The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a Stratocaster body. You are using an out of date browser. [Playability, tone, and scale], Does guitar scale length affect tone? Fender's reimagined American Pro II series brings over features from the popular American Ultra line, including a truly ergonomic neck heel. The basses havent been left behind either when it comes to their hardware. Buy a T Shirt: https://goo.gl/TrTe78 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. But looking forward to playing a II. Simply put theres tonnes of variety! 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. This curvature is really a defining factor for how the instrument plays, and some players are very strict about it. You are using an out of date browser. 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. The Fender American Ultra series includes right-handed versions of the Stratocaster (SSS and HSS), Telecaster and Jazzmaster. The only time I can suggest one would be if you value being made in USA. You can also hear an example of the Pro I as well (sunburst). Its clear that Fenders American Professional II and Ultra instruments are exceptional. Id say no. American Professional II guitars have thicker necks and higher output pickups giving them a more modern tone compared to the American Performer guitars. Designed for modern musicians that seek ultimate performance, precision and tone; these contemporary models go above and beyond those in previous top-of-the-range Fender series' without straying too far from their original, iconic formulas. Fender American Ultra Strat Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y2ow3bve Modern guitar and bass players have never had more exciting creative tools at their disposal! 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. CE These tweaks may be difficult to spot at first glance, but they make a huge difference when it comes to overall playability. 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. 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. Additionally, youll find narrow tall frets on the Pro II version and medium jumbo frets on the Ultra. 27:10 Thoughts, Case & Stock Availability Interested in finding out more about music gear and expanding your knowledge? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. The neck is really nice, but its a little different from other Fenders. As a huge fan of the Fender Jazzmaster, Cooper needed to get his hands on all of these to do a proper comparison-- with upgrades from the predecessor American Professional line including a beveled heel carve, V-Mod II pickups, the return of the "rhythm circuit" controls, and new finishing options, these guitars are up to the excellent standard 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. Even better, the neck has rolled edges for premium playability and comfort. I play thumb over the top so I appreciate a soft edge but theyre not miles apart. However, theres no single answer to whether a lighter or heavier guitar will sound better than the other. The American Ultras have a slight edge when it comes to their pickups and hardware appointments, but that is reflected in their pricing. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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). The whole instrument has been thought out and designed in painstaking detail, all the way down to the embossed Fender headstock logo and extra comfortable trem arm.. Holy ****, manI just looked and youre right. What is giving Ronnie Wood his tone in this song. 11:00 Fender Pro II Stratocaster with Gain Performance & security by Cloudflare. Tailpieces are often forgotten when thinking about guitar parts, however, they have been there for centuries, and there are many different designs with alternate features. It's a bit expensive, but it sounds, looks and feels incredible. SE Guitars in both series feature a sculpted neck heel to aid upper fret access however, on the Ultra it is more dramatic to give the player even easier access to the upper register. This isnt a case of Fender playing it safe, but rather the brand wishing to keep the core elements of its guitars the same as they are what make a Fender a Fender! 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. Guitar necks come in a variety of different joints, and each one has its own pros and cons. The Captains Rig | https://www.andertons.co.uk/captain-andertons-rig I have an Ultra Tele. Pick one up, and youll notice! However, because they are hidden inside the cavities into its body, they are often forgotten. The Stratocaster wears the American Ultra's contemporary stylings well. The American Professional II series includes all the same right-handed versions but also includes some left-handed versions and a humbucker Telecaster model. Many players dont consider this as important as other features, but more experienced ones will be very picky about this. A more comparable choice is the American Original Series - that's where I have settled after stints with both CS and Am Pro guitars. Had I gone for a Mexican Player, I might have had a good guitar but would always have had a nagging thought in the back of my mind going "what if?". Thanks. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y6kv9bdr Does guitar body shape affect tone or playability? 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 Strat HSS Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4xzt6vt Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/yxo3fm6f What is fretboard radius and why is it important? They offer world-class tones with no compromise on playability. It was too slippery for lack of a better term. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (Butterscotch Blonde) and American Ultra Telecaster (white). Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. TDPRI, short for Telecaster Discussion Page Reissue, is the leading online community and marketplace for Telecaster guitars. The kind of material used to build a guitars body is something you should really pay attention to. Fender's Pro II guitar features 22 narrow-tall frets, a Deep-C neck, alongside a sculpted neck heel. Wide Fat Been a while since I had my AmPro though. 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. 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. This is one of the main factors that define the tone of an instrument. The Ultras noiseless pickups do not produce any hum or suffer from feedback unlike the V-Mod II pickups on the Pro II. Fender's flagship USA-made guitar & bass lineup has just received a major makeover! Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Miami Blue | https://tinyurl.com/y4w9svgg 15 years of Work Gone, Don't store picks in zip bags for too long. In this article, Ill be comparing the two series head-to-head so you can decide which is the best for you. MA. 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. Both series include SSS and HSS pickup configurations however only the American Professional II series includes a left-handed version of the SSS Strat. Fender has had the rolled fingerboard edges on this level guitar since the American Series came out in 2000. I'm not sure the pro ii or the ultra bring much more to the table than the older american deluxe series. Based on classic designs and subtly-modernised with forward-thinking features, these contemporary guitars and basses can strike a chord with players of all disciplines and styles. The 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. Or $300/month for 6 months. Watch this video for Lee & Petes thoughts on the new Fender Ultra guitars, plus an actual tone shoot out between the old Elite models & the new Ultra versions! These 2 finishes are both types of varnish that can be used to protect and beautify a guitars wood. 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. Fender American Professional II HSS Strat and Telecaster Deluxe guitars come equipped with newly-voiced V-Mod II Double Tap humbuckers too, which perfectly complement Fenders V-Mod II single-coils. If not, Ill definitely look into older american standards. Fender Stevie Ray Vaughan Stratocaster. The type of wood that a guitar neck is made of will have a significant impact on the tone of your guitar. 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. 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. Finally, we will help you compare different models and make an informed decision about which pickup is right for you. 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. I recently bought a 2017 AmPro HH RW Strat and was quite blown away by the playability and feel of the neck. I started of on a really bad steel string, then bought my first electric a year ago for about $200. Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Left-Hand 61,200 68,000 Fender American Professional II Telecaster 61,200 - 64,800 Fender American Professional II Stratocaster HSS 63,000 - 66,600 Fender American Professional II Stratocaster 61,200 - 64,800 The words Fender, Telecaster, Stratocaster and the associated headstock designs are registered trademarks of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. 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 Youll also find rolled fretboard edges on guitars in both series. 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. 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. I am interested in getting a used Pro I, but cant try it in person because its not local. 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. I have a Pro 2 and an Ultra, and had a Pro 1 as well. I think the Vintera line is the best value and then you got a steep point of diminishing returns. Guitarists who are searching for a high-end offset guitar . 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. 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. ThorpyFX Dane Overdrive/boost - https://tinyurl.com/y6eoposs 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. Some bridges also have extra functionalities. Although these updates arent anything to write home about, they exemplify how Fender tastefully improves upon its formulas over time without doing anything too drastic. They have very different necks, both in terms of radius, profile and frets. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2d90c11c2fe174 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. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bone nut. It can thus be said, again, that Fender heavily drew upon its American Ultra models when conceptualising the Pro II series. If you have guitar related questions, use the "Search" field FIRST, Then ask the community. [Guide], Does a guitars neck joint affect its tone? In his spare time, Elliot browses eBay for second-hand Music Man guitars, Marshalls and merch from bands you've never heard of. As time has gone on, a lot of frustrating issues have popped up with that guitar, mostly due to how cheap it is. But which is the best? The versatility of the new American Professional II Fender Jazz Bass (or J Bass) comes to life thanks to twin V-Mod II single-coil Jazz Bass pickups and its HiMass vintage bridge for increased sustain. Press J to jump to the feed. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fender's American Professional II series. (3) Fender American Professional II Telecaster Deluxe - Dark Night with Rosewood Fingerboard. Bigger frets make a guitar easier to play, however, they hinder the overall intonation of the instrument. A guitar's lifespan is mostly related to how well it is maintained and treated. You must log in or register to reply here. Could these be the best guitars Fender has ever made? This design also helps to prevent notes from fretting out when performing string bends, making it a very practical design. Not concerned with tuners. 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). We will outline how pickups work and what are the central factors that determine how they influence the tone of your instrument. Even if youre a traditionally bent player, dont be dismayed: the American Ultra Stratocaster is a Strat through and through. If you manage to get an open box or display model for cheaper than a new guitar, you'll see barely any downside when you try to sell it. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (blue) and American Ultra (red/ orange) Stratocasters. I looked into the ultra, and I just cant justify the cost vs what you get. The electronics of an electric guitar are what give the instrument its name. 13/10/20 2:00pm - 11 min read | 35 min watch. A guitars bridge is one of the 2 points of contact the strings have with the body and neck. On the humbucker-equipped HSS Strat and Tele Deluxe models, this serves as a coil-split switch instead. Neither series has a left-handed version of the HSS Strat. Personally, I just LOVE the Dark Night color and can't say no to it. 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.. 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. Sporting minor yet noteworthy upgrades, these instruments perfectly merge classic Fender design with modern practicality. 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. The American Ultra series encompasses Fender's most advanced, forward-thinking instruments to date. Make sure you like them before doing this. 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. Lightweight tuners are also installed on these basses, which prevent neck-dive and thus make the instruments more balanced in standing positions. Go on reverb and look at the price of secondhand Baja teles vs Americans pro series. The neck was super smooth. 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. 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. The shape of a guitar neck has a significant impact on the tone and playability. Finding the particular specs of 2 guitars online is quite some work. Fenders American Ultra Noiseless pickups are split into two types. Fender has also introduced some tasteful new colour options that are exclusive to these guitars and basses. 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. 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. Whether your preferred guitar has one or not, it shouldnt worry you too much. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4frspd5 I held one at Guitar Center. On the Ultra series versions, this switch is located on the volume control and on the Pro II versions it is located on the second tone control. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with 22 medium jumbo nickel silver frets. [Complete wood guide]. 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. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Roasted Pine | https://tinyurl.com/y4978jwp 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. 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. Headrush vs Helix vs Kemper vs GT1000 vs AX8: Which is best? The blues virtuoso's 'Number One' Strat was the core of his tone . The Ultra model has a 6-saddle bridge whereas the Pro II has a 3-saddle bridge design. For those who want a deeper dive into all the specs that make these 2 guitars different, in this article I will put them side by side so you can see their main differences. Finally, I will give you some comments about each of these instruments. 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. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/y6ar99k4 The main differences between the Fender American Performer and American Professional guitars are the neck profile and pickups. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 9.5 radius. Find out their differences in sound, playability, build quality and value. I don't think so. Like the OP, I'm also torn between these two models. I wonder what is new with the V-Mod "II" pickups, maybe voiced for a bit more snap? Im obsessed with everything gear-related and I thought it might be worth sharing it. 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! Strat Talk is the leading online community and marketplace for Stratocaster guitars. The only parts of Fenders American Ultra instruments that remain traditional are their body materials. In conjunction, both these 2 parts have a deep impact on the final tone of the instrument. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y3avdhpz The scale length of a guitar refers to the longitude of the vibrating part of the string. 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 So its time for an upgrade. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. I think it will end up being the Professional II then. Now, Fender has revised these with their newly-designed V-Mod II pickups. These also have a push-push pot for series-parallel switching. Does a guitars nut affect its tone? This is a forum where guitarists, from novice to experienced, can explore the world of guitar through a variety of media and discussion. The Pro 2 is probably the more traditional 'stratty' of the two, but both play really well. 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. Andertons Shopping Website: https://goo.gl/TPsG2Q 0:00 Intro Jam on the New Fender American Pro II If you find that it's a struggle to remove and insert the tremolo arm, Fender suggests removing and bending the retainer clip outward slightly and re-inserting it. 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. 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. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid body. This is definitely one of the best Jazzmasters manufactured by Fender!