What is the Fender Select Series?

The Fender Select Series, introduced in 2012, represents Fender's top-of-the-line production models. These guitars and basses are crafted in the USA and feature premium materials, including exotic woods, figured tops, and specially voiced pickups. Designed for discerning musicians, they bridge the gap between standard production models and the Custom Shop offerings.

Are Fender Select Series instruments still in production?

No, the Fender Select Series was discontinued after 2015. However, many musicians and collectors still seek out these instruments for their exceptional craftsmanship and unique features.

What makes the Fender Select pickups unique?

Fender Select pickups are specially voiced for each model in the series. They are based on some of Fender's best-selling pickups, such as the Fat '50s and Broadcaster pickups, with adjusted windings to deliver a balanced and dynamic tone.

What are channel-bound necks?

Introduced in the 2013 Select Series, channel-bound necks feature a compound-radius fretboard inlaid directly into the neck. This design eliminates the side seam between the neck and fretboard, providing a smoother playing experience and enhanced resonance.

fender select stratocaster hss

The Fender Select Series

20 February 202624 June 2025 by Antonio Calvosa

Launched at NAMM 2012, the Fender Select Series represented a major step forward in Fender’s production lineup. These U.S.-made guitars and basses were crafted as premium instruments for players seeking top-tier quality without entering Custom Shop territory. The series combined select tonewoods, elegant finishes, and refined details to deliver visually striking and sonically rich instruments that sat at the pinnacle of Fender’s regular production models.

The guitars featured figured maple tops, compound-radius fretboards, and quartersawn or bird’s-eye maple necks. A distinctive Fender Select medallion was embedded in the back of each headstock. Electronics included specially voiced Fender Select pickups, derived from popular Custom Shop sets like the Fat ’50s and Broadcaster, but refined for more balanced and expressive tone. Advanced features like the BiFlex truss rod and no-load tone control ensured stability and tonal clarity.

The Select Stratocaster debuted in a Dark Cherry Burst finish with natural binding, a flame maple top, a satin-lacquered flame maple neck, and high-end hardware. The HSS version included a humbucker at the bridge and finishes like Antique Burst with a rosewood fretboard.

In 2013, Fender introduced channel-bound necks, where the fretboard was inlaid directly into the neck. This created a smoother feel and improved resonance, offering the aesthetic benefits of binding without sharp edges.

According to Fender’s Justin Norvell, the Select Series was designed for those who walked into a shop and asked, “What’s the best one?” These guitars answered that call, blending modern innovation with Fender’s 60+ years of craftsmanship.

Though limited in production, each year brought new woods and designs, making the Select Series not only highly playable but also collectible. It stood as a bold restatement of Fender’s heritage—and future direction.