Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Black Friday
  • Artist news
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
Fender Vintera II Road Worn 60s Telecaster
Guitars Fender’s Vintera II Road Worn series has Golden Era vibe, tone and feel with era-correct pickups and aged nitro finishes
Fender's American Professional Classic series photographed against the side of a chrome tour bus [L-R]: Jaguar in faded Sherwood Green Metallic, HSS Stratocaster in Faded Lake Placid Blue, Stratocaster in Faded Firemist Gold, Telecaster in Faded Butterscotch Blonde, Precision Bass in Faded 3-Color Sunburst.
Guitars Fender gives its US lineup a retro-modern makeover with the American Professional Classic range
The newly refreshed Classic Series from Squier reworks vintage Fender-inspired electric and bass guitars for beginners and budget-conscious players.
Guitars Squier channels the Fender archive for 10 stunning yet affordable news Classic Vibe models
Johnny Marr demoes his new signature Jaguar Special with its trio of custom-wound lipstick pickups.
Artists Fender and Johnny Marr reimagine the Jaguar with signature stunner featuring three custom-wound lipstick single-coils
Blues phenom Christone "Kingfish" Ingram with his new signature Fender Telecaster Deluxe in Daphne Blue
Artists Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on how the Telecaster won him over – and his new Delta Day signature Tele Deluxe
PRS 40th Anniversary Special Semi-Hollow Limited Edition: featuring a black limba neck and body and artist grade figured maple top, these are restricted to just 280 pieces worldwide.
Guitars The ultimate semi-hollow? PRS Guitars’ latest 40th Anniversary release is a jaw dropping electric with an “artist grade” top
Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster in new limited-edition white, photographed against a pink background with the new guitar strap and – freshly refinished in black – Hello Kitty op-amp fuzz.
Guitars The Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster returns in limited edition white as Fender announces expanded capsule collection
PRS Guitars' new limited edition Custom 24 Satin photographed at the brand's Maryland factory with wood blanks in the background.
Guitars PRS swaps maple for mango to give its “flagship” Custom 24 a 40th anniversary satin nitro makeover
Jackson Pro Origins 1985 San Dimas: these retro S-styles take the high-performance electric guitar brand back to the '80s, offering single and dual-humbucker platforms for shred with the choice of rosewood or maple fingerboards – and what about that "Two-Face" black-and-white finish?
Guitars “These guitars empower metal artists with the authentic, crushing tone that built Jackson’s legendary reputation”: Jackson takes us back to the heyday of shred with the Pro Origins 1985 San Dimas series – and what about that Two Face finish?
Nuno Bettencourt launches his own guitar company, and poses with his new models against a fence.
Artists Nuno Bettencourt launches his own guitar company debuting two new S-styles – and the N4 isn’t going anywhere
Charvel Limited Edition Sean Long Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH HT M: the While She Sleeps guitarists artist model is now officially available in Neon Pink by popular demand.
Artists By popular demand, Sean Long of While She Sleeps’ Charvel signature model now comes in Neon Pink
Loog Hello Kitty Fender Stratocaster
Guitars Fender x Loog’s Hello Kitty Stratocaster it might be the cutest beginner guitar of all time
Fender Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster Road Worn
Electric Guitars “It’s clear that the influence of the Custom Shop’s attention to detail is now making its way to the Mexican-made instruments”: Fender Limited Edition Vintera II Jazzmaster Road Worn review
Rick Graham is photographed in a dark setting with a warm stagelight in the background; he holds his new signature electric guitar, a shell-pink S-style with a reverse headstock
Artists Charvel and Rick Graham team up for Pro-Mod signature model with relic'd nitro cult colour finish
Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1959 Les Paul Custom: a the dual-pickup Custom was a lesser-spotted model in the Gibson catalogue in the '50s – they didn't make many of them. But Bonamassa presents us with one and this 'Black Beauty' is equipped with a Bigsby.
Artists Epiphone raids Joe Bonamassa’s Nerdville archive for another reproduction of a vintage unicorn
More
  • Charlie XCX + John Cale
  • Lily Allen's songwriting camp
  • Fleetwood Mac for Glasto?
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Simon Phillips
  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 Vintera II Road Worn 60s Telecaster
Fender’s Vintera II Road Worn series has Golden Era vibe, tone and feel with era-correct pickups and aged nitro finishes
 
 
Fender's American Professional Classic series photographed against the side of a chrome tour bus [L-R]: Jaguar in faded Sherwood Green Metallic, HSS Stratocaster in Faded Lake Placid Blue, Stratocaster in Faded Firemist Gold, Telecaster in Faded Butterscotch Blonde, Precision Bass in Faded 3-Color Sunburst.
Fender gives its US lineup a retro-modern makeover with the American Professional Classic range
 
 
The newly refreshed Classic Series from Squier reworks vintage Fender-inspired electric and bass guitars for beginners and budget-conscious players.
Squier channels the Fender archive for 10 stunning yet affordable news Classic Vibe models
 
 
Johnny Marr demoes his new signature Jaguar Special with its trio of custom-wound lipstick pickups.
Fender and Johnny Marr reimagine the Jaguar with signature stunner featuring three custom-wound lipstick single-coils
 
 
Blues phenom Christone "Kingfish" Ingram with his new signature Fender Telecaster Deluxe in Daphne Blue
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on how the Telecaster won him over – and his new Delta Day signature Tele Deluxe
 
 
PRS 40th Anniversary Special Semi-Hollow Limited Edition: featuring a black limba neck and body and artist grade figured maple top, these are restricted to just 280 pieces worldwide.
The ultimate semi-hollow? PRS Guitars’ latest 40th Anniversary release is a jaw dropping electric with an “artist grade” top
 
 
Latest in Bass Guitars
Thundercat and Sam Rivers composite image
“He played the role of a bass player very musically”: Thundercat pays tribute to Sam Rivers
 
 
Blackstar Debut Bass 25: this compact little combo is finished in black with matching grille clothe and is photographed in close-up against a stone floor and weaved rug.
“Its solid quality, punchy tone and its surprising amount of headroom might make it a secret weapon for rehearsals, or even gigs”: Blackstar Debut Bass 25 review
 
 
Jazz bassist Anthony Jackson performs at North Sea Jazz festival, The Hague, Netherlands, 10th July1998
"Rest in Power": Anthony Jackson, six-string bass ace, dies aged 73
 
 
Fender's American Professional Classic series photographed against the side of a chrome tour bus [L-R]: Jaguar in faded Sherwood Green Metallic, HSS Stratocaster in Faded Lake Placid Blue, Stratocaster in Faded Firemist Gold, Telecaster in Faded Butterscotch Blonde, Precision Bass in Faded 3-Color Sunburst.
Fender gives its US lineup a retro-modern makeover with the American Professional Classic range
 
 
Geezer Butler's signed Ashdown amp heads from Black Sabbath's Back to the Beginning show are being sold exclusively via Reverb, signed by the man himself.
“Your chance to own the sound that defined heavy metal”: Geezer Butler bass amps from Sabbath’s final show to go on sale
 
 
Danish audio engineer and record producer Flemming Rasmussen
“But there's no bass on there": Flemming Rasmussen is still confused by the Metallica’s production choices ...And Justice For All
 
 
Latest in News
David Bowie and Damon Albarn sing together
“I nearly made a record with Ray Davies and David Bowie”: Damon Albarn on the dream collab that never happened
 
 
Coldplay Music of the Spheres tour
Coldplay’s live engineers reveal the lengths they go to to record every show on the band’s Music of the Spheres tour
 
 
Electro-Harmonix Pico Atomic Cluster: the new glitch/synth mini-pedal from the storied NYC pedal brand
EHX expands its Pico series with the Atomic Cluster Spectral Decomposer – a mini-pedal that sounds so wrong its right
 
 
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 28: Charli XCX attends the Los Angeles Red Carpet Premiere of HBO Original Comedy Series "I Love LA" at Paramount Theatre on October 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for HBO)
"I sort of felt like I was squeezing blood from a stone”: Charli XCX reveals her post-Brat creative comedown
 
 
Guitar Center Black Friday sale
Guitar Center just dropped its biggest sale of the year, with thousands of discounts and up to 40% off for Black Friday
 
 
Helene Fischer is amongst the artists whose copyright has been ruled infiringed
“The internet is not a self-service store”: Victory for musicians against OpenAI in German court
 
 

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

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • 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...