The Gear Page is the leading online community and marketplace for guitars, amps, pedals, effects and associated gear. They are just different flavors of a Strat. Here are Amazon links to each version so you can check the current prices: Considering other Stratocasters? Ive tried the Pro II and really like the neck profile. In terms of the neck designs, the Pro II Jazzmaster has a slightly thicker deep C neck and narrower fingerboard radius compared to the Ultra Jazzmaster which has a slightly narrower modern D neck and wider fingerboard radius. The Fender American Ultra basses go a major step forward though, with their super-tweakable electronics likely to find favour with fastidious players. American Original 70's Tele Custom neck finish, Cap outer foil tester build -- Peegoo Custom Special. Guitar necks come in a variety of shapes, so its important to know what each of those shapes offers. I dont notice much difference between the supernatural and the original AmPro finish. 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. Does a guitars nut affect its tone? Fenders American Professional II models have a contemporary twist, but the brands American Ultra guitars go one step further. Fender has also introduced some tasteful new colour options that are exclusive to these guitars and basses. [Complete guide with examples], Does a guitars finish affect its tone? But looking forward to playing a II. However, if you take good care of a guitar, storing and maintaining it properly, even a cheap one, it should last decades. Luckily for you, Ive compiled some general information about each different type of guitar neck shape so you can make an informed decision when choosing your next guitar: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a Fender Stratocaster headstock. There are 6 main PRS neck profiles: Each package comes ready to be painted to get the perfect match for your Fox Body . The same core Fender models that form the American Professional II lineup are also what prop up the American Ultra series. However, selected Fender American Professional II guitars and basses (with natural finishes) boast Roasted Pine bodies instead. 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! 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! Andertons Guitar & Bass YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/kRJCpb You can also hear an example of the Pro I as well (sunburst). 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 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. I have an Ultra Tele. After I sold my last MIM Strat, I find myself without a Fender guitar for the first time since I started playing. 111 NE 1st St, Miami, FL, Miami-Dade, US, 33132 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. Thanks for visiting! Is an American Ultra worth the extra money compared to the American Pro II? May 19, 2020 #3 707GK Fender's QC at the US factory is excellent. The II plays smooth and feels great, I remember thinking the same about the original. Hence, if you are using a lot of distortion then the Ultra will probably be more suitable. Pattern Vintage Lets take an in-depth look at each model individually in the following order: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a slightly thicker deep C neck with a narrower 9.5 fingerboard radius compared to the Ultra Stratocaster with its modern C neck and 10-14 compound radius fingerboard. On the HSS versions it coil taps the humbucker pickup. American Professional II | Fender American Pro II vs American Pro vs American Ultra. JavaScript is disabled. Jeff Beck, Ritchie Blackmore, Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher, Jeff Beck, Ritchie Blackmore, Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher, David Gilmour, Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Eric Johnson. #3. There are many factors that contribute to the sound of a guitar, and whether it has a top is an important one. 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. 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. Been a while since I had my AmPro though. There are also many factors that could determine what weight of guitar would be best for you. 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. I wanted the specs that it came with. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with Fender Deluxe Die-cast Sealed Locking tuners. This is a forum where guitarists, from novice to experienced, can explore the world of guitar through a variety of media and discussion. Here we compare the Fender American Ultra Jazzmaster and the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster. Fenders American Ultra Noiseless pickups are split into two types. The color options are different in each series. Is the "II" supposed to be an upgrade? [Guide], Does a guitars neck joint affect its tone? On both guitars youll get additional switching which is activated by the push/ pull tone control. Both series include SSS and HSS pickup configurations however only the American Professional II series includes a left-handed version of the SSS Strat. Fender American Pro II vs. American Ultra Stratocaster | Alamo Music The type of wood a guitar neck is built with will determine its final sound. Fender American Professional II guitars use V-Mod II pickups whereas American Ultra guitars have Ultra Vintage Noiseless pickups. IMO the hard finish sounds.well.harder. Anulacin EGR Mondeo TDCI 130 CV de 2003 Foro Coches from www Hello there, my name is Ramiro and Ive been playing guitar for almost 20 years. (3) Fender American Professional II Telecaster Deluxe - Dark Night with Rosewood Fingerboard. Ultra series guitars have noiseless pickups and locking tuners unlike the Pro II series guitars. The Pro 2 is probably the more traditional 'stratty' of the two, but both play really well. It is a central part for the transmission of vibrations through the instrument, and also defines many important factors for playability such as string spacing and action. Other ergonomic updates include rolled fingerboard edges across the whole Fender American Professional II line, as well as sculpted neck heels that allow for unrestricted upper-fret access. Check out my complete guide to the different Stratocaster models to make sure you get the best option. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid body. The new flagship American Professional II series arrives alongside Fender's 'The One. Agreed but I don't blame people for not liking the price. After a lot of back and forth, I moved from a Squire to an American Professional, skipping the Mexican Player models. However, American Ultra bodies are heavily-contoured at the rear around their lower horn, neck and belly-cut sections. If you can go to a shop and play a few that would be a good idea, bc neck/fret preferences are pretty subjective. Differences Between Fender American Stratocaster Models [2021] - PMT Online But is one of these flagship Fender series clearly better than the other? At no extra cost to you, any purchases you make through any of these links will earn me a commission. Click to reveal Fender American Ultra Series - Their Most Advanced Guitars Ever? Deep is probably a misleading description, it really a slightly fuller C - and it is quite good! Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. The Ultra Series (opens in new tab) earlier this year seems to have . American Elite. I think the Vintera line is the best value and then you got a steep point of diminishing returns. Does fret number matter? The quality between USA, MIM, and Japan are all very similar. From guitars, pedals, amps, and synths to studio gear and production tips, I hope you find what I post here useful, and Ill try my best to keep it entertaining also. The American Ultra series encompasses Fender's most advanced, forward-thinking instruments to date. While the bridge is removed, locate the retainer clip from the back of the . The Ultras noiseless pickups do not produce any hum or suffer from feedback unlike the V-Mod II pickups on the Pro II. This is one of the main factors that define the tone of an instrument. This isnt a case of Fender playing it safe, but rather the brand wishing to keep the core elements of its guitars the same as they are what make a Fender a Fender! I have a Pro 2 and an Ultra, and had a Pro 1 as well. A fan of '90s rock, vintage Formula 1 and offensive comedy he often feels like he was born in the wrong decade. This is a tiny tweak, but these simply offer an extra layer of finesse by blending beautifully into the shapes of their sculpted neck heels. The Captains Rig | https://www.andertons.co.uk/captain-andertons-rig Ive been playing for about two years now. I pulled the trigger. 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 Core 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. This solidbody electric guitars first major upgrade lies in the pickup selection. Nitro wears off with time but has a more organic feel to the touch and is said to improve sustain and resonance. PRS Silver Sky VS Fender Strat (direct comparison) - Guitar Chalk Welcome to r/guitar, a community devoted to the exchange of guitar related information. Understanding the Fender Pop-in Trem Arm | Sweetwater - SweetCare 162.246.248.71 But similarly to those models, Fenders American Ultra instruments have smooth satin-finished necks that allow for fast playability. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Andertons Synths, Keys & Tech YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/ns172M Fender American Pro II VS Ultra - YouTube It's a bit expensive, but it sounds, looks and feels incredible. As time has gone on, a lot of frustrating issues have popped up with that guitar, mostly due to how cheap it is. Deals. But fret work and fit/finish on the American Pro is very good. American Professional vs. American Professional II. The shape of a guitars body has serious implications on its playability, but not so much on its tone. American Professional II Strat vs American Ultra Luxe Strat For the last 70 years, Fender has largely set the tone in the guitar industry. On the Ultra Tele youll find noiseless pickups unlike on the Pro II model. The only parts of Fenders American Ultra instruments that remain traditional are their body materials. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y6kv9bdr Fender sets its new standard with the American Professional II guitar Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Jazzmaster models. The American Ultra models have locking tuners unlike the American Professional II models. The main differences between the American Professional II Telecaster and American Ultra Telecaster are the pickups and neck shape. [Complete guide], Types of guitar pickups and their effect on tone [Guide], Do guitar electronics affect tone? Pattern The neck was super smooth. 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. Best Stratocasters 2023 | Guitar World What is giving Ronnie Wood his tone in this song. 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. Fender American Professional II vs. Ultra Guitars Guitar weight is an important factor when it comes to finding the right guitar for you. If it were a choice of upgrading from a Pro 1 to a Pro 2, I'd say it's . I'd look for guitars in the range of $500 - $800. However, their quality will be a defining factor in your playing experience. 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. Main Stratocaster Guitar Discussion Forum. Standards were modern C, as are performers. Here, I explore some of these considerations and what I think are the main points to take into account: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster is a tool for the working musician that embodies the original Fender spirit with a slightly modern touch. Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster - Worth It? [REVIEW] But do guitar pickups make a difference in sound? The PRS range consists of 4 different lines: I also recently needed to replace my wah pedal, and I tested the new one out with a Pro-II Strat. 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. The Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster is built with a 10 - 14 Compound radius. 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 The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid alder body. Finally, we will help you compare different models and make an informed decision about which pickup is right for you. The Stratocaster wears the American Ultra's contemporary stylings well. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. Fender has had the rolled fingerboard edges on this level guitar since the American Series came out in 2000. I have an American Pro I and had an Ultra. TDPRI, short for Telecaster Discussion Page Reissue, is the leading online community and marketplace for Telecaster guitars. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bridge integrated tailpiece. It offers several upgrades over traditional designs, including Fenders latest Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat pickups, a 1014 compound radius fingerboard on an effortless Modern D neck, and S-1 switching to roll in fat neck tones on pickup positions 1 and 2. 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. I am interested in getting a used Pro I, but cant try it in person because its not local. These 2 finishes are both types of varnish that can be used to protect and beautify a guitars wood. 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. Interested in other Andertons YouTube channels? Fender American Professional II or Elite/Ultra Precision? 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. Nitro is a type of varnish that is thinner and less durable, while poly is thicker, way more durable, and cheaper. 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. Simply put theres tonnes of variety! 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. Shop the Fender American Ultra Series: https://tinyurl.com/2d2d5fmw 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. These are not factory-fitted on the American Pro II guitars, but can be purchased as an aftermarket upgrade. I didn't like mine until I raised them to spec, they came installed about 3/16" from the strings, far too low. Fall All' campaign above. Im obsessed with everything gear-related and I thought it might be worth sharing it. 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). 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. 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. 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. ThorpyFX Dane Overdrive/boost - https://tinyurl.com/y6eoposs Fender American Ultra Strat Rosewood Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/y57233cl The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 25.5 scale length. 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. The truth is that Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster offers an exceptional quality. [question] Is the Fender American Pro II worth the money? 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. Theyre both great, very different, and neither is really better. Here is Fender's modernism at its best, with the iconic body . The type of wood that a guitar neck is made of will have a significant impact on the tone of your guitar. Andertons Synths, Keys & Tech YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/ns172M All guitar and bass models now sport bevelled neck plates too. You must log in or register to reply here. Andertons Shopping Website: https://goo.gl/TPsG2Q 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. 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. I do like the rolled fingerboard edges on the II, and less important, I prefer the slight vintage tint. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a Fender Stratocaster headstock. 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. The material of a guitars fingerboards is as important as the one of the rest of the neck. This requires removing the bridge from the instrument but should allow the arm to pop in and out easily. How are the pickups? Fender American Performer vs Professional: The Differences Best Telecasters 2023 | Guitar World Fenders American Professional II Stratocaster offers multiple upgrades from its inaugural configuration. On the subject of fingerboards, Fenders American Ultra models come installed with Medium Jumbo frets. Thanks. If you have any other questions feel free to let me know! Also, there are different fret materials to consider. Its clear that Fenders American Professional II and Ultra instruments are exceptional. The build quality on them will be the same. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II, American Pro I ( and American Ultra Jazzmaster. Poly provides more protection from moisture and scratches, but some people argue it reduces resonance and sustain. Finally, I will give you some comments about each of these instruments. 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. They offer world-class tones with no compromise on playability. These tweaks may be difficult to spot at first glance, but they make a huge difference when it comes to overall playability. I'm not sure the pro ii or the ultra bring much more to the table than the older american deluxe series. Fender American Ultra Tele Maple Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y3odjufd The change means the new V-Mod II pickups allow you to get nearly the same volume when playing the low and high E strings. 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. The main differences between the Fender American Performer and American Professional guitars are the neck profile and pickups. We will outline how pickups work and what are the central factors that determine how they influence the tone of your 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. 7:28 How Does The Strat Sound? Not concerned with tuners. The American brands trendsetting instruments have helped to shape contemporary music as we know it, with todays artists using theirguitarsand basses to pioneer the exciting sounds of tomorrow. An additional plus-point, so to speak, of Fenders American Ultra guitars and basses are their 10 14 compound radius fingerboards. 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. Find out their differences in sound, playability, build quality and value. Fender American Ultra vs Professional II Series Guitars 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. 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 helps define string spacing, action, and is the source of many of the tuning issues cheaper instruments suffer from. The words Fender, Telecaster, Stratocaster and the associated headstock designs are registered trademarks of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. 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.. The Ultra model has a 6-saddle bridge whereas the Pro II has a 3-saddle bridge design. The light weight, punchy tonal qualities and stunning grain pattern of Roasted Pine makes it a more than worthy alternative though! Shop all Fender American Pro II Stratocasters | https://tinyurl.com/y68vk8bk If not, Ill definitely look into older american standards. 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. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster HSS in Sienna Sunburst | https://tinyurl.com/yyuluks6 Fender has decided to retain its popular Deep C neck shape for its American Professional II electric guitars. 23:46 Let's Get Some Tones! Very well-made, great players. The Hardware The original Jazzmaster experienced some problems with its bridge and the tremolo arm. If you have guitar related questions, use the "Search" field FIRST, Then ask the community. TrevorG likes this. I don't think so. . Fender Ultra vs Professional II Strats | The Gear Page