickup. Thanks to Double Tap™ technology, you get a clear and punchy sound without the usual volume drop—a major innovation available at Garage à Musique.
Is the Double Tap™ humbucker quiet?
In humbucker mode, it naturally cancels hum and RF interference. In single-coil mode, it remains extremely well shielded to minimize background noise while preserving the instrument's organic character.
Why is the vibrato block made of cold-rolled steel?
Cold-rolled steel is denser than zinc or cast steel. This directly improves sustain , frequency response, and tuning stability, giving each note greater sonic authority.
What is the advantage of the "Deep C" sleeve profile?
It's a hybrid profile: thin enough at the nut for speed, but thicker towards the body for optimal palm support. The rounded fretboard edges and "Super-Natural" finish ensure playability with no physical latency .
Can I use the vibrato lever extensively?
Yes. Fender's 2-point system, combined with staggered tuners and a bone nut, ensures a return to perfect tuning, even after expressive use of vibrato.
What is the "Treble Bleed" circuit on the volume control?
This circuit preserves your high frequencies when you lower the guitar's volume. Your sound never becomes muddy or muddy, which is essential for precisely cleaning up your gain at Garage à Musique.
Does the sculpted neck heel really make it easier to access the higher frets?
Absolutely. By thinning the neck joint, Fender allows your hand to reach the 22nd fret effortlessly. There's no longer any physical obstruction, which is a real benefit for lead guitarists.
Why choose an HSS over an SSS?
If you play a variety of styles, including distorted rock, the humbucker offers a thickness and lack of noise that single-coil pickups don't have. It's the ultimate all-around configuration recommended by our experts.
Is the Deluxe case included with the guitar?
Yes, each American Professional II comes with its own Deluxe molded hard case. It offers complete thermal and physical protection, essential for musicians who travel to Quebec.
Does this guitar require phantom power?
No, it's a 100% passive instrument. It requires no batteries, guaranteeing absolute reliability and a pure signal that respects the soul of your amplifier at Garage à Musique.