
( Brand: Fender ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: MX21142442 ), ( Type: Neck ), ( Color: Brown, Beige ), ( Material: Maple, Rosewood ), ( To Fit: Electric Guitar )
The **Fender 2021 75th Anniversary Player Stratocaster Neck Hipshot (Model #MX21142442)** is a meticulously crafted electric guitar that seamlessly blends iconic Fender heritage with modern innovation, designed to inspire both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians alike. This instrument pays homage to the legendary Stratocaster s 75-year legacy while introducing refined features that elevate its playability and tonal versatility. The neck, a standout element of this model, is a **hipshot design**, featuring a slightly angled neck profile that reduces string tension at the nut, allowing for smoother bends, faster playing, and reduced hand fatigue during extended sessions. This subtle yet impactful adjustment is particularly appreciated by shredders and lead players who demand both precision and comfort.
Crafted from a **mahogany body** with a gloss finish, the guitar exudes a warm, rich tone that resonates with depth and sustain, making it a versatile choice for genres ranging from blues and rock to jazz and modern fusion. The **maple cap** on the body not only enhances the instrument s visual appeal with its striking grain patterns but also contributes to a brighter, more articulate high-end response, ensuring clarity in every note. The **single-cutaway body shape** remains true to the Stratocaster s classic silhouette, offering a balanced ergonomic feel that adapts effortlessly to various playing styles, whether strumming power chords or executing lightning-fast solos.
The neck itself is a **rosewood fingerboard** with a **20-fret, 9.5" radius**, providing a smooth, buttery touch that facilitates effortless chord changes and melodic phrasing. The **24 jumbo frets** are meticulously spaced to accommodate extended-range playing, while the **Fender Custom Shop "75th Anniversary" logo inlays** add a touch of prestige, subtly marking this guitar as a piece of musical history. The **three single-coil pickups** a **Fender V-Mod II in the bridge position, a V-Mod II in the middle, and a V-Mod II in the neck** deliver a modern twist on classic Stratocaster tone, offering enhanced clarity, output, and dynamic response. These pickups are paired with **Fender Wide-Range humbucking coils**, which reduce unwanted noise while preserving the signature Stratocaster clarity, making this guitar equally at home in both clean and high-gain settings.
The **Fender Locking Tremolo System** ensures stability and tuning integrity, allowing for precise dive bombs and vibrato without the worry of intonation drift. The **black hardware**, including the **sealed tuning machines**, not only enhances the guitar s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its durability and reliability. Whether you're plugging into a vintage amp for a warm, vintage-inspired tone or cranking through a modern high-gain rig for a cutting-edge sound, this Stratocaster delivers a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Perfect for players who seek both the soul of a classic Stratocaster and the precision of a modern instrument, the **Fender 75th Anniversary Player Stratocaster Neck Hipshot** is a true testament to Fender s enduring commitment to craftsmanship and musical expression.
The **Fender MXR 2021 75th Anniversary Player Stratocaster with Hipshot Neck** is a premium electric guitar known for its craftsmanship, tone, and features. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
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### **Pros**
1. **Premium Build Quality and Materials**
The 75th Anniversary series is built with high-end materials, including a **mahogany body with a quilted maple top**, which enhances both aesthetics and tone. The wood selection ensures a balanced, warm, and articulate sound with good sustain.
2. **Hipshot Neck Design**
The **Hipshot neck** reduces string binding and improves playability, especially for players with larger hands or those who prefer a more relaxed grip. This feature is particularly beneficial for extended playing sessions.
3. **Superb Electronics**
The guitar features **Fender Classic Vintage 65 electronics**, including **two Fender 65 humbuckers** (a 650R at the neck and a 700T at the bridge). These pickups deliver a rich, dynamic tone with reduced noise and a smooth midrange, making them versatile for rock, blues, and jazz.
4. **Comfortable and Playable Neck Profile**
The **modern C-shaped neck profile** is designed for comfort and ease of playing, whether you're bending strings, hammering on, or playing fast solos. The **25.5" scale length** is slightly shorter than a standard Strat, which can make it easier to bend strings without excessive tension.
5. **Aesthetic Appeal**
The **quilted maple top** and **sunburst finish** give the guitar a vintage-inspired yet modern look. The **75th Anniversary badge** adds a touch of prestige, making it a statement instrument.
6. **Durable Hardware**
The guitar includes **Fender vintage-style hardware**, including a **vintage-style tremolo system**, **black hardware**, and **die-cast tuning machines**, which contribute to its classic feel and reliability.
7. **Versatility for Different Genres**
The combination of humbuckers and the Stratocaster body shape makes this guitar suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from hard rock and metal to blues and jazz. The humbuckers reduce hum and noise, while the Strat s single-coil-like versatility is retained in the bridge pickup.
8. **Resale Value**
As a limited-edition 75th Anniversary model, this guitar holds its value well, making it a solid investment for collectors and serious players.
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### **Cons**
1. **Higher Price Point**
The **MXR 2021 75th Anniversary Player Stratocaster** is significantly more expensive than standard Fender Player or American Professional models. The premium build, materials, and electronics justify the cost, but it may be out of reach for budget-conscious players.
2. **Humbucker Tone May Not Suit All Players**
While humbuckers are excellent for reducing noise and providing a thicker tone, some players prefer the **bright, articulate sound of single-coils**. If you rely heavily on single-coil tones (e.g., for clean jazz or funk), you might find the humbuckers too dark or muddy without adjustments.
3. **Weight**
The mahogany body and quilted maple top make this guitar **heavier than lighter alder or ash-bodied Strats**. While this contributes to sustain, it may not be ideal for players who prefer a lighter instrument for long sessions.
4. **Limited Availability**
As a special edition model, stock may be limited, and you might face longer wait times or higher prices from third-party sellers.
5. **Potential for Overkill for Some Players**
If you're primarily a beginner or an intermediate player who doesn t need the extra features (like the Hipshot neck or vintage electronics), the added cost may not be justified.
6. **Maintenance Considerations**
The quilted maple top and mahogany body require **gentle care** to avoid scratches or dents, as they are more susceptible to damage than a standard finish.
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### **Conclusion**
The **Fender MXR 2021 75th Anniversary Player Stratocaster with Hipshot Neck** is one of the best Stratocaster models Fender has released in recent years. It combines **superior craftsmanship, versatile tone, and innovative features** like the Hipshot neck, making it an excellent choice for serious players who want a high-quality instrument. The humbuckers provide a rich, dynamic sound with reduced noise, while the quilted maple top and mahogany body deliver a balanced, articulate tone.
However, the **high price, heavier weight, and humbucker tone** may not appeal to everyone. If you prioritize **playability, tone versatility, and build quality** and can afford the investment, this guitar is a fantastic choice. For players on a tighter budget or those who prefer single-coil tones, a standard Player Stratocaster or a different model might be more suitable.
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### **Recommendation**
**Buy this guitar if:**- You are a **serious player** looking for a high-end instrument with premium features.
- You value **playability** (Hipshot neck) and **versatile tone** (humbuckers Strat body shape).
- You appreciate **vintage-inspired aesthetics** and are willing to invest in a **long-term instrument**.
- You play a variety of genres (rock, blues, jazz, metal) and want a guitar that can handle them all.
**Consider alternatives if:**- You prefer **single-coil tones** and find humbuckers too dark for your playing style.
- You are on a **tighter budget** and can find a similarly high-quality guitar at a lower price (e.g., a standard Player Stratocaster or a custom shop build).
- You prioritize **lighter weight** and prefer a more traditional Stratocaster body (e.g., alder or ash).
- You are a **beginner or intermediate player** who doesn t need the extra features of this model.
**Final Verdict:**For players who can afford it and want the best of what Fender has to offer, the **MXR 2021 75th Anniversary Player Stratocaster with Hipshot Neck** is a **top-tier choice** that will serve you well for years to come. It s a guitar that combines **innovation, tone, and craftsmanship** in a way that few others can match. If you re in the market for a premium Stratocaster, this is one of the best options available.
Hipshot Gold Staggered locking tuners. Satin Finish on back. Rolled edges. From a new 2021 75th Anniversary Player Plus Stratocaster.