Fender Fishman TriplePlay Stratocaster HSS

Fender introduces the Fishman TriplePlay Stratocaster HSS, featuring Fishman’s wireless MIDI pickup system.

Fender Fishman TriplePlay Stratocaster HSS

Aside from the versatile guitar sounds that you can get from the HSS configuration pickups, this guitar will expand your sonic palette by emulating other instruments or creating new sounds. Its MIDI capabilities will give you full control over your favorite virtual instrument or music production software, giving you sounds that regular guitars can’t provide.

As the name implies, the distinctive feature of this Strat is the built-in Fishman TriplePlay MIDI pickup system. The Fishman hex pickup, MIDI volume and the TriplePlay D-pad controller are mounted into the front, removing the need for the bulky controller as found on stand-alone TriplePlay systems. The wireless controller is mounted on the back for convenience.

The hex pickup wirelessly transmits MIDI data to your computer via the included USB transceiver. This turns your guitar into a versatile MIDI controller for playing whichever virtual instrument you prefer. A nifty clip on the back of the headstock is provided for keeping the USB transceiver when not in use. The internally mounted TriplePlay wireless controller is powered by a built-in battery that is charged via the included micro-USB cable.

A mini-USB output port is provided on the side of the lower bout to digitally transmit audio signals to your computer via an included USB cable. This handy feature removes the need for a separate audio interface, and adds further value and functionality to the TriplePlay Strat. The guitar even comes with a 1/8″ output jack for plugging in your headphones!

Fender Fishman TriplePlay Stratocaster HSS

The new Fishman TriplePlay Stratocaster HSS comes with complementary software for recording, editing and playing back your audio. An included USB flash drive will let you install Fishman TriplePlay, IK Multimedia SampleTank 2.5, Native Instruments Komplete Elements and AmpliTube Custom Shop. More software are available for free download once you register your guitar – Notion Progression and Presonus Studio One Artist. Fender was quite generous with the included software, better justifying the price tag of the guitar.

All these MIDI and USB capabilities would be of little help if the core guitar is of no good, thankfully this Strat itself features a combination of good pickups and wood. The body is made of alder and features a triple A rated quilt maple top. The neck is made of maple and comes with the typical Strat specs that include a scale length of 25.5″, 9.5″ fretboard radius and 1.650″ nut width. The rosewood fingerboard features 22 medium jumbo frets with white dot position inlays.

Fender equipped the guitar with an impressive set of pickups – two Vintage Noiseless Single-Coil Strat pickups on the middle and neck positions, while the bridge has a Semour Duncan Pearly Gates humbucker. Quite surprising that even without the TriplePlay system, this guitar looks to be a viable instrument. Basic pickup switching is provided by the 5-position pickup selector, while the knobs offer master volume, MIDI volume and headphone volume control.

Other hardware include a 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo, standard cast/sealed tuners, a 3-ply parchment pickguard and white plastic knobs.

The Fender Fishman TriplePlay Stratocaster HSS is currently available in black or 3-tone sunburst finishes, with an MSRP of $1,499.99. You can head over to Fender for more details.

Related Articles:

Expressiv Infinity MIDI Guitar

‘Vo Wand – Handheld Synth and Sustainer for Guitar

Fishman Fluence Active Humbucker

Fender Custom Shop Artisan Series

Fender Major League Baseball Stratocasters

Fender Custom Shop Nile Rodgers Hitmaker Stratocaster

Squier 60th Anniversary Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster

MIDI pickups
Click here for our MIDI Guitar Pickup Guide!

Leave a Reply