Simply put - there's tonnes of variety! Lets explore this question, so you can make an informed decision for your next purchase. What Telecaster necks feel most like a 2011 American Standard Stratocaster? 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. The same core Fender models that form the American Professional II lineup are also what prop up the American Ultra series. Also, there are different fret materials to consider. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with Fender Deluxe Die-cast Sealed Locking tuners. The build quality on them will be the same. 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! I figure if I dont like it, I can return within the 30 or 45 day window. But fret work and fit/finish on the American Pro is very good. 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. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (blue) and American Ultra (red/ orange) Stratocasters. It states rolled fingerboard edges as a new feature, but I thought the Pro-Standards have had that for quite some time. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid body. 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. Shop all Fender American Pro II Jazzmasters | https://tinyurl.com/yxwtylto 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. This is one of the main factors that define the tone of an instrument. A host of new Fender colours were introduced for the American Ultra series. If you want to know more about this, I invite you to read the post below: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Cold-rolled Steel Block bridge. The neck was super smooth. Fender American Ultra Tele Maple Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y3odjufd [Complete guide], Does fingerboard material affect tone? I love the deep C neck carve and the pickups sound stellar. The American Pro II series includes left and right-handed versions of the SS model as well as a HH right-handed version. But similarly to those models, Fenders American Ultra instruments have smooth satin-finished necks that allow for fast playability. The Fender American Ultra series includes right-handed versions of the Stratocaster (SSS and HSS), Telecaster and Jazzmaster. Fender American Ultra Stratocasters: Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y3avdhpz 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 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. Ive tried the Pro II and really like the neck profile. Fender American Pro II Telecaster in Mercury | https://tinyurl.com/yxz2e2gk Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4xzt6vt Fender American Pro II Telecaster in Miami Blue | https://tinyurl.com/y5xcmm47 [Complete guide], Does guitar weight affect tone? I'd have to sell a Strat or two first. The Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster is built with a 10 - 14 Compound radius. I don't know if the pro ii model is the exact model that is right for you. There are also many factors that could determine what weight of guitar would be best for you. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. GearAficionado Wide Fat Check out my guide to the different Fender neck profiles to learn more. Thanks. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y5ropcpv 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. 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? 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. Make sure you like them before doing this. I was thinking about getting a Professional. Anything from Fender will last you a lifetime so you don't have to worry about that. I have an American Pro I and had an Ultra. There are 3 types of neck joints: bolt-on, set, and neck through. On the humbucker-equipped HSS Strat and Tele Deluxe models, this serves as a coil-split switch instead. 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. The PRS range consists of 4 different lines: Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fenders American Professional II series. The Stratocaster wears the American Ultra's contemporary stylings well. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Rosewood Fretboard Cobra Blue - https://tinyurl.com/y3eqvg5m Go on reverb and look at the price of secondhand Baja teles vs Americans pro series. I now own an acoustic guitar and several electric guitars including my personal favourite, a PRS SE Custom 24. 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. 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. These are not factory-fitted on the American Pro II guitars, but can be purchased as an aftermarket upgrade. Hence, if you are using a lot of distortion then the Ultra will probably be more suitable. Ive got an American Pro I with an all Rosewood neck. In short, a guitars top has a slight, but perceivable, influence on its tone, however, they are mostly used for aesthetic purposes. Nitro is a type of varnish that is thinner and less durable, while poly is thicker, way more durable, and cheaper. 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. However, the Ultras have neck heels that are more dramatically-contoured and thus offer virtually zero upper-fret restriction! 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). For those who have hands-on experience with both: Is the only difference the "Super-Natural" finish on the back of the AmProII neck? If not, Ill definitely look into older american standards. You are using an out of date browser. Andertons Drummers YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/9yKSS9 Main difference on the Ultra is the C to D neck carve and the noiseless pickups. Jeff Beck, Ritchie Blackmore, Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher, Jeff Beck, Ritchie Blackmore, Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher, David Gilmour, Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Eric Johnson. 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. 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. Does fret number matter? 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. But is one of these flagship Fender series clearly better than the other? 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. Andertons Synths, Keys & Tech YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/ns172M 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 nut of a guitar is a small but very important part of the instrument. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a solid body. (3) Fender American Professional II Telecaster Deluxe - Dark Night with Rosewood Fingerboard. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. The American Professional II Stratocaster is loaded with a trio of V-Mod II single-coil pickups that pump out a vintage tone with modern refinements. They are just different flavors of a Strat. 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. Guitars in both series have a push/ pull tone pot which activates the additional switching that you wont find on many other Fender models. Its probably my favorite neck on any of my guitars and I somehow had the profile wrong. 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. 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. I'd look for guitars in the range of $500 - $800. Been a while since I had my AmPro though. American Ultra guitars boast Fenders ingenious S-1 switching circuitry. These tweaks may be difficult to spot at first glance, but they make a huge difference when it comes to overall playability. Simply put theres tonnes of variety! The shape of a guitars body has serious implications on its playability, but not so much on its tone. 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. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y4frspd5 On the subject of fingerboards, Fenders American Ultra models come installed with Medium Jumbo frets. This functionality expands their tonal palettes, as it extends beyond the customary switching capabilities available on typical Strat, Tele and Jazzmaster models. If you want to know more about how its measured and the effect it has on the playability of a guitar, you should look at the following article: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has 22 narrow tall nickel silver frets. If you can go to a shop and play a few that would be a good idea, bc neck/fret preferences are pretty subjective. On both guitars youll get additional switching which is activated by the push/ pull tone control. Only some minor updates have been executed. [Complete wood guide]. The type of wood that a guitar neck is made of will have a significant impact on the tone of your guitar. Or $300/month for 6 months. 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. Ultra series guitars have noiseless pickups and locking tuners unlike the Pro II series guitars. Fender American Ultra Telecasters: TrevorG likes this. The new flagship American Professional II series arrives alongside Fender's 'The One. Click on one of these links to find out more Some bridges also have extra functionalities. 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. A guitar's lifespan is mostly related to how well it is maintained and treated. The main differences between the American Professional II Telecaster and American Ultra Telecaster are the pickups and neck shape. You are using an out of date browser. 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. 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 which is the best? Fender's flagship USA-made guitar & bass lineup has just received a major makeover! Fender American Ultra Series - Their Most Advanced Guitars Ever? 8:46 Fender American Pro I Vs Pro II Additionally, the Ultra has locking tuners. Ive been playing for about two years now. Its lightweight body is built from traditional Strat tonewoods (alder or ash, dependent on color) and outfitted with a flawless gloss poly finish and coordinating pickguard. 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. Fender has also introduced some tasteful new colour options that are exclusive to these guitars and basses. Check out my complete guide to the different Stratocaster models to make sure you get the best option. 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. Fender Launch American Professional II Series. 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. Brand new Push/Push electronics enable special pickup combinations on Fender American Professional II electric guitars. Tonewoods have different densities, hardness, and acoustic qualities. You must log in or register to reply here. I have an American Pro and love the modern C neck. Episode Guide This curvature is really a defining factor for how the instrument plays, and some players are very strict about it. 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. Making them apt for use with overdrive and high-gain amp settings, these noise-free pickups eliminate a common issue that has afflicted old-school Fender single-coils for years. Guitar players know that there are many variables in determining the sound of a guitar. Even the resale value thing is a myth. 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. It is going to come down to which specs you like better. If it were a choice of upgrading from a Pro 1 to a Pro 2, I'd say it's . Even if youre a traditionally bent player, dont be dismayed: the American Ultra Stratocaster is a Strat through and through. I have a 2014 fender american deluxe strat which I love and adore and it cost around $1200 used. 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. 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. You must log in or register to reply here. Fender American Pro II Jazzmaster in 3-Tone Sunburst | https://tinyurl.com/yxz8kalr Andertons Shopping Website: https://goo.gl/TPsG2Q 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. I'm not sure the pro ii or the ultra bring much more to the table than the older american deluxe series. Id suggest going that route if you can find one. The blues virtuoso's 'Number One' Strat was the core of his tone . The Captains Rig | https://www.andertons.co.uk/captain-andertons-rig 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. I looked into the ultra, and I just cant justify the cost vs what you get. 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. I might even be an idiot and get it refretted with stainless with the price difference between the two. Fender American Ultra Tele Rosewood Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y6kv9bdr After I sold my last MIM Strat, I find myself without a Fender guitar for the first time since I started playing. But ultimately, these small refinements bring these instruments more up-to-scratch for contemporary musicians looking for greater tonal flexibility and added playing comfort. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. If you are here, it seems like I have already done that job for you. Bolt-on necks are attached by screws at the heel of the neck and can be removed easily for repairs or customization. I have a Pro 2 and an Ultra, and had a Pro 1 as well. 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. 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! 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. At no extra cost to you, any purchases you make through any of these links will earn me a commission. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. In this blog, we've pitted Fender's brand new American Professional II series guitars against their top-of-the-line counterparts from the American Ultra range! Solidbody Electric Guitar, with Alder Body, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fretboard, 2 Single-coil Pickups, and Tremolo - 3-color Sunburst. I do like the rolled fingerboard edges on the II, and less important, I prefer the slight vintage tint. The words Fender, Telecaster, Stratocaster and the associated headstock designs are registered trademarks of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bridge integrated tailpiece. I play thumb over the top so I appreciate a soft edge but theyre not miles apart. Standards were modern C, as are performers. The function of this switching varies for the Strat, Tele and Jazzmaster so Ill discuss them later in the article when we look at each shape individually. Check Out Their Rigs Here! 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.
fender american professional ii vs ultra
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