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Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat-12 Demo | Fenderplay button

Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat-12 Demo | Fender

Fender

collapse expand iconDescription

The unmistakable sound of a well-made 12-string guitar is perfect for solo gigs and band performances, especially when it was designed by the founder of influential U.S. punk band Rancid. Tim Armstrong's Hellcat is based on the old Fender acoustic that was his go-to guitar for songwriting, and quickly became one of the best-selling Fender acoustic artist models ever. With the Tim Armstrong Hellcat-12, that same classic vibe is offered in a 12-string version that simply rocks. Whether it's alt-folk tunes at the college coffeehouse or slamming punk with a band, the Hellcat-12 combines great acoustic tone with versatile onboard electronics and a satin body and neck finish for smooth playability, all at a surprisingly low cost.

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.

Electronics
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.



Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat-12 12-String V2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat-12 12-String V2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat-12 12-String V2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • 12-string Tim Armstrong signature model, concert body style acoustic-electric
  • Fishman Isys III pickup system with active preamp, tuner, volume and tone controls
  • Natural-finish solid mahogany 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
warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Body type: Concert
  • Cutaway: No
  • Top wood: Solid mahogany
  • Back and sides: Laminated Mahogany
  • Bracing pattern: Scalloped X
  • Body finish: Natural Satin
  • Orientation: Right handed
Neck
  • Neck shape: C
  • Nut width: 1.77" (45 mm)
  • Fingerboard: Walnut
  • Neck wood: Maple
  • Scale length: 25.3"
  • Number of frets: 19
  • Neck finish: Satin
Electronics
  • Pickup/preamp: Yes
  • Brand: Fishman
  • Configuration: Sidemounted preamp
  • Preamp EQ: 3-band
  • Feedback filter: No
  • Tuner: Yes
Other
  • Headstock overlay: Not specified
  • Tuning machines: Vintage-style with aged white plastic buttons
  • Bridge: Walnut
  • Saddle and nut: GraphTech NuBone
  • Number of strings: 12
  • Special features:
  • Case: Sold separately
  • Accessories: None
  • Country of origin: Not specified

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collapse expand iconReviews

3.75

4 Reviews

67%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming2
  2. Recording2
  3. Rock Concerts2
  4. Small Venues2
  5. Practicing1
Cons
  1. Flat Sound2
  2. Not Consistent1
  3. Poor Quality1
  4. Requires Constant Tuning1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced3
  2. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Consistent2
  2. Fun To Play2
  3. Good Audio2
  4. Good Feel2
  5. Stays In Tune1

Reviewed by 4 customers

  • Fun, decent for price, but cheaper end is noticeable

    4

    submitteda year ago

    byAndrew

    fromBoulder, Colorado, USA

    I had this one & liked it a lot. Lost it, & will consider getting it again. It's fun, with the "hellcats" on the fretboard, & that definitely attracts attention from listeners! If you're a performer, it could be a cool thing to have in your bag of tricks! Sound overall is pretty good, for a cheaper end type, but it's noticeably tinny, when the last notes resonate, so I always muffled the strings, all the time, during end notes, to prevent hearing the ending bad tones. Only bad at the end notes, the rest of the sound was decent, not outstanding, but enjoyable, & crisp. Sounds decent, not high end, but pretty good, for an under $600 12 string. Playability was pretty good, too. It's fun, and could be great, for performers, wanting to get audiences interested, with the hellcat visuals! I always got compliments & attention & interest, with this one! Plus, it feels fun to play. If you're a performer, jammer, or just want to enjoy a 12 string, this is good to get. The only thing is, you have to like the cat cartoons on the frets. If you hate that, forget it. If you like it, or love it, it's a big plus. I liked it, but had to get used to it, lol, then stopped being intimidated, & loved it. My gf also loved the cats, & wanted to hear it played!

  • NEVER!!!!!!

    1

    submitted3 years ago

    byAllen

    fromIowa

    Horrible time staying in tune! Small size. Found out it was mahogany laminate back and sides. Sounds horrible without an amp. I did not even try it with the amp. Sorry, but it was cheap!

  • Solid

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 years ago

    byBenjamin F

    fromPort Orchard Wa

    Everthing about my experience was top notch and I would highly recommend these guys services! Athentic, professional, and upbeat was my take away. BD2

  • Very Nice Guitar

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byStephen A.

    fromYucaipa, California

    I use Mine for a Gordon Lightfoot Tribute.....

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byCharles

    fromDallas, Texas

    What Amp would work best with this 12 string guitar?

    What Amp would work best with this 12 string guitar?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    there's a lot of options, it depends on where you're looking to go with it. Give us a call at 866-498-7882 and we can get you a few options.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byBrad

    fromAL

    Where is this guitar manufactured?

    Where is this guitar manufactured?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Made in Mexico

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked bySteve2112

    fromGreat Falls, VA

    What type of string are best to buy for this guitar?

    What type of string are best to buy for this guitar?

    Open Reply - Beau
    Any 12 string set of strings would work well. The Martin Retro Acoustic 12 String Guitar Set would be a good choice.