What is the profile of the American Professional Classic Stratocaster Neck?

It features Fender’s Modern C profile. This shape is designed to be balanced and comfortable for most hand sizes, avoiding a bulky feel while remaining supportive.

How many frets does this neck have?

The neck is equipped with 22 frets. This provides an additional semitone compared to the traditional 21-fret vintage Stratocaster design.

What is the fret size on this model?

It uses medium jumbo frets. These are taller and wider than vintage frets, which makes it easier to perform bends and apply vibrato.

What is the fingerboard radius?

The radius is 9.5 inches. This is a modern Fender standard that offers a flatter surface than vintage 7.25" necks, reducing string buzzing during bends.

What material is the nut made from?

The nut is made from synthetic bone. This material provides consistent density and resonance, and it comes pre-slotted with pilot grooves for string spacing.

What finish is applied to the back of the neck?

The back is finished with a satin urethane coating. This finish is designed to feel smooth and non-sticky, allowing the hand to move quickly without drag.

Does the neck feature rolled edges?

Yes, it features hand-rolled fingerboard edges. This process rounds off the sharp corners where the fretboard meets the neck, providing a comfortable, broken-in feel.

Is this a genuine Fender replacement part?

Yes, it is a genuine Fender American Professional series neck. It is designed to fit standard Fender and Squier Stratocaster neck pockets.

What wood is used for the fingerboard?

This specific model uses a maple fingerboard. Maple is known for its bright tonal character and smooth, light-coloured appearance.

How does this neck compare to a Jim Root Telecaster neck?

While the Jim Root Telecaster neck is designed for high-output metal styles, the American Professional Stratocaster neck offers a more traditional 'Classic' Fender feel suitable for a wider variety of genres.

Is the nut fully finished upon arrival?

No, while it is pre-slotted with pilot grooves, it typically requires final filing by a professional to ensure the action is correct for the specific guitar it is installed on.

Which artists are known to use this gear?

Notable users of this equipment include Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green. They rely on the neck for its balance of traditional feel and modern playability.

Gear article

Fender American Professional Classic Stratocaster Neck

The Fender American Professional Classic Stratocaster Neck is a premium replacement component designed to offer a blend of traditional Fender aesthetics and contemporary playability. It features a maple construction with a Modern C profile, a 9.5" fingerboard radius, and 22 medium jumbo frets.

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Overview

The Fender American Professional Classic Stratocaster Neck is a genuine Fender replacement part crafted for guitarists seeking to upgrade or repair their instruments with professional-grade specifications. It is defined by its use of maple for both the neck and fingerboard, providing a bright, articulate response and a sleek visual aesthetic. The neck is manufactured to the standards expected of Fender's American-made instruments, ensuring high-quality tolerances and finish.

Ergonomics and Playability

Central to the design of this neck is the 'Modern C' profile. This shape is engineered to sit comfortably in the palm of the hand, providing enough substance for chordal work without the bulk associated with vintage 'U' or 'D' profiles. The playability is further enhanced by hand-rolled fingerboard edges, which simulate the 'broken-in' feel of a well-played vintage instrument, preventing the sharp sensations often found on new, lower-tier necks.

The back of the neck is finished in satin urethane. This specific finish is chosen to reduce friction and 'drag' during performance, allowing the player's hand to glide smoothly across the length of the neck even during long, perspiration-heavy sessions.

Technical Specifications

The neck utilizes a 9.5" fingerboard radius, which is a modern standard for Fender. This radius is flatter than the traditional 7.25" vintage radius, allowing for lower string action and facilitating easier string bending without 'choking out.' It is equipped with 22 medium jumbo frets, offering a larger surface area for easier vibrato and technical lead playing.

For tuning stability and resonance, the neck features a pre-slotted synthetic bone nut. The pilot grooves indicate where the strings should sit, ensuring accurate spacing, though final filing is typically required for optimal performance.

Artist Association and Usage

This neck profile and series are utilised by a variety of contemporary musicians who require reliable, high-performance hardware. Notable artists associated with this gear include Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green. Its versatility makes it suitable for genres ranging from blues and rock to more technical modern styles.

Market Position and Alternatives

Priced at approximately GBP 549, this neck sits at the premium end of Fender's replacement part catalogue. While players might consider alternatives such as the Squier Limited Edition Mini Stratocaster for budget projects, or the Fender American Professional II series which may feature different wood options like Roasted Pine, this Classic Maple version remains a staple for those desiring the traditional look and snap of maple.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the profile of the American Professional Classic Stratocaster Neck?: It features Fender’s Modern C profile. This shape is designed to be balanced and comfortable for most hand sizes, avoiding a bulky feel while remaining supportive.
How many frets does this neck have?: The neck is equipped with 22 frets. This provides an additional semitone compared to the traditional 21-fret vintage Stratocaster design.
What is the fret size on this model?: It uses medium jumbo frets. These are taller and wider than vintage frets, which makes it easier to perform bends and apply vibrato.
What is the fingerboard radius?: The radius is 9.5 inches. This is a modern Fender standard that offers a flatter surface than vintage 7.25" necks, reducing string buzzing during bends.
What material is the nut made from?: The nut is made from synthetic bone. This material provides consistent density and resonance, and it comes pre-slotted with pilot grooves for string spacing.
What finish is applied to the back of the neck?: The back is finished with a satin urethane coating. This finish is designed to feel smooth and non-sticky, allowing the hand to move quickly without drag.
Does the neck feature rolled edges?: Yes, it features hand-rolled fingerboard edges. This process rounds off the sharp corners where the fretboard meets the neck, providing a comfortable, broken-in feel.
Is this a genuine Fender replacement part?: Yes, it is a genuine Fender American Professional series neck. It is designed to fit standard Fender and Squier Stratocaster neck pockets.
What wood is used for the fingerboard?: This specific model uses a maple fingerboard. Maple is known for its bright tonal character and smooth, light-coloured appearance.
How does this neck compare to a Jim Root Telecaster neck?: While the Jim Root Telecaster neck is designed for high-output metal styles, the American Professional Stratocaster neck offers a more traditional 'Classic' Fender feel suitable for a wider variety of genres.
Is the nut fully finished upon arrival?: No, while it is pre-slotted with pilot grooves, it typically requires final filing by a professional to ensure the action is correct for the specific guitar it is installed on.
Which artists are known to use this gear?: Notable users of this equipment include Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green. They rely on the neck for its balance of traditional feel and modern playability.