Posted on April 16, 2023
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0 You've watched the videos & seen the store, now join the Andertons Family with our exclusive, official merchandise! The shape of a guitar neck has a significant impact on the tone and playability. Knowing the differences between each joint can help you decide which is best for you. Both versions uses the rhythm/ lead switch slightly differently to most other Jazzmasters by using it to activate the pickups either in series or parallel mode. A guitars neck joint is what attaches the guitars neck to the body of the instrument. Does a guitars nut affect its tone? There are many factors that contribute to the sound of a guitar, and whether it has a top is an important one. Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Rating: 9/10 The scale length of a guitar refers to the longitude of the vibrating part of the string. The most noteworthy of these are Fender-designed Deluxe locking tuners fitted as standard on the electric guitar models. 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 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. 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. This is a forum where guitarists, from novice to experienced, can explore the world of guitar through a variety of media and discussion. These are bigger than the Narrow Tall frets fitted on the American Professional II guitars, with their modern size providing a more controllable feel and enhancing tone/sustain. Fall All' campaign above. Released in late 2019 as the replacement for the short-lived American Elite range, the American Ultra series encompasses what Fender describes as its most advanced production guitars to date. My favourite guitar in 25 years. Both series include SSS and HSS pickup configurations however only the American Professional II series includes a left-handed version of the SSS Strat. Alongside the new pickups, upgraded hardware appointments breathe new life into Fenders American Professional II guitars. 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. 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. The American Ultra models have locking tuners unlike the American Professional II models. Anything from Fender will last you a lifetime so you don't have to worry about that. All these necks are based on the C-shape and have the following PRS SE vs S2 Guitars (Including Custom, Standard, McCarty). Yet, one of the most popular debates is about nitro vs poly. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster HSS in Sienna Sunburst | https://tinyurl.com/yyuluks6 Based on what I'm seeing, they seem to be the same aside from that. This is definitely one of the best Jazzmasters manufactured by Fender! 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. A heavier guitar will give you more sustain, but a lighter guitar will be more resonant, and easier to play and carry around. Fender American Pro II Telecaster in Miami Blue | https://tinyurl.com/y5xcmm47 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. 0:00 Intro Jam on the New Fender American Pro II Whether your preferred guitar has one or not, it shouldnt worry you too much. Its lightweight body is built from traditional Strat tonewoods (alder or ash, dependent on color) and outfitted with a flawless gloss poly finish and coordinating pickguard. Only some minor updates have been executed. Hello there, my name is Ramiro and Ive been playing guitar for almost 20 years. Finding the particular specs of 2 guitars online is quite some work. Now, Fender has revised these with their newly-designed V-Mod II pickups. 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. [Complete guide], Does a guitars bridge affect the tone? In his spare time, Elliot browses eBay for second-hand Music Man guitars, Marshalls and merch from bands you've never heard of. Guitar necks come in a variety of shapes, so its important to know what each of those shapes offers. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has Fender Standard Die-cast tuners, Fender V-Mod II Single-coil pickups, and Coil-tapping (HSS), Neck pickup blend (SSS) electronics. But which is the best? Fender American Ultra Strat Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y2ow3bve The best off the line guitar they make. The Fender American Elite Strat has got more tonal possibilities, compared to the American Special and Pro. An additional plus-point, so to speak, of Fenders American Ultra guitars and basses are their 10 14 compound radius fingerboards. Andertons Shopping Website: https://goo.gl/TPsG2Q The frets on a guitar have a deep impact on its playability. A number of stellar hardware appointments really make Fenders American Ultra instruments something to behold. This gives them a sleeker and more elegant feel when compared with their American Pro II cousins. Also, the Ultra have an active/passive toggle switch for added tonal flexibility. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. A guitar's lifespan is mostly related to how well it is maintained and treated. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Thanks. They have very different necks, both in terms of radius, profile and frets. Check Out Their Rigs Here! The neck heel on the Pro II is still sculpted but just not as dramatically. 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. So its time for an upgrade. Andertons Drummers YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/9yKSS9 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. 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. In conjunction, both these 2 parts have a deep impact on the final tone of the instrument. The American Professional II range has replaced Fenders entire American Pro lineup, of which took over from the venerable American Standard series in 2017. How do tailpieces affect a guitars tone? Its fundamental that your instrument has good quality machine heads to keep it in tune. Press J to jump to the feed. Ive been playing for about two years now. Even better, the neck has rolled edges for premium playability and comfort. The Pro has a 20-fret, C-shape neck with a 9.5" radius fingerboard. Interested in other Andertons YouTube channels? We will outline how pickups work and what are the central factors that determine how they influence the tone of your instrument. Fender American Ultra Tele Maple Fretboard Mocha Burst - https://tinyurl.com/yyf4y8g8 Id suggest going that route if you can find one. The Pro 2 is probably the more traditional 'stratty' of the two, but both play really well. If not, Ill definitely look into older american standards. Interested in other Andertons YouTube channels? Check out my complete guide to the different Stratocaster models to make sure you get the best option. As time has gone on, a lot of frustrating issues have popped up with that guitar, mostly due to how cheap it is. For the most part, Fenders American Professional II guitars maintain almost everything that made the original American Pro models so great. [Complete wood guide]. I am interested in getting a used Pro I, but cant try it in person because its not local. Danish Pete's Rig | https://www.andertons.co.uk/danish-petes-rig Fender's QC at the US factory is excellent. Solidbody Electric Guitar, with Alder Body, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fretboard, 2 Single-coil Pickups, and Tremolo - 3-color Sunburst. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Roasted Pine | https://tinyurl.com/y4978jwp They're definitely a winner with Danish Pete and The Captain! 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. The main differences between the American Professional II Telecaster and American Ultra Telecaster are the pickups and neck shape. In this blog, we've pitted Fender's brand new American Professional II series guitars against their top-of-the-line counterparts from the American Ultra range! Youll find medium jumbo frets on the Ultra version and narrow tall frets on the Pro II version. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I might even be an idiot and get it refretted with stainless with the price difference between the two. PRS Neck Profiles Explained: Comparing Shapes and Sizes. In these articles, I dive deep into how important are frets for a guitar. All American Ultra guitars have enhanced body contours on the back of the guitar which are designed to make them more comfortable. But do guitar pickups make a difference in sound? Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Telecaster models. 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. 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 Your IP: 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. 23:46 Let's Get Some Tones! But similarly to those models, Fenders American Ultra instruments have smooth satin-finished necks that allow for fast playability. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with Fender Deluxe Die-cast Sealed Locking tuners. to switch position 1 which means that you can somewhat mimic a Telecasters pickup configuration. Fender American Professional II vs American Ultra Stratocaster 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. 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. The basses havent been left behind either when it comes to their hardware. 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. JavaScript is disabled. There is a truss rod, of course, with 22 frets with dot inlays inset. Additionally, the Ultra only has 21 frets whereas the Pro II has 22 frets which are spaced more closely together. Bolt-on necks are attached by screws at the heel of the neck and can be removed easily for repairs or customization. Guitars in both series have a push/ pull tone pot which activates the additional switching that you wont find on many other Fender models. Some of the new finishes are nice, I like mercury (with rosewood) and sienna burst. 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. The type of wood a guitar neck is built with will determine its final sound. Other differences include the neck binding and locking tuners on the Ultra Jazzmaster which are not seen on the American Pro II version. Been a while since I had my AmPro though. 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. Or $300/month for 6 months. Fender American Ultra Strat Maple Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y5wv9ver Make sure to subscribe to Andertons TV for more great videos like this: https://goo.gl/aAzyQM, https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MKrWk31qfIk/default.jpg. For those who have hands-on experience with both: Is the only difference the "Super-Natural" finish on the back of the AmProII neck? Have you played ss frets? Click on one of these links to find out more As others have said, both are top notch so it really comes down to preference. 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 MA. I'd have to sell a Strat or two first. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y5ropcpv 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 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. 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. At no extra cost to you, any purchases you make through any of these links will earn me a commission. But Im unsure about several things, namely Fenders QC and the guitars lifespan. . 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. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2d90c11c2fe174 The Ultra model has a 6-saddle bridge whereas the Pro II has a 3-saddle bridge design. Very well-made, great players. Standards were modern C, as are performers. With a new collection of colours, re-voiced pickups & upgraded features. SE You can also hear an example of the Pro I as well (sunburst). What Telecaster necks feel most like a 2011 American Standard Stratocaster? May 19, 2020 #3 707GK 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. The II plays smooth and feels great, I remember thinking the same about the original. If you can go to a shop and play a few that would be a good idea, bc neck/fret preferences are pretty subjective. I love the deep C neck carve and the pickups sound stellar. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 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. [Complete guide], Fender American Professional II Stratocaster, American Professional II Strat vs Vintera 50s Strat, Musician Jobs: 7 Reasons Why AI Is Not a Threat. On the humbucker-equipped HSS Strat and Tele Deluxe models, this serves as a coil-split switch instead. The blues virtuoso's 'Number One' Strat was the core of his tone . The AmPro always had a Deep C neck. I know there are better options out there for the same price, but I want to have another Fender Strat in the near future. 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. Fender's flagship USA-made guitar & bass lineup has just received a major makeover! Ordered a used pro i online from guitar center. Click here to view all of our Labs articles! Like the OP, I'm also torn between these two models. 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. Youll also find rolled fretboard edges on guitars in both series. The other big thing is resale value - American Fenders go for higher prices in the used market. I have an American Pro and love the modern C neck. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (blue) and American Ultra (red/ orange) Stratocasters. 298. The new flagship American Professional II series arrives alongside Fender's 'The One. They are just different flavors of a Strat. If you have guitar related questions, use the "Search" field FIRST, Then ask the community. You are using an out of date browser. 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.. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y6kv9bdr JavaScript is disabled. Even the resale value thing is a myth. If it were a choice of upgrading from a Pro 1 to a Pro 2, I'd say it's . GearAficionado The HSS ultras are extremely versatile, while the Am Pros are going to have the more traditional Strat sound. 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. Some bridges also have extra functionalities. The neck is really nice, but its a little different from other Fenders. These tweaks may be difficult to spot at first glance, but they make a huge difference when it comes to overall playability. Sporting minor yet noteworthy upgrades, these instruments perfectly merge classic Fender design with modern practicality. https://tinyurl.com/y6a22s4k Pattern 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. The D-shape neck feels slightly thinner and flatter compared to the more rounded C-shape neck on the Pro II models. Nitro is a type of varnish that is thinner and less durable, while poly is thicker, way more durable, and cheaper. Neither series has a left-handed version of the HSS Strat. But fret work and fit/finish on the American Pro is very good. The American Ultra Jazzmaster sounds clearer and cleaner due to its noiseless pickups compared to the American Professional II Jazzmaster which sounds warmer and crunchier. Main difference on the Ultra is the C to D neck carve and the noiseless pickups. One is not better than the other. On both guitars youll get additional switching which is activated by the push/ pull tone control. You are using an out of date browser. The Bajas and Classic Player series held their value much better. You must log in or register to reply here. I have an Ultra Tele. If you have any other questions feel free to let me know! Shop all Fender American Pro II Jazzmasters | https://tinyurl.com/yxwtylto [Complete guide], Types of guitar pickups and their effect on tone [Guide], Do guitar electronics affect tone? I play thumb over the top so I appreciate a soft edge but theyre not miles apart. 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. Thanks for visiting. As you probably know, the body type of a guitar is a defining factor for its character and tone. Different scale lengths have varying influences over things such as string tension, and of course, fret gap size. Ive narrowed it down to the Ultra and the Professional II. Even if youre a traditionally bent player, dont be dismayed: the American Ultra Stratocaster is a Strat through and through. The majority of your money is going towards labor costs. JavaScript is disabled. The light weight, punchy tonal qualities and stunning grain pattern of Roasted Pine makes it a more than worthy alternative though! 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.