What is the body material of this specific model?

The guitar features an alder body, which is a traditional choice for Stratocasters due to its balanced tone and excellent sustain.

What type of neck profile does the American Professional II Stratocaster have?

It features a Deep 'C' neck shape, which is designed to be comfortable for a variety of playing styles by providing a slightly fuller feel than a standard 'C' neck.

What pickups are installed in this guitar?

The guitar is equipped with V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat pickups, which are voiced specifically for each position to provide a versatile and balanced output.

What type of frets are used on the fingerboard?

The instrument uses narrow-tall frets. These allow for easier string bending and more accurate intonation compared to lower, wider fret styles.

What is the fingerboard material for the 3-Tone Sunburst model described?

This specific model features a rosewood (RW) fingerboard, providing a smooth playing surface and a slightly warmer tonal character.

What finish is applied to the body?

The body is finished in a glossy urethane, which enhances the 3-Tone Sunburst aesthetic while providing durable protection for the alder wood.

How much does the American Professional II Stratocaster typically cost?

The typical price range for this professional-level instrument is approximately GBP 1,799.

Which famous artists are associated with this gear?

Notable artists who use the Fender American Professional II include Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green.

How does this model differ from the Roasted Pine version?

While the electronics and neck specifications are similar, this model uses a traditional alder body, whereas the alternative version uses roasted pine which can offer different weight and resonance characteristics.

Is this guitar suitable for professional use?

Yes, it is described as a professional-level electric guitar designed to incorporate modern upgrades that ensure outstanding performance for working musicians.

What makes the V-Mod II pickups different from standard single coils?

V-Mod II pickups are specifically engineered to provide a versatile range of tones, balancing vintage warmth with the clarity required for modern playing environments.

Does this model include a case?

While specific accessory packages vary by retailer, as a professional-grade Fender instrument, it is typically supplied with a high-quality protective case.

Gear article

Fender American Professional II Stratocaster RW 3-Tone Sunburst

The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster is a professional-grade electric guitar that combines classic design with modern performance enhancements. Featuring a traditional alder body, V-Mod II pickups, and a rosewood fingerboard, it represents the evolution of Fender's flagship American-made instrument.

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Overview and History

The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster is the direct successor to the original American Professional series, building upon over sixty years of innovation. This model is designed to meet the demands of modern working musicians while maintaining the heritage of the 1954 original. It is manufactured in Corona, California, and serves as a benchmark for professional electric guitars globally.

The 'II' iteration introduces refined hardware and electronics, aimed at providing greater versatility and playing comfort. Notable users of this specific series include artists such as Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green, who utilise the instrument's balanced tonal profile for diverse musical applications.

Design and Construction

The instrument features a classic Stratocaster silhouette crafted from alder, a tonewood prized for its balanced response and sustain. The body is finished in a glossy urethane 3-Tone Sunburst, protecting the wood while providing a traditional aesthetic.

The neck is constructed from maple with a Deep 'C' profile, which is slightly more substantial than a standard modern 'C' to provide a fuller feel in the hand. The fingerboard is made of rosewood (RW) and features 22 narrow-tall frets, which are designed to facilitate easier string bending and more precise intonation compared to vintage-style frets.

Electronics and Sound

At the heart of the guitar are the V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat pickups. These are specifically voiced for their positions, using different alnico magnet types to ensure a cohesive output across all five switch positions. The result is a sound that retains the classic 'bell-like' chime associated with the Stratocaster while offering improved clarity and a more robust output suitable for modern amplification and effects.

The control layout follows the standard Stratocaster configuration of one master volume and two tone controls, allowing for a wide range of sonic textures from bright, biting bridge tones to warm, mellow neck pickup sounds.

Market Comparison

Within the Fender catalogue, the American Professional II sits above the Player series and serves as a modern alternative to the Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster. For players seeking different tonewoods, Fender also offers the American Professional II with a Roasted Pine body.

When compared to other professional instruments like the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90, the Stratocaster offers a longer scale length and a brighter, more percussive character. It is often chosen over heavier alternatives for its ergonomic body contours and the specific utility of its vibrato system.

Artists who play it

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body material of this specific model?: The guitar features an alder body, which is a traditional choice for Stratocasters due to its balanced tone and excellent sustain.
What type of neck profile does the American Professional II Stratocaster have?: It features a Deep 'C' neck shape, which is designed to be comfortable for a variety of playing styles by providing a slightly fuller feel than a standard 'C' neck.
What pickups are installed in this guitar?: The guitar is equipped with V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat pickups, which are voiced specifically for each position to provide a versatile and balanced output.
What type of frets are used on the fingerboard?: The instrument uses narrow-tall frets. These allow for easier string bending and more accurate intonation compared to lower, wider fret styles.
What is the fingerboard material for the 3-Tone Sunburst model described?: This specific model features a rosewood (RW) fingerboard, providing a smooth playing surface and a slightly warmer tonal character.
What finish is applied to the body?: The body is finished in a glossy urethane, which enhances the 3-Tone Sunburst aesthetic while providing durable protection for the alder wood.
How much does the American Professional II Stratocaster typically cost?: The typical price range for this professional-level instrument is approximately GBP 1,799.
Which famous artists are associated with this gear?: Notable artists who use the Fender American Professional II include Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green.
How does this model differ from the Roasted Pine version?: While the electronics and neck specifications are similar, this model uses a traditional alder body, whereas the alternative version uses roasted pine which can offer different weight and resonance characteristics.
Is this guitar suitable for professional use?: Yes, it is described as a professional-level electric guitar designed to incorporate modern upgrades that ensure outstanding performance for working musicians.
What makes the V-Mod II pickups different from standard single coils?: V-Mod II pickups are specifically engineered to provide a versatile range of tones, balancing vintage warmth with the clarity required for modern playing environments.
Does this model include a case?: While specific accessory packages vary by retailer, as a professional-grade Fender instrument, it is typically supplied with a high-quality protective case.