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. I also recently needed to replace my wah pedal, and I tested the new one out with a Pro-II Strat. Fender's flagship USA-made guitar & bass lineup has just received a major makeover! 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. Most of the CS Relics have VERY THIN nitro finishes while the AM Pro has a much thicker (compared to CS) poly finish. 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. Make sure to subscribe to Andertons TV for more great videos like this: https://goo.gl/aAzyQM Simply put theres tonnes of variety! The scale length of a guitar refers to the longitude of the vibrating part of the string. So does the original AmPro not have the rolled edges? Its fundamental that your instrument has good quality machine heads to keep it in tune. Finally, I will give you some comments about each of these instruments. 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 Hardware The original Jazzmaster experienced some problems with its bridge and the tremolo arm. 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. After I sold my last MIM Strat, I find myself without a Fender guitar for the first time since I started playing. The Ultra Series (opens in new tab) earlier this year seems to have . Pattern Regular 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 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. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 10 14 Compound radius. Here is Fender's modernism at its best, with the iconic body . 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. Welcome to r/guitar, a community devoted to the exchange of guitar related information. 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. You must log in or register to reply here. 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! Main Stratocaster Guitar Discussion Forum. The Pro II Tele features two V-Mod II single-coil Tele pickups and a newly designed bridge that marries the classic brass saddle tone with modern comfort and individual string intonation. I now own an acoustic guitar and several electric guitars including my personal favourite, a PRS SE Custom 24. [Complete wood guide]. Set necks attach to a pocket in the guitars body and stay put with glue. Guitar necks come in a variety of different joints, and each one has its own pros and cons. Fender American Ultra Telecasters: Been a while since I had my AmPro though. The D-shape neck feels slightly thinner and flatter compared to the more rounded C-shape neck on the Pro II models. Deep is probably a misleading description, it really a slightly fuller C - and it is quite good! 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. Both guitars have a sculpted neck heel, however it is more dramatic on the Ultra Tele. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Hello there, my name is Ramiro and Ive been playing guitar for almost 20 years. Differences Between Fender American Stratocaster Models [2021] - PMT Online 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. Anything from Fender will last you a lifetime so you don't have to worry about that. As time has gone on, a lot of frustrating issues have popped up with that guitar, mostly due to how cheap it is. Interested in finding out more about music gear and expanding your knowledge? There are 6 main PRS neck profiles: Andertons Synths, Keys & Tech YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/ns172M Fender American Pro II vs. American Ultra Stratocaster | Alamo Music Can't say any of the new features convince me other than the pine bodied variants coming in as low as 5lbs! The (original) Professional series will be tough to improve on, in my book. PRS Neck Profiles Explained: Comparing Shapes and Sizes. Rolled fingerboard edges and tapered neck heels are also standard features across the American Ultra range. It can thus be said, again, that Fender heavily drew upon its American Ultra models when conceptualising the Pro II series. A high end fender is totally worth the cost. I have an Ultra Tele. Does fret number matter? 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. Guitar players know that there are many variables in determining the sound of a guitar. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (Butterscotch Blonde) and American Ultra Telecaster (white). Hence, if you are using a lot of distortion then the Ultra will probably be more suitable. I wonder what is new with the V-Mod "II" pickups, maybe voiced for a bit more snap? Then, there are wood wings glued to its side to complete the body shape. Lets explore this question, so you can make an informed decision for your next purchase. Lightweight tuners are also installed on these basses, which prevent neck-dive and thus make the instruments more balanced in standing positions. 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. The shape of a guitars headstock is not really a big defining factor for its tone. I held one at Guitar Center. American Professional II guitars have a deep C neck profile and 9.5 fretboard radius, whereas American Ultra models have a modern D neck profile with a 10-14 compound radius fretboard. SE Fender American Professional II or Elite/Ultra Precision? I think it will end up being the Professional II then. 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. $1,799.99. It is going to come down to which specs you like better. Knowing the differences between each joint can help you decide which is best for you. The type of wood a guitar neck is built with will determine its final sound. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4frspd5 The Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster is built with a 10 - 14 Compound radius. In this extensive blog, weve broken down the key features of Fenders new American Professional II guitars. The Fender American Ultra basses go a major step forward though, with their super-tweakable electronics likely to find favour with fastidious players. 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. Fender's QC at the US factory is excellent. Fender's reimagined American Pro II series brings over features from the popular American Ultra line, including a truly ergonomic neck heel. 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? This is definitely one of the best Jazzmasters manufactured by Fender! My favourite guitar in 25 years. 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. A guitars neck joint is what attaches the guitars neck to the body of the instrument. [Complete guide], Does fingerboard material affect tone? You have some benefits to an American made Fender - the two off the top of my head are the bone nut and the neck profile. Pro 2 vs ultra vs pro 1 | Fender Stratocaster Guitar Forum In this guide, we will discuss the different types of pickups and how they affect your sound. Fender American pro vs ultra | TalkBass.com 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 . How are the pickups? I pulled the trigger. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a maple neck. Squier Lines Explained: Which Is Best for You? The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 10 - 14 Compound radius. This functionality expands their tonal palettes, as it extends beyond the customary switching capabilities available on typical Strat, Tele and Jazzmaster models. The Pro 2 is probably the more traditional 'stratty' of the two, but both play really well. 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. Interested in other Andertons YouTube channels? Does guitar body shape affect tone or playability? The electronics of an electric guitar are what give the instrument its name. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster fretboard is built of maple / rosewood. The blues virtuoso's 'Number One' Strat was the core of his tone . In his spare time, Elliot browses eBay for second-hand Music Man guitars, Marshalls and merch from bands you've never heard of. Finding the particular specs of 2 guitars online is quite some work. Neither series has a left-handed version of the HSS Strat. Youll find medium jumbo frets on the Ultra version and narrow tall frets on the Pro II version. I'm not sure the pro ii or the ultra bring much more to the table than the older american deluxe series. 13/10/20 2:00pm - 11 min read | 35 min watch. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2d90c11c2fe174 It is essentially Fenders new core USA range; encompassing 100 guitar and bass models that promise enhanced versatility and playability over their predecessors. Have you played ss frets? Youll also find narrow tall frets on the Pro II and medium jumbo frets on the Ultra. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Telecaster models. I recently bought a 2017 AmPro HH RW Strat and was quite blown away by the playability and feel of the neck. 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). 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. 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. 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. . But is one of these flagship Fender series clearly better than the other? Both guitars have a 2-point tremolo bridge with a pop-in tremolo arm and also include extra switching. If it aint broke, dont fix it right? 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. 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. If you have guitar related questions, use the "Search" field FIRST, Then ask the community. A fan of '90s rock, vintage Formula 1 and offensive comedy he often feels like he was born in the wrong decade. 27:10 Thoughts, Case & Stock Availability Episode Guide Simply put - there's tonnes of variety! The AmPro always had a Deep C neck. On the HSS versions it coil taps the humbucker pickup. A number of stellar hardware appointments really make Fenders American Ultra instruments something to behold. The HSS ultras are extremely versatile, while the Am Pros are going to have the more traditional Strat sound. Check Out Their Rigs Here! Want To Sound Like The Captain & Pete? If you like old-school Fenders these guitars really arent for you! The main differences between the American Professional II Telecaster and American Ultra Telecaster are the pickups and neck shape. Andertons Guitar & Bass YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/kRJCpb And with Fenders new American Professional II series breaking cover, were sure that players from all over the world are intrigued to discover how the US guitar giant has refined its flagship instrument line. 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 Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Stratocaster models. I looked into the ultra, and I just cant justify the cost vs what you get. Fender American Ultra Strat Maple Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y5wv9ver For the most part, Fenders American Professional II guitars maintain almost everything that made the original American Pro models so great. 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. Prosoundhq.com is also a member of other affiliate programmes. However, the Ultras have neck heels that are more dramatically-contoured and thus offer virtually zero upper-fret restriction! 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. Best Telecasters 2023 | Guitar World 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. 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. 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. On the humbucker-equipped HSS Strat and Tele Deluxe models, this serves as a coil-split switch instead. Fender American Ultra Tele Maple Fretboard Mocha Burst - https://tinyurl.com/yyf4y8g8 Core The Ultra model has a 6-saddle bridge whereas the Pro II has a 3-saddle bridge design. 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. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid body. Theyre both great, very different, and neither is really better. Fender American Ultra Strat Maple Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y4al8ffc There are 3 types of neck joints: bolt-on, set, and neck through. Guitars in both series have a push/ pull tone pot which activates the additional switching that you wont find on many other Fender models. There are also many factors that could determine what weight of guitar would be best for you. The Ultra series only includes a right-handed SS Telecaster. Nitro is a type of varnish that is thinner and less durable, while poly is thicker, way more durable, and cheaper. Wide Fat Tonewoods have different densities, hardness, and acoustic qualities. 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. 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 American Professional II Jazzmaster - Worth It? [REVIEW] 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 Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bolt-on neck. 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. However, theres no single answer to whether a lighter or heavier guitar will sound better than the other. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/yxo3fm6f Who do you pick as one of the best guitarist of all time, Alnico5 single coil pickups in a 2019 player strat. These also have a push-push pot for series-parallel switching. But which is the best? These kits feature new rear bumpers, spoilers, side skirts, valances, grilles, grille emblems, and fender extensions to transform the look of your Mustang. This solidbody electric guitars first major upgrade lies in the pickup selection. 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. No, not really. 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. All American Ultra guitars have enhanced body contours on the back of the guitar which are designed to make them more comfortable. Not concerned with tuners. Andertons Shopping Website: https://goo.gl/TPsG2Q 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. 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. Overall, wed probably say that the American Professional II instruments are solid Fender thoroughbreds with a 21st Century twist, while the American Ultra models are designed primarily for players seeking top performance and versatility. Even better, the neck has rolled edges for premium playability and comfort. I have a 2014 fender american deluxe strat which I love and adore and it cost around $1200 used. 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. Fender American Pro II Telecaster in Miami Blue | https://tinyurl.com/y5xcmm47 I have too many Strats. 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. Fender's reimagined American Pro II series brings over features from the popular American Ultra line, including a truly ergonomic neck heel. After a lot of back and forth, I moved from a Squire to an American Professional, skipping the Mexican Player models. Guitar tuners dont have a direct effect on how a guitar sounds. 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.