I was thinking about getting a Professional. Only some minor updates have been executed. You are using an out of date browser. CE Each package comes ready to be painted to get the perfect match for your Fox Body . 111 NE 1st St, Miami, FL, Miami-Dade, US, 33132 These also have a push-push pot for series-parallel switching. 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. Andertons Drummers YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/9yKSS9 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. I figure if I dont like it, I can return within the 30 or 45 day window. 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! Fender has also introduced some tasteful new colour options that are exclusive to these guitars and basses. TrevorG likes this. I don't think so. This can be a difficult question with many different answers. I own an American Pro II deluxe Tele and its awesome. 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. Fender American Ultra Tele Maple Fretboard Mocha Burst - https://tinyurl.com/yyf4y8g8 Youll also find rolled fretboard edges on guitars in both series. Both series include SSS and HSS pickup configurations however only the American Professional II series includes a left-handed version of the SSS Strat. The American Pro II series includes left and right-handed versions of the SS model as well as a HH right-handed version. I pulled the trigger. Fender American Ultra Stratocasters: JavaScript is disabled. Fender American Pro II Telecaster in Mercury | https://tinyurl.com/yxz2e2gk Squier Lines Explained: Which Is Best for You? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Most of the CS Relics have VERY THIN nitro finishes while the AM Pro has a much thicker (compared to CS) poly finish. 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. Guitar necks come in a variety of different joints, and each one has its own pros and cons. I think the Vintera line is the best value and then you got a steep point of diminishing returns. Finding the particular specs of 2 guitars online is quite some work. Its probably my favorite neck on any of my guitars and I somehow had the profile wrong. 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. 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. This is measured from the nut to the bridge, and for intonation purposes, the middle point is always the 12th fret. This included Cobra Blue, Mocha Burst, Ultraburst, Plasma Red Burst and the stunning Texas Tea, all of which remain exclusive to Fenders American Ultra guitars and basses. Set necks attach to a pocket in the guitars body and stay put with glue. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a maple neck. Additionally, youll find narrow tall frets on the Pro II version and medium jumbo frets on the Ultra. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with 22 medium jumbo nickel silver frets. [Complete guide], Types of guitar pickups and their effect on tone [Guide], Do guitar electronics affect tone? I wonder what is new with the V-Mod "II" pickups, maybe voiced for a bit more snap? The contoured heel is a nice touch but thats more body than neck. The Pro 2 is probably the more traditional 'stratty' of the two, but both play really well. 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. These are not factory-fitted on the American Pro II guitars, but can be purchased as an aftermarket upgrade. The Ultra Series (opens in new tab) earlier this year seems to have . It would be tough to choose between the Ultra and the Pro 2 for me, they're both excellent. Many players dont consider this as important as other features, but more experienced ones will be very picky about this. Having yet to play one the marketing reads like they are just doing even more rolling on the fingerboard edges - much like what they started doing on the American Ultras last year. Lightweight tuners are also installed on these basses, which prevent neck-dive and thus make the instruments more balanced in standing positions. 12:30 Fender HSS Stratocaster Tones Now, Fender has revised these with their newly-designed V-Mod II pickups. However, although less product variation might seem like a downside for the streamlined American Ultra range it could be said that it forms a more robust lineup. [Complete guide with examples], Does a guitars finish affect its tone? 13/10/20 2:00pm - 11 min read | 35 min watch. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. However, their quality will be a defining factor in your playing experience. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4xzt6vt One is not better than the other. [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. Is the "II" supposed to be an upgrade? The Ultra model has a 6-saddle bridge whereas the Pro II has a 3-saddle bridge design. If the condition of Fender's USA-made production-line guitars provides a useful temperature test for the fortunes of the brand as a whole, then the new American Professional II series provides compelling evidence that the people at the company who really know guitars are making their voices heard loud and clear. This functionality expands their tonal palettes, as it extends beyond the customary switching capabilities available on typical Strat, Tele and Jazzmaster models. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is a modern take on the traditional strat with every luxury you could think of. S2 Fender has had the rolled fingerboard edges on this level guitar since the American Series came out in 2000. There are many factors that contribute to the sound of a guitar, and whether it has a top is an important one. All these necks are based on the C-shape and have the following PRS SE vs S2 Guitars (Including Custom, Standard, McCarty). 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. Make sure to subscribe to Andertons TV for more great videos like this: https://goo.gl/aAzyQM Lets explore this question, so you can make an informed decision for your next purchase. Modern guitar and bass players have never had more exciting creative tools at their disposal! You can also hear an example of the Pro I as well (sunburst). It is going to come down to which specs you like better. American Elite. Fenders American Professional II models have a contemporary twist, but the brands American Ultra guitars go one step further. The PRS range consists of 4 different lines: Ultra series guitars have noiseless pickups and locking tuners unlike the Pro II series guitars. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Rosewood Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y3eqvg5m 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. Fender American Ultra Strat Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y2ow3bve Guitar tuners dont have a direct effect on how a guitar sounds. I have literally never had issues with Fenders in that price range. Pick one up, and youll notice! However, if you want to know all there is about guitar tops, go here: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a gloss polyurethane finish. JavaScript is disabled. 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. 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. Simply put theres tonnes of variety! A guitars neck joint is what attaches the guitars neck to the body of the instrument. 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. But similarly to those models, Fenders American Ultra instruments have smooth satin-finished necks that allow for fast playability. Knowing the differences between each joint can help you decide which is best for you. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (blue) and American Ultra (red/ orange) Stratocasters. The Ultra series only includes a right-handed SS Telecaster. 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. Even if youre a traditionally bent player, dont be dismayed: the American Ultra Stratocaster is a Strat through and through. Wide Fat Headrush vs Helix vs Kemper vs GT1000 vs AX8: Which is best? 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 This curvature is really a defining factor for how the instrument plays, and some players are very strict about it. But do guitar pickups make a difference in sound? With a new collection of colours, re-voiced pickups & upgraded features. On the HSS versions it coil taps the humbucker pickup. The Fender American Ultra series includes right-handed versions of the Stratocaster (SSS and HSS), Telecaster and Jazzmaster. After that, I will show you some sound tests I found, and give you a brief history of each one of them. However, many players argue that differences in mass, especially at the end of the neck can have some implications in tone. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Both guitars have a sculpted neck heel, however it is more dramatic on the Ultra Tele. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. #3. 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. Fender's reimagined American Pro II series brings over features from the popular American Ultra line, including a truly ergonomic neck heel. . The shape of a guitars body has serious implications on its playability, but not so much on its tone. For the last 70 years, Fender has largely set the tone in the guitar industry. A high end fender is totally worth the cost. 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. SE 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. Fender American Ultra Series - Their Most Advanced Guitars Ever? 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). It may not display this or other websites correctly. (3) Fender American Professional II Telecaster Deluxe - Dark Night with Rosewood Fingerboard. Thanks. 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. The Fender American Elite Strat has got more tonal possibilities, compared to the American Special and Pro. These 2 finishes are both types of varnish that can be used to protect and beautify a guitars wood. Guitar weight is an important factor when it comes to finding the right guitar for you. Shop all Fender American Pro II Telecasters | https://tinyurl.com/y4o2htq2 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 built with a bolt-on neck. With balanced Alder bodies bolted to bright-sounding Maple necks, this classic construction design yields the snappy and articulate tones that Fender instruments are so renowned for. The lightweight, contoured body delivers a nicely balanced tonal foundation with a highly-resonant quality. I know there are better options out there for the same price, but I want to have another Fender Strat in the near future. Necks: American Professional vs. American Pro II nadzab Mar 10, 2021 nadzab Play Don't Worry Silver Member May 15, 2009 6,456 New England Mar 10, 2021 #1 For those who have hands-on experience with both: Is the only difference the "Super-Natural" finish on the back of the AmProII neck? Fender American Pro II Stratocaster HSS in Sienna Sunburst | https://tinyurl.com/yyuluks6 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. What Telecaster necks feel most like a 2011 American Standard Stratocaster? That being said, I love mine. 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! Buy a T Shirt: https://goo.gl/TrTe78 The Hardware The original Jazzmaster experienced some problems with its bridge and the tremolo arm. The scale length of a guitar refers to the longitude of the vibrating part of the string. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The function of this switching varies for the Strat, Tele and Jazzmaster so Ill discuss them later in the article when we look at each shape individually. Is an American Ultra worth the extra money compared to the American Pro II? I have too many Strats. Different scale lengths have varying influences over things such as string tension, and of course, fret gap size. If you have guitar related questions, use the "Search" field FIRST, Then ask the community. 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. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I don't know if the pro ii model is the exact model that is right for you. 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 . Solidbody Electric Guitar, with Alder Body, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fretboard, 2 Single-coil Pickups, and Tremolo - 3-color Sunburst. Alongside the new pickups, upgraded hardware appointments breathe new life into Fenders American Professional II guitars. The neck is really nice, but its a little different from other Fenders. Interested in other Andertons YouTube channels? The frets on a guitar have a deep impact on its playability. If you want to know more about how these kinds of bodies affect these guitars, you can check out this article: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a Stratocaster body. $1,799.99. 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! On the humbucker-equipped HSS Strat and Tele Deluxe models, this serves as a coil-split switch instead. 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. [Playability, tone, and scale], Does guitar scale length affect tone? I bought a demo model that was practically brand new and got a great deal on it. I have a Pro 2 and an Ultra, and had a Pro 1 as well. 8:46 Fender American Pro I Vs Pro II Simply put - there's tonnes of variety! Andertons Shopping Website: https://goo.gl/TPsG2Q Wide Thin Does a guitars nut affect its tone? 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. A heavier guitar will give you more sustain, but a lighter guitar will be more resonant, and easier to play and carry around. Main Stratocaster Guitar Discussion Forum. The nut of a guitar is a small but very important part of the instrument. 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. We will outline how pickups work and what are the central factors that determine how they influence the tone of your instrument. As you probably know, the body type of a guitar is a defining factor for its character and tone. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with Fender Deluxe Die-cast Sealed Locking tuners. I'm very happy with the guitar, love the neck profile and the playability of the guitar (you have to learn to set up any guitar by yourself to get the best results). The main differences between the American Professional II Telecaster and American Ultra Telecaster are the pickups and neck shape. This activates a series mode to fatten up the tone. Jeff Beck, Ritchie Blackmore, Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher, Jeff Beck, Ritchie Blackmore, Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher, David Gilmour, Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Eric Johnson. In short, a guitars top has a slight, but perceivable, influence on its tone, however, they are mostly used for aesthetic purposes. In neck trough instruments, the neck elongates and becomes the central piece of the body, where most of its hardware is mounted. 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. The best off the line guitar they make. [Complete guide], Do guitar tuners affect tone? I have an American Pro and love the modern C neck. The blues virtuoso's 'Number One' Strat was the core of his tone . Nitro wears off with time but has a more organic feel to the touch and is said to improve sustain and resonance. Have you played ss frets? 0:00 Intro Jam on the New Fender American Pro II Ive narrowed it down to the Ultra and the Professional II. At no extra cost to you, any purchases you make through any of these links will earn me a commission. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fenders American Professional II series. If you can go to a shop and play a few that would be a good idea, bc neck/fret preferences are pretty subjective. 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. Rolled fingerboard edges and tapered neck heels are also standard features across the American Ultra range. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/y6ar99k4 I held one at Guitar Center. 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. Compared to some higher-end Fenders, including two Custom Shops, it stands up among the very best I've spent time with. 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. 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. So again, it's a matter of what you're going for. 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. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. I started playing an electric guitar when I was given a Squier Strat for my birthday around 15 years ago. Fender has decided to retain its popular Deep C neck shape for its American Professional II electric guitars. If you like old-school Fenders these guitars really arent for you! It can thus be said, again, that Fender heavily drew upon its American Ultra models when conceptualising the Pro II series. 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. 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. 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. The Bajas and Classic Player series held their value much better. 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. Fender American Pro Strat in Sunburst, with maple neck. Welcome to r/guitar, a community devoted to the exchange of guitar related information. Sporting flexible electronics and forward-thinking hardware appointments, as well as a few ergonomic construction tweaks, these innovative instruments are aimed at the most of modern of musicians yearning for ultimate precision and uncompromising tone. The AmPro always had a Deep C neck. This solidbody electric guitars first major upgrade lies in the pickup selection. 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! [Complete guide], Do pickups make a difference in sound? 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. 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. Additionally, the Ultra only has 21 frets whereas the Pro II has 22 frets which are spaced more closely together. 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. Guitars in both series have a push/ pull tone pot which activates the additional switching that you wont find on many other Fender models. This gives them a sleeker and more elegant feel when compared with their American Pro II cousins. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Prosoundhq.com is also a member of other affiliate programmes. 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. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Telecaster models. MA. However, theres no single answer to whether a lighter or heavier guitar will sound better than the other. 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. PRS Neck Profiles Explained: Comparing Shapes and Sizes. If you are here, it seems like I have already done that job for you. Fenders American Ultra Noiseless pickups are split into two types. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fender's American Professional II series. 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. The neck heel on the Pro II is still sculpted but just not as dramatically. 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. You are using an out of date browser. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 25.5 scale length. Shop all Fender American Pro II Stratocasters | https://tinyurl.com/y68vk8bk 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. 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. 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. 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.