Staggered Fender tuners and a vintage 3-saddle bridge are pretty much the only familiar features you'll find here. Even if youre a traditionally bent player, dont be dismayed: the American Ultra Stratocaster is a Strat through and through. If not, Ill definitely look into older american standards. The best place to start if you're new is right below in our "Rules" section. 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 started of on a really bad steel string, then bought my first electric a year ago for about $200. But similarly to those models, Fenders American Ultra instruments have smooth satin-finished necks that allow for fast playability. The Pro has a 20-fret, C-shape neck with a 9.5" radius fingerboard. This can be a difficult question with many different answers. You can also hear an example of the Pro I as well (sunburst). I figure if I dont like it, I can return within the 30 or 45 day window. You are using an out of date browser. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (Butterscotch Blonde) and American Ultra Telecaster (white). 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.. All these necks are based on the C-shape and have the following PRS SE vs S2 Guitars (Including Custom, Standard, McCarty). [Playability, tone, and scale], Does guitar scale length affect tone? 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. Prosoundhq.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca and amazon.co.uk. I'd say not really. Strat Talk is the leading online community and marketplace for Stratocaster guitars. 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 If you like old-school Fenders these guitars really arent for you! You've watched the videos & seen the store, now join the Andertons Family with our exclusive, official merchandise! TeTe MICOponkichi http . This is one of the main factors that define the tone of an instrument. It would be tough to choose between the Ultra and the Pro 2 for me, they're both excellent. Thanks. Ensuring sublime tuning stability in conjunction with their low-friction bone nuts, these ergonomic machine heads also allow for lightning-fast string changes. On the HSS versions it coil taps the humbucker pickup. The V-Mod pickups in the Fender American Professional Strat help give it a classic sound, that's more than capable of handling modern music if you need it to. Squier Lines Explained: Which Is Best for You? [Complete guide], Does fingerboard material affect tone? Bolt-on necks are attached by screws at the heel of the neck and can be removed easily for repairs or customization. American Ultra guitars boast Fenders ingenious S-1 switching circuitry. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with Fender Deluxe Die-cast Sealed Locking tuners. 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. For more information on the other topics mentioned in this guide, check out our related articles: 2022 Andertons Music Company If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. On the Ultra Tele youll find noiseless pickups unlike on the Pro II model. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 10 14 Compound radius. JavaScript is disabled. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (blue) and American Ultra (red/ orange) Stratocasters. 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. 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. Guitars and basses from the original American Professional lineup came fitted with Fenders V-Modpickups. I dont notice much difference between the supernatural and the original AmPro finish. Different guitar body tonewoods and their effect on tone, Do guitar tops affect tone? Ive narrowed it down to the Ultra and the Professional II. Brand new Push/Push electronics enable special pickup combinations on Fender American Professional II electric guitars. Both guitars have a sculpted neck heel, however it is more dramatic on the Ultra Tele. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II, American Pro I ( and American Ultra Jazzmaster. Rounded at the lower end of their necks to make chords easier to play, their fingerboards flatten out in the higher register to make intricate lead lines more manageable to finger. Id say no. After a lot of back and forth, I moved from a Squire to an American Professional, skipping the Mexican Player models. This gives them a sleeker and more elegant feel when compared with their American Pro II cousins. Privacy Policy. Comfortable for modern players and vintage aficionados alike, these acclaimed neck profiles have now been enhanced with a new Super Natural finish that provides a silky-smooth and friction-free feel. 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. 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. Ive tried the Pro II and really like the neck profile. In this article, Ill be comparing the two series head-to-head so you can decide which is the best for you. [Complete guide], Does guitar weight affect tone? You are using an out of date browser. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4frspd5 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. Fender American Ultra Stratocasters: However, the Ultras have neck heels that are more dramatically-contoured and thus offer virtually zero upper-fret restriction! 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. 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. 27:10 Thoughts, Case & Stock Availability Pattern Regular Additionally, the Ultra only has 21 frets whereas the Pro II has 22 frets which are spaced more closely together. Welcome to r/guitar, a community devoted to the exchange of guitar related information. This is definitely one of the best Jazzmasters manufactured by Fender! The basses havent been left behind either when it comes to their hardware. 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?". 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. Fender American Professional II guitars use V-Mod II pickups whereas American Ultra guitars have Ultra Vintage Noiseless pickups. Thanks for visiting. Modern guitar and bass players have never had more exciting creative tools at their disposal! to switch position 1 which means that you can somewhat mimic a Telecasters pickup configuration. These tweaks may be difficult to spot at first glance, but they make a huge difference when it comes to overall playability. I know there are better options out there for the same price, but I want to have another Fender Strat in the near future. Standards were modern C, as are performers. Make sure to subscribe to Andertons TV for more great videos like this: https://goo.gl/aAzyQM Agreed but I don't blame people for not liking the price. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y5ropcpv Most of the CS Relics have VERY THIN nitro finishes while the AM Pro has a much thicker (compared to CS) poly finish. 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. 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. Guitar necks come in a variety of shapes, so its important to know what each of those shapes offers. Your IP: Check Out Their Rigs Here! Finally, I will give you some comments about each of these instruments. The best off the line guitar they make. 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. I might even be an idiot and get it refretted with stainless with the price difference between the two. Fender American Pro II Telecaster in Mercury | https://tinyurl.com/yxz2e2gk In this extensive blog, weve broken down the key features of Fenders new American Professional II guitars. The American Professional II range has replaced Fenders entire American Pro lineup, of which took over from the venerable American Standard series in 2017. Andertons Shopping Website: https://goo.gl/TPsG2Q It helps define string spacing, action, and is the source of many of the tuning issues cheaper instruments suffer from. But ultimately, these small refinements bring these instruments more up-to-scratch for contemporary musicians looking for greater tonal flexibility and added playing comfort. Have you played ss frets? But fret work and fit/finish on the American Pro is very good. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bone nut. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fenders American Professional II series. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 2-Point Fender Deluxe Synchronized Tremolo bridge. The Ultra model has a 6-saddle bridge whereas the Pro II has a 3-saddle bridge design. The much-adored 2-point synchronised tremolo remains on the Stratocasters, but these are now fitted withcold-rolled steel blocks that increase sustain, clarity and top-end sparkle. A number of stellar hardware appointments really make Fenders American Ultra instruments something to behold. 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. Ordered a used pro i online from guitar center. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a maple neck. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Telecaster models. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is painted with a gloss polyurethane finish. As others have said, both are top notch so it really comes down to preference. Pickups are ok in the Ultra and 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. Danish Pete's Rig | https://www.andertons.co.uk/danish-petes-rig Only some minor updates have been executed. Fender American Ultra Strat Maple Fretboard Mocha Burst - https://tinyurl.com/y6xoozzr The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid body. On the subject of fingerboards, Fenders American Ultra models come installed with Medium Jumbo frets. The main differences between the Fender American Performer and American Professional guitars are the neck profile and pickups. Go on reverb and look at the price of secondhand Baja teles vs Americans pro series. With free UK delivery on all orders containing only a T-Shirt, Hoodie or Jumper & super low international shipping costs, there is no better time to be an Andertons fan than now! Could these be the best guitars Fender has ever made? A guitar's lifespan is mostly related to how well it is maintained and treated. Andertons Drummers YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/9yKSS9 However, selected Fender American Professional II guitars and basses (with natural finishes) boast Roasted Pine bodies instead. These also have a push-push pot for series-parallel switching. The color options are different in each series. 16:28 Fender American Pro II Telecaster This is measured from the nut to the bridge, and for intonation purposes, the middle point is always the 12th fret. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a maple neck. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/yxo3fm6f [Nitro vs Poly], Different neck tonewoods and their effect on tone, Guitar neck shapes guide [Playability and tone], Does a guitars headstock shape affect its tone? It can thus be said, again, that Fender heavily drew upon its American Ultra models when conceptualising the Pro II series. 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. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bolt-on neck. CE 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. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with Noiseless, Coil-tapping (HSS), S-1 neck pickup blend electronics, 1 x master volume (with s-1 switch), 2 x tone controls, and a 5-way blade switch. 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. In his spare time, Elliot browses eBay for second-hand Music Man guitars, Marshalls and merch from bands you've never heard of. I wanted the specs that it came with. Able to deliver iconic Fender tone but with a wider frequency range and a slightly more modern character; V-Mods found favour with players for their versatility over traditional vintage-voiced pickups. The frets on a guitar have a deep impact on its playability. As you probably know, the body type of a guitar is a defining factor for its character and tone. 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. TDPRI, short for Telecaster Discussion Page Reissue, is the leading online community and marketplace for Telecaster guitars. Even the resale value thing is a myth. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Roasted Pine | https://tinyurl.com/y4978jwp 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.. USA is certainly not twice as good as the others. 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! But which is the best? These are not factory-fitted on the American Pro II guitars, but can be purchased as an aftermarket upgrade. Sporting active/passive switches, these allow you to quickly change between vintage and modern voicings with a simple flick, while flexible 3-band EQ systems enable you to precisely sculpt their tones to perfection. Also, there are different fret materials to consider. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. 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. Core The same core Fender models that form the American Professional II lineup are also what prop up the American Ultra series. The quality between USA, MIM, and Japan are all very similar. Different scale lengths have varying influences over things such as string tension, and of course, fret gap size. https://tinyurl.com/y6a22s4k Some bridges also have extra functionalities. Fender's reimagined American Pro II series brings over features from the popular American Ultra line, including a truly ergonomic neck heel. 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. 8:46 Fender American Pro I Vs Pro II 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. Deep is probably a misleading description, it really a slightly fuller C - and it is quite good! I didn't like mine until I raised them to spec, they came installed about 3/16" from the strings, far too low. 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! Press J to jump to the feed. Andertons Synths, Keys & Tech YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/ns172M I held one at Guitar Center. The type of wood that a guitar neck is made of will have a significant impact on the tone of your guitar. Pattern Thin Not concerned with tuners. As it turns out, these US-crafted models are fairly equal on paper. Finally, we will help you compare different models and make an informed decision about which pickup is right for you. Fender Stevie Ray Vaughan Stratocaster. Whether your preferred guitar has one or not, it shouldnt worry you too much. Fender American Ultra Telecasters: There are 3 types of neck joints: bolt-on, set, and neck through. 15 years of Work Gone, Don't store picks in zip bags for too long. So, it all comes down to feel and your own personal preferences. Fender has decided to retain its popular Deep C neck shape for its American Professional II electric guitars. Interested in finding out more about music gear and expanding your knowledge? The American Ultras have a slight edge when it comes to their pickups and hardware appointments, but that is reflected in their pricing. The contoured heel is a nice touch but thats more body than neck. $1,799.99. Im obsessed with everything gear-related and I thought it might be worth sharing it. JavaScript is disabled. Anything from Fender will last you a lifetime so you don't have to worry about that. Guitar necks come in a variety of different joints, and each one has its own pros and cons. How are the pickups? The American Pro series seems just in that goldilocks zone of high quality for a good price, so Im hoping that itll work out. #Andertons #Fender #AmericanProII, https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_0nq4xgWJ3U/default.jpg. It was too slippery for lack of a better term. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with 22 medium jumbo nickel silver frets. The (original) Professional series will be tough to improve on, in my book. The other big thing is resale value - American Fenders go for higher prices in the used market. Additionally, youll find narrow tall frets on the Pro II version and medium jumbo frets on the Ultra. Based on what I'm seeing, they seem to be the same aside from that. All guitar and bass models now sport bevelled neck plates too. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fender's American Professional II series. How do tailpieces affect a guitars tone? Tonewoods have different densities, hardness, and acoustic qualities. The American Pro II series includes left and right-handed versions of the SS model as well as a HH right-handed version. 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. 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. It is going to come down to which specs you like better. The scale length of a guitar refers to the longitude of the vibrating part of the string. The truth is that Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster offers an exceptional quality. In short, a guitars top has a slight, but perceivable, influence on its tone, however, they are mostly used for aesthetic purposes. Does anybody know if the necks on the American Pro I are different than the necks on the Pro II? Does fret number matter? The push/ pull pot on the Ultra overrides the pickup selector and activates both pickups in series, whilst on the Pro II it coil taps the bridge pickup. Click to reveal And with Fenders new American Professional II series breaking cover, were sure that players from all over the world are intrigued to discover how the US guitar giant has refined its flagship instrument line. The majority of your money is going towards labor costs. Deals. If you have any other questions feel free to let me know! The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 25.5 scale length. I have literally never had issues with Fenders in that price range. However, theres no single answer to whether a lighter or heavier guitar will sound better than the other. Fender's QC at the US factory is excellent. However, because they are hidden inside the cavities into its body, they are often forgotten. I wonder what is new with the V-Mod "II" pickups, maybe voiced for a bit more snap? 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. Fender American Ultra Strat Maple Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y5wv9ver There are fewer colors available in the Ultra series and these are all quite modern looking, whilst the American Pro II series has loads more colors to choose from, both modern and traditional. [Complete wood guide]. The Hardware The original Jazzmaster experienced some problems with its bridge and the tremolo arm. Finding the particular specs of 2 guitars online is quite some work. . The Pro 2 is probably the more traditional 'stratty' of the two, but both play really well. The shape of a guitar neck has a significant impact on the tone and playability. Pattern 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. But looking forward to playing a II. Guitarists who are searching for a high-end offset guitar . However, many players argue that differences in mass, especially at the end of the neck can have some implications in tone.

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