Fender - Tim Armstrong Hellcat Checkerboard
Well known as the Grammy-winning founder of influential U.S. punk band Rancid, Tim Armstrong is also well respected as a producer and indie label owner. But as a songwriter, he has always turned to his old Fender concert-style acoustic for inspiration. The Tim Armstrong Hellcat is based on Armstrong's own classic instrument, with modern appointments including high-quality onboard electronics. A great guitar for pop, rock, folk and more, it has a solid spruce top for especially sweet sound and a satin-finish maple neck for smooth playability.
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The Nantel Verdict
The Nantel Verdict
Solid spruce top delivers articulate midrange and sustain; concert-body dimensions suit fingerstyle and strumming equally; onboard electronics integrate seamlessly without compromising acoustic character; satin maple neck finish reduces gloss friction for extended comfort.
Onboard electronics require battery monitoring and occasional preamp maintenance. Soft case recommended for protection. Players transitioning from electric guitars appreciate the manageable neck profile. Quality strap and stand suggested for consistent positioning.
A purpose-built concert acoustic that doesn't compromise on tone or playability. The Hellcat bridges punk ethos with legitimate acoustic craftsmanship—solid construction at a fair price for players seeking character beyond coffee-shop aesthetics.
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Tim Armstrong Hellcat, Checkerboard
Well known as the Grammy-winning founder of influential U.S. punk band Rancid, Tim Armstrong is also well respected as a producer and indie label owner. But as a songwriter, he has always turned to his old Fender concert-style acoustic for inspiration. The Tim Armstrong Hellcat is based on Armstrong's own classic instrument, with modern appointments including high-quality onboard electronics. A great guitar for pop, rock, folk and more, it has a solid spruce top for especially sweet sound and a satin-finish maple neck for smooth playability.
Features
- Tim Armstrong signature model, concert body style acoustic-electric
- Fishman® CD pickup system with active preamp, tuner, volume and tone controls
- Solid spruce top with scalloped "X" bracing, mahogany back and sides
- Maple neck with satin finish
- 20-fret walnut fingerboard with "Hellcat" and double-skull inlays
- Walnut bridge with compensated Graph Tech® Nubone™ saddle
Fishman® preamp with built-in tuner
A Fishman® pickup/preamp system gives your acoustic instrument peerless amplified performance, with a variety of onboard controls and no compromise whatsoever on pure, rich and resonant acoustic tone. The built-in tuner is conveniently placed right where you can see it, helping to keep your intonation right on the money.
Scalloped Bracing
Scalloped bracing is thinner than more conventional bracing. That means that the bracing pattern inside the guitar uses less wood, which means that soundboard mass is reduced. This lets the top resonate more freely, resulting in better tone with more nuance and greater projection.
Solid Top
An acoustic guitar with a solid top literally resonates with a more individual tonal character, more "organic" consistency and a more "true" voice.
General |
|
| Product Name | Tim Armstrong Hellcat, Walnut Fingerboard, Checkerboard |
| Series | Artist Design |
| Orientation | Right-Hand |
| Color | Checkerboard |
Body |
|
| Body Material | Solid Spruce Top with Laminated Mahogany Back and Sides |
| Body Finish | Satin |
| Body Shape | Concert |
| Rosette | 70s F Style |
Neck |
|
| Neck Shape | "C" Shape |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Finish | Satin Urethane |
| Scale Length | 25.3" (643 mm) |
| Fingerboard Material | Walnut |
| Fingerboard Radius | 11.81" (300 mm) |
| Position Inlays | Hellcat and Double Skulls |
| String Nut | Graph Tech® NuBone™ |
| Nut Width | 1.69" (43 mm) |
| Fret Size | Vintage-Style |
| Number of Frets | 19 |
| Truss Rod | Dual-Action |
Electronics |
|
| Controls | Volume, Bass, Treble, Integrated Electronic Tuner with On/Off Switch, Low Battery Indicator Light |
| Special Electronics | Fishman® CD-1 Preamp |
Hardware |
|
| Hardware Finish | Chrome |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply Black/White/Black |
| Strap Buttons | Factory Mounted Forward Strap Button with Internal Block Reinforcement |
| Bridge | Walnut |
| Tuning Machines | Vintage-Style with Aged White Plastic Buttons |
Accessories |
|
| Strings (Installed) | Fender® Dura-Tone® 880L Coated 80/20 (.012-.052 Gauges), PN 0730880303 |
| Included Case/Gig Bag | None |
| Included Accessories | Tim Armstrong Strap |
Fender is an iconic American guitar manufacturer founded in 1946, renowned for shaping modern music across rock, blues, country, and beyond. The company's instruments are trusted by countless professional musicians and are synonymous with quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and distinctive sound.
Known for combining tradition with contemporary appointments, Fender collaborates with celebrated artists to create signature models that reflect both the musician's artistic vision and the brand's commitment to playability and tonal excellence.
