Introduction
Fender has a long and illustrious history in the world of guitars, tracing its roots back to Leo Fender’s founding of the company in 1946. The iconic Fender models like the Stratocaster and Telecaster have become staples in nearly every genre of music over the past 75+ years.
While Fender is best known for its electric guitars, the brand has also made some remarkable acoustic and acoustic-electric models over the decades. This includes Fender’s lineup of quality 12-string guitars, which provide a jangly, chorused sound perfect for folk, rock, and many other styles.
The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat is one of Fender’s more recent 12-string offerings, launched in 2013. This signature model was created in collaboration with Tim Armstrong, best known as the guitarist and vocalist of the punk rock band Rancid.
The Hellcat 12-String combines Fender’s excellent build quality and hardware with Armstrong’s punk rock aesthetic and love of 12-string guitars. With its solid mahogany body and neck, unique visual details, and Fishman electronics, the Hellcat 12-String stands out as a top-notch acoustic-electric guitar for players who want bold looks and great tone.
Tim Armstrong and Fender Collaboration
Tim Armstrong is best known as the guitarist and lead singer of the punk rock band Rancid. With Rancid, Armstrong became an influential figure in the 90s punk revival, combining elements of punk, ska, and hardcore music. Beyond Rancid, Armstrong has also been involved in side projects like Operation Ivy, Transplants, and The Interrupters.
Throughout his long career, Armstrong has established himself as a passionate punk musician with an affinity for guitar-driven music. He is particularly drawn to vintage guitars, often playing 1960s Fender models on stage and in the studio. As a guitarist, Armstrong favors a raw, distorted punk tone but also incorporates clean ska and reggae sounds.
Armstrong has had a relationship with Fender since the 90s, when Rancid’s popularity was on the rise. He has played several signature model Fender guitars over the years, including the Tim Armstrong Hellcat acoustic. Fender was eager to collaborate with the punk icon to create a signature guitar that embodied his musical style and retro aesthetic.
The Hellcat 12-string collaboration has its origins in 2017, when Armstrong began working closely with Fender to design his ideal 12-string guitar. Armstrong’s deep knowledge of vintage Fenders and hands-on approach resulted in a unique 12-string that perfectly matched his influences and sound. The final Hellcat model was released by Fender in 2019 as a tribute to Armstrong’s enduring musical legacy.
Hellcat 12-String Design and Construction
The Hellcat 12-String features a stylish concert body shape with a compact yet comfortable size. It measures 20" long, 15" wide, and 4.25" deep, making it easy to play whether sitting or standing.
The top, back, and sides are all constructed from solid mahogany, which gives the Hellcat a balanced and well-rounded tone. Mahogany is known for its warm, mellow sound that emphasizes the midrange frequencies. This allows the guitar to have excellent note definition and clarity.
The fingerboard and bridge are made from walnut, which adds brightness and articulation to the mahogany body. Walnut has a focused high-end that complements the lows and mids of the mahogany perfectly.
The Hellcat has several unique inlay designs appointed along the fingerboard. The most striking is the prominent "Hellcat" inlay at the 12th fret. It features an intricate design with sharp edges that matches the edgy punk rock vibe. There are also skull inlays on the 5th, 7th, and 9th frets. These small details give the Hellcat 12-String a one-of-a-kind visual flair.
Electronics and Hardware
The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12-String comes equipped with a Fishman Isys III preamp system, providing excellent amplified tone and versatile control options. The Isys III system features an undersaddle piezo pickup, as well as an onboard preamp with volume, bass, mid, and treble controls. This allows players to shape their amplified tone to suit any musical setting. The preamp is powered by a 9V battery or optional AC adapter.
The guitar’s hardware also contributes to its great playability. It has die-cast chrome tuners, which help keep the 12 strings in tune nicely. The compensated walnut bridge provides solid intonation across the fretboard. Other features include a synthetic bone nut and Tim Armstrong "Hellcat" engraved neck plate.
Overall, the electronics and hardware on the Hellcat 12-String are designed for optimal amplified performance and tuning stability. The Fishman preamp gives players a variety of tone-shaping options, while the high-quality hardware components allow for comfortable playability. These features make the Hellcat an exceptionally versatile 12-string electric-acoustic guitar.
Sound and Playability
The Hellcat 12-String delivers the bright, jangly sound 12-string guitars are known for, with the mahogany top contributing warm, rounded lows and clear, balanced mids. The walnut fingerboard adds crisp definition and note articulation. Overall, it’s a very resonant and full-bodied acoustic tone.
Plugged in, the Fishman preamp provides excellent amplification while retaining the guitar’s natural acoustic sound. There’s no harshness or quackiness often associated with amplified 12-strings. The tone remains clear and balanced across the frequency range.
Despite having double the strings, the Hellcat plays with ease thanks to its comfortable neck profile, low action, and slick satin finish. Fretting chords up and down the neck is smooth and fluid. The wider string spacing also aids playability by reducing finger congestion.
Compared to other 12-strings, the Hellcat really stands out in terms of comfortable action and musical tone. The mahogany and walnut construction allows complex, ringing chords to shine with punch and definition. Overall, it’s one of the most playable and best sounding 12-string acoustics available.
Musical Versatility
The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12-String is an extremely versatile instrument that can adapt to a wide range of musical styles and playing techniques. The solid mahogany body and unique construction give it a rich, resonant sound that works for everything from strumming and fingerpicking to flatpicking and hard rock power chords.
The Hellcat truly shines when used for classic rock, punk, alternative, folk rock, and Americana styles. Its crisp but warm amplified tones are perfect for recording in the studio across any genre. The guitar has enough punch and articulation to cut through a mix beautifully or provide rhythmic, driving accompaniment.
Unplugged, the Hellcat has impressive volume and sustain, making it a great option for solo performers and buskers. The jangly 12-string sound projects nicely, allowing the guitar to be heard in crowded rooms without amplification. It’s an extremely gig- and stage-friendly acoustic thanks to the Fishman preamp and easy playability.
From the studio to the stage, the Hellcat 12-String can handle just about anything a versatile guitarist might demand from it. Fans of Rancid will enjoy Tim Armstrong’s punk-inspired design, while the quality construction and components give the guitar universal appeal. It’s built to withstand heavy use and keep delivering top-notch, inspiring sounds show after show.
Pros and Cons
The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12-String has many notable strengths as an acoustic-electric guitar. Here are some of the key pros:
-
Exceptional build quality and attention to detail. The all-mahogany body construction and hand-finished gloss nitrocellulose lacquer give this guitar a premium look and feel.
-
Unique and stylish visual design. The Hellcat inlays, skull inlays, and custom body engraving provide bold and distinctive visual flair.
-
Versatile and balanced tone. The mahogany body produces warm, balanced tones that work for a variety of musical styles and playing techniques.
-
Quality electronics and hardware. The Fishman preamp and tuners allow plugged-in accessibility while retaining organic acoustic sound.
-
Smooth and comfortable playability. The slim neck profile and medium string action facilitate intricate fingerpicking and energetic strumming.
-
Collector appeal. As a limited edition signature model, the Hellcat 12-String has appeal among Tim Armstrong and guitar collector fans.
In terms of potential limitations:
-
Higher cost. With a retail price of $999, this is among the more expensive 12-string acoustic-electrics on the market.
-
Heavier than typical acoustics. The all-mahogany body and 12 strings make this a heavier than average acoustic guitar.
-
Not ideal for guitarists with smaller hands. The wider 12-string neck may be uncomfortable for some players.
-
Requires more maintenance. Keeping 12 strings in tune and adjusted properly involves more time and effort.
-
Limited color and finish options. Only available in two color finishes compared to other Fender models.
Overall, the exceptional quality and distinctive vibe of the Hellcat 12-String make it a compelling choice for Tim Armstrong fans seeking a premium 12-string acoustic-electric. While the cost and maintenance needs are higher, the guitar delivers an impressive performance experience.
Pricing and Availability
The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12-String has an MSRP of $699, though street prices are typically around $599. This positions it as a mid-priced acoustic-electric guitar, above entry level models but still accessible for intermediate players.
New Hellcat 12-String models can be purchased from major music equipment retailers like Guitar Center, Sam Ash, and Sweetwater Sound. The guitar is also stocked by online retailers like Musician’s Friend and zZounds.
Used Hellcat 12-String guitars can often be found on sites like Reverb and eBay, typically ranging from $400-550 depending on condition. This can be a great way to get this signature guitar for a discount.
The Hellcat 12-String is produced in Mexico and remains readily available as an active Fender model. It comes with Fender’s limited lifetime warranty for the original purchaser.
Comparison to Similar Guitars
The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12-String stands out from other comparable 12-string acoustic-electric guitars in several ways:
Alternate Fender 12-string Models
Compared to other Fender 12-string acoustic models like the CC-60SCE 12-String and PM-3 Triple 0 12-String, the Hellcat has a fuller, richer sound thanks to its all-mahogany body construction. The solid wood top, back, and sides allow it to produce more volume and resonance than Fender’s other 12-strings with laminate tops. The Hellcat also comes equipped with higher-end electronics and appointments like the bone nut and saddle.
Other Brand 12-string Acoustic-Electrics
The Hellcat can hold its own against premium 12-string models from other major brands. It exceeds entry-level models like the Epiphone DR-212 and Yamaha FGX830C in build quality and electronics. And it provides comparable specs and tone to higher-end instruments like the Taylor 150e and Martin D-12X1AE at a more affordable price point. The all-solid wood body and Fishman electronics make the Hellcat a great value proposition.
Some key advantages of the Hellcat over other 12-string competitors include its clear, balanced tone across all 12 strings, comfortable neck profile, and Fishman preamp with easy-to-use controls. The signature touches from Tim Armstrong also give it a unique look and vibe. While it may not beat out elite-level 12-strings, the Hellcat offers an impressive blend of quality, playability, and distinctive charm.
Conclusion
The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12-String acoustic-electric guitar offers a truly unique take on the 12-string guitar. Its solid mahogany body produces a rich, warm sound with excellent projection and sustain. The playability is also superb, with a comfortable neck profile and low action that make this guitar a joy to play.
For punk rock and alternative musicians, this signature model is ideal for capturing Tim Armstrong’s iconic tone across a range of musical styles. The versatile electronics also make it suitable for both studio work and live performances. While the price tag may seem high, the exceptional build quality, distinctive aesthetics, and great sound justify the investment.
Overall, the Hellcat 12-String stands out as one of the best 12-string guitars currently available. It’s an excellent choice for Tim Armstrong fans who want to emulate his sound. Experienced players will also appreciate the quality craftsmanship and impressive tonal palette. If you’re looking for a top-tier 12-string with professional-grade appointments, the Hellcat 12-String should be at the top of your list. Fender and Tim Armstrong have collaborated to create a truly inspiring instrumental that is well worth the price for the right player.