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  1. News

NAMM 2012: Fender unveils new Blacktops!

By Matthew Parker
published 9 January 2012

Mid-price range expands to include new variations

Blacktop Telecaster Baritone
Featuring a longer scale length (27" rather than the usual 25.5") and a 'B-to-B' tuning, the Telecaster Baritone is representative of the Blacktop series' wilful experimentation.

Blacktop Telecaster Baritone

Fender has announced several additions to the Blacktop range (a series of beefed-up rawk guitars) that it launched last year, including a Baritone Telecaster, a P90-equipped Jaguar and a HSH Stratocaster.

We loved the first Blacktops, so a second batch has palms-a-sweating at TG HQ. Click through the gallery to find out more about the three new arrivals.

More NAMM 2012 posts

View more TG galleries >>

Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of 6
Blacktop Telecaster Baritone body
The three-pickup combination should allow for a lot of tonal flexibility and Fender seems to be aiming to cover all bases with two Blacktop Tele Singlecoils and a Blacktop Tele Humbucker, not to mention the five-way pickup selector.

Blacktop Telecaster Baritone body

Fender has announced several additions to the Blacktop range (a series of beefed-up rawk guitars) that it launched last year, including a Baritone Telecaster, a P90-equipped Jaguar and a HSH Stratocaster.

We loved the first Blacktops, so a second batch has palms-a-sweating at TG HQ. Click through the gallery to find out more about the three new arrivals.

More NAMM 2012 posts

View more TG galleries >>

Page 2 of 6
Page 2 of 6
Blacktop Stratocaster HSH
The Blacktop Stratocaster HH did a fine job of recasting the faithful Strat as a surprisingly versatile full-blown rock machine and the HSH aims to add another string to its bow.

Blacktop Stratocaster HSH

Fender has announced several additions to the Blacktop range (a series of beefed-up rawk guitars) that it launched last year, including a Baritone Telecaster, a P90-equipped Jaguar and a HSH Stratocaster.

We loved the first Blacktops, so a second batch has palms-a-sweating at TG HQ. Click through the gallery to find out more about the three new arrivals.

More NAMM 2012 posts

View more TG galleries >>

Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
Blacktop Stratocaster HSH body
This time the two Blacktop Humbucking Strat pickups are augmented by a Blacktop Tele Singlecoil in the middle position and, like the Tele, five-way pickup switching, which should give the guitar a new tonal dimension.

Blacktop Stratocaster HSH body

Fender has announced several additions to the Blacktop range (a series of beefed-up rawk guitars) that it launched last year, including a Baritone Telecaster, a P90-equipped Jaguar and a HSH Stratocaster.

We loved the first Blacktops, so a second batch has palms-a-sweating at TG HQ. Click through the gallery to find out more about the three new arrivals.

More NAMM 2012 posts

View more TG galleries >>

Page 4 of 6
Page 4 of 6
Blacktop Jaguar 90
Less revolutionary than the Baritone Telecaster and Strat HSH, but perhaps more practical, the Jaguar 90 shares the same specifications as its older brother the Blacktop Jaguar HH, except for its pickups…

Blacktop Jaguar 90

Fender has announced several additions to the Blacktop range (a series of beefed-up rawk guitars) that it launched last year, including a Baritone Telecaster, a P90-equipped Jaguar and a HSH Stratocaster.

We loved the first Blacktops, so a second batch has palms-a-sweating at TG HQ. Click through the gallery to find out more about the three new arrivals.

More NAMM 2012 posts

View more TG galleries >>

Page 5 of 6
Page 5 of 6
Blacktop Jaguar 90 body
Yeup, the new Jaguar 90 is fitted with two P90-style singecoils, which should please those that found the Blacktop Jaguar HH too aggressive. It'll also be available in Two-colour Sunburst for £646.80, which is the priciest of the new Blacktops.

Blacktop Jaguar 90 body

Fender has announced several additions to the Blacktop range (a series of beefed-up rawk guitars) that it launched last year, including a Baritone Telecaster, a P90-equipped Jaguar and a HSH Stratocaster.

We loved the first Blacktops, so a second batch has palms-a-sweating at TG HQ. Click through the gallery to find out more about the three new arrivals.

More NAMM 2012 posts

View more TG galleries >>

Page 6 of 6
Page 6 of 6
Matthew Parker
Matthew Parker
Social Links Navigation

Matt is a freelance journalist who has spent the last decade interviewing musicians for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.

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