Fender American Select Mahogany Stratocaster HSS, Transparent Crimson Red, Hardshell Case - Used
Most Stratocasters are built from alder or ash. That is the recipe Fender has used since 1954, and for good reason — those woods deliver the bright, snappy, glassy tone that defines the Strat sound. But mahogany tells a different story entirely. Warmer, heavier in the mids, with more sustain and a natural thickness that alder simply does not have. The American Select Mahogany Stratocaster HSS was a factory special run produced for Musician's Friend in 2008, and it is one of the more interesting Strats Fender has built in the modern era — a full American Deluxe platform with every appointment of the line, wearing a wood that shifts the entire tonal character of the instrument.
The result is exactly what you would expect and hope for: a strong, mid-focused rock tone with real body and sustain behind every note. This is a Strat that leans into the guitar rather than away from it — warm and assertive rather than bright and cutting. The Diamondback humbucker at the bridge has the output and presence to match the mahogany body, while the pair of custom-staggered Tex-Mex single-coils in the neck and middle positions keep the classic Strat voice available through the 5-way switch. The S-1 switch on the master volume adds additional pickup combinations for even more tonal range. The LSR roller nut, locking tuners, and rolled fingerboard edges put this firmly in American Deluxe territory in terms of playability and feel.
Set up by our shop and ready to rock. The Transparent Crimson Red finish shows the mahogany grain beautifully underneath. Condition is Very Good with signs of cosmetic use consistent with a played instrument. Check the photos for specifics. Comes with the original hardshell case.
- Make: Fender
- Model: American Select Mahogany Stratocaster HSS (Musician's Friend FSR)
- Year: 2008
- Serial number: DZ8009928
- Country of origin: USA
- Body: Select mahogany, gloss polyurethane finish, Transparent Crimson Red
- Neck: Maple, Modern C shape, satin polyurethane finish, headstock access truss rod, skunk stripe
- Fingerboard: Rosewood, rolled edges, 9.5" radius
- Position inlays: Mother-of-pearl dots, narrow spacing
- Scale length: 25.5"
- Nut: LSR roller nut, 1 11/16" width
- Frets: 22, medium jumbo
- Neck pickup: Custom-staggered Tex-Mex single-coil
- Middle pickup: Custom-staggered Tex-Mex single-coil
- Bridge pickup: Diamondback DH-1 humbucker
- Controls: Master volume with S-1 switch, tone 1 (neck), tone 2 (middle/bridge), 5-way blade switch
- Bridge: American 2-point synchronized tremolo, stainless steel saddles
- Tuners: Fender Deluxe staggered cast/sealed locking
- Headstock: Small, black painted logo, silver applique
- Hardware: Chrome
- Weight: 8 lbs 8 oz
- Modifications: None
- Includes: Original hardshell case
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
