I am interested in getting a used Pro I, but cant try it in person because its not local. Im hoping that whatever I get will last me for years, so I just want to make the best decision. Fender has decided to retain its popular Deep C neck shape for its American Professional II electric guitars. 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. That being said, I love mine. Fenders American Ultra Noiseless pickups are split into two types. 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. Ensuring sublime tuning stability in conjunction with their low-friction bone nuts, these ergonomic machine heads also allow for lightning-fast string changes. Youll find medium jumbo frets on the Ultra version and narrow tall frets on the Pro II version. The Fender American Performer Stratocaster guitars replace the American Special and include a selection of all-new appointments such as Yosemite single-coil pickups, a push-pull pot to activate the neck/bridge pickup, Greasebucket tone circuitry and new Classicgear tuning machines for smoother tuning action. Mar 14, 2021. Fender flares can be grafted on to .Outfit your Fox Body Stang with a Saleen style or 93 Cobra body kit. 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. These are not factory-fitted on the American Pro II guitars, but can be purchased as an aftermarket upgrade. 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. JavaScript is disabled. Fender American Ultra Strat Maple Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y5wv9ver Brand new Push/Push electronics enable special pickup combinations on Fender American Professional II electric guitars. 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. 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. In short, a guitars top has a slight, but perceivable, influence on its tone, however, they are mostly used for aesthetic purposes. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. A more comparable choice is the American Original Series - that's where I have settled after stints with both CS and Am Pro guitars. Hello there, my name is Ramiro and Ive been playing guitar for almost 20 years. If it were a choice of upgrading from a Pro 1 to a Pro 2, I'd say it's . I was thinking about getting a Professional. 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. 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. Have you played ss frets? As you probably know, the body type of a guitar is a defining factor for its character and tone. Ive been doing a lot of research on strats in the $1000-1500 range, and the American Pro II seems like the best choice for me. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Finally, we will help you compare different models and make an informed decision about which pickup is right for you. 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. Main difference on the Ultra is the C to D neck carve and the noiseless pickups. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II, American Pro I ( and American Ultra Jazzmaster. The basses havent been left behind either when it comes to their hardware. These tweaks may be difficult to spot at first glance, but they make a huge difference when it comes to overall playability. The frets on a guitar have a deep impact on its playability. Does a guitars nut affect its tone? As it turns out, these US-crafted models are fairly equal on paper. However, many players argue that differences in mass, especially at the end of the neck can have some implications in tone. Nitro is a type of varnish that is thinner and less durable, while poly is thicker, way more durable, and cheaper. Also, there are different fret materials to consider. It states rolled fingerboard edges as a new feature, but I thought the Pro-Standards have had that for quite some time. The American Ultra series encompasses Fender's most advanced, forward-thinking instruments to date. A guitars bridge is one of the 2 points of contact the strings have with the body and neck. If you are here, it seems like I have already done that job for you. They offer world-class tones with no compromise on playability. Holy ****, manI just looked and youre right. However, if you take good care of a guitar, storing and maintaining it properly, even a cheap one, it should last decades. Additionally, youll find narrow tall frets on the Pro II version and medium jumbo frets on the Ultra. Theyre both great, very different, and neither is really better. #Andertons #Fender #AmericanProII, https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_0nq4xgWJ3U/default.jpg. 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. There are 3 types of neck joints: bolt-on, set, and neck through. Want To Sound Like The Captain & Pete? Does guitar body shape affect tone or playability? 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. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a Fender Stratocaster headstock. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 9.5 radius. I have too many Strats. Does fret number matter? Fender Launch American Professional II Series. 31:07 Jam Between The Captain & Danish Pete The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster fretboard is built of maple / rosewood. To know everything there is about this part of the guitar, please go here: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a bridge integrated tailpiece. There is a truss rod, of course, with 22 frets with dot inlays inset. Shop all Fender American Pro II Stratocasters | https://tinyurl.com/y68vk8bk Fenders NEW & Improved American Professional II Series - What's The Difference? Both series include SSS and HSS pickup configurations however only the American Professional II series includes a left-handed version of the SSS Strat. American Professional II guitars have thicker necks and higher output pickups giving them a more modern tone compared to the American Performer guitars. (3) Fender American Professional II Telecaster Deluxe - Dark Night with Rosewood Fingerboard. So, it all comes down to feel and your own personal preferences. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. It would be tough to choose between the Ultra and the Pro 2 for me, they're both excellent. I know there are better options out there for the same price, but I want to have another Fender Strat in the near future. Fender American Ultra Tele Maple Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y3odjufd Additionally, the Ultra has locking tuners. If you want to know the specifics of each of these joints, check out this article: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster fretboard is made of maple / rosewood. 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. The pickups - while always a matter of taste - tend to sound more, shall we say, Fender like - they sound like what you would expect a Fender to sound like more than the other models. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid alder body. However, American Ultra bodies are heavily-contoured at the rear around their lower horn, neck and belly-cut sections. [Complete guide], Do guitar tuners affect tone? Anything from Fender will last you a lifetime so you don't have to worry about that. Its clear that Fenders American Professional II and Ultra instruments are exceptional. American Pro II vs American Pro vs American Ultra. 27:10 Thoughts, Case & Stock Availability I bought a demo model that was practically brand new and got a great deal on it. 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. The Hardware The original Jazzmaster experienced some problems with its bridge and the tremolo arm. The Ultras noiseless pickups do not produce any hum or suffer from feedback unlike the V-Mod II pickups on the Pro II. The neck was super smooth. This curvature is really a defining factor for how the instrument plays, and some players are very strict about it. The shape of a guitars body has serious implications on its playability, but not so much on its tone. It is going to come down to which specs you like better. Make sure to subscribe to Andertons TV for more great videos like this: https://goo.gl/aAzyQM The only parts of Fenders American Ultra instruments that remain traditional are their body materials. 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. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bolt-on neck. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (blue) and American Ultra (red/ orange) Stratocasters. Is the "II" supposed to be an upgrade? But ultimately, these small refinements bring these instruments more up-to-scratch for contemporary musicians looking for greater tonal flexibility and added playing comfort. 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. Finally, I will give you some comments about each of these instruments. 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. Could these be the best guitars Fender has ever made? 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. Good mid-range prices with great quality. Further performance upgrades include a contoured heel joint, Super-Natural satin neck finish, and upgraded electronics. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fenders American Professional II series. 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. #3. After I sold my last MIM Strat, I find myself without a Fender guitar for the first time since I started playing. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Sealed locking tuners and a 2-point Deluxe Synchronised Trem with pop-in arm equip todays players for classic Strat colorization with demanding modern intonation. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a Stratocaster body. Do fret size and material affect tone and playability? It was REALLY HARD to leave the store without that Strat. If you can go to a shop and play a few that would be a good idea, bc neck/fret preferences are pretty subjective. 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 Rolled fingerboard edges and tapered neck heels are also standard features across the American Ultra range. The best place to start if you're new is right below in our "Rules" section. 7:28 How Does The Strat Sound? A guitar's lifespan is mostly related to how well it is maintained and treated. Fender American Pro II Telecaster in Miami Blue | https://tinyurl.com/y5xcmm47 American Professional II guitars have a deep C neck profile and 9.5 fretboard radius, whereas American Ultra models have a modern D neck profile with a 10-14 compound radius fretboard. Ive got an American Pro I with an all Rosewood neck. The type of wood a guitar neck is built with will determine its final sound. Personally, I just LOVE the Dark Night color and can't say no to it. Nitro wears off with time but has a more organic feel to the touch and is said to improve sustain and resonance. 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. Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Rating: 9/10 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. 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. In this article, Ill be comparing the two series head-to-head so you can decide which is the best for you. Performance & security by Cloudflare. 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. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Telecaster models. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Miami Blue | https://tinyurl.com/y4w9svgg Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. It was too slippery for lack of a better term. 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. The quality between USA, MIM, and Japan are all very similar. Buy A T-Shirt | https://tinyurl.com/vdq7rmg 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. Chapman Charvel Cort D'Angelico Dean Epiphone ESP E-II ESP ESP LTD EVH Fender Custom Fender Fender Squier Gibson Custom Gibson Gretsch Harley Benton Ibanez . I love the deep C neck carve and the pickups sound stellar. Fender has also introduced some tasteful new colour options that are exclusive to these guitars and basses. It may not display this or other websites correctly. This gives them a sleeker and more elegant feel when compared with their American Pro II cousins. 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. 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. Additionally, the Ultra only has 21 frets whereas the Pro II has 22 frets which are spaced more closely together. If it aint broke, dont fix it right? 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. The American Professional II range has replaced Fenders entire American Pro lineup, of which took over from the venerable American Standard series in 2017. 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. 1:25 What's New? 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 neck is reinforced with Posiflex graphite rods, while 20 narrow-tall frets make it easy to bend notes into submission. 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. Its probably my favorite neck on any of my guitars and I somehow had the profile wrong. Finding the particular specs of 2 guitars online is quite some work. I looked into the ultra, and I just cant justify the cost vs what you get. The American Professional II series includes all the same right-handed versions but also includes some left-handed versions and a humbucker Telecaster model. 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. But similarly to those models, Fenders American Ultra instruments have smooth satin-finished necks that allow for fast playability. Fender's QC at the US factory is excellent. Compared to some higher-end Fenders, including two Custom Shops, it stands up among the very best I've spent time with. 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. I dont notice much difference between the supernatural and the original AmPro finish. 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. Press J to jump to the feed. Fender American Ultra Strat Rosewood Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/y57233cl If you like old-school Fenders these guitars really arent for you! Andertons Guitar & Bass YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/kRJCpb I think the Vintera line is the best value and then you got a steep point of diminishing returns. The Bajas and Classic Player series held their value much better. The Ultra series only includes a right-handed SS Telecaster. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/yxo3fm6f 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. Andertons Drummers YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/9yKSS9 An additional plus-point, so to speak, of Fenders American Ultra guitars and basses are their 10 14 compound radius fingerboards. 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.. The AmPro I has a sort of worn in feel to the edges (definitely not a sharp angle), the Pro II takes it a bit further. Youll also find narrow tall frets on the Pro II and medium jumbo frets on the Ultra. I pulled the trigger. to switch position 1 which means that you can somewhat mimic a Telecasters pickup configuration. Now, Fender has revised these with their newly-designed V-Mod II pickups. I held one at Guitar Center. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Stratocaster models. 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. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is painted with a gloss polyurethane finish. Even if you only use P split coil Pickup in passive mode exclusively the Playability along with build quality, fit and finish, comfort from new contours and P tone from Ultra Noiseless pickup is worth the xtra $ Click to expand. 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.
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