Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Guitar Amps
  • Plugin Week 25
  • Guitar Pedals
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Artist news
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Software & Apps
  • Drums
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • Plugin Week A-Z
  • You Oughta Know
  • Fake AI band
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Wrecking Crew
Recommended reading
Fender Player II Modified Series
Guitars Fender remixes its blockbuster Player II range with the Modified Series and got IDLES to demo them
Mark Speer of Khruangbin sits with his natural finish Fender Strat while Laura Lee holds her new signature Jazz Bass.
Artists Fender unveils DiMarzio-loaded Strat and Jazz Bass for Khruangbin’s Mark Speer and Laura Lee
The Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster is made in Japan and features a contoured ash body with a stunning figured maple top, and comes with DiMarzio pickups and Gotoh tuners.
Artists Fender gives Richie Kotzen’s figured-maple topped MIJ signature Strat a global release
Harley Benton ST-80FR
Guitars Harley Benton erupts with '80s shred fever as it launches the Floyd-equipped ST-80FR Series S-styles
Strandberg Boden Standard NX 6 Plini Edition Mirage
Guitars Strandberg launches limited edition Plini Boden Standard with glow-in-the-dark Mirage graphic finish
Jackson X and JS Series Surfcasters: the long-awaited offset electric guitar is now being offered in white, satin black and metallic black, and and at the entry-level JS price point and the mid-priced X Series.
Guitars “A bold new take on a classic metal machine”: Having ridden the wave of popular demand, Jackson’s Surfcaster offset has landed – and it’s built for speed
Harley Benton Vintage Series PB-62: the entry-level bass guitars draw inspiration from vintage Fender and feature a single split-coil pickup.
Bass Guitars Vintage mojo from a $180 beginner bass guitar? Meet the Harley Benton PB-62
  1. Guitars
  2. Bass Guitars

Fender goes back to black with 3 Noir guitars and basses

News
By Michael Astley-Brown ( Total Guitar ) published 15 February 2017

Special Edition satin-finished Tele, Strat HSS and P-Bass on the way

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

None more black

None more black

There were several exciting Fender launches at NAMM - most notably, the American Professional and Exotic Wood lines - but backstage, we also spotted this sleek trio, which The Big F has now officially announced as the Special Edition Noir series.

Comprising a new Telecaster, Stratocaster HSS and P-Bass, the made-in-Mexico models all have Satin Black finishes, three-ply black/red/black scratchplates and tidy £539 price tags in common.

Head on through the gallery for a closer look at each model, and visit Fender for more info. The Noir series will be available from May.

Page 1 of 4
Page 1 of 4
Fender Special Edition Telecaster Noir

Fender Special Edition Telecaster Noir

PRESS RELEASE: Professional guitarists in all musical genres have relied on the Fender Telecaster guitar since its early 1950s introduction for its powerful tone and smooth playability. Now available in a Special Edition Satin Black finish with matching headcap and unique Black pickguard with contrasting Red center layer, the Standard Telecaster combines the best of old and new.

Time-honored Fender style and performance-minded modern upgrades don’t have to break the bank, and this model delivers the best of both for any player.

Full specs

  • Body Material: Alder
  • Body Finish: Polyester
  • Neck: Maple, Modern “C”
  • Neck Finish: Satin Urethane with Matched Headcap
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood, 9.5” (241 mm)
  • Frets: 21, Medium Jumbo
  • Position Inlays: White Dot
  • Nut (Material/Width): Synthetic Bone, 1.650” (42 mm)
  • Tuning Machines: Fender Standard Cast/Sealed
  • Scale Length: 25.5” (648 mm)
  • Bridge: 6-Saddle Standard Strings-Through-Body Tele with Block Saddles
  • Pickguard: 3-Ply Black/Red/Black
  • Pickups: Standard Single-Coil Tele (Bridge), Standard Single-Coil Tele (Neck)
  • Pickup Switching: 3-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickups, Position 3. Neck Pickup
  • Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
  • Control Knobs: Knurled Flat-Top
  • Hardware Finish: Chrome
Page 2 of 4
Page 2 of 4
Fender Special Edition Stratocaster Noir HSS

Fender Special Edition Stratocaster Noir HSS

PRESS RELEASE: The Special Edition Stratocaster Noir HSS guitar combines legendary Fender tone with classic styling. Now available in a Special Edition Satin Black finish with matching headcap and unique Black pickguard with striking Red center layer, this elegant and affordable classic also includes a huge-sounding humbucking bridge pickup.

Time-honored Fender style and performance-minded modern upgrades don’t have to break the bank, and this model delivers the best of both for any player.

Full specs

  • Body Material: Alder
  • Body Finish: Polyester
  • Neck: Maple, Modern “C” Neck
  • Finish: Satin Urethane with Matched Headcap
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood, 9.5” (241 mm)
  • Frets: 21, Medium Jumbo
  • Position Inlays: White Dot
  • Nut (Material/Width): Synthetic Bone, 1.650” (42 mm)
  • Tuning Machines: Standard Cast/Sealed
  • Scale Length: 25.5” (648 mm)
  • Bridge: 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
  • Pickguard: 3-Ply Black/Red/Black
  • Pickups: Standard Humbucking (Bridge), Standard Single-Coil Strat (Middle), Standard Single-Coil Strat (Neck)
  • Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade, Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Front Coil of Bridge Pickup and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle/Neck Pickups, Position 5. Neck Pickup
  • Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. (Middle Pickup)
  • Control Knobs:Black Plastic
  • Hardware Finish: Chrome
Page 3 of 4
Page 3 of 4
Fender Special Edition Precision Bass Noir

Fender Special Edition Precision Bass Noir

PRESS RELEASE: The Special Edition Precision Bass Noir is an elegant and affordable classic designed for the bassist who appreciates sleek style and muscular tone. Now available in a Special Edition Satin Black finish with matching headcap and unique Black pickguard with striking Red center layer, this bass is sure to make a statement on stage or in the studio.

Time-honored Fender style and performance-minded modern upgrades don’t have to break the bank, and this model delivers the best of both for any player.

Full specs

  • Body Material: Alder
  • Body Finish: Polyester
  • Neck: Maple, Modern “C” Neck
  • Finish: Satin Urethane with Matched Headcap
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood, 9.5” (241 mm)
  • Frets: 20, Medium Jumbo
  • Position Inlays: White Dot
  • Nut (Material/Width): Synthetic Bone, 1.625” (41.3 mm)
  • Tuning Machines: Standard Open-Gear
  • Scale Length: 34” (864 mm)
  • Bridge: 4-Saddle Standard Vintage-Style with Single Groove Saddles
  • Pickguard: 3-Ply Black/Red/Black
  • Pickups: Standard Split Single-Coil Precision Bass
  • Pickup Switching: None
  • Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
  • Control Knobs: Knurled Flat-Top
  • Hardware Finish: Chrome
Page 4 of 4
Page 4 of 4
Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown
Social Links Navigation

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.

Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition. image
Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition.
Subscribe and save today!
More Info
Read more
Fender Player II Modified Series
Fender remixes its blockbuster Player II range with the Modified Series and got IDLES to demo them
Mark Speer of Khruangbin sits with his natural finish Fender Strat while Laura Lee holds her new signature Jazz Bass.
Fender unveils DiMarzio-loaded Strat and Jazz Bass for Khruangbin’s Mark Speer and Laura Lee
The Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster is made in Japan and features a contoured ash body with a stunning figured maple top, and comes with DiMarzio pickups and Gotoh tuners.
Fender gives Richie Kotzen’s figured-maple topped MIJ signature Strat a global release
Harley Benton ST-80FR
Harley Benton erupts with '80s shred fever as it launches the Floyd-equipped ST-80FR Series S-styles
Strandberg Boden Standard NX 6 Plini Edition Mirage
Strandberg launches limited edition Plini Boden Standard with glow-in-the-dark Mirage graphic finish
Jackson X and JS Series Surfcasters: the long-awaited offset electric guitar is now being offered in white, satin black and metallic black, and and at the entry-level JS price point and the mid-priced X Series.
“A bold new take on a classic metal machine”: Having ridden the wave of popular demand, Jackson’s Surfcaster offset has landed – and it’s built for speed
Latest in Bass Guitars
Ernie Ball Music Man Pino Palladino StingRay: the bass legend's new signature model is offered fretted or fretless, and in a deep and luxurious 79 Burst finish.
Pino Palladino teams up with EBMM for a signature StingRay inspired by the bass that started it all
MXR MB301 Bass Synth: the six-knob pedal is pictured in use against a petrol-blue background.
“Thunderous sub-octave, expressive envelope, and lush modulation effects with killer tracking and sustain”: MXR unveils the MB301 Bass Synth – instant funk for your pedalboard
Carol Kaye, 1966
Wrecking Crew director explains how the group of LA’s elite session musicians got their name
Carol Kaye, 1966
Bassist Carol Kaye on why she’s “turning down” her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction invitation
I Wanna be Your Man: The Bootleg Beatles are after a new Paul McCartney
Mark Speer of Khruangbin sits with his natural finish Fender Strat while Laura Lee holds her new signature Jazz Bass.
Fender unveils DiMarzio-loaded Strat and Jazz Bass for Khruangbin’s Mark Speer and Laura Lee
Latest in News
Ernie Ball Music Man Pino Palladino StingRay: the bass legend's new signature model is offered fretted or fretless, and in a deep and luxurious 79 Burst finish.
Pino Palladino teams up with EBMM for a signature StingRay inspired by the bass that started it all
Amerie
How Amerie created a ‘00s R&B/funk classic with producer Rich Harrison
Mooer Audio F15i Li Intelligent Amp: this battery-powered take-anywhere guitar amp is packed with amp and effects models, and is an all-in-one practice solution.
Mooer’s F15i Intelligent Amp is a desktop doozie equipped with 55 amps, 69 effects and a touchscreen
lemonaide
"I love it, but a part of me is a little afraid of it": Trap producer Lex Luger releases generative AI model based on his sound
Queen at Live Aid
“Freddie rose to the occasion. I remember getting chills”: Brian May recalls the glory of Queen at Live Aid
EVH Gear Hypersonic FR-12: The newly launched FRFR speaker packs 1000-watts, is available in black or ivory, and might just be the perfect companion to your amp modeller.
EVH Gear drops the Hypersonic FR-12 FRFR speaker – 1000-watts to get the most from your amp modeller

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...