Does a guitars nut affect its tone? After that, I will show you some sound tests I found, and give you a brief history of each one of them. Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. Deals. 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. 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. Prosoundhq.com is also a member of other affiliate programmes. I didn't like mine until I raised them to spec, they came installed about 3/16" from the strings, far too low. The shape of a guitars headstock is not really a big defining factor for its tone. If you like old-school Fenders these guitars really arent for you! Solidbody Electric Guitar, with Alder Body, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fretboard, 2 Single-coil Pickups, and Tremolo - 3-color Sunburst. The truth is that Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster offers an exceptional quality. The electronics of an electric guitar are what give the instrument its name. to switch position 1 which means that you can somewhat mimic a Telecasters pickup configuration. 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. Additionally, youll find narrow tall frets on the Pro II version and medium jumbo frets on the Ultra. [Complete guide], Does fingerboard material affect tone? Guitars and basses from the original American Professional lineup came fitted with Fenders V-Modpickups. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fenders American Professional II series. Although these updates arent anything to write home about, they exemplify how Fender tastefully improves upon its formulas over time without doing anything too drastic. In his spare time, Elliot browses eBay for second-hand Music Man guitars, Marshalls and merch from bands you've never heard of. Does guitar body shape affect tone or playability? 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. . 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 Strat Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y2ow3bve Hence, if you are using a lot of distortion then the Ultra will probably be more suitable. What is giving Ronnie Wood his tone in this song. Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Roasted Pine | https://tinyurl.com/y4978jwp Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Dark Night | https://tinyurl.com/y4c85od6 I love the deep C neck carve and the pickups sound stellar. Different guitar body tonewoods and their effect on tone, Do guitar tops affect tone? 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). If you can go to a shop and play a few that would be a good idea, bc neck/fret preferences are pretty subjective. The majority of your money is going towards labor costs. This is measured from the nut to the bridge, and for intonation purposes, the middle point is always the 12th fret. American Professional II guitars have thicker necks and higher output pickups giving them a more modern tone compared to the American Performer guitars. Also, there are different fret materials to consider. [Complete wood guide]. Some bridges also have extra functionalities. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (Butterscotch Blonde) and American Ultra Telecaster (white). Most of the CS Relics have VERY THIN nitro finishes while the AM Pro has a much thicker (compared to CS) poly finish. Fender American Pro II Telecaster in Mercury | https://tinyurl.com/yxz2e2gk However, because they are hidden inside the cavities into its body, they are often forgotten. 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. Each package comes ready to be painted to get the perfect match for your Fox Body . Simply put theres tonnes of variety! 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. These are not factory-fitted on the American Pro II guitars, but can be purchased as an aftermarket upgrade. Main Stratocaster Guitar Discussion Forum. 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. I'd say not really. I do like the rolled fingerboard edges on the II, and less important, I prefer the slight vintage tint. Sporting minor yet noteworthy upgrades, these instruments perfectly merge classic Fender design with modern practicality. 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. Ive got an American Pro I with an all Rosewood neck. The most noteworthy of these are Fender-designed Deluxe locking tuners fitted as standard on the electric guitar models. But is one of these flagship Fender series clearly better than the other? 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. I have an American Pro and love the modern C neck. You'll find Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jazzmasters, Jazz Basses and Precision Basses, along with a few tweaked instruments that include HSS Strats, Tele Deluxes, 5-string basses and even a few fretless models. Anything from Fender will last you a lifetime so you don't have to worry about that. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (blue) and American Ultra (red/ orange) Stratocasters. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Rosewood Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y3eqvg5m Pickups are [] 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. 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. 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. In this article, Ill be comparing the two series head-to-head so you can decide which is the best for you. If it were a choice of upgrading from a Pro 1 to a Pro 2, I'd say it's . 13/10/20 2:00pm - 11 min read | 35 min watch. Theyre both great, very different, and neither is really better. 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. What Telecaster necks feel most like a 2011 American Standard Stratocaster? 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. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are 6 main PRS neck profiles: Shop the Fender American Ultra Series: https://tinyurl.com/2d2d5fmw You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with 22 medium jumbo nickel silver frets. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is made in USA has a solid alder body, a bolt-on Modern D maple neck, maple / rosewood fingerboard, and SSS / HSS pickups. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 25.5 scale length. . A host of new Fender colours were introduced for the American Ultra series. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster fretboard is built of maple / rosewood. Released in late 2019 as the replacement for the short-lived American Elite range, the American Ultra series encompasses what Fender describes as its most advanced production guitars to date. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has Coil-tapping (HSS), Neck pickup blend (SSS) electronics, 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), and a 5-way blade switch. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Telecaster models. Ordered a used pro i online from guitar center. Andertons Guitar & Bass YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/kRJCpb The American Pro series seems just in that goldilocks zone of high quality for a good price, so Im hoping that itll work out. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a Modern D neck. 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. On the subject of fingerboards, Fenders American Ultra models come installed with Medium Jumbo frets. I figure if I dont like it, I can return within the 30 or 45 day window. Squier Lines Explained: Which Is Best for You? 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. Whether your preferred guitar has one or not, it shouldnt worry you too much. I have a 2014 fender american deluxe strat which I love and adore and it cost around $1200 used. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. 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. Even if youre a traditionally bent player, dont be dismayed: the American Ultra Stratocaster is a Strat through and through. These tweaks may be difficult to spot at first glance, but they make a huge difference when it comes to overall playability. Read the full Fender American Professional II Stratocaster review (Image credit: Fender) 8. On the HSS versions it coil taps the humbucker pickup. 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. The Ultra Strat has some notable upgrades such as the locking tuners, enhanced body contours and a more sculpted neck heel which are not seen on American Pro II Strat. 111 NE 1st St, Miami, FL, Miami-Dade, US, 33132 [Complete guide], Do guitar tuners affect tone? Youll find medium jumbo frets on the Ultra models and narrow tall frets on the American Pro II models with the following dimensions: There are some model-specific differences between guitars in the American Ultra and Professional II series. The scale length of a guitar refers to the longitude of the vibrating part of the string. 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. Mar 14, 2021. Fender's Pro II guitar features 22 narrow-tall frets, a Deep-C neck, alongside a sculpted neck heel. There are also many factors that could determine what weight of guitar would be best for you. The new flagship American Professional II series arrives alongside Fender's 'The One. 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. Fender has also introduced some tasteful new colour options that are exclusive to these guitars and basses. 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. If not, Ill definitely look into older american standards. Interested in other Andertons YouTube channels? 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 . Guitar players know that there are many variables in determining the sound of a guitar. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bone nut. Fender's QC at the US factory is excellent. 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. 17:53 How Does It Sound? I might even be an idiot and get it refretted with stainless with the price difference between the two. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. Able to deliver iconic Fender tone but with a wider frequency range and a slightly more modern character; V-Mods found favour with players for their versatility over traditional vintage-voiced pickups. 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. Here is Fender's modernism at its best, with the iconic body . 8:46 Fender American Pro I Vs Pro II But fret work and fit/finish on the American Pro is very good. It would be tough to choose between the Ultra and the Pro 2 for me, they're both excellent. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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 pickups on the American Professional II Telecaster sound crunchier and fuller compared to the brighter sounding noiseless pickups on the Ultra Telecaster which do not suffer from humming and feedback. Who do you pick as one of the best guitarist of all time, Alnico5 single coil pickups in a 2019 player strat. JavaScript is disabled. I bought a demo model that was practically brand new and got a great deal on it. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y3avdhpz I pulled the trigger. Having yet to play one the marketing reads like they are just doing even more rolling on the fingerboard edges - much like what they started doing on the American Ultras last year. The electric guitar models also feature newly-designed string trees that are engineered to prevent unwanted tuning slips. In this extensive blog, weve broken down the key features of Fenders new American Professional II guitars. Find out their differences in sound, playability, build quality and value. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. 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. IMO the hard finish sounds.well.harder. They offer world-class tones with no compromise on playability. But looking forward to playing a II. Brand new Push/Push electronics enable special pickup combinations on Fender American Professional II electric guitars. Finding the particular specs of 2 guitars online is quite some work. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 10 - 14 Compound radius. Modern guitar and bass players have never had more exciting creative tools at their disposal! Guitars in both series have a push/ pull tone pot which activates the additional switching that you wont find on many other Fender models. Fenders American Ultra Noiseless pickups are split into two types. Check out my guide to the different Fender neck profiles to learn more. The Ultras noiseless pickups do not produce any hum or suffer from feedback unlike the V-Mod II pickups on the Pro II. Fender flares can be grafted on to .Outfit your Fox Body Stang with a Saleen style or 93 Cobra body kit. 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. Episode Guide Fender American Pro Strat in Sunburst, with maple neck. However, their quality will be a defining factor in your playing experience. 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.. These also have a push-push pot for series-parallel switching. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4xzt6vt But which is the best? My favourite guitar in 25 years. Hello there, my name is Ramiro and Ive been playing guitar for almost 20 years. Also, the Ultra have an active/passive toggle switch for added tonal flexibility. MA. I wanted the specs that it came with. Andertons Drummers YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/9yKSS9 Alongside the new pickups, upgraded hardware appointments breathe new life into Fenders American Professional II guitars. In short, a guitars top has a slight, but perceivable, influence on its tone, however, they are mostly used for aesthetic purposes. I have a Pro 2 and an Ultra, and had a Pro 1 as well. They're both crazy high quality for general production run guitars in terms of fit and finish. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a solid body. TeTe MICOponkichi http . S2 May 19, 2020 #3 707GK But similarly to those models, Fenders American Ultra instruments have smooth satin-finished necks that allow for fast playability. Wide Fat Balancing a perfect blend of traditional design & modern practicality, Fender has truly listened to its players' & collaborated with various artists in order to improve the American Pro II Series to what it is today. Poly provides more protection from moisture and scratches, but some people argue it reduces resonance and sustain. The kind of material used to build a guitars body is something you should really pay attention to. I also recently needed to replace my wah pedal, and I tested the new one out with a Pro-II Strat. Even better, the neck has rolled edges for premium playability and comfort. 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. $1,799.99. Based on what I'm seeing, they seem to be the same aside from that. Or $300/month for 6 months. Agreed but I don't blame people for not liking the price. 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. Its fundamental that your instrument has good quality machine heads to keep it in tune. Could these be the best guitars Fender has ever made? Sealed locking tuners and a 2-point Deluxe Synchronised Trem with pop-in arm equip todays players for classic Strat colorization with demanding modern intonation. 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. It was REALLY HARD to leave the store without that Strat. 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. Other differences include the neck binding and locking tuners on the Ultra Jazzmaster which are not seen on the American Pro II version. 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! No, not really. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bridge integrated tailpiece. 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. I play thumb over the top so I appreciate a soft edge but theyre not miles apart. 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. Both guitars have a sculpted neck heel, however it is more dramatic on the Ultra Tele. Andertons Synths, Keys & Tech YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/ns172M 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. A guitars bridge is one of the 2 points of contact the strings have with the body and neck. Here we compare the Fender American Ultra Jazzmaster and the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid body. It can thus be said, again, that Fender heavily drew upon its American Ultra models when conceptualising the Pro II series. In neck trough instruments, the neck elongates and becomes the central piece of the body, where most of its hardware is mounted. Click on one of these links to find out more The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is a modern take on the traditional strat with every luxury you could think of. Ultra series guitars have noiseless pickups and locking tuners unlike the Pro II series guitars. The Ultra Series (opens in new tab) earlier this year seems to have . I don't know if the pro ii model is the exact model that is right for you. [Guide], Does a guitars neck joint affect its tone? Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Miami Blue | https://tinyurl.com/y4w9svgg A high end fender is totally worth the cost. The quality between USA, MIM, and Japan are all very similar. Jeff Beck, Ritchie Blackmore, Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher, Jeff Beck, Ritchie Blackmore, Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher, David Gilmour, Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Eric Johnson. Youll also find rolled fretboard edges on guitars in both series. 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. So does the original AmPro not have the rolled edges? Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II, American Pro I ( and American Ultra Jazzmaster. Pick one up, and youll notice! Set necks attach to a pocket in the guitars body and stay put with glue. 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. 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. An upgraded 2-point tremolo bridge and cold-rolled steel block combine to give you plenty of sustain and brightness. 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. At no extra cost to you, any purchases you make through any of these links will earn me a commission. I see the II had a different profilehavent played it yet, but I prefer thinner necks and deep c sort of scares me at face value. [Complete guide]. They also have slightly different properties that some players argue can influence the tone of your guitar. All American Ultra guitars have enhanced body contours on the back of the guitar which are designed to make them more comfortable. Strats and teles are pretty simple guitars and $1000 will get you all you need. These kits feature new rear bumpers, spoilers, side skirts, valances, grilles, grille emblems, and fender extensions to transform the look of your Mustang. The Fender American Performer Stratocaster guitars replace the American Special and include a selection of all-new appointments such as Yosemite single-coil pickups, a push-pull pot to activate the neck/bridge pickup, Greasebucket tone circuitry and new Classicgear tuning machines for smoother tuning action. Holy ****, manI just looked and youre right. Its clear that Fenders American Professional II and Ultra instruments are exceptional. The neck heel on the Pro II is still sculpted but just not as dramatically. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a maple neck. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is painted with a gloss polyurethane finish. Fender American Ultra Strat Maple Fretboard Mocha Burst - https://tinyurl.com/y6xoozzr The Ultra has a 21-fret, D-shape neck with compound-radius (10"-14") fingerboard. 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. The HSS ultras are extremely versatile, while the Am Pros are going to have the more traditional Strat sound. Its probably my favorite neck on any of my guitars and I somehow had the profile wrong. American Ultra guitars boast Fenders ingenious S-1 switching circuitry. With a new collection of colours, re-voiced pickups & upgraded features. I started of on a really bad steel string, then bought my first electric a year ago for about $200. I don't think so. 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. https://tinyurl.com/y6a22s4k 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. The American Ultra models have locking tuners unlike the American Professional II models. [Nitro vs Poly], Different neck tonewoods and their effect on tone, Guitar neck shapes guide [Playability and tone], Does a guitars headstock shape affect its tone? 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. Thanks for visiting! It could therefore be argued that Fender decided to tweak its American Professional line based on these updates that were introduced for the American Ultra series. 15 years of Work Gone, Don't store picks in zip bags for too long. The same core Fender models that form the American Professional II lineup are also what prop up the American Ultra series. I have an Ultra Tele. GearAficionado The American Professional II range has replaced Fenders entire American Pro lineup, of which took over from the venerable American Standard series in 2017. The material of a guitars fingerboards is as important as the one of the rest of the neck. Finally, we will help you compare different models and make an informed decision about which pickup is right for you. [Complete guide], Types of guitar pickups and their effect on tone [Guide], Do guitar electronics affect tone? 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! Wound differently to their older counterparts, Fender describes its V-Mod IIs as some of the best sounding pickups it has ever made promising extra note definition and more mid-range punch. 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. 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. Core Fender's reimagined American Pro II series brings over features from the popular American Ultra line, including a truly ergonomic neck heel. SE Fender American Ultra Tele Maple Fretboard Mocha Burst - https://tinyurl.com/yyf4y8g8 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. 2023: The Year Epiphone Became Unaffordable, They Stole My Digital Recorder and SD cards.