fender american professional ii vs ultra
Both versions uses the rhythm/ lead switch slightly differently to most other Jazzmasters by using it to activate the pickups either in series or parallel mode. Fender American Professional II guitars use V-Mod II pickups whereas American Ultra guitars have Ultra Vintage Noiseless pickups. Additionally, the Ultra has locking tuners. The shape of a guitars body has serious implications on its playability, but not so much on its tone. If you have any other questions feel free to let me know! The Ultra Series (opens in new tab) earlier this year seems to have . I have an American Pro I and had an Ultra. 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. Buy A T-Shirt | https://tinyurl.com/vdq7rmg However, many players argue that differences in mass, especially at the end of the neck can have some implications in tone. [Complete guide], Do guitar tuners affect tone? In this article, Ill be comparing the two series head-to-head so you can decide which is the best for you. 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. 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. 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. The Stratocaster wears the American Ultra's contemporary stylings well. An additional plus-point, so to speak, of Fenders American Ultra guitars and basses are their 10 14 compound radius fingerboards. 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 This solidbody electric guitars first major upgrade lies in the pickup selection. Also, the Ultra have an active/passive toggle switch for added tonal flexibility. After a lot of back and forth, I moved from a Squire to an American Professional, skipping the Mexican Player models. The basses havent been left behind either when it comes to their hardware. 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. 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. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of pickups and how they affect your sound. I have an Ultra Tele. Lightweight tuners are also installed on these basses, which prevent neck-dive and thus make the instruments more balanced in standing positions. May 19, 2020 #3 707GK For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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). 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. Youll find medium jumbo frets on the Ultra version and narrow tall frets on the Pro II version. Fender has had the rolled fingerboard edges on this level guitar since the American Series came out in 2000. On the humbucker-equipped HSS Strat and Tele Deluxe models, this serves as a coil-split switch instead. Theyre both great, very different, and neither is really better. But Im unsure about several things, namely Fenders QC and the guitars lifespan. [Complete guide], Types of guitar pickups and their effect on tone [Guide], Do guitar electronics affect tone? Fender American Ultra Strat Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y2ow3bve In neck trough instruments, the neck elongates and becomes the central piece of the body, where most of its hardware is mounted. Interested in finding out more about music gear and expanding your knowledge? Check out my guide to the different Fender neck profiles to learn more. I figure if I dont like it, I can return within the 30 or 45 day window. JavaScript is disabled. Rolled fingerboard edges and tapered neck heels are also standard features across the American Ultra range. Even better, the neck has rolled edges for premium playability and comfort. 27:10 Thoughts, Case & Stock Availability But fret work and fit/finish on the American Pro is very good. Ultra series guitars have noiseless pickups and locking tuners unlike the Pro II series guitars. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 2-Point Fender Deluxe Synchronized Tremolo bridge. Guitars in both series have a push/ pull tone pot which activates the additional switching that you wont find on many other Fender models. You are using an out of date browser. Ultimate Jazzmaster Comparison | Alamo Music Center 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. Fender American Professional Jazzmaster Review - Old-Time Music 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. Guitar players know that there are many variables in determining the sound of a guitar. JavaScript is disabled. ThorpyFX Dane Overdrive/boost - https://tinyurl.com/y6eoposs PRS Silver Sky VS Fender Strat (direct comparison) - Guitar Chalk It's a bit expensive, but it sounds, looks and feels incredible. American Professional II Strat vs American Ultra Strat - GearAficionado The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 10 - 14 Compound radius. Allowing you to access more pickup combinations for greater tonal versatility, these electronics therefore work very similarly to the Push/Push systems found in Fenders new American Professional II guitars. These also have a push-push pot for series-parallel switching. Andertons Synths, Keys & Tech YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/ns172M I have a Pro 2 and an Ultra, and had a Pro 1 as well. Different scale lengths have varying influences over things such as string tension, and of course, fret gap size. 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. Pro 2 vs ultra vs pro 1 | Fender Stratocaster Guitar Forum In this article I go deep into that topic and answer the most pressing questions: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a bolt-on neck. Find out their differences in sound, playability, build quality and value. [Complete guide], Do pickups make a difference in sound? They have very different necks, both in terms of radius, profile and frets. Andertons Drummers YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/9yKSS9 These kits feature new rear bumpers, spoilers, side skirts, valances, grilles, grille emblems, and fender extensions to transform the look of your Mustang. Some bridges also have extra functionalities. The HSS ultras are extremely versatile, while the Am Pros are going to have the more traditional Strat sound. . Simply put theres tonnes of variety! Fender American Pro II Stratocaster in Miami Blue | https://tinyurl.com/y4w9svgg Fender American Ultra Strat Rosewood Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/y57233cl Your IP: Do fret size and material affect tone and playability? Check out my complete guide to the different Stratocaster models to make sure you get the best option. The truth is that Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster offers an exceptional quality. 15 years of Work Gone, Don't store picks in zip bags for too long. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. The neck was super smooth. Fenders NEW & Improved American Professional II Series - What's The Difference? You've watched the videos & seen the store, now join the Andertons Family with our exclusive, official merchandise! [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? https://tinyurl.com/y6a22s4k Standards were modern C, as are performers. Make sure you like them before doing this. All guitar and bass models now sport bevelled neck plates too. A guitar's lifespan is mostly related to how well it is maintained and treated. The II plays smooth and feels great, I remember thinking the same about the original. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. 2023: The Year Epiphone Became Unaffordable, They Stole My Digital Recorder and SD cards. Fender American Ultra vs Professional II Series Guitars Fender has also introduced some tasteful new colour options that are exclusive to these guitars and basses. So its time for an upgrade. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid alder body. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. You are using an out of date browser. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bone nut. The kind of material used to build a guitars body is something you should really pay attention to. Its fundamental that your instrument has good quality machine heads to keep it in tune. Guitar necks come in a variety of different joints, and each one has its own pros and cons. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fender's American Professional II series. Does fret number matter? Buy a T Shirt: https://goo.gl/TrTe78 American Original 70's Tele Custom neck finish, Cap outer foil tester build -- Peegoo Custom Special. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bridge integrated tailpiece. 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. Fenders American Ultra Noiseless pickups are split into two types. Here is Fender's modernism at its best, with the iconic body . 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. 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. I'd have to sell a Strat or two first. 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. Finding the particular specs of 2 guitars online is quite some work. Andertons Shopping Website: https://goo.gl/TPsG2Q The Fender American Ultra basses go a major step forward though, with their super-tweakable electronics likely to find favour with fastidious players. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II, American Pro I ( and American Ultra Jazzmaster. 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. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Strat Talk is the leading online community and marketplace for Stratocaster guitars. Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (Butterscotch Blonde) and American Ultra Telecaster (white). The Fender American Elite Strat has got more tonal possibilities, compared to the American Special and Pro. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. Main difference on the Ultra is the C to D neck carve and the noiseless pickups. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. However, their quality will be a defining factor in your playing experience. As it turns out, these US-crafted models are fairly equal on paper. Read the full Fender American Professional II Stratocaster review (Image credit: Fender) 8. 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. 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. You must log in or register to reply here. Also, there are different fret materials to consider. There are also many factors that could determine what weight of guitar would be best for you. Fender American Professional II vs. Ultra Guitars Compared to some higher-end Fenders, including two Custom Shops, it stands up among the very best I've spent time with. Neither series has a left-handed version of the HSS Strat. The Ultras noiseless pickups do not produce any hum or suffer from feedback unlike the V-Mod II pickups on the Pro II. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Wide Thin Pattern Thin 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. In this extensive blog, weve broken down the key features of Fenders new American Professional II guitars. 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. Ive got an American Pro I with an all Rosewood neck. If you can go to a shop and play a few that would be a good idea, bc neck/fret preferences are pretty subjective. But ultimately, these small refinements bring these instruments more up-to-scratch for contemporary musicians looking for greater tonal flexibility and added playing comfort. A more comparable choice is the American Original Series - that's where I have settled after stints with both CS and Am Pro guitars. We will outline how pickups work and what are the central factors that determine how they influence the tone of your instrument. Shop all Fender American Pro II Jazzmasters | https://tinyurl.com/yxwtylto . American Professional II guitars have thicker necks and higher output pickups giving them a more modern tone compared to the American Performer guitars. 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. Main Stratocaster Guitar Discussion Forum. Whether your preferred guitar has one or not, it shouldnt worry you too much. 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. Agreed but I don't blame people for not liking the price. The American Ultra models have locking tuners unlike the American Professional II models. I dont notice much difference between the supernatural and the original AmPro finish. Phone: +1 786-755-8158, American Ultra Luxe Strat vs American Ultra Strat, American Professional II Strat vs American Ultra Luxe Strat, American Original 60s Strat vs American Ultra Luxe Strat, American Original 50s Strat vs American Ultra Luxe Strat, Fender American Professional II Stratocaster and Fender American Ultra Stratocaster side by side, Fender American Professional II Stratocaster play demo, Fender American Ultra Stratocaster play demo, A brief description of the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster, A brief description of the Fender American Ultra Stratocaster, Types of electric guitar bodies and their effect on tone. The Ultra model has a 6-saddle bridge whereas the Pro II has a 3-saddle bridge design. The Jazz and Precision Bass models also keep their respective Slim C and 63 neck carves. 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! I didn't like mine until I raised them to spec, they came installed about 3/16" from the strings, far too low. Fenders American Professional II Stratocaster offers multiple upgrades from its inaugural configuration. Five iconic guitar and bass shapes make up Fenders American Professional II series. (3) Fender American Professional II Telecaster Deluxe - Dark Night with Rosewood Fingerboard. Fender's QC at the US factory is excellent. The Bajas and Classic Player series held their value much better. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 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. American Professional II | Fender Press J to jump to the feed. If you like old-school Fenders these guitars really arent for you! Core If you are here, it seems like I have already done that job for you. 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. 111 NE 1st St, Miami, FL, Miami-Dade, US, 33132 Does guitar body shape affect tone or playability? 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 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. Pattern Additionally, youll find narrow tall frets on the Pro II version and medium jumbo frets on the Ultra. The best off the line guitar they make. There are 6 main PRS neck profiles: 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. As you probably know, the body type of a guitar is a defining factor for its character and tone. I'd say not really. Fender American Professional II Telecaster | Reverb Fender's QC at the US factory is excellent. This isnt a case of Fender playing it safe, but rather the brand wishing to keep the core elements of its guitars the same as they are what make a Fender a Fender! 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. Simply put - there's tonnes of variety! I might even be an idiot and get it refretted with stainless with the price difference between the two. 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! 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 The majority of your money is going towards labor costs. Best Stratocasters 2023 | Guitar World Fender's reimagined American Pro II series brings over features from the popular American Ultra line, including a truly ergonomic neck heel. 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. American Professional II Strat vs American Ultra Luxe Strat I love the deep C neck carve and the pickups sound stellar. American Ultra guitars boast Fenders ingenious S-1 switching circuitry. I play thumb over the top so I appreciate a soft edge but theyre not miles apart. All these necks are based on the C-shape and have the following PRS SE vs S2 Guitars (Including Custom, Standard, McCarty). 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. Could these be the best guitars Fender has ever made? What Telecaster necks feel most like a 2011 American Standard Stratocaster? For the most part, Fenders American Professional II guitars maintain almost everything that made the original American Pro models so great. Fender American Performer vs Professional: The Differences Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster - Worth It? [REVIEW] Each package comes ready to be painted to get the perfect match for your Fox Body . S2 Fender American Pro II Telecaster in Mercury | https://tinyurl.com/yxz2e2gk Holy ****, manI just looked and youre right. The neck is really nice, but its a little different from other Fenders. The American Professional II range has replaced Fenders entire American Pro lineup, of which took over from the venerable American Standard series in 2017. MA. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. I'm not sure the pro ii or the ultra bring much more to the table than the older american deluxe series. 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. However, selected Fender American Professional II guitars and basses (with natural finishes) boast Roasted Pine bodies instead. 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. This functionality expands their tonal palettes, as it extends beyond the customary switching capabilities available on typical Strat, Tele and Jazzmaster models. Fender American pro vs ultra | TalkBass.com Additionally, the Ultra only has 21 frets whereas the Pro II has 22 frets which are spaced more closely together. Guitars and basses from the original American Professional lineup came fitted with Fenders V-Modpickups. 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. They also have slightly different properties that some players argue can influence the tone of your guitar. The PRS range consists of 4 different lines: 16:28 Fender American Pro II Telecaster Even the resale value thing is a myth. Go on reverb and look at the price of secondhand Baja teles vs Americans pro series. So again, it's a matter of what you're going for. These 2 finishes are both types of varnish that can be used to protect and beautify a guitars wood. If youre looking for a modern, top-of-the-line Fender Strat, Tele or Jazzmaster then your best bet is to consider the American Professional II and Ultra series. 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. You could then perhaps argue that the Fender American Professional II guitars, which have been refined with Ultra-like tweaks, offer more bang-for-your-buck and are clearly better than their predecessors from the original American Pro range. [Guide], Does a guitars neck joint affect its tone? Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2d90c11c2fe174 Youll also find rolled fretboard edges on guitars in both series. [Complete guide], Does a guitars bridge affect the tone? My favourite guitar in 25 years. Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. 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 . Ive narrowed it down to the Ultra and the Professional II. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. In short, a guitars top has a slight, but perceivable, influence on its tone, however, they are mostly used for aesthetic purposes. They're definitely a winner with Danish Pete and The Captain! However, American Ultra bodies are heavily-contoured at the rear around their lower horn, neck and belly-cut sections. 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. 22:14 Fender American Pro II Jazzmaster
