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Fender Blacktop Series - Classic Style, Modern Power
The Fender Blacktop Series combines classic models of guitar - Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jaguar - with high-gain humbucking pickups. I love them, and here's why...
19th
May
2012
ViewFender have some of the most classic guitar shapes ever made. The '50s design aesthetic that runs through everything they release ensures that, at least in terms of design, they rarely put a foot wrong. But what if you don't like the tone?
There's nothing wrong with that - the classic Fender tone isn't for everyone. Some players love the bell-chime tones that Fender's single coil pickups provide, but there's plenty of players who want something with a bit more meat - something raw, something heavy.
That's where the Fender Blacktop Series of guitars comes in - classic Fender styling but with souped up, raw power pickups. The Blacktop range means that if you like Fender body shapes but need more power, you're guaranteed to find something to love. Let's take a look at a couple of the models we have here in the Junkie!
The Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH and Fender Blacktop Telecaster HH are hot-rodded versions of Fender's two most enduring electric guitars. Featuring Fender's own Hot Vintage Alnico Humbucking pickups, your chunky chords and hot leads will sound truly powerful. An added advantage on the Strat is that positions 2 and 4 of the pickup select switch offer coil taps to provide that classic Fender tone if you need it! The Telecaster is also available as the Fender Blacktop Telecaster Baritone, with low-down B to B tuning and HSS pickup layout for even more tonal options.
Okay, so this is great, but what if you want higher gain but don't like the tonal quality of a humbucker? Most people would say you're fussy, but Fender offer guitars like the Blacktop Jaguar 90 - stripping down the classic shape of the Jaguar, removing all of the extra controls, and popping in two P-90 style hot single coil pickups. Gibson's version of the P-90 is most famous for providing the tone of a Gibson SG Classic, and thus the tone of AC/DC (although, when Angus bought it, it was an SG Standard - how times change!). That surely has to be enough bite for any player!
Essentially, what Fender have done with the Blacktop range is cater to either very picky or very loyal players - and as someone who fits a little into both camps, I love them for it.
Curious about the Blacktop range? Come on down to our flagship music store in Leicester and try them out, or give us a call on 01162 625 625 and get one on order!
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