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. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fenders American Professional II series. The Stratocaster wears the American Ultra's contemporary stylings well. I didn't like mine until I raised them to spec, they came installed about 3/16" from the strings, far too low. The American Ultra Jazzmaster sounds clearer and cleaner due to its noiseless pickups compared to the American Professional II Jazzmaster which sounds warmer and crunchier. 15 years of Work Gone, Don't store picks in zip bags for too long. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid alder body. Mar 14, 2021. 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. Ive tried the Pro II and really like the neck profile. Brand new Push/Push electronics enable special pickup combinations on Fender American Professional II electric guitars. The shape of a guitars body has serious implications on its playability, but not so much on its tone. The AmPro always had a Deep C neck. Introducing the Fender American Professional II Series, with new colours, refined hardware & re-voiced pickups, their iconic American Pro range just got a whole lot better! Does anybody know if the necks on the American Pro I are different than the necks on the Pro II? And Fenders new Panorama tremolo gives their American Professional II Jazzmasters a smoother vibrato arm action, of which can easily be popped in and out on-the-fly. 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. Tonewoods have different densities, hardness, and acoustic qualities. However, American Ultra bodies are heavily-contoured at the rear around their lower horn, neck and belly-cut sections. Ultra series guitars have noiseless pickups and locking tuners unlike the Pro II series guitars. I wonder what is new with the V-Mod "II" pickups, maybe voiced for a bit more snap? 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. Fender American Ultra Tele Maple Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y3odjufd Fender American Ultra Strat Maple Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y4al8ffc As it turns out, these US-crafted models are fairly equal on paper. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4frspd5 Check out my guide to the different Fender neck profiles to learn more. Go on reverb and look at the price of secondhand Baja teles vs Americans pro series. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a Fender Stratocaster headstock. Bolt-on necks are attached by screws at the heel of the neck and can be removed easily for repairs or customization. Episode Guide Pretty neat! But the pickups are an easy fix and the S1 series / parallel switching is pretty cool, I think the ultra just has a D shape neck, the elites had a C to D. Id suggest going to your local shop and checking them out, lefty or otherwise youll still get to see and feel them. It was REALLY HARD to leave the store without that Strat. This is one of the main factors that define the tone of an instrument. Neither series has a left-handed version of the HSS Strat. MA. The majority of your money is going towards labor costs. 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. 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. I also recently needed to replace my wah pedal, and I tested the new one out with a Pro-II Strat. Different scale lengths have varying influences over things such as string tension, and of course, fret gap size. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is a modern take on the traditional strat with every luxury you could think of. Read the full Fender American Professional II Stratocaster review (Image credit: Fender) 8. Set necks attach to a pocket in the guitars body and stay put with glue. I bought a demo model that was practically brand new and got a great deal on it. Knowing the differences between each joint can help you decide which is best for you. These tweaks may be difficult to spot at first glance, but they make a huge difference when it comes to overall playability. Make sure you like them before doing this. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2d90c11c2fe174 In this article, Ill be comparing the two series head-to-head so you can decide which is the best for you. Privacy Policy. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fender's American Professional II series. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to make a decision. I now own an acoustic guitar and several electric guitars including my personal favourite, a PRS SE Custom 24. 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. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bolt-on neck. 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. They offer world-class tones with no compromise on playability. 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. The lightweight, contoured body delivers a nicely balanced tonal foundation with a highly-resonant quality. Guitar necks come in a variety of shapes, so its important to know what each of those shapes offers. A guitars bridge is one of the 2 points of contact the strings have with the body and neck. Guitar necks come in a variety of different joints, and each one has its own pros and cons. For example, the American Professional II Strats Push/Push knob allows you to add its neck single-coilto switch position 1 which means that you can somewhat mimic a Telecasters pickup configuration. Can't say any of the new features convince me other than the pine bodied variants coming in as low as 5lbs! These instruments are heavily-modified to suit the needs of 21st Century players; covering lots of sonic territory and providing unmatched performance. Pattern I wanted the specs that it came with. Lets take an in-depth look at each model individually in the following order: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a slightly thicker deep C neck with a narrower 9.5 fingerboard radius compared to the Ultra Stratocaster with its modern C neck and 10-14 compound radius fingerboard. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Roasted Pine | https://tinyurl.com/y4978jwp If you have guitar related questions, use the "Search" field FIRST, Then ask the community. Thanks for visiting. If not, Ill definitely look into older american standards. Controls, switches, capacitors and resistances, all make for the circuitry of a guitar, and all have effects on the final tone and sounds it can offer to the player. Staggered Fender tuners and a vintage 3-saddle bridge are pretty much the only familiar features you'll find here. You are using an out of date browser. You'll 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. A more comparable choice is the American Original Series - that's where I have settled after stints with both CS and Am Pro guitars. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/y6ar99k4 [Complete guide], Does a guitars bridge affect the tone? The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 2-Point Fender Deluxe Synchronized Tremolo bridge. Poly provides more protection from moisture and scratches, but some people argue it reduces resonance and sustain. Its probably my favorite neck on any of my guitars and I somehow had the profile wrong. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. However, the Ultras have neck heels that are more dramatically-contoured and thus offer virtually zero upper-fret restriction! Fender American Professional II guitars use V-Mod II pickups whereas American Ultra guitars have Ultra Vintage Noiseless pickups. How are the pickups? Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a Stratocaster body. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 25.5 scale length. 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. But do guitar pickups make a difference in sound? 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. Click on one of these links to find out more You must log in or register to reply here. This design also helps to prevent notes from fretting out when performing string bends, making it a very practical design. The only time I can suggest one would be if you value being made in USA. Simply put theres tonnes of variety! Both guitars have a sculpted neck heel, however it is more dramatic on the Ultra Tele. I dont notice much difference between the supernatural and the original AmPro finish. Id suggest going that route if you can find one. 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. An additional plus-point, so to speak, of Fenders American Ultra guitars and basses are their 10 14 compound radius fingerboards. I have an American Pro I and had an Ultra. I have an American Pro and love the modern C neck. In conjunction, both these 2 parts have a deep impact on the final tone of the instrument. TeTe MICOponkichi http . Fender's reimagined American Pro II series brings over features from the popular American Ultra line, including a truly ergonomic neck heel. Fender's flagship USA-made guitar & bass lineup has just received a major makeover! But fret work and fit/finish on the American Pro is very good. The build quality on them will be the same. I think the Vintera line is the best value and then you got a steep point of diminishing returns. On the SSS models it allows you to activate either the bridge and neck pickup together (without the middle) or all three pickups at the same time. 162.246.248.71 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. 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. These also have a push-push pot for series-parallel switching. A fan of '90s rock, vintage Formula 1 and offensive comedy he often feels like he was born in the wrong decade. 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. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is painted with a gloss polyurethane finish. 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. I see the II had a different profilehavent played it yet, but I prefer thinner necks and deep c sort of scares me at face value. The II plays smooth and feels great, I remember thinking the same about the original. [Complete guide], Fender American Professional II Stratocaster, American Professional II Strat vs Vintera 50s Strat, Musician Jobs: 7 Reasons Why AI Is Not a Threat. There are 3 types of neck joints: bolt-on, set, and neck through. On the subject of fingerboards, Fenders American Ultra models come installed with Medium Jumbo frets. Guitars and basses from the original American Professional lineup came fitted with Fenders V-Modpickups. 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. As time has gone on, a lot of frustrating issues have popped up with that guitar, mostly due to how cheap it is. 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. 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. 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. 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. As others have said, both are top notch so it really comes down to preference. If you want to know everything about the effect of guitar body shapes, and their influence on the instrument, check out this article: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a solid alder body. I am interested in getting a used Pro I, but cant try it in person because its not local. The light weight, punchy tonal qualities and stunning grain pattern of Roasted Pine makes it a more than worthy alternative though! Ive narrowed it down to the Ultra and the Professional II. How do tailpieces affect a guitars tone? Compared to some higher-end Fenders, including two Custom Shops, it stands up among the very best I've spent time with. After a lot of back and forth, I moved from a Squire to an American Professional, skipping the Mexican Player models. 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. [Complete guide], Does fingerboard material affect tone? Good mid-range prices with great quality. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has Fender Standard Die-cast tuners, Fender V-Mod II Single-coil pickups, and Coil-tapping (HSS), Neck pickup blend (SSS) electronics. 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. You are using an out of date browser. The shape of a guitars headstock is not really a big defining factor for its tone. This is definitely one of the best Jazzmasters manufactured by Fender! Andertons Synths, Keys & Tech YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/ns172M Fender's Pro II guitar features 22 narrow-tall frets, a Deep-C neck, alongside a sculpted neck heel. Finding the particular specs of 2 guitars online is quite some work. 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. Make sure to subscribe to Andertons TV for more great videos like this: https://goo.gl/aAzyQM The same core Fender models that form the American Professional II lineup are also what prop up the American Ultra series. 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. These are bigger than the Narrow Tall frets fitted on the American Professional II guitars, with their modern size providing a more controllable feel and enhancing tone/sustain. These also have a push-push pot for series-parallel switching. [Complete wood guide]. 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. These are not factory-fitted on the American Pro II guitars, but can be purchased as an aftermarket upgrade. This is a forum where guitarists, from novice to experienced, can explore the world of guitar through a variety of media and discussion. The material of a guitars fingerboards is as important as the one of the rest of the neck. 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. The other big thing is resale value - American Fenders go for higher prices in the used market. Rolled fingerboard edges and tapered neck heels are also standard features across the American Ultra range. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (blue) and American Ultra (red/ orange) Stratocasters. It may not display this or other websites correctly. A heavier guitar will give you more sustain, but a lighter guitar will be more resonant, and easier to play and carry around. The American Ultra models have locking tuners unlike the American Professional II models. The Pro 2 is probably the more traditional 'stratty' of the two, but both play really well. In terms of tone, the American Professional II guitars sound more crunchy and warmer compared to the American Ultra guitars which sound cleaner and brighter. They're both crazy high quality for general production run guitars in terms of fit and finish. . The Captains Rig | https://www.andertons.co.uk/captain-andertons-rig Deep is probably a misleading description, it really a slightly fuller C - and it is quite good! 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. The Ultra model has a 6-saddle bridge whereas the Pro II has a 3-saddle bridge design. Fender's QC at the US factory is excellent. I do like the rolled fingerboard edges on the II, and less important, I prefer the slight vintage tint. Fender American Pro Strat in Sunburst, with maple neck. Fender has decided to retain its popular Deep C neck shape for its American Professional II electric guitars. 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. Have you played ss frets? Simply put - there's tonnes of variety! 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. I have literally never had issues with Fenders in that price range. 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. 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. 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. Additionally, youll find narrow tall frets on the Pro II version and medium jumbo frets on the Ultra. 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. The Ultras noiseless pickups do not produce any hum or suffer from feedback unlike the V-Mod II pickups on the Pro II. In this article I go deep into that topic and answer the most pressing questions: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a bolt-on neck. 12:30 Fender HSS Stratocaster Tones There are also many factors that could determine what weight of guitar would be best for you. What is fretboard radius and why is it important? Fender has had the rolled fingerboard edges on this level guitar since the American Series came out in 2000. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Miami Blue | https://tinyurl.com/y4w9svgg 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. This can be a difficult question with many different answers. You can also hear an example of the Pro I as well (sunburst). Fenders American Professional II Stratocaster offers multiple upgrades from its inaugural configuration. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. I don't think so. I don't know if the pro ii model is the exact model that is right for you. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 10 14 Compound radius. Core 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. Many players dont consider this as important as other features, but more experienced ones will be very picky about this. The only parts of Fenders American Ultra instruments that remain traditional are their body materials. 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. I started playing an electric guitar when I was given a Squier Strat for my birthday around 15 years ago. Hello there, my name is Ramiro and Ive been playing guitar for almost 20 years. For those who have hands-on experience with both: Is the only difference the "Super-Natural" finish on the back of the AmProII neck? Other ergonomic updates include rolled fingerboard edges across the whole Fender American Professional II line, as well as sculpted neck heels that allow for unrestricted upper-fret access. It's a bit expensive, but it sounds, looks and feels incredible. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 10 - 14 Compound radius. 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. Balancing a perfect blend of traditional design & modern practicality, Fender has truly listened to its players' & collaborated with various artists in order to improve the American Pro II Series to what it is today. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The frets on a guitar have a deep impact on its playability. You've watched the videos & seen the store, now join the Andertons Family with our exclusive, official merchandise! I looked into the ultra, and I just cant justify the cost vs what you get. Fender's QC at the US factory is excellent. Even better, the neck has rolled edges for premium playability and comfort. From guitars, pedals, amps, and synths to studio gear and production tips, I hope you find what I post here useful, and Ill try my best to keep it entertaining also. 11:00 Fender Pro II Stratocaster with Gain Pattern Vintage In the following article, I dive deep into the most common questions players ask about tuners, and their functionality: Guitar pickups are one of the main components of any electric guitar. I think it will end up being the Professional II then. 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 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. If it were a choice of upgrading from a Pro 1 to a Pro 2, I'd say it's . This solidbody electric guitars first major upgrade lies in the pickup selection. 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. The push-pull thing seems interesting, although I was never a fan of the S1 switch on other models and thought it a bit gimmicky. In neck trough instruments, the neck elongates and becomes the central piece of the body, where most of its hardware is mounted. After that, I will show you some sound tests I found, and give you a brief history of each one of them. An upgraded 2-point tremolo bridge and cold-rolled steel block combine to give you plenty of sustain and brightness. My favourite guitar in 25 years. However, selected Fender American Professional II guitars and basses (with natural finishes) boast Roasted Pine bodies instead. Prosoundhq.com is also a member of other affiliate programmes. Nitro wears off with time but has a more organic feel to the touch and is said to improve sustain and resonance. The Fender American Ultra series includes right-handed versions of the Stratocaster (SSS and HSS), Telecaster and Jazzmaster. The blues virtuoso's 'Number One' Strat was the core of his tone . Also, there are different fret materials to consider. 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. 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. USA is certainly not twice as good as the others. Here is a table showing the key differences between Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Stratocaster, Telecaster and Jazzmaster models. Pick one up, and youll notice! I figure if I dont like it, I can return within the 30 or 45 day window. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Dark Night | https://tinyurl.com/y4c85od6 Here is a table outlining which models and pickup configurations are available in each series and whether they are available in left-handed or just right-handed versions. 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. So again, it's a matter of what you're going for. It can thus be said, again, that Fender heavily drew upon its American Ultra models when conceptualising the Pro II series. This curvature is really a defining factor for how the instrument plays, and some players are very strict about it. Fender American Pro II Jazzmaster in 3-Tone Sunburst | https://tinyurl.com/yxz8kalr 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. [Complete guide], Do guitar tuners affect tone? 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.
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