On the humbucker-equipped HSS Strat and Tele Deluxe models, this serves as a coil-split switch instead. Here is Fender's modernism at its best, with the iconic body . This thin profile offers optimal support for contemporary players, but is unlikely to appeal to traditionalists who prefer thicker, vintage-like neck carves or even the somewhat neutral Deep C profile that the American Professional II electric guitars have. Strats, Teles, Jazzmasters, Precision Basses and Jazz Basses can be found, but there is less variation overall with only HSS Strats and 5-string Jazz Basses available outside of the standard models. To know everything there is about this part of the guitar, please go here: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a bridge integrated tailpiece. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y6kv9bdr It may not display this or other websites correctly. Today's best Fender Telecaster deals Fender American Professional II 1,619 See all prices Fender Richie Kotzen Telecaster 2,091.54 See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Best Telecasters: Product guide (Image credit: Squier) 1. TDPRI, short for Telecaster Discussion Page Reissue, is the leading online community and marketplace for Telecaster guitars. This solidbody electric guitars first major upgrade lies in the pickup selection. If it aint broke, dont fix it right? The American Professional II Stratocaster is loaded with a trio of V-Mod II single-coil pickups that pump out a vintage tone with modern refinements. I have an Ultra Tele. Wound differently to their older counterparts, Fender describes its V-Mod IIs as some of the best sounding pickups it has ever made promising extra note definition and more mid-range punch. [Complete wood guide]. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. Buy a T Shirt: https://goo.gl/TrTe78 Solidbody Electric Guitar, with Alder Body, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fretboard, 2 Single-coil Pickups, and Tremolo - 3-color Sunburst. The nut of a guitar is a small but very important part of the instrument. Neither series has a left-handed version of the HSS Strat. Pattern On the humbucker-equipped HSS Strat and Tele Deluxe models, this serves as a coil-split switch instead. The frets on a guitar have a deep impact on its playability. But ultimately, these small refinements bring these instruments more up-to-scratch for contemporary musicians looking for greater tonal flexibility and added playing comfort. 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 . The American Pro II Strat features V-Mod II single coils, a 2-point tremolo, and a push-push tone pot that can add the neck pickup at the press of a button. Youll find medium jumbo frets on the Ultra version and narrow tall frets on the Pro II version. Nitro wears off with time but has a more organic feel to the touch and is said to improve sustain and resonance. SE Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Dark Night | https://tinyurl.com/y4c85od6 Alongside the new pickups, upgraded hardware appointments breathe new life into Fenders American Professional II guitars. As time has gone on, a lot of frustrating issues have popped up with that guitar, mostly due to how cheap it is. If it were a choice of upgrading from a Pro 1 to a Pro 2, I'd say it's . Staggered Fender tuners and a vintage 3-saddle bridge are pretty much the only familiar features you'll find here. 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. 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. Even the resale value thing is a myth. Fender American Ultra Stratocasters: For those who have hands-on experience with both: Is the only difference the "Super-Natural" finish on the back of the AmProII neck? I pulled the trigger. I actually preferred the neck carve and fret size on the Ultra but preferred the tones on the American Pro so that's the one I kept. Shop the Fender American Ultra Series: https://tinyurl.com/2d2d5fmw However, if you want to know all there is about guitar tops, go here: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a gloss polyurethane finish. The D-shape neck feels slightly thinner and flatter compared to the more rounded C-shape neck on the Pro II models. Even if you only use P split coil Pickup in passive mode exclusively the Playability along with build quality, fit and finish, comfort from new contours and P tone from Ultra Noiseless pickup is worth the xtra $ Click to expand. Guitar necks come in a variety of shapes, so its important to know what each of those shapes offers. 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. Interested in finding out more about music gear and expanding your knowledge? Guitars and basses from the original American Professional lineup came fitted with Fenders V-Modpickups. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fenders American Professional II series. Andertons Drummers YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/9yKSS9 This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Now, Fender has revised these with their newly-designed V-Mod II pickups. Pattern Vintage The majority of guitars and basses from the American Professional II series adhere to the timeless Fender tonewood combination. 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. Pickups are ok in the Ultra and pretty awful in the Am Pro II, but that's an easy fix in either case and I wouldn't let it sway your decision. JavaScript is disabled. I play thumb over the top so I appreciate a soft edge but theyre not miles apart. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a solid body. May 19, 2020 #3 707GK Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (Butterscotch Blonde) and American Ultra Telecaster (white). This is a forum where guitarists, from novice to experienced, can explore the world of guitar through a variety of media and discussion. These 2 finishes are both types of varnish that can be used to protect and beautify a guitars wood. Then, there are wood wings glued to its side to complete the body shape. Some bridges also have extra functionalities. However, theres no single answer to whether a lighter or heavier guitar will sound better than the other. S2 Deals. Whether your guitar has a standalone one or a bridge that works like one too, you might be interested in broadening your knowledge about tailpieces here: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a bone nut. [Complete guide], Does a guitars bridge affect the tone? In neck trough instruments, the neck elongates and becomes the central piece of the body, where most of its hardware is mounted. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Fender American Ultra Strat Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y2ow3bve Only some minor updates have been executed. Episode Guide A more comparable choice is the American Original Series - that's where I have settled after stints with both CS and Am Pro guitars. The neck heel on the Pro II is still sculpted but just not as dramatically. With balanced Alder bodies bolted to bright-sounding Maple necks, this classic construction design yields the snappy and articulate tones that Fender instruments are so renowned for. Do fret size and material affect tone and playability? 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 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. 2023: The Year Epiphone Became Unaffordable, They Stole My Digital Recorder and SD cards. The blues virtuoso's 'Number One' Strat was the core of his tone . Knowing the differences between each joint can help you decide which is best for you. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid alder body. The type of wood that a guitar neck is made of will have a significant impact on the tone of your guitar. Here, I explore some of these considerations and what I think are the main points to take into account: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster is a tool for the working musician that embodies the original Fender spirit with a slightly modern touch. However, their quality will be a defining factor in your playing experience. But fret work and fit/finish on the American Pro is very good. The Ultras noiseless pickups do not produce any hum or suffer from feedback unlike the V-Mod II pickups on the Pro II. The body on the Pro II is made from a slab of wood, whereas on the Ultra youll find contouring on the back to make it more comfortable. Rolled fingerboard edges and tapered neck heels are also standard features across the American Ultra range. 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. They're both crazy high quality for general production run guitars in terms of fit and finish. 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. I have an American Pro I and had an Ultra. The (original) Professional series will be tough to improve on, in my book. American Pro II vs American Pro vs American Ultra. Ive been doing a lot of research on strats in the $1000-1500 range, and the American Pro II seems like the best choice for me. This can be a difficult question with many different answers. I have a Pro 2 and an Ultra, and had a Pro 1 as well. $1,799.99. And with Fenders new American Professional II series breaking cover, were sure that players from all over the world are intrigued to discover how the US guitar giant has refined its flagship instrument line. These instruments are heavily-modified to suit the needs of 21st Century players; covering lots of sonic territory and providing unmatched performance. It states rolled fingerboard edges as a new feature, but I thought the Pro-Standards have had that for quite some time. GearAficionado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Andertons Guitar & Bass YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/kRJCpb 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. Comfortable for modern players and vintage aficionados alike, these acclaimed neck profiles have now been enhanced with a new Super Natural finish that provides a silky-smooth and friction-free feel. How are the pickups? Both versions uses the rhythm/ lead switch slightly differently to most other Jazzmasters by using it to activate the pickups either in series or parallel mode. Check out my guide to the different Fender neck profiles to learn more. 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. The American Ultra has a flatter fingerboard and also has a compound radius meaning that its more rounded at the nut to help with chords and flatter towards the upper frets to aid with bending. link to PRS Neck Profiles Explained: Comparing Shapes and Sizes, link to PRS SE vs S2 Guitars (Including Custom, Standard, McCarty), guide to the different Fender neck profiles, Fender American Professional II Stratocaster, complete guide to the different Stratocaster models, Fender American Professional II Telecaster, Fender American Professional II vs Original 50s and 60s Series, Fender American Professional II vs American Performer Series, American Professional II vs American Ultra Series Overview, Pro II (narrow tall frets):0.090 x 0.055, Ultra (medium jumbo frets): 0.106 x 0.036. Andertons Drummers YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/9yKSS9 However, although less product variation might seem like a downside for the streamlined American Ultra range it could be said that it forms a more robust lineup. Pick one up, and youll notice! Simply put - there's tonnes of variety! Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4frspd5 However, because they are hidden inside the cavities into its body, they are often forgotten. #Andertons #Fender #AmericanProII, https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_0nq4xgWJ3U/default.jpg. Here are some more articles you might find useful: Hey, I'm Heather. Im hoping that whatever I get will last me for years, so I just want to make the best decision. Pretty neat! It may not display this or other websites correctly. Can't say any of the new features convince me other than the pine bodied variants coming in as low as 5lbs! These also have a push-push pot for series-parallel switching. Simply put theres tonnes of variety! However, many players argue that differences in mass, especially at the end of the neck can have some implications in tone. With a new collection of colours, re-voiced pickups & upgraded features. Very well-made, great players. In the following article I present you a list of the most common tonewoods used in guitar necks, and the influence they could have on the tone of the instrument: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a Deep C neck. Check Out Their Rigs Here! [Complete guide with examples], Does a guitars finish affect its tone? Bear in mind that most guitars will need a pro setup to get them in optimal playing condition and to align with the player's preferences. Shop all Fender American Pro II Stratocasters | https://tinyurl.com/y68vk8bk The shape of a guitars body has serious implications on its playability, but not so much on its tone. The Pro 2 is probably the more traditional 'stratty' of the two, but both play really well. 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. A host of new Fender colours were introduced for the American Ultra series. That being said, I love mine. The pickups - while always a matter of taste - tend to sound more, shall we say, Fender like - they sound like what you would expect a Fender to sound like more than the other models. On the subject of fingerboards, Fenders American Ultra models come installed with Medium Jumbo frets. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y3avdhpz [Nitro vs Poly], Different neck tonewoods and their effect on tone, Guitar neck shapes guide [Playability and tone], Does a guitars headstock shape affect its tone? What is giving Ronnie Wood his tone in this song. 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. Sporting flexible electronics and forward-thinking hardware appointments, as well as a few ergonomic construction tweaks, these innovative instruments are aimed at the most of modern of musicians yearning for ultimate precision and uncompromising tone. Bolt-on necks are attached by screws at the heel of the neck and can be removed easily for repairs or customization. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Andertons Shopping Website: https://goo.gl/TPsG2Q Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Telecaster models. Most of the CS Relics have VERY THIN nitro finishes while the AM Pro has a much thicker (compared to CS) poly finish. 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. This is definitely one of the best Jazzmasters manufactured by Fender! You have some benefits to an American made Fender - the two off the top of my head are the bone nut and the neck profile. It is a central part for the transmission of vibrations through the instrument, and also defines many important factors for playability such as string spacing and action. 31:07 Jam Between The Captain & Danish Pete Fall All' campaign above. These new Strat (opens in new tab), Tele (opens in new tab), Jazzmaster (opens in new tab) electric guitars and Precision and Jazz Basses come with some notable new features, including brand new switching options.. The shape of a guitar neck has a significant impact on the tone and playability. The light weight, punchy tonal qualities and stunning grain pattern of Roasted Pine makes it a more than worthy alternative though! Each package comes ready to be painted to get the perfect match for your Fox Body . Fenders American Professional II Stratocaster offers multiple upgrades from its inaugural configuration. You've watched the videos & seen the store, now join the Andertons Family with our exclusive, official merchandise! American Professional II guitars have thicker necks and higher output pickups giving them a more modern tone compared to the American Performer guitars. 298. The only parts of Fenders American Ultra instruments that remain traditional are their body materials. So its time for an upgrade. 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. Fender American Ultra Telecasters: Pattern Regular Having yet to play one the marketing reads like they are just doing even more rolling on the fingerboard edges - much like what they started doing on the American Ultras last year. As it turns out, these US-crafted models are fairly equal on paper. Youll also find rolled fretboard edges on guitars in both series. 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. For the last 70 years, Fender has largely set the tone in the guitar industry. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to make a decision. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 9.5 radius. [Complete guide], Do pickups make a difference in sound? They offer world-class tones with no compromise on playability. 27:10 Thoughts, Case & Stock Availability Ive got an American Pro I with an all Rosewood neck. A guitars neck joint is what attaches the guitars neck to the body of the instrument. These also have a push-push pot for series-parallel switching. Not concerned with tuners. Its probably my favorite neck on any of my guitars and I somehow had the profile wrong. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 25.5 scale length. Click to reveal Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The contoured heel is a nice touch but thats more body than neck. This is measured from the nut to the bridge, and for intonation purposes, the middle point is always the 12th fret. An additional plus-point, so to speak, of Fenders American Ultra guitars and basses are their 10 14 compound radius fingerboards. In keeping with our comparisons of Fender's new beautiful American Professional II line, we're back to take a look at the American Pro II Strat up against its modern and advanced. Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. Strats and teles are pretty simple guitars and $1000 will get you all you need. The scale length of a guitar refers to the longitude of the vibrating part of the string. If you want to know the specifics of each of these joints, check out this article: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster fretboard is made of maple / rosewood. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with 22 medium jumbo nickel silver frets. 11:00 Fender Pro II Stratocaster with Gain . The majority of your money is going towards labor costs. Fender's reimagined American Pro II series brings over features from the popular American Ultra line, including a truly ergonomic neck heel. Hence, if you are using a lot of distortion then the Ultra will probably be more suitable. If you want to know the main things about this topic, I recommend you follow this link: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster weighs 7 8 lbs, and the Fender American Ultra Stratocaster weighs 8 lbs. 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. I also recently needed to replace my wah pedal, and I tested the new one out with a Pro-II Strat. I didn't like mine until I raised them to spec, they came installed about 3/16" from the strings, far too low. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is painted with a gloss polyurethane finish. In this article I'll be comparing the SE and S2 lines and the reasons why the S2 models are significantly more expensive Hey, welcome Pro Sound HQ. The other big thing is resale value - American Fenders go for higher prices in the used market. Read the full Fender American Professional II Stratocaster review (Image credit: Fender) 8. Both guitars have a sculpted neck heel, however it is more dramatic on the Ultra Tele. [Playability, tone, and scale], Does guitar scale length affect tone? Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Miami Blue | https://tinyurl.com/y4w9svgg With Alder used for the solid-finish guitars and Ash employed for the natural/transparent colour models; these tonewoods hearken back to the classic Fender formula from the 50s with bolt-on Maple necks keeping their signature construction intact. Andertons Shopping Website: https://goo.gl/TPsG2Q Hello there, my name is Ramiro and Ive been playing guitar for almost 20 years. Guitar weight is an important factor when it comes to finding the right guitar for you. Guitars in the Fender American Ultra series have a slimmer modern D neck with a flatter fingerboard radius compared to guitars in the American Professional II series which have a deep C neck. Set necks attach to a pocket in the guitars body and stay put with glue. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I own an American Pro II deluxe Tele and its awesome. So again, it's a matter of what you're going for. The II plays smooth and feels great, I remember thinking the same about the original. While the bridge is removed, locate the retainer clip from the back of the . Holy ****, manI just looked and youre right. The HSS ultras are extremely versatile, while the Am Pros are going to have the more traditional Strat sound. If I hadnt sold my Pro I a few years ago, I wouldnt necessarily feel the need to upgrade, but Im a bit happier with the Pro II as a total package now. The most important thing to note is that it is not just the type of pickup that determines a guitars sound, but also how and where you place the pickup on the guitar.