Defining A Hardtail Superstrat
A hardtail Superstrat is a Stratocaster that has a fixed bridge rather than a tremolo bridge.
The Fender Stratocaster was first released with a floating tremolo bridge and is still the most prevalent design, even among copies. However, there are some limited-edition Stratocasters models that are made with a fixed bridge, although these strats are often more expensive than their floating tremolo counterparts.
A hardtail Superstrat benefits from improved tuning stability and preserve of a fixed bridge.
Playing on a hardtail Superstrat when you’re used to a floating bridge, strat can feel different, and there’s a definite and detectable difference in the sound of a hardtail Superstrat.
A lot of guitarists prefer hardtail Stratocasters, because of the fixed bridge.
Jackson JS1X
The JS1X is probably one of the cheapest guitars on this list. Although it’s not fancy, it certainly does the job – especially with rock/metal genres. This hardtail Superstrat features a poplar body, a maple neck and a hardtail bridge.
This hardtail Superstrat is a perfect budget entry-level guitar. Thanks to its hardtail bridge, it will help to avoid the common problem of the guitar going out of tune (this is a pretty common issue that occurs with cheaper guitar models, with tremolo or Floyd Rose). For a hardtail Superstrat at this price, it will be tough to find something that’s better for shredding.
ESP Horizon FR CTM
Every ESP FR CTM Horizon has been handcrafted by the world-renowned luthiers in the ESP custom shop in Japan. The ESP Original Series Horizon FR CTM offers everything you’d ever want for getting a serious professional guitar performance. A set-thru design at a 25.5” scale, the ESP Original Series Horizon CTM offers a body made from rare Honduras mahogany and a burled maple top that’s finished with a striking See Thru Black Burst appearance. The components on the ESP Horizon FR CTM are second to none and include an unbleached bone nut, Jescar nickel/silver frets, ESP strap locks, Gotoh locking tuners, and, for the ultimate experience, a Floyd Rose Original bridge. The tones on the FR CTM are captured with the Seymour Duncan Custom Shop ’59/Jazz Hybrid and ‘59/JB hybrid pickups that offer a tight low end, articulate mids, and plenty of bite for getting high frequencies, the coils are splittable with a push-pull control. This rich tonal palette makes the ESP Horizon a great choice for every style of music, from progressive rock to pop to metal and beyond.
Fender Jim Root Strat
Jim Root, the guitarist for Slipknot and Stone Sour, needs little introduction. Known for his no-holds-barred, massive sound, who better to build the perfect guitar for him than Fender? Of course, this is no ordinary hardtail Superstrat.
The Jim Root Strat comes equipped with the most widely revered shredding pickups – active EMGs – which is all you need for achieving Jim’s huge sound! This Superstrat features two pickups, a selector switch, volume control, black hardware, jumbo frets, and a compound profile neck that is the perfect compromise between speed, comfort and accuracy, and you have the perfect modern metal guitar – just as Jim Root himself ordered it!
Charvel Pro-Mod DK24
The pro mod DK24 is loaded with many premium features. This model has a sleek Dinky body that has been constructed from mahogany along with a stunning figured walnut top in a Natural finish with gold hardware. The sculpted shredder’s cut heel and scalloped lower back bout make access to the upper registers seem seamless, while the bolt-on maple neck features graphite reinforcement for rock-solid stability.
Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X
The Jackson X Series Dinky DK2X HT provides the ultimate experience with features and appointments for the more price-conscious guitarist.
The DK2X HT features a poplar body and a bolt-on maple neck with a satin back finish making it smooth. The DK2X has a scarf joint for reduced playing fatigue and graphite reinforcement for stability against climate changes and environmental duress. It features 24 jumbo frets and Pearloid sharkfin inlays. The 12”-16” compound radius bound laurel fingerboard is the best platform for heavy chording and fast ripping solos.
Do You Really Need A Hardtail Superstrat?
There are many great metal guitars out there today, many of them not coming in the form of a Hardtail Superstrat. Of course, you will put a lot of thought into the instrument you choose and you might find there are other styles out there that better meet your needs.
A comparison would be the difference between a sports car designed for the street and a racing car designed to go 200 miles per hour.
There’re certainly many people who would prefer a cool sports car over a tricked-out racing car, while many people prefer the basic, high-quality guitars made for rock. It’s important to note that, like racing cars, Hardtail Superstrats can require some more attention.