Episode Guide However, selected Fender American Professional II guitars and basses (with natural finishes) boast Roasted Pine bodies instead. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y3avdhpz The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 25.5 scale length. The same core Fender models that form the American Professional II lineup are also what prop up the American Ultra series. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Even the resale value thing is a myth. Modern guitar and bass players have never had more exciting creative tools at their disposal! Finally, we will help you compare different models and make an informed decision about which pickup is right for you. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fender's American Professional II series. I own an American Pro II deluxe Tele and its awesome. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. (3) Fender American Professional II Telecaster Deluxe - Dark Night with Rosewood Fingerboard. This gives them a sleeker and more elegant feel when compared with their American Pro II cousins. Fender American Professional II - The Hardware The original Jazzmaster experienced some problems with its bridge and the tremolo arm. The majority of your money is going towards labor costs. 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. Understanding the Fender Pop-in Trem Arm | Sweetwater - SweetCare In terms of the neck designs, the Pro II Jazzmaster has a slightly thicker deep C neck and narrower fingerboard radius compared to the Ultra Jazzmaster which has a slightly narrower modern D neck and wider fingerboard radius. 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. The majority of guitars and basses from the American Professional II series adhere to the timeless Fender tonewood combination. Ultimate Jazzmaster Comparison | Alamo Music Center Deep is probably a misleading description, it really a slightly fuller C - and it is quite good! The American Ultra models have locking tuners unlike the American Professional II models. The best place to start if you're new is right below in our "Rules" section. Sporting minor yet noteworthy upgrades, these instruments perfectly merge classic Fender design with modern practicality. If you have any other questions feel free to let me know! Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Rosewood Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y3eqvg5m The other big thing is resale value - American Fenders go for higher prices in the used market. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a Fender Stratocaster headstock. American Ultra guitars and basses are unique in the Fender catalogue for their non-typical Modern D-shaped necks. [Complete guide], Does fingerboard material affect tone? American Elite. Standards were modern C, as are performers. Does fret number matter? As time has gone on, a lot of frustrating issues have popped up with that guitar, mostly due to how cheap it is. For the most part, Fenders American Professional II guitars maintain almost everything that made the original American Pro models so great. 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. Additionally, the Ultra only has 21 frets whereas the Pro II has 22 frets which are spaced more closely together. Different guitar body tonewoods and their effect on tone, Do guitar tops affect tone? They also have slightly different properties that some players argue can influence the tone of your guitar. Or $300/month for 6 months. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bridge integrated tailpiece. 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. I have an American Pro and love the modern C neck. All these necks are based on the C-shape and have the following PRS SE vs S2 Guitars (Including Custom, Standard, McCarty). 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. Set necks attach to a pocket in the guitars body and stay put with glue. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Roasted Pine | https://tinyurl.com/y4978jwp Different scale lengths have varying influences over things such as string tension, and of course, fret gap size. Click here to view all of our Labs articles! Here we compare the Fender American Ultra Jazzmaster and the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster. Welcome to r/guitar, a community devoted to the exchange of guitar related information. 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. Necks: American Professional vs. American Pro II | Fender Stratocaster These kits feature new rear bumpers, spoilers, side skirts, valances, grilles, grille emblems, and fender extensions to transform the look of your Mustang. The Ultra series only includes a right-handed SS Telecaster. However, because they are hidden inside the cavities into its body, they are often forgotten. 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. Anything from Fender will last you a lifetime so you don't have to worry about that. Both series include SSS and HSS pickup configurations however only the American Professional II series includes a left-handed version of the SSS Strat. I didn't like mine until I raised them to spec, they came installed about 3/16" from the strings, far too low. After I sold my last MIM Strat, I find myself without a Fender guitar for the first time since I started playing. 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. The Pro 2 is probably the more traditional 'stratty' of the two, but both play really well. It is going to come down to which specs you like better. 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. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster fretboard is built of maple / rosewood. If you like old-school Fenders these guitars really arent for you! 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 VS Ultra - YouTube 0:00 / 15:49 Fender American Pro II VS Ultra astringsuk 11K subscribers Subscribe 753 71K views 2 years ago We see how well the Pro II stacks up. I'd have to sell a Strat or two first. American Professional II guitars have thicker necks and higher output pickups giving them a more modern tone compared to the American Performer guitars. Only some minor updates have been executed. [Complete guide], Does guitar weight affect tone? For those who have hands-on experience with both: Is the only difference the "Super-Natural" finish on the back of the AmProII neck? 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. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Stratocaster models. Pickups are [] 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. American Professional II | Fender 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. But similarly to those models, Fenders American Ultra instruments have smooth satin-finished necks that allow for fast playability. Deals. Fender American Pro II Telecaster in Mercury | https://tinyurl.com/yxz2e2gk 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. Privacy Policy. Youll find medium jumbo frets on the Ultra version and narrow tall frets on the Pro II version. A guitar's lifespan is mostly related to how well it is maintained and treated. Yet, one of the most popular debates is about nitro vs poly. On the HSS versions it coil taps the humbucker pickup. 0:00 Intro Jam on the New Fender American Pro II 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. Fender has decided to retain its popular Deep C neck shape for its American Professional II electric guitars. 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. Buy A T-Shirt | https://tinyurl.com/vdq7rmg The Ultra Tele has a slimmer modern D shape neck and flatter compound fretboard radius compared to the Pro II Tele which has a deep C neck and narrower fretboard radius. That's a good way to put it - the American Pro II (and American Ultra) necks are for lack of a better term "even more rolled" than what Fender was doing previously. Additionally, youll find narrow tall frets on the Pro II version and medium jumbo frets on the Ultra. GearAficionado The Ultra model has a 6-saddle bridge whereas the Pro II has a 3-saddle bridge design. Solidbody Electric Guitar, with Alder Body, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fretboard, 2 Single-coil Pickups, and Tremolo - 3-color Sunburst. Fender American Professional Jazzmaster Review - Old-Time Music Interested in other Andertons YouTube channels? If you have guitar related questions, use the "Search" field FIRST, Then ask the community. 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 I don't think so. Fender American Professional II Telecaster | Reverb While the bridge is removed, locate the retainer clip from the back of the . The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bone nut. Could these be the best guitars Fender has ever made? Click on one of these links to find out more However, if you take good care of a guitar, storing and maintaining it properly, even a cheap one, it should last decades. #Andertons #Fender #AmericanProII, https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_0nq4xgWJ3U/default.jpg. 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. Youll also find narrow tall frets on the Pro II and medium jumbo frets on the Ultra. I read all the reviews and hype and bought a Suhr sight unseen and found that I couldn't stand the way it played with the ss (the guitar was fantastic in every way other than that btw). In conjunction, both these 2 parts have a deep impact on the final tone of the instrument. 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. MA. Also, take into consideration that the fretboard is the point of contact for your playing fingers with the guitar, so feel is also a very important factor. Been a while since I had my AmPro though. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Miami Blue | https://tinyurl.com/y4w9svgg Mar 14, 2021. I think the Vintera line is the best value and then you got a steep point of diminishing returns. Find out their differences in sound, playability, build quality and value. In these articles, I dive deep into how important are frets for a guitar. 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. 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. Knowing the differences between each joint can help you decide which is best for you. This requires removing the bridge from the instrument but should allow the arm to pop in and out easily. 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. What is fretboard radius and why is it important? Pattern 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. Shop all Fender American Pro II Stratocasters | https://tinyurl.com/y68vk8bk Fender American Ultra Strat Maple Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y4al8ffc The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 9.5 radius. [Guide], Does a guitars neck joint affect its tone? Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y6kv9bdr 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. Ive tried the Pro II and really like the neck profile. Simply put theres tonnes of variety! 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. It was too slippery for lack of a better term. This included Cobra Blue, Mocha Burst, Ultraburst, Plasma Red Burst and the stunning Texas Tea, all of which remain exclusive to Fenders American Ultra guitars and basses. 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. On the subject of fingerboards, Fenders American Ultra models come installed with Medium Jumbo frets. The Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster is built with a 10 - 14 Compound radius. Andertons Shopping Website: https://goo.gl/TPsG2Q It states rolled fingerboard edges as a new feature, but I thought the Pro-Standards have had that for quite some time. Agreed but I don't blame people for not liking the price. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/yxo3fm6f 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. You've watched the videos & seen the store, now join the Andertons Family with our exclusive, official merchandise! Buy a T Shirt: https://goo.gl/TrTe78 Each package comes ready to be painted to get the perfect match for your Fox Body . Ultra series guitars have noiseless pickups and locking tuners unlike the Pro II series guitars. https://tinyurl.com/y6a22s4k This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. 12:30 Fender HSS Stratocaster Tones I have a 2014 fender american deluxe strat which I love and adore and it cost around $1200 used. 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. Headrush vs Helix vs Kemper vs GT1000 vs AX8: Which is best? Pick one up, and youll notice! Make sure to subscribe to Andertons TV for more great videos like this: https://goo.gl/aAzyQM The Captains Rig | https://www.andertons.co.uk/captain-andertons-rig Have you played ss frets? Fender American Ultra Series - Their Most Advanced Guitars Ever? Who do you pick as one of the best guitarist of all time, Alnico5 single coil pickups in a 2019 player strat. 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. The neck was super smooth. Strat Talk is the leading online community and marketplace for Stratocaster guitars. I love the deep C neck carve and the pickups sound stellar. Rolled fingerboard edges and tapered neck heels are also standard features across the American Ultra range. 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. Check Out Their Rigs Here! Andertons Synths, Keys & Tech YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/ns172M Is an American Ultra worth the extra money compared to the American Pro II? The American Ultra series encompasses Fender's most advanced, forward-thinking instruments to date. Here are some more articles you might find useful: Hey, I'm Heather. One is not better than the other. Check out my complete guide to the different Stratocaster models to make sure you get the best option. Its probably my favorite neck on any of my guitars and I somehow had the profile wrong. The Fender American Ultra series includes right-handed versions of the Stratocaster (SSS and HSS), Telecaster and Jazzmaster. 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. I have an American Pro I and had an Ultra. Make sure you like them before doing this. The Bajas and Classic Player series held their value much better. That being said, the Ultras are some of the most playable guitars I've ever played (although the Am Pro IIs play great as well). 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.