What body material is used for the American Professional II Stratocaster HSS?

The body is crafted from alder, which is highly regarded for its balanced sound and resonance across the frequency spectrum.

What is the neck profile on this model?

It features a Deep "C" neck shape, designed to offer a comfortable grip and support effortless playing during long sessions.

What does 'MN' stand for in the product name?

MN stands for Maple Neck/Fingerboard, indicating that the fingerboard is made of maple rather than rosewood or ebony.

What is the pickup configuration of this Stratocaster?

It uses an HSS configuration, consisting of one bridge humbucker and two single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions.

How does the sound differ from a standard SSS Stratocaster?

The bridge humbucker provides a thicker, more powerful tone with less hum, making it better suited for high-gain rock than a standard single-coil bridge pickup.

What finish is available for this specific model?

This specific model features a classic 3-Tone Sunburst finish, providing a timeless aesthetic.

Is the fingerboard marked for navigation?

Yes, the maple fingerboard features black dot inlays to help the player navigate across the frets easily.

What kind of tone does the maple neck provide?

The maple neck is known for producing a bright and articulate tone, which complements the resonance of the alder body.

Who are some notable artists who use Fender gear like this?

Artists such as Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green are known to use this professional-grade equipment.

How much does this guitar typically cost?

The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 1,856, positioning it as a professional-level investment.

How does this compare to the Jim Root Telecaster?

The American Pro II HSS Stratocaster is more versatile for clean tones and features a different body shape and pickup layout compared to the metal-focused Jim Root Telecaster.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

While beginners can play it, this is a professional-grade instrument designed for discerning musicians who require precision engineering and high-quality materials.

Gear article

Fender American Professional II Stratocaster HSS MN 3-Tone Sunburst

The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster HSS MN is a professional-grade electric guitar featuring an alder body, maple neck, and a versatile humbucker-single-single pickup configuration. Built for discerning musicians, it combines traditional Fender aesthetics with modern engineering to deliver exceptional resonance and playability.

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Overview and Construction

The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster HSS MN is a high-specification instrument designed for the needs of the working professional. The body is constructed from alder, a classic tonewood selected for its balanced resonance and clear tonal profile. This particular model is finished in a traditional 3-Tone Sunburst, maintaining the heritage look of the Stratocaster lineage while incorporating modern internal refinements.

The neck is crafted from maple and features a Deep "C" profile, which is designed to fill the hand comfortably without feeling overly bulky. The maple fingerboard (MN) contributes to an articulate and bright response, complemented by black dot inlays for clear navigation. Precision engineering is evident in the hardware and neck-to-body joint, ensuring stability and sustain.

Electronics and Sound Character

The defining feature of this model is its HSS pickup configuration. Unlike the traditional triple single-coil setup, the inclusion of a humbucker in the bridge position allows for higher output and thicker, more aggressive tones. This is paired with two single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions, providing the signature 'quack' and chime associated with the Stratocaster.

Key sonic characteristics include: * Bridge Humbucker: Provides weight and power for overdriven rock and lead passages. * Single-Coils: Deliver the bright, transparent tones required for clean and bluesy playing styles. * Versatility: The combination allows players to switch between high-gain modern sounds and vintage clarity within a single instrument.

Target Audience and Professional Use

This instrument is aimed at discerning musicians who require a single guitar capable of covering multiple genres. Its ergonomic design and Deep "C" neck shape make it suitable for long performance sessions and sessions where effortless playability is a priority. Notable artists associated with Fender's professional series include Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green, highlighting the model's presence in contemporary music production and live performance.

Market Comparison

Within the Fender catalogue, the American Professional II HSS occupies a middle ground between vintage-reissue models and high-end Custom Shop offerings. Compared to the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster or the Jim Root Telecaster, it offers a more flexible electronics suite. For those seeking a different tonal foundation, the American Professional II is also available with a roasted pine body and rosewood fingerboard. When compared to competitors like the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s, the Stratocaster offers a longer scale length and a lighter alder body, resulting in a snappier attack.

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Frequently asked questions

What body material is used for the American Professional II Stratocaster HSS?: The body is crafted from alder, which is highly regarded for its balanced sound and resonance across the frequency spectrum.
What is the neck profile on this model?: It features a Deep "C" neck shape, designed to offer a comfortable grip and support effortless playing during long sessions.
What does 'MN' stand for in the product name?: MN stands for Maple Neck/Fingerboard, indicating that the fingerboard is made of maple rather than rosewood or ebony.
What is the pickup configuration of this Stratocaster?: It uses an HSS configuration, consisting of one bridge humbucker and two single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions.
How does the sound differ from a standard SSS Stratocaster?: The bridge humbucker provides a thicker, more powerful tone with less hum, making it better suited for high-gain rock than a standard single-coil bridge pickup.
What finish is available for this specific model?: This specific model features a classic 3-Tone Sunburst finish, providing a timeless aesthetic.
Is the fingerboard marked for navigation?: Yes, the maple fingerboard features black dot inlays to help the player navigate across the frets easily.
What kind of tone does the maple neck provide?: The maple neck is known for producing a bright and articulate tone, which complements the resonance of the alder body.
Who are some notable artists who use Fender gear like this?: Artists such as Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green are known to use this professional-grade equipment.
How much does this guitar typically cost?: The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 1,856, positioning it as a professional-level investment.
How does this compare to the Jim Root Telecaster?: The American Pro II HSS Stratocaster is more versatile for clean tones and features a different body shape and pickup layout compared to the metal-focused Jim Root Telecaster.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: While beginners can play it, this is a professional-grade instrument designed for discerning musicians who require precision engineering and high-quality materials.