American Professional II | Fender #3. The Fender American Ultra basses go a major step forward though, with their super-tweakable electronics likely to find favour with fastidious players. On the humbucker-equipped HSS Strat and Tele Deluxe models, this serves as a coil-split switch instead. Rounded at the lower end of their necks to make chords easier to play, their fingerboards flatten out in the higher register to make intricate lead lines more manageable to finger. [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? Fender American Professional II Stratocaster | Reverb May 19, 2020 #3 707GK 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. Understanding the Fender Pop-in Trem Arm | Sweetwater - SweetCare These also have a push-push pot for series-parallel switching. Necks: American Professional vs. American Pro II | Fender Stratocaster Is an American Ultra worth the extra money compared to the American Pro II? Main difference on the Ultra is the C to D neck carve and the noiseless pickups. 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 material has essentially replaced the Ash body option previously available in the American Pro series, which has now become more difficult to source. Fender's QC at the US factory is excellent. This activates a series mode to fatten up the tone. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. Check Out Their Rigs Here! Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Rosewood Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y3eqvg5m The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a Modern D neck. Have you played ss frets? The new flagship American Professional II series arrives alongside Fender's 'The One. If youre looking for a guitar with a vintage voice and modern feel, the American Professional II Stratocaster is worth your consideration., Introducing the Fender American Ultra Stratocaster: Fenders high-performance iteration of the modern Stratocaster. American Elite. But is one of these flagship Fender series clearly better than the other? Compared to some higher-end Fenders, including two Custom Shops, it stands up among the very best I've spent time with. However, many players argue that differences in mass, especially at the end of the neck can have some implications in tone. [Guide], Does a guitars neck joint affect its tone? A guitars neck joint is what attaches the guitars neck to the body of the instrument. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (blue) and American Ultra (red/ orange) Stratocasters. I really like the Ultras compound radius, C to D neck carve and recessed heel I dislike the truss Rod dial on front and the pickups. 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. Ultimate Jazzmaster Comparison | Alamo Music Center I started playing an electric guitar when I was given a Squier Strat for my birthday around 15 years ago. However, the Ultras have neck heels that are more dramatically-contoured and thus offer virtually zero upper-fret restriction! I started of on a really bad steel string, then bought my first electric a year ago for about $200. Fender American Pro II VS Ultra - YouTube Tonewoods have different densities, hardness, and acoustic qualities. What Telecaster necks feel most like a 2011 American Standard Stratocaster? Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y6kv9bdr Fender's flagship USA-made guitar & bass lineup has just received a major makeover! The Jazz and Precision Bass models also keep their respective Slim C and 63 neck carves. Does guitar body shape affect tone or playability? It offers several upgrades over traditional designs, including Fenders latest Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat pickups, a 1014 compound radius fingerboard on an effortless Modern D neck, and S-1 switching to roll in fat neck tones on pickup positions 1 and 2. The Ultra series only includes a right-handed SS Telecaster. Neither series has a left-handed version of the HSS Strat. SE Nitro wears off with time but has a more organic feel to the touch and is said to improve sustain and resonance. JavaScript is disabled. If not, Ill definitely look into older american standards. I don't think so. The American Professional II Jazzmaster has an alder body whereas the American Ultra Jazzmaster gives you the option of either an alder or ash body which also has a more dramatic sculpted neck heel and body contours. However, American Ultra bodies are heavily-contoured at the rear around their lower horn, neck and belly-cut sections. The radius of the fingerboard is a measure of how curved the neck of the guitar actually is when looking at it from bridge to nut. Youll find medium jumbo frets on the Ultra version and narrow tall frets on the Pro II version. I held one at Guitar Center. 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. Whether your preferred guitar has one or not, it shouldnt worry you too much. The change means the new V-Mod II pickups allow you to get nearly the same volume when playing the low and high E strings. 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. Fender sets its new standard with the American Professional II guitar Fender American Pro Strat in Sunburst, with maple neck. American Professional vs. American Professional II. Fender American Ultra Stratocasters: 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. You are using an out of date browser. For the most part, Fenders American Professional II guitars maintain almost everything that made the original American Pro models so great. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bolt-on neck. 7:28 How Does The Strat Sound? They are just different flavors of a Strat. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. After I sold my last MIM Strat, I find myself without a Fender guitar for the first time since I started playing. Their Ultra Noiseless Vintage models deliver authentic single-coil sounds, while the Ultra Noiseless Hot versions dish out more output catering for modern performance needs. Fender American Ultra Jazzmaster vs Fender American Professional II I have a 2014 fender american deluxe strat which I love and adore and it cost around $1200 used. This requires removing the bridge from the instrument but should allow the arm to pop in and out easily. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to make a decision. Very well-made, great players. Here is a table showing the key differences between Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Stratocaster, Telecaster and Jazzmaster models. A number of stellar hardware appointments really make Fenders American Ultra instruments something to behold. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. If it aint broke, dont fix it right? 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 Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bridge integrated tailpiece. Hence, if you are using a lot of distortion then the Ultra will probably be more suitable. Fender American Professional II Series Telecaster Deluxe (Image credit: Fender) Originally introduced in 1973, this twisted Tele packed two Seth Lover-designed "Wide Range" humbucking pickups and a Gibson-style setup of dual volume and tone controls and a three-way toggle. Even if youre a traditionally bent player, dont be dismayed: the American Ultra Stratocaster is a Strat through and through. You must log in or register to reply here. With a new collection of colours, re-voiced pickups & upgraded features. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4xzt6vt Theyre both great, very different, and neither is really better. Make sure to subscribe to Andertons TV for more great videos like this: https://goo.gl/aAzyQM Fender American Ultra Tele Maple Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y3odjufd This functionality expands their tonal palettes, as it extends beyond the customary switching capabilities available on typical Strat, Tele and Jazzmaster models. The main differences between the Fender American Performer and American Professional guitars are the neck profile and pickups. The HSS ultras are extremely versatile, while the Am Pros are going to have the more traditional Strat sound. I am interested in getting a used Pro I, but cant try it in person because its not local. Im hoping that whatever I get will last me for years, so I just want to make the best decision. These 2 finishes are both types of varnish that can be used to protect and beautify a guitars wood. Shop all Fender American Pro II Stratocasters | https://tinyurl.com/y68vk8bk This gives them a sleeker and more elegant feel when compared with their American Pro II cousins. We will outline how pickups work and what are the central factors that determine how they influence the tone of your instrument. Ive been playing for about two years now. The best place to start if you're new is right below in our "Rules" section. Rolled fingerboard edges and tapered neck heels are also standard features across the American Ultra range. JavaScript is disabled. I have an Ultra Tele. 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. One feature all our reviewers were quick to note is the tapered low-profile neck heel, which gives you access to fret positions youd never dare into on your vintage Strat. In this extensive blog, weve broken down the key features of Fenders new American Professional II guitars. It is going to come down to which specs you like better. 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. 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. 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. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. The neck heel on the Pro II is still sculpted but just not as dramatically. Fender American Professional II Stratocaster and Telecaster Deluxe However, their quality will be a defining factor in your playing experience. The Pro 2 is probably the more traditional 'stratty' of the two, but both play really well. 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. They're definitely a winner with Danish Pete and The Captain! The lightweight, contoured body delivers a nicely balanced tonal foundation with a highly-resonant quality. Here is a brief description of these 2 guitars: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster is made in USA, has a solid alder body, a bolt-on Deep C maple neck, maple / rosewood fingerboard, and SSS / HSS pickups. However, if you take good care of a guitar, storing and maintaining it properly, even a cheap one, it should last decades. Fender American Pro II Jazzmaster in 3-Tone Sunburst | https://tinyurl.com/yxz8kalr Guitar necks come in a variety of shapes, so its important to know what each of those shapes offers. 12:30 Fender HSS Stratocaster Tones The Stratocaster wears the American Ultra's contemporary stylings well. So, it all comes down to feel and your own personal preferences. The pickups on the American Professional II Telecaster sound crunchier and fuller compared to the brighter sounding noiseless pickups on the Ultra Telecaster which do not suffer from humming and feedback. 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. Prosoundhq.com is also a member of other affiliate programmes. If the condition of Fender's USA-made production-line guitars provides a useful temperature test for the fortunes of the brand as a whole, then the new American Professional II series provides compelling evidence that the people at the company who really know guitars are making their voices heard loud and clear. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a maple neck. Like the OP, I'm also torn between these two models. Yet, one of the most popular debates is about nitro vs poly. Fender American Ultra Strat Maple Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/yyouf2rz 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. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of pickups and how they affect your sound. Thanks! Here are Amazon links to each version so you can check the current prices: Considering other Stratocasters? Fender has had the rolled fingerboard edges on this level guitar since the American Series came out in 2000. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is a modern take on the traditional strat with every luxury you could think of. Fender has decided to retain its popular Deep C neck shape for its American Professional II electric guitars. Other differences include the neck binding and locking tuners on the Ultra Jazzmaster which are not seen on the American Pro II version. However, selected Fender American Professional II guitars and basses (with natural finishes) boast Roasted Pine bodies instead. Ive tried the Pro II and really like the neck profile. You could then perhaps argue that the Fender American Professional II guitars, which have been refined with Ultra-like tweaks, offer more bang-for-your-buck and are clearly better than their predecessors from the original American Pro range. 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. TDPRI, short for Telecaster Discussion Page Reissue, is the leading online community and marketplace for Telecaster guitars. I have literally never had issues with Fenders in that price range. Shop all Fender American Pro II Jazzmasters | https://tinyurl.com/yxwtylto Phone: +1 786-755-8158, American Ultra Luxe Strat vs American Ultra Strat, American Professional II Strat vs American Ultra Luxe Strat, American Original 60s Strat vs American Ultra Luxe Strat, American Original 50s Strat vs American Ultra Luxe Strat, Fender American Professional II Stratocaster and Fender American Ultra Stratocaster side by side, Fender American Professional II Stratocaster play demo, Fender American Ultra Stratocaster play demo, A brief description of the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster, A brief description of the Fender American Ultra Stratocaster, Types of electric guitar bodies and their effect on tone. I think the Vintera line is the best value and then you got a steep point of diminishing returns. But ultimately, these small refinements bring these instruments more up-to-scratch for contemporary musicians looking for greater tonal flexibility and added playing comfort. . The kind of material used to build a guitars body is something you should really pay attention to. 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. JavaScript is disabled. I wonder what is new with the V-Mod "II" pickups, maybe voiced for a bit more snap? They have very different necks, both in terms of radius, profile and frets. IMO the hard finish sounds.well.harder. Mar 14, 2021. If you like old-school Fenders these guitars really arent for you! The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a Fender Stratocaster headstock. The Gear Page is the leading online community and marketplace for guitars, amps, pedals, effects and associated gear. Guitar tuners dont have a direct effect on how a guitar sounds. 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. It was REALLY HARD to leave the store without that Strat. There are many factors that contribute to the sound of a guitar, and whether it has a top is an important one. Fender Ultra vs Professional II Strats | The Gear Page This is a tiny tweak, but these simply offer an extra layer of finesse by blending beautifully into the shapes of their sculpted neck heels. Guitarists who are searching for a high-end offset guitar . Fender American Ultra Series - Their Most Advanced Guitars Ever? Check out my guide to the different Fender neck profiles to learn more. Id say no. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid alder body. The American Professional II Stratocaster has warmer sounding pickups with a higher output and more mid-range emphasis compared to the noiseless pickups on the Ultra Strat which sound brighter and cleaner. How are the pickups? As you probably know, the body type of a guitar is a defining factor for its character and tone. Fender's QC at the US factory is excellent. Now, Fender has revised these with their newly-designed V-Mod II pickups. Review: Fender American Professional II Stratocaster - WIRED The following article will explain what guitar tops are and why they matter, as well as provide guidance for those who want to learn more about these options. Interested in other Andertons YouTube channels? With both the American Ultra Precision Bass and Jazz Bass models boasting HiMass bridges, these specially-designed components guarantee piano-like sustain and huge, bellowing lows. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 9.5 radius. The electronics of an electric guitar are what give the instrument its name. 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. Click to reveal 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. Both guitars have a 2-point tremolo bridge with a pop-in tremolo arm and also include extra switching. Check out my complete guide to the different Stratocaster models to make sure you get the best option. 298. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Dark Night | https://tinyurl.com/y4c85od6 Taking Fenders Noiseless design to new heights, the Ultra Noiseless pickups found in the American Ultra models promise classic yet versatile tones without any hum! Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Dark Night $1,699.99 in stock 24 new from $1,699.99 2 used from $1,453.49 as of February 25, 2023 8:21 am Browse Fender American Professional II Stratocaster - Miami Blue with Maple Fingerboard $1,699.99 Browse Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster 2007 USA Sunburst Electric Guitar w/ Case $1,165.50 Browse Andertons Synths, Keys & Tech YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/ns172M The Ultra has a 21-fret, D-shape neck with compound-radius (10"-14") fingerboard. Knowing the differences between each joint can help you decide which is best for you. The Pro has a 20-fret, C-shape neck with a 9.5" radius fingerboard. A guitar's lifespan is mostly related to how well it is maintained and treated. Sealed locking tuners and a 2-point Deluxe Synchronised Trem with pop-in arm equip todays players for classic Strat colorization with demanding modern intonation. Click here to view all of our Labs articles! Interested in other Andertons YouTube channels? 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. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fenders American Professional II series. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y5ropcpv The Hardware The original Jazzmaster experienced some problems with its bridge and the tremolo arm. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Fender American Strats: Pro VS Elite VS Special - Reidys 0:00 Intro Jam on the New Fender American Pro II Allowing you to access more pickup combinations for greater tonal versatility, these electronics therefore work very similarly to the Push/Push systems found in Fenders new American Professional II guitars. An upgraded 2-point tremolo bridge and cold-rolled steel block combine to give you plenty of sustain and brightness. Youll find Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jazzmasters, Jazz Basses and Precision Basses, along with a few tweaked instruments that include HSS Strats, Tele Deluxes, 5-string basses and even a few fretless models. Headrush vs Helix vs Kemper vs GT1000 vs AX8: Which is best? Pattern Thin Thanks. On the subject of fingerboards, Fenders American Ultra models come installed with Medium Jumbo frets. 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. 22:14 Fender American Pro II Jazzmaster 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. In the following article, I share my thoughts on different fingerboard materials and their impact on the final sound of the instrument: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 9.5 radius.