Tim Armstrong, the founding member of the Grammy Award-winning punk band Rancid, didn't become famous by gently strumming an acoustic guitar. Yet, as a songwriter and producer, he has regularly turned to his old "concert-style" Fender acoustic for inspiration and composition. In tribute, Fender has created the signature Tim Armstrong Hellcat Acoustic, which retains the concert-sized body of the original, in all its eye-catching glory, while adding a high-quality Fishman pickup system - allowing it to shine on stage as well. Its solid mahogany top produces a rich and warm tone, while the slim, satin-finished maple neck is designed for exceptional playability.
The Tim Armstrong Hellcat's slender appearance belies the richness of its sound, which is exceptional for an instrument of this size. Its mahogany construction with scalloped X bracing under the solid top delivers plenty of volume together with a warm and percussive sound, which is perfectly captured by the Fishman Isys III preamp. This system in turn generates a strong enough signal for any amplifier or mixer. With its three-band EQ, built-in tuner, and preamp system, this guitar offers everything players need in terms of amplification, sound shaping, and tuning stability. Fender has not skimped on the visuals, either: The Tim Armstrong Hellcat features special "Hellcat" fingerboard inlays and a "double skull" motif at the 12th fret, making the guitar as striking to look at as it is to play.
While signature guitars often come with a hefty price tag, the Tim Armstrong Hellcat is an exception, offering beginners the chance to own a genuine Fender acoustic at a reasonable price. Regardless of its affordability however, it is also a compelling option for professionals looking for a near-perfect balance between sound and playability. Despite its compact size, it features a 643mm (25.3") scale length, the same as a conventional-sized guitar, and confers the same playability. The NuBone nut produces a clean, articulate sound across the entire fretboard, while the walnut fingerboard with its 20 vintage-style frets are crafted with precision to Fender's high standards. The result is a versatile guitar perfect for Rock, Pop, Folk, and many other styles.
Fender is without doubt one of the most legendary guitar and amplifier manufacturers of all time. The company was founded in 1946 by its namesake Leo Fender († 1991), whose innovative ideas brought a breath of fresh air into the musical world. His Telecaster, Stratocaster, Precision Bass, and Jazz Bass are not only classics – they also continue to shape the styles of musicians in countless genres to this day. Timeless Fender amplifier models such as the Bassman, Twin, Deluxe, and Princeton also enjoy a stellar reputation. Besides maintaining its classic product portfolio, however, the company is also constantly developing new products that make Fender a driving force in today’s music industry.
Whether testing new musical ideas outdoors on the lawn or performing on stage with a sound system, the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat will shine in every setting. Its mahogany construction delivers the characteristic warmth and resonance of this wood, while the slim-taper neck is exceptionally playable for an acoustic guitar in this price range. Visually, the Hellcat is also a showstopper thanks to its decorative inlays, double skull motif, and vintage-style machine heads. This guitar is designed to turn heads and inspire creativity at the same time - a powerful combination.