The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is made in USA has a solid alder body, a bolt-on Modern D maple neck, maple / rosewood fingerboard, and SSS / HSS pickups. Fender's reimagined American Pro II series brings over features from the popular American Ultra line, including a truly ergonomic neck heel. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a Fender Stratocaster headstock. I pulled the trigger. Fender Stevie Ray Vaughan Stratocaster. Chapman Charvel Cort D'Angelico Dean Epiphone ESP E-II ESP ESP LTD EVH Fender Custom Fender Fender Squier Gibson Custom Gibson Gretsch Harley Benton Ibanez . If youre looking for a modern, top-of-the-line Fender Strat, Tele or Jazzmaster then your best bet is to consider the American Professional II and Ultra series. Fenders American Ultra Noiseless pickups are split into two types. However, their quality will be a defining factor in your playing experience. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Even better, the neck has rolled edges for premium playability and comfort. The V-Mod pickups in the Fender American Professional Strat help give it a classic sound, that's more than capable of handling modern music if you need it to. Andertons Synths, Keys & Tech YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/ns172M Additionally, youll find narrow tall frets on the Pro II version and medium jumbo frets on the Ultra. I don't know if the pro ii model is the exact model that is right for you. Overall, wed probably say that the American Professional II instruments are solid Fender thoroughbreds with a 21st Century twist, while the American Ultra models are designed primarily for players seeking top performance and versatility. I'd look for guitars in the range of $500 - $800. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 2-Point Fender Deluxe Synchronized Tremolo bridge. Personally, I just LOVE the Dark Night color and can't say no to it. I compared it and a Japanese made one that was 30% less and equally enjoyed the feel, only marginally preferred the sound of the Pro. Youll find medium jumbo frets on the Ultra version and narrow tall frets on the Pro II version. The standard Telecasters Push/Push function enables parallel/series operation for unique sounds, while the Jazzmasters taps its bridge humbucker for a vintage-like output level. A fan of '90s rock, vintage Formula 1 and offensive comedy he often feels like he was born in the wrong decade. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fender's American Professional II series. With a new collection of colours, re-voiced pickups & upgraded features. In this blog, we've pitted Fender's brand new American Professional II series guitars against their top-of-the-line counterparts from the American Ultra range! The best off the line guitar they make. And my plan is to drive to the nearest shop that carries them (2.5 hours away), test a couple out, then buy a used one online if I liked how it played. Fender Custom Shop SHOP BY MODEL Stratocaster Telecaster Jaguar Jazzmaster Lead Duo-Sonic Mustang Meteora Other Shop All Electric Guitars SHOP BY SERIES American Professional ll American Ultra American Ultra Luxe American Performer Player Plus Player JV Modified Vintera Noventa Made in Japan Limited Edition Artist Signature HIGHLIGHTS Guitarists who are searching for a high-end offset guitar . It is the traditional Bolt-on fitting with a scale length of 25.5 inches and has the usual Fender satin finish giving it a smooth feel. The Fender American Ultra basses go a major step forward though, with their super-tweakable electronics likely to find favour with fastidious players. (3) Fender American Professional II Telecaster Deluxe - Dark Night with Rosewood Fingerboard. The Ultra Series (opens in new tab) earlier this year seems to have . Click on one of these links to find out more But similarly to those models, Fenders American Ultra instruments have smooth satin-finished necks that allow for fast playability. American Professional II guitars have thicker necks and higher output pickups giving them a more modern tone compared to the American Performer guitars. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The Gear Page is the leading online community and marketplace for guitars, amps, pedals, effects and associated gear. I think it will end up being the Professional II then. [Playability, tone, and scale], Does guitar scale length affect tone? For those who want a deeper dive into all the specs that make these 2 guitars different, in this article I will put them side by side so you can see their main differences. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. I have a 2014 fender american deluxe strat which I love and adore and it cost around $1200 used. Main Stratocaster Guitar Discussion Forum. But the pickups are an easy fix and the S1 series / parallel switching is pretty cool the Am pro II is a fantastic guitar also. You must log in or register to reply here. Deals. I have literally never had issues with Fenders in that price range. This includes a vibrant Miami Blue, as well as stealthy Dark Night and Mercury colours that are akin to Fenders Strat Plus finishes from the 80s and 90s. After a lot of back and forth, I moved from a Squire to an American Professional, skipping the Mexican Player models. The light weight, punchy tonal qualities and stunning grain pattern of Roasted Pine makes it a more than worthy alternative though! The neck is really nice, but its a little different from other Fenders. Pick one up, and youll notice! Also, the Ultra have an active/passive toggle switch for added tonal flexibility. Finally, I will give you some comments about each of these instruments. With free UK delivery on all orders containing only a T-Shirt, Hoodie or Jumper & super low international shipping costs, there is no better time to be an Andertons fan than now! GearAficionado While the bridge is removed, locate the retainer clip from the back of the . Fenders American Professional II Stratocaster offers multiple upgrades from its inaugural configuration. Thanks. Guitar players know that there are many variables in determining the sound of a guitar. My favourite guitar in 25 years. 31:07 Jam Between The Captain & Danish Pete You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has Coil-tapping (HSS), Neck pickup blend (SSS) electronics, 1 x master volume, 2 x tone, push/push add neck blend (SSS) / 1 x master volume, 2 x tone push/push coil-split (HSS), and a 5-way blade switch. But do guitar pickups make a difference in sound? Its clear that Fenders American Professional II and Ultra instruments are exceptional. Maintaining everything that made the original Fender American Pro Series great, the eye-catching guitars of the American Professional II range boast upgrades that bring them more up-to-scratch for contemporary musicians. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Stratocaster models. I looked into the ultra, and I just cant justify the cost vs what you get. It was too slippery for lack of a better term. There are 3 types of neck joints: bolt-on, set, and neck through. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y3avdhpz The Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster is built with a 10 - 14 Compound radius. ThorpyFX Dane Overdrive/boost - https://tinyurl.com/y6eoposs Even the resale value thing is a myth. Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. 12:30 Fender HSS Stratocaster Tones JavaScript is disabled. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 10 - 14 Compound radius. I will then talk about their main specs one by one, and link you to some other interesting articles I have written about these specific features. If you want to know more about how these kinds of bodies affect these guitars, you can check out this article: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a Stratocaster body. Rolled fingerboard edges and tapered neck heels are also standard features across the American Ultra range. There are also many factors that could determine what weight of guitar would be best for you. It has a Deep C neck and tall narrow frets, which definitely has a different feel than the Modern C with medium jumbos youll find on other fenders. Fender has had the rolled fingerboard edges on this level guitar since the American Series came out in 2000. 16:28 Fender American Pro II Telecaster This is measured from the nut to the bridge, and for intonation purposes, the middle point is always the 12th fret. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. I started of on a really bad steel string, then bought my first electric a year ago for about $200. This functionality expands their tonal palettes, as it extends beyond the customary switching capabilities available on typical Strat, Tele and Jazzmaster models. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Check out my complete guide to the different Stratocaster models to make sure you get the best option. The American brands trendsetting instruments have helped to shape contemporary music as we know it, with todays artists using theirguitarsand basses to pioneer the exciting sounds of tomorrow. Based on classic designs and subtly-modernised with forward-thinking features, these contemporary guitars and basses can strike a chord with players of all disciplines and styles. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 25.5 scale length. Finally, we will help you compare different models and make an informed decision about which pickup is right for you. The Pro has a 20-fret, C-shape neck with a 9.5" radius fingerboard. If you have any other questions feel free to let me know! Fender's Pro II guitar features 22 narrow-tall frets, a Deep-C neck, alongside a sculpted neck heel. Theres also greater diversity within the American Professional II series, not only in terms of colour options, but also with Telecaster Deluxe models and more 5-string/fretless bass variants available. The electric guitar models also feature newly-designed string trees that are engineered to prevent unwanted tuning slips. Shop all Fender American Pro II Telecasters | https://tinyurl.com/y4o2htq2 These also have a push-push pot for series-parallel switching. Does a guitars nut affect its tone? If you want to know how these specifics materials impact the tone of these guitars, you should take a look here: Guitarists are often curious about how guitar tops affect tone. The much-adored 2-point synchronised tremolo remains on the Stratocasters, but these are now fitted withcold-rolled steel blocks that increase sustain, clarity and top-end sparkle. These pickups are therefore a little more flexible than the V-Mod II single-coils found in Fenders American Pro II guitars, and are better-suited for heavier genres with their noiseless technology. Ive been playing for about two years now. I'm not sure the pro ii or the ultra bring much more to the table than the older american deluxe series. Squier Lines Explained: Which Is Best for You? You are using an out of date browser. I have an American Pro and love the modern C neck. I might even be an idiot and get it refretted with stainless with the price difference between the two. On the Ultra series versions, this switch is located on the volume control and on the Pro II versions it is located on the second tone control. The American Ultras have a slight edge when it comes to their pickups and hardware appointments, but that is reflected in their pricing. If it aint broke, dont fix it right? 13/10/20 2:00pm - 11 min read | 35 min watch. The function of this switching varies for the Strat, Tele and Jazzmaster so Ill discuss them later in the article when we look at each shape individually. [Complete guide], Do guitar tuners affect tone? Good mid-range prices with great quality. You must log in or register to reply here. It helps define string spacing, action, and is the source of many of the tuning issues cheaper instruments suffer from. Fender American Professional II HSS Strat and Telecaster Deluxe guitars come equipped with newly-voiced V-Mod II Double Tap humbuckers too, which perfectly complement Fenders V-Mod II single-coils. If you like old-school Fenders these guitars really arent for you! Released in late 2019 as the replacement for the short-lived American Elite range, the American Ultra series encompasses what Fender describes as its most advanced production guitars to date. Nitro is a type of varnish that is thinner and less durable, while poly is thicker, way more durable, and cheaper. There are many kinds and materials of nuts out there, and if you want to know how they can impact your instrument of choice, you should go to this article: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has Fender Standard Die-cast tuners. However, there are less total colour options available compared to the American Professional II series which has an eclectic mix of both traditional and modern finishes. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 25.5 scale length. I have an American Pro I and had an Ultra. The main differences between the Fender American Performer and American Professional guitars are the neck profile and pickups. [Guide], Does a guitars neck joint affect its tone? The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster fretboard is built of maple / rosewood. I held one at Guitar Center. If it were a choice of upgrading from a Pro 1 to a Pro 2, I'd say it's . Prosoundhq.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca and amazon.co.uk. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/yxo3fm6f Staggered Fender tuners and a vintage 3-saddle bridge are pretty much the only familiar features you'll find here. Guitars in both series feature a sculpted neck heel to aid upper fret access however, on the Ultra it is more dramatic to give the player even easier access to the upper register. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster HSS in Sienna Sunburst | https://tinyurl.com/yyuluks6 So, it all comes down to feel and your own personal preferences. But Im unsure about several things, namely Fenders QC and the guitars lifespan. A high end fender is totally worth the cost. Buy a T Shirt: https://goo.gl/TrTe78 May 19, 2020 #3 707GK The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid body. Lightweight tuners are also installed on these basses, which prevent neck-dive and thus make the instruments more balanced in standing positions. If you manage to get an open box or display model for cheaper than a new guitar, you'll see barely any downside when you try to sell it. In these articles, I dive deep into how important are frets for a guitar. That being said, I love mine. Go on reverb and look at the price of secondhand Baja teles vs Americans pro series. Fender American Ultra Tele Maple Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y3odjufd The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster has Fender Deluxe Die-cast Sealed Locking tuners, Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat Single-coil (SSS) / Ultra Noiseless Hot Strat Single-coil (HSS) pickups, and Noiseless, Coil-tapping (HSS), S-1 neck pickup blend electronics. The Ultra has a 21-fret, D-shape neck with compound-radius (10"-14") fingerboard. On both guitars youll get additional switching which is activated by the push/ pull tone control. The Bajas and Classic Player series held their value much better. Solidbody Electric Guitar, with Alder Body, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fretboard, 2 Single-coil Pickups, and Tremolo - 3-color Sunburst. As time has gone on, a lot of frustrating issues have popped up with that guitar, mostly due to how cheap it is. The shape of a guitars body has serious implications on its playability, but not so much on its tone. Thanks for visiting! The action you just performed triggered the security solution. On the humbucker-equipped HSS Strat and Tele Deluxe models, this serves as a coil-split switch instead. Set necks attach to a pocket in the guitars body and stay put with glue. Making them apt for use with overdrive and high-gain amp settings, these noise-free pickups eliminate a common issue that has afflicted old-school Fender single-coils for years. It was REALLY HARD to leave the store without that Strat. In conjunction, both these 2 parts have a deep impact on the final tone of the instrument. Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Rating: 9/10 Standards were modern C, as are performers. Been a while since I had my AmPro though. These are not factory-fitted on the American Pro II guitars, but can be purchased as an aftermarket upgrade. Youll find medium jumbo frets on the Ultra models and narrow tall frets on the American Pro II models with the following dimensions: There are some model-specific differences between guitars in the American Ultra and Professional II series. CE It may not display this or other websites correctly. The Fender American Elite Strat has got more tonal possibilities, compared to the American Special and Pro. Both guitars have a 2-point tremolo bridge with a pop-in tremolo arm and also include extra switching. Guitar necks come in a variety of different joints, and each one has its own pros and cons. In many cases, the manufacturers dont inform the same features about the instruments that you want to compare and you have to start digging all over the web to find them. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is a modern take on the traditional strat with every luxury you could think of. The majority of your money is going towards labor costs. What is giving Ronnie Wood his tone in this song. American Ultra guitars and basses are unique in the Fender catalogue for their non-typical Modern D-shaped necks. Thanks! Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4frspd5 All American Ultra guitars have enhanced body contours on the back of the guitar which are designed to make them more comfortable. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Jazzmaster models. Differences, PRS SE vs S2 vs CE vs Core lines [Main differences], Les Paul: Solid vs Chambered vs Weight Relieved, 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Cold-rolled Steel Block, 2-Point Fender Deluxe Synchronized Tremolo, Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat Single-coil (SSS) / Ultra Noiseless Hot Strat Single-coil (HSS), Fender V-Mod II Single-coil / Fender V-Mod II Double Tap Humbucker, Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat Single-coil / Ultra Double Tap Humbucker, Coil-tapping (HSS), Neck pickup blend (SSS), Noiseless, Coil-tapping (HSS), S-1 neck pickup blend, 1 x Master Volume, 2 x Tone, push/push add neck blend (SSS) / 1 x Master Volume, 2 x tone push/push coil-split (HSS), 1 x Master Volume (with S-1 switch), 2 x Tone. It could therefore be argued that Fender decided to tweak its American Professional line based on these updates that were introduced for the American Ultra series. Wide Thin Luckily for you, Ive compiled some general information about each different type of guitar neck shape so you can make an informed decision when choosing your next guitar: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a Fender Stratocaster headstock.