Your IP: The (original) Professional series will be tough to improve on, in my book. Thanks for visiting! 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. Some of the new finishes are nice, I like mercury (with rosewood) and sienna burst. I started playing an electric guitar when I was given a Squier Strat for my birthday around 15 years ago. It would be tough to choose between the Ultra and the Pro 2 for me, they're both excellent. American Professional vs. American Professional II. The color options are different in each series. Fender American Pro II VS Ultra - YouTube 0:00 / 15:49 Fender American Pro II VS Ultra astringsuk 11K subscribers Subscribe 753 71K views 2 years ago We see how well the Pro II stacks up. 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. On both guitars youll get additional switching which is activated by the push/ pull tone control. 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.. This can be a difficult question with many different answers. 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. 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. 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. The PRS range consists of 4 different lines: Have you played ss frets? The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 10 14 Compound radius. No, not really. I think it will end up being the Professional II then. There are many factors that contribute to the sound of a guitar, and whether it has a top is an important one. I pulled the trigger. 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. 22:14 Fender American Pro II Jazzmaster However, if you take good care of a guitar, storing and maintaining it properly, even a cheap one, it should last decades. However, because they are hidden inside the cavities into its body, they are often forgotten. The main differences between the Fender American Performer and American Professional guitars are the neck profile and pickups. What is giving Ronnie Wood his tone in this song. In the following article I present you a list of the most common tonewoods used in guitar necks, and the influence they could have on the tone of the instrument: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a Deep C neck. The other big thing is resale value - American Fenders go for higher prices in the used market. They have very different necks, both in terms of radius, profile and frets. 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. This requires removing the bridge from the instrument but should allow the arm to pop in and out easily. 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! Guitars in both series have a push/ pull tone pot which activates the additional switching that you wont find on many other Fender models. On the humbucker-equipped HSS Strat and Tele Deluxe models, this serves as a coil-split switch instead. You are using an out of date browser. For the most part, Fenders American Professional II guitars maintain almost everything that made the original American Pro models so great. GearAficionado It is going to come down to which specs you like better. But ultimately, these small refinements bring these instruments more up-to-scratch for contemporary musicians looking for greater tonal flexibility and added playing comfort. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bone nut. I didn't like mine until I raised them to spec, they came installed about 3/16" from the strings, far too low. 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. I will then talk about their main specs one by one, and link you to some other interesting articles I have written about these specific features. I don't think so. 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. You've watched the videos & seen the store, now join the Andertons Family with our exclusive, official merchandise! Check out my guide to the different Fender neck profiles to learn more. They offer world-class tones with no compromise on playability. Ensuring sublime tuning stability in conjunction with their low-friction bone nuts, these ergonomic machine heads also allow for lightning-fast string changes. You must log in or register to reply here. 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. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid alder body. 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. Bolt-on necks are attached by screws at the heel of the neck and can be removed easily for repairs or customization. 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. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/y6ar99k4 Buy A T-Shirt | https://tinyurl.com/vdq7rmg 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.. Also, there are different fret materials to consider. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a Fender Stratocaster headstock. Nitro wears off with time but has a more organic feel to the touch and is said to improve sustain and resonance. The Fender American Elite Strat has got more tonal possibilities, compared to the American Special and Pro. 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. Andertons Shopping Website: https://goo.gl/TPsG2Q Necks: American Professional vs. American Pro II | Fender Stratocaster 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. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (blue) and American Ultra (red/ orange) Stratocasters. I now own an acoustic guitar and several electric guitars including my personal favourite, a PRS SE Custom 24. Strats and teles are pretty simple guitars and $1000 will get you all you need. 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. Youll 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 Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bridge integrated tailpiece. The new flagship American Professional II series arrives alongside Fender's 'The One. 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. But is one of these flagship Fender series clearly better than the other? 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. 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 neck was super smooth. 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. Interested in other Andertons YouTube channels? In this article I'll be comparing the SE and S2 lines and the reasons why the S2 models are significantly more expensive Hey, welcome Pro Sound HQ. On the humbucker-equipped HSS Strat and Tele Deluxe models, this serves as a coil-split switch instead. The nut of a guitar is a small but very important part of the instrument. The main differences between the American Professional II Telecaster and American Ultra Telecaster are the pickups and neck shape. For those who have hands-on experience with both: Is the only difference the "Super-Natural" finish on the back of the AmProII neck? These tweaks may be difficult to spot at first glance, but they make a huge difference when it comes to overall playability. 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. Fender American Professional Jazzmaster Review - Old-Time Music The action you just performed triggered the security solution. https://tinyurl.com/y6a22s4k [Complete guide], Does guitar weight affect tone? Find out their differences in sound, playability, build quality and value. Fender American Professional II | Sweetwater 27:10 Thoughts, Case & Stock Availability I recently bought a 2017 AmPro HH RW Strat and was quite blown away by the playability and feel of the neck. Check Out Their Rigs Here! The American Professional II series includes all the same right-handed versions but also includes some left-handed versions and a humbucker Telecaster model. Want To Sound Like The Captain & Pete? The Stratocaster wears the American Ultra's contemporary stylings well. 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. Pattern Fender American Professional II guitars use V-Mod II pickups whereas American Ultra guitars have Ultra Vintage Noiseless pickups. 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. Their Ultra Noiseless Vintage models deliver authentic single-coil sounds, while the Ultra Noiseless Hot versions dish out more output catering for modern performance needs. The Ultra Series (opens in new tab) earlier this year seems to have . TeTe MICOponkichi http . The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster fretboard is built of maple / rosewood. 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. Check out my complete guide to the different Stratocaster models to make sure you get the best option. An additional plus-point, so to speak, of Fenders American Ultra guitars and basses are their 10 14 compound radius fingerboards. 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. 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. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/yxo3fm6f In many cases, the manufacturers dont inform the same features about the instruments that you want to compare and you have to start digging all over the web to find them. The Gear Page is the leading online community and marketplace for guitars, amps, pedals, effects and associated gear. The electronics of an electric guitar are what give the instrument its name. Additionally, youll find narrow tall frets on the Pro II version and medium jumbo frets on the Ultra. This gives them a sleeker and more elegant feel when compared with their American Pro II cousins. I figure if I dont like it, I can return within the 30 or 45 day window. Finding the particular specs of 2 guitars online is quite some work. Fender American Pro II Jazzmaster in 3-Tone Sunburst | https://tinyurl.com/yxz8kalr 162.246.248.71 Very well-made, great players. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. They're definitely a winner with Danish Pete and The Captain! Youll also find rolled fretboard edges on guitars in both series. Click here to view all of our Labs articles! Today's best Fender Telecaster deals Fender American Professional II 1,619 See all prices Fender Richie Kotzen Telecaster 2,091.54 See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Best Telecasters: Product guide (Image credit: Squier) 1. Also, take into consideration that the fretboard is the point of contact for your playing fingers with the guitar, so feel is also a very important factor. Chapman Charvel Cort D'Angelico Dean Epiphone ESP E-II ESP ESP LTD EVH Fender Custom Fender Fender Squier Gibson Custom Gibson Gretsch Harley Benton Ibanez . Fender American Professional II Telecaster | Reverb You must log in or register to reply here. 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. Its probably my favorite neck on any of my guitars and I somehow had the profile wrong. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of pickups and how they affect your sound. 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. In these articles, I dive deep into how important are frets for a guitar. Guitarists who are searching for a high-end offset guitar . 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. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Youll also find narrow tall frets on the Pro II and medium jumbo frets on the Ultra. 15 years of Work Gone, Don't store picks in zip bags for too long. But the pickups are an easy fix and the S1 series / parallel switching is pretty cool the Am pro II is a fantastic guitar also. . One feature all our reviewers were quick to note is the tapered low-profile neck heel, which gives you access to fret positions youd never dare into on your vintage Strat. Agreed but I don't blame people for not liking the price. I play thumb over the top so I appreciate a soft edge but theyre not miles apart. This is definitely one of the best Jazzmasters manufactured by Fender! 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. The Captains Rig | https://www.andertons.co.uk/captain-andertons-rig There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. That being said, I love mine. Not concerned with tuners. Does fret number matter? 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. 0:00 Intro Jam on the New Fender American Pro II 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. On the SSS models it allows you to activate either the bridge and neck pickup together (without the middle) or all three pickups at the same time. PRS Silver Sky VS Fender Strat (direct comparison) - Guitar Chalk Fender American Pro II VS Ultra - YouTube Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fender's American Professional II series. If you want to know everything about the effect of guitar body shapes, and their influence on the instrument, check out this article: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a solid alder body. [Complete guide], Types of guitar pickups and their effect on tone [Guide], Do guitar electronics affect tone? American Ultra guitars boast Fenders ingenious S-1 switching circuitry. 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! A fan of '90s rock, vintage Formula 1 and offensive comedy he often feels like he was born in the wrong decade. Prosoundhq.com is also a member of other affiliate programmes. So, it all comes down to feel and your own personal preferences. 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. A guitar's lifespan is mostly related to how well it is maintained and treated. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with 22 medium jumbo nickel silver frets. The American Ultra series encompasses Fender's most advanced, forward-thinking instruments to date. Id suggest going that route if you can find one. However, selected Fender American Professional II guitars and basses (with natural finishes) boast Roasted Pine bodies instead. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster HSS in Sienna Sunburst | https://tinyurl.com/yyuluks6 I own an American Pro II deluxe Tele and its awesome. Shop all Fender American Pro II Stratocasters | https://tinyurl.com/y68vk8bk Guitars and basses from the original American Professional lineup came fitted with Fenders V-Modpickups. Click on one of these links to find out more This is measured from the nut to the bridge, and for intonation purposes, the middle point is always the 12th fret. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. #3. 17:53 How Does It Sound? 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. I'd look for guitars in the range of $500 - $800. Ultra vs. American Pro ii - And the winner is : r/fender - reddit American Professional II | Fender Fender American Strats: Pro VS Elite VS Special - Reidys There are 3 types of neck joints: bolt-on, set, and neck through. Buy a T Shirt: https://goo.gl/TrTe78 I looked into the ultra, and I just cant justify the cost vs what you get. Many players dont consider this as important as other features, but more experienced ones will be very picky about this. Main difference on the Ultra is the C to D neck carve and the noiseless pickups. I'm not sure the pro ii or the ultra bring much more to the table than the older american deluxe series. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Miami Blue | https://tinyurl.com/y4w9svgg Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Dark Night | https://tinyurl.com/y4c85od6 Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4frspd5 The same core Fender models that form the American Professional II lineup are also what prop up the American Ultra series. Whether your preferred guitar has one or not, it shouldnt worry you too much. A more comparable choice is the American Original Series - that's where I have settled after stints with both CS and Am Pro guitars. I am interested in getting a used Pro I, but cant try it in person because its not local. Fender has decided to retain its popular Deep C neck shape for its American Professional II electric guitars. Fender flares can be grafted on to .Outfit your Fox Body Stang with a Saleen style or 93 Cobra body kit. If you want to know 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. The American Pro II series includes left and right-handed versions of the SS model as well as a HH right-handed version. Their Telecaster cousins come installed with completely redesigned Top Loader/String-Through bridges, which allow you to thread their strings either through their bodies or from their bridge plates. 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. A guitars neck joint is what attaches the guitars neck to the body of the instrument. However, theres no single answer to whether a lighter or heavier guitar will sound better than the other. Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster - Worth It? [REVIEW] The material of a guitars fingerboards is as important as the one of the rest of the neck. As it turns out, these US-crafted models are fairly equal on paper. I held one at Guitar Center. A high end fender is totally worth the cost. Fender American Ultra Series - Their Most Advanced Guitars Ever? I wonder what is new with the V-Mod "II" pickups, maybe voiced for a bit more snap? However, many players argue that differences in mass, especially at the end of the neck can have some implications in tone. [Complete guide]. For more information on the other topics mentioned in this guide, check out our related articles: 2022 Andertons Music Company Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (Butterscotch Blonde) and American Ultra Telecaster (white). IMO the hard finish sounds.well.harder. Ive been playing for about two years now. Fender American Pro II Telecaster in Mercury | https://tinyurl.com/yxz2e2gk Squier Lines Explained: Which Is Best for You? It states rolled fingerboard edges as a new feature, but I thought the Pro-Standards have had that for quite some time. Andertons Synths, Keys & Tech YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/ns172M Anything from Fender will last you a lifetime so you don't have to worry about that. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 2-Point Fender Deluxe Synchronized Tremolo bridge. Hello there, my name is Ramiro and Ive been playing guitar for almost 20 years. Additionally, the Ultra only has 21 frets whereas the Pro II has 22 frets which are spaced more closely together. 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! Simply put - there's tonnes of variety! Fender sets its new standard with the American Professional II guitar 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. 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. There is a truss rod, of course, with 22 frets with dot inlays inset. 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. Mar 14, 2021. SE But looking forward to playing a II. 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. Lightweight tuners are also installed on these basses, which prevent neck-dive and thus make the instruments more balanced in standing positions. After that, I will show you some sound tests I found, and give you a brief history of each one of them. Poly provides more protection from moisture and scratches, but some people argue it reduces resonance and sustain. In neck trough instruments, the neck elongates and becomes the central piece of the body, where most of its hardware is mounted. The following article will explain what guitar tops are and why they matter, as well as provide guidance for those who want to learn more about these options. The American Pro series seems just in that goldilocks zone of high quality for a good price, so Im hoping that itll work out. Tonewoods have different densities, hardness, and acoustic qualities. Personally, I just LOVE the Dark Night color and can't say no to it. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4xzt6vt I have literally never had issues with Fenders in that price range. After a lot of back and forth, I moved from a Squire to an American Professional, skipping the Mexican Player models. 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 Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Rating: 9/10 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. 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. Fender Custom Shop vs American Professional: Sound Quality? Who do you pick as one of the best guitarist of all time, Alnico5 single coil pickups in a 2019 player strat. 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. [Complete guide], Do guitar tuners affect tone? 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. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. The Hardware The original Jazzmaster experienced some problems with its bridge and the tremolo arm. Hence, if you are using a lot of distortion then the Ultra will probably be more suitable. The Bajas and Classic Player series held their value much better.