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NAMM 2026
Tech NAMM 2026: rolling news from the world's biggest music-making gear show
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  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

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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
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Mike has been Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com since 2019, and an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict for far longer. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and 15 years' experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. His writing also appears in the The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock as Maebe.

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