The Ultra Strat has some notable upgrades such as the locking tuners, enhanced body contours and a more sculpted neck heel which are not seen on American Pro II Strat. 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. 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. Fender American Ultra Strat Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y2ow3bve [Playability, tone, and scale], Does guitar scale length affect tone? This design also helps to prevent notes from fretting out when performing string bends, making it a very practical design. In short, a guitars top has a slight, but perceivable, influence on its tone, however, they are mostly used for aesthetic purposes. JavaScript is disabled. Episode Guide The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster fretboard is built of maple / rosewood. If you are here, it seems like I have already done that job for you. The lightweight, contoured body delivers a nicely balanced tonal foundation with a highly-resonant quality. It's a bit expensive, but it sounds, looks and feels incredible. 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. I held one at Guitar Center. These also have a push-push pot for series-parallel switching. But is one of these flagship Fender series clearly better than the other? An upgraded 2-point tremolo bridge and cold-rolled steel block combine to give you plenty of sustain and brightness. However, weve also compared these fresh-to-the-market models with Fenders highest-spec production guitars from the American Ultra series to help you to distinguish which instruments are best-suited for your playing needs! A guitar's lifespan is mostly related to how well it is maintained and treated. Thanks. However, many players argue that differences in mass, especially at the end of the neck can have some implications in tone. Pattern Regular The other big thing is resale value - American Fenders go for higher prices in the used market. Your IP: 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. Here are some more articles you might find useful: Hey, I'm Heather. 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. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with 22 medium jumbo nickel silver frets. JavaScript is disabled. 27:10 Thoughts, Case & Stock Availability Its probably my favorite neck on any of my guitars and I somehow had the profile wrong. 22:14 Fender American Pro II Jazzmaster They also have slightly different properties that some players argue can influence the tone of your guitar. I have an Ultra Tele. Fender American Strats: Pro VS Elite VS Special - Reidys Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/yxo3fm6f The words Fender, Telecaster, Stratocaster and the associated headstock designs are registered trademarks of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. Fender American Ultra Telecasters: 12:30 Fender HSS Stratocaster Tones Is the "II" supposed to be an upgrade? In neck trough instruments, the neck elongates and becomes the central piece of the body, where most of its hardware is mounted. The shape of a guitars headstock is not really a big defining factor for its tone. 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 electronics of an electric guitar are what give the instrument its name. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. S2 The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid body. Fenders American Ultra Noiseless pickups are split into two types. These tweaks may be difficult to spot at first glance, but they make a huge difference when it comes to overall playability. TeTe MICOponkichi http . Fender American Professional II | Sweetwater Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Jazzmaster models. 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. After a lot of back and forth, I moved from a Squire to an American Professional, skipping the Mexican Player models. Best Telecasters 2023 | Guitar World If you want to know more about this, I invite you to read the post below: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Cold-rolled Steel Block bridge. 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! The majority of guitars and basses from the American Professional II series adhere to the timeless Fender tonewood combination. The most important thing to note is that it is not just the type of pickup that determines a guitars sound, but also how and where you place the pickup on the guitar. What is fretboard radius and why is it important? I own an American Pro II deluxe Tele and its awesome. Anything from Fender will last you a lifetime so you don't have to worry about that. 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. Most of the CS Relics have VERY THIN nitro finishes while the AM Pro has a much thicker (compared to CS) poly finish. Fender American Ultra Strat Maple Fretboard Mocha Burst - https://tinyurl.com/y6xoozzr TDPRI, short for Telecaster Discussion Page Reissue, is the leading online community and marketplace for Telecaster guitars. 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 Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 9.5 radius. This solidbody electric guitars first major upgrade lies in the pickup selection. An additional plus-point, so to speak, of Fenders American Ultra guitars and basses are their 10 14 compound radius fingerboards. Both guitars have a 2-point tremolo bridge with a pop-in tremolo arm and also include extra switching. The Bajas and Classic Player series held their value much better. How are the pickups? Compared to some higher-end Fenders, including two Custom Shops, it stands up among the very best I've spent time with. The Hardware The original Jazzmaster experienced some problems with its bridge and the tremolo arm. Whether your preferred guitar has one or not, it shouldnt worry you too much. Ive tried the Pro II and really like the neck profile. These 2 finishes are both types of varnish that can be used to protect and beautify a guitars wood. 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. Necks: American Professional vs. American Pro II | Fender Stratocaster The new flagship American Professional II series arrives alongside Fender's 'The One. I was thinking about getting a Professional. They have very different necks, both in terms of radius, profile and frets. Other differences include the neck binding and locking tuners on the Ultra Jazzmaster which are not seen on the American Pro II version. Nitro is a type of varnish that is thinner and less durable, while poly is thicker, way more durable, and cheaper. 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. 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! Here is a table showing the key differences between Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Stratocaster, Telecaster and Jazzmaster models. However, there are less total colour options available compared to the American Professional II series which has an eclectic mix of both traditional and modern finishes. 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. 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. Is an American Ultra worth the extra money compared to the American Pro II? Squier Lines Explained: Which Is Best for You? Click on one of these links to find out more Even if youre a traditionally bent player, dont be dismayed: the American Ultra Stratocaster is a Strat through and through. Mar 14, 2021. 111 NE 1st St, Miami, FL, Miami-Dade, US, 33132 Solidbody Electric Guitar, with Alder Body, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fretboard, 2 Single-coil Pickups, and Tremolo - 3-color Sunburst. 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. Headrush vs Helix vs Kemper vs GT1000 vs AX8: Which is best? Fender American Professional II vs. Ultra Guitars The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 2-Point Fender Deluxe Synchronized Tremolo bridge. Not concerned with tuners. TrevorG likes this. Now, I just don't know. Good question, there are only a couple differences that I can see - the top-loader option for the bridge and the sculpted heel, and a roasted pine option that seems interesting. The words Fender, Telecaster, Stratocaster and the associated headstock designs are registered trademarks of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. You can also hear an example of the Pro I as well (sunburst). 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. Could these be the best guitars Fender has ever made? 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. The main differences between the Fender American Performer and American Professional guitars are the neck profile and pickups. 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. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bone nut. I'd say not really. 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. You have some benefits to an American made Fender - the two off the top of my head are the bone nut and the neck profile. I dont notice much difference between the supernatural and the original AmPro finish. 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 Fender American Ultra Jazzmaster vs Fender American Professional II There are many factors that contribute to the sound of a guitar, and whether it has a top is an important one. 0:00 Intro Jam on the New Fender American Pro II 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. 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. Buy A T-Shirt | https://tinyurl.com/vdq7rmg The Captains Rig | https://www.andertons.co.uk/captain-andertons-rig Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II, American Pro I ( and American Ultra Jazzmaster. 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. Fender's QC at the US factory is excellent. In his spare time, Elliot browses eBay for second-hand Music Man guitars, Marshalls and merch from bands you've never heard of. Differences Between Fender American Stratocaster Models [2021] - PMT Online Guitars and basses from the original American Professional lineup came fitted with Fenders V-Modpickups. In keeping with our comparisons of Fender's new beautiful American Professional II line, we're back to take a look at the American Pro II Strat up against its modern and advanced. I have an American Pro and love the modern C neck. Overall, wed probably say that the American Professional II instruments are solid Fender thoroughbreds with a 21st Century twist, while the American Ultra models are designed primarily for players seeking top performance and versatility. PRS Neck Profiles Explained: Comparing Shapes and Sizes. 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. Find out their differences in sound, playability, build quality and value. Ive been playing for about two years now. 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. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. The American Pro II Strat features V-Mod II single coils, a 2-point tremolo, and a push-push tone pot that can add the neck pickup at the press of a button. Some bridges also have extra functionalities. https://tinyurl.com/y6a22s4k The shape of a guitar neck has a significant impact on the tone and playability. So, it all comes down to feel and your own personal preferences. It was REALLY HARD to leave the store without that Strat. 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. Understanding the Fender Pop-in Trem Arm | Sweetwater - SweetCare However, because they are hidden inside the cavities into its body, they are often forgotten. Andertons Drummers YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/9yKSS9 It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. 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! Click to reveal I wanted the specs that it came with. If you were to abuse or neglect a Pro II like most people treat cheap guitars (store it in a damp basement, throw it in a closet out of a case under a pile of dirty laundry) it probably wouldn't hold up well either. The kind of material used to build a guitars body is something you should really pay attention to. Holy ****, manI just looked and youre right. Or $300/month for 6 months. American Professional II Strat vs American Ultra Strat - GearAficionado On the Ultra Tele youll find noiseless pickups unlike on the Pro II model. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 25.5 scale length. However, the Ultras have neck heels that are more dramatically-contoured and thus offer virtually zero upper-fret restriction! Good mid-range prices with great quality. There are also many factors that could determine what weight of guitar would be best for you. I have an American Pro I and had an Ultra. In conjunction, both these 2 parts have a deep impact on the final tone of the instrument. However, if you take good care of a guitar, storing and maintaining it properly, even a cheap one, it should last decades. Wide Fat It is essentially Fenders new core USA range; encompassing 100 guitar and bass models that promise enhanced versatility and playability over their predecessors. 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). Their Telecaster cousins come installed with completely redesigned Top Loader/String-Through bridges, which allow you to thread their strings either through their bodies or from their bridge plates. PRS Silver Sky VS Fender Strat (direct comparison) - Guitar Chalk Fender American Professional II or Elite/Ultra Precision? Fender American Professional Jazzmaster Review - Old-Time Music Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. If you want to know more about how its measured and the effect it has on the playability of a guitar, you should look at the following article: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has 22 narrow tall nickel silver frets. IMO the hard finish sounds.well.harder. 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. This gives them a sleeker and more elegant feel when compared with their American Pro II cousins. Different scale lengths have varying influences over things such as string tension, and of course, fret gap size. I think it will end up being the Professional II then. . It can thus be said, again, that Fender heavily drew upon its American Ultra models when conceptualising the Pro II series. 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. And my plan is to drive to the nearest shop that carries them (2.5 hours away), test a couple out, then buy a used one online if I liked how it played. 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. It states rolled fingerboard edges as a new feature, but I thought the Pro-Standards have had that for quite some time. 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 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. American Original 70's Tele Custom neck finish, Cap outer foil tester build -- Peegoo Custom Special. 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.