fender american professional ii vs ultra fender american professional ii vs ultra

However, the Ultras have neck heels that are more dramatically-contoured and thus offer virtually zero upper-fret restriction! Squier Lines Explained: Which Is Best for You? 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 Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 2-Point Fender Deluxe Synchronized Tremolo bridge. The Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster is built with a 10 - 14 Compound radius. It is essentially Fenders new core USA range; encompassing 100 guitar and bass models that promise enhanced versatility and playability over their predecessors. Interested in other Andertons YouTube channels? The AmPro always had a Deep C neck. A more comparable choice is the American Original Series - that's where I have settled after stints with both CS and Am Pro guitars. 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 truth is that Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster offers an exceptional quality. Knowing the differences between each joint can help you decide which is best for you. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a maple neck. TeTe MICOponkichi http . 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. A high end fender is totally worth the cost. But fret work and fit/finish on the American Pro is very good. Now, Fender has revised these with their newly-designed V-Mod II pickups. After I sold my last MIM Strat, I find myself without a Fender guitar for the first time since I started playing. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster fretboard is built of maple / rosewood. Both guitars have a 2-point tremolo bridge with a pop-in tremolo arm and also include extra switching. Theyre both great, very different, and neither is really better. I bought a demo model that was practically brand new and got a great deal on it. 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. Fender's flagship USA-made guitar & bass lineup has just received a major makeover! 11:00 Fender Pro II Stratocaster with Gain 12:30 Fender HSS Stratocaster Tones Bolt-on necks are attached by screws at the heel of the neck and can be removed easily for repairs or customization. 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? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Rolled fingerboard edges and tapered neck heels are also standard features across the American Ultra range. American Professional II guitars have thicker necks and higher output pickups giving them a more modern tone compared to the American Performer guitars. https://tinyurl.com/y6a22s4k Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/yxo3fm6f 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.. Staggered Fender tuners and a vintage 3-saddle bridge are pretty much the only familiar features you'll find here. 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. Fender American Ultra Tele Maple Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y3odjufd Click on one of these links to find out more This is a forum where guitarists, from novice to experienced, can explore the world of guitar through a variety of media and discussion. 162.246.248.71 Controls, switches, capacitors and resistances, all make for the circuitry of a guitar, and all have effects on the final tone and sounds it can offer to the player. $1,799.99. These instruments are heavily-modified to suit the needs of 21st Century players; covering lots of sonic territory and providing unmatched performance. The Ultra has a 21-fret, D-shape neck with compound-radius (10"-14") fingerboard. No, not really. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (blue) and American Ultra (red/ orange) Stratocasters. They're both crazy high quality for general production run guitars in terms of fit and finish. I'd look for guitars in the range of $500 - $800. 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. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Fender has decided to retain its popular Deep C neck shape for its American Professional II electric guitars. If you can go to a shop and play a few that would be a good idea, bc neck/fret preferences are pretty subjective. 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! Neither series has a left-handed version of the HSS Strat. Thanks. Fenders American Professional II Stratocaster offers multiple upgrades from its inaugural configuration. Strats and teles are pretty simple guitars and $1000 will get you all you need. There is a truss rod, of course, with 22 frets with dot inlays inset. Deep is probably a misleading description, it really a slightly fuller C - and it is quite good! In conjunction, both these 2 parts have a deep impact on the final tone of the instrument. Also, the Ultra have an active/passive toggle switch for added tonal flexibility. The Captains Rig | https://www.andertons.co.uk/captain-andertons-rig I have literally never had issues with Fenders in that price range. Core The American Professional II series includes all the same right-handed versions but also includes some left-handed versions and a humbucker Telecaster model. Based on what I'm seeing, they seem to be the same aside from that. 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. On both guitars youll get additional switching which is activated by the push/ pull tone control. After a lot of back and forth, I moved from a Squire to an American Professional, skipping the Mexican Player models. 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. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Stratocaster models. It was too slippery for lack of a better term. 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. With Alder used for the solid-finish guitars and Ash employed for the natural/transparent colour models; these tonewoods hearken back to the classic Fender formula from the 50s with bolt-on Maple necks keeping their signature construction intact. Fender's Pro II guitar features 22 narrow-tall frets, a Deep-C neck, alongside a sculpted neck heel. You've watched the videos & seen the store, now join the Andertons Family with our exclusive, official merchandise! But is one of these flagship Fender series clearly better than the other? I have an American Pro I and had an Ultra. Fender American Pro Strat in Sunburst, with maple neck. I compared it and a Japanese made one that was 30% less and equally enjoyed the feel, only marginally preferred the sound of the Pro. These also have a push-push pot for series-parallel switching. American Original 70's Tele Custom neck finish, Cap outer foil tester build -- Peegoo Custom Special. A number of stellar hardware appointments really make Fenders American Ultra instruments something to behold. 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. We will outline how pickups work and what are the central factors that determine how they influence the tone of your instrument. I'd have to sell a Strat or two first. 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. There are many factors that contribute to the sound of a guitar, and whether it has a top is an important one. 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. 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. I own an American Pro II deluxe Tele and its awesome. The American Ultra series encompasses Fender's most advanced, forward-thinking instruments to date. Fender American Ultra Strat Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y2ow3bve With a new collection of colours, re-voiced pickups & upgraded features. I recently bought a 2017 AmPro HH RW Strat and was quite blown away by the playability and feel of the neck. At no extra cost to you, any purchases you make through any of these links will earn me a commission. All these necks are based on the C-shape and have the following PRS SE vs S2 Guitars (Including Custom, Standard, McCarty). Andertons Shopping Website: https://goo.gl/TPsG2Q As it turns out, these US-crafted models are fairly equal on paper. Performance & security by Cloudflare. The American Ultra has a flatter fingerboard and also has a compound radius meaning that its more rounded at the nut to help with chords and flatter towards the upper frets to aid with bending. Fender American Ultra Stratocasters: Welcome to r/guitar, a community devoted to the exchange of guitar related information. Other differences include the neck binding and locking tuners on the Ultra Jazzmaster which are not seen on the American Pro II version. 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. I started of on a really bad steel string, then bought my first electric a year ago for about $200. Thanks! I have a 2014 fender american deluxe strat which I love and adore and it cost around $1200 used. There are 3 types of neck joints: bolt-on, set, and neck through. 22:14 Fender American Pro II Jazzmaster 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. The Hardware The original Jazzmaster experienced some problems with its bridge and the tremolo arm. 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. 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 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. 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 Strat Maple Fretboard Mocha Burst - https://tinyurl.com/y6xoozzr The electronics of an electric guitar are what give the instrument its name. 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 Whether your preferred guitar has one or not, it shouldnt worry you too much. However, American Ultra bodies are heavily-contoured at the rear around their lower horn, neck and belly-cut sections. Or $300/month for 6 months. American Elite. Andertons Drummers YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/9yKSS9 Ive tried the Pro II and really like the neck profile. I read all the reviews and hype and bought a Suhr sight unseen and found that I couldn't stand the way it played with the ss (the guitar was fantastic in every way other than that btw). The push-pull thing seems interesting, although I was never a fan of the S1 switch on other models and thought it a bit gimmicky. So its time for an upgrade. Fender American Pro II Jazzmaster in 3-Tone Sunburst | https://tinyurl.com/yxz8kalr ThorpyFX Dane Overdrive/boost - https://tinyurl.com/y6eoposs This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. 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. Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Left-Hand 61,200 68,000 Fender American Professional II Telecaster 61,200 - 64,800 Fender American Professional II Stratocaster HSS 63,000 - 66,600 Fender American Professional II Stratocaster 61,200 - 64,800 For example, the American Professional II Strats Push/Push knob allows you to add its neck single-coilto switch position 1 which means that you can somewhat mimic a Telecasters pickup configuration. Designed for modern musicians that seek ultimate performance, precision and tone; these contemporary models go above and beyond those in previous top-of-the-range Fender series' without straying too far from their original, iconic formulas. The only time I can suggest one would be if you value being made in USA. Tailpieces are often forgotten when thinking about guitar parts, however, they have been there for centuries, and there are many different designs with alternate features. If you want to know the specifics of each of these joints, check out this article: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster fretboard is made of maple / rosewood. A fan of '90s rock, vintage Formula 1 and offensive comedy he often feels like he was born in the wrong decade. It would be tough to choose between the Ultra and the Pro 2 for me, they're both excellent. The Pro 2 is probably the more traditional 'stratty' of the two, but both play really well. For those who have hands-on experience with both: Is the only difference the "Super-Natural" finish on the back of the AmProII neck? The Pro has a 20-fret, C-shape neck with a 9.5" radius fingerboard. Im hoping that whatever I get will last me for years, so I just want to make the best decision. 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. Simply put - there's tonnes of variety! Have you played ss frets? So, it all comes down to feel and your own personal preferences. Alongside the new pickups, upgraded hardware appointments breathe new life into Fenders American Professional II guitars. Main difference on the Ultra is the C to D neck carve and the noiseless pickups. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is painted with a gloss polyurethane finish. On the subject of fingerboards, Fenders American Ultra models come installed with Medium Jumbo frets. You must log in or register to reply here. 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. My friend got a Pro-II P-Bass, and it's awesome. 13/10/20 2:00pm - 11 min read | 35 min watch. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 9.5 radius. 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. The Fender American Ultra basses go a major step forward though, with their super-tweakable electronics likely to find favour with fastidious players. Main Stratocaster Guitar Discussion Forum. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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 Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Miami Blue | https://tinyurl.com/y4w9svgg As others have said, both are top notch so it really comes down to preference. Sporting active/passive switches, these allow you to quickly change between vintage and modern voicings with a simple flick, while flexible 3-band EQ systems enable you to precisely sculpt their tones to perfection. 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. 27:10 Thoughts, Case & Stock Availability 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. Andertons Guitar & Bass YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/kRJCpb 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. Here is Fender's modernism at its best, with the iconic body . 0:00 Intro Jam on the New Fender American Pro II Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4frspd5 I wanted the specs that it came with. Wide Thin 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. 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. 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. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y6kv9bdr American Ultra guitars and basses are unique in the Fender catalogue for their non-typical Modern D-shaped necks. 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. This requires removing the bridge from the instrument but should allow the arm to pop in and out easily. The new flagship American Professional II series arrives alongside Fender's 'The One. 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 maple neck. 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. The most noteworthy of these are Fender-designed Deluxe locking tuners fitted as standard on the electric guitar models. 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. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fenders American Professional II series. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4xzt6vt This solidbody electric guitars first major upgrade lies in the pickup selection. 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. An additional plus-point, so to speak, of Fenders American Ultra guitars and basses are their 10 14 compound radius fingerboards. Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Rating: 9/10 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. However, because they are hidden inside the cavities into its body, they are often forgotten. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with 22 medium jumbo nickel silver frets. Is an American Ultra worth the extra money compared to the American Pro II? On the Ultra Tele youll find noiseless pickups unlike on the Pro II model. Shop all Fender American Pro II Telecasters | https://tinyurl.com/y4o2htq2 The most important thing to note is that it is not just the type of pickup that determines a guitars sound, but also how and where you place the pickup on the guitar. Here are Amazon links to each version so you can check the current prices: Considering other Stratocasters? The PRS range consists of 4 different lines: Want To Sound Like The Captain & Pete? 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. 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. Solidbody Electric Guitar, with Alder Body, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fretboard, 2 Single-coil Pickups, and Tremolo - 3-color Sunburst. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid body. I now own an acoustic guitar and several electric guitars including my personal favourite, a PRS SE Custom 24. Additionally, the Ultra has locking tuners. Only some minor updates have been executed. It helps define string spacing, action, and is the source of many of the tuning issues cheaper instruments suffer from. [Complete guide], Does a guitars bridge affect the tone? It may not display this or other websites correctly. Does guitar body shape affect tone or playability? [Complete guide with examples], Does a guitars finish affect its tone? I think the Vintera line is the best value and then you got a steep point of diminishing returns. 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. Could these be the best guitars Fender has ever made? The Stratocaster wears the American Ultra's contemporary stylings well. Youll find medium jumbo frets on the Ultra version and narrow tall frets on the Pro II version. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y5ropcpv to switch position 1 which means that you can somewhat mimic a Telecasters pickup configuration. link to PRS Neck Profiles Explained: Comparing Shapes and Sizes, link to PRS SE vs S2 Guitars (Including Custom, Standard, McCarty), guide to the different Fender neck profiles, Fender American Professional II Stratocaster, complete guide to the different Stratocaster models, Fender American Professional II Telecaster, Fender American Professional II vs Original 50s and 60s Series, Fender American Professional II vs American Performer Series, American Professional II vs American Ultra Series Overview, Pro II (narrow tall frets):0.090 x 0.055, Ultra (medium jumbo frets): 0.106 x 0.036. 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.. 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! 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. Nitro wears off with time but has a more organic feel to the touch and is said to improve sustain and resonance.