What is unique about the roasted pine body?

Roasting the pine at high temperatures removes moisture and resin, making the wood lighter, more stable, and more resonant. This process gives the guitar a 'broken-in' vintage feel and a distinct aesthetic compared to alder or ash.

What is the 'Deep C' neck profile?

The Deep C profile is a Fender neck shape that is slim at the nut but gradually fills out as you move up the fretboard. It provides a more substantial feel than a standard Modern C, making it comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing.

What are V-Mod II pickups?

V-Mod II pickups are an evolution of Fender's single-coil design, featuring a proprietary blend of alnico magnet types. Each pickup is specifically voiced for its position to provide the classic Stratocaster chime with modern clarity.

What type of bridge does this model use?

It features a two-point synchronised tremolo bridge. This design offers better tuning stability and smoother action compared to the traditional six-screw vintage bridges.

Does this guitar come with a rosewood fingerboard?

Yes, the 'RW' in the product name stands for Rosewood, which provides a warm tonal response and a smooth feel under the fingers.

Who are some notable artists using this model?

Artists associated with this gear include Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green. Its versatile nature makes it a popular choice for many professional touring musicians.

How does this compare to a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90?

The Stratocaster uses single-coil pickups and a longer scale length, resulting in a brighter, snappier sound than the Les Paul. The Stratocaster also features a tremolo system, whereas the Les Paul typicaly has a fixed bridge.

Is the American Professional II suitable for beginners?

While its high price point of £1,849 is often aimed at professionals, its easy playability makes it excellent for any skill level. Beginners may, however, find more value in the Squier series for a first instrument.

What is the price of the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster?

This specific model typically retails for approximately £1,849 in the United Kingdom. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and specific wood options.

What does the 'II' in the name signify?

It indicates that this is the second generation of the American Professional series. It features several hardware and electronic upgrades over the original 2017 series.

How does pine compare to alder for guitar bodies?

Pine was used in early Fender prototypes and is known for being lightweight with a prominent grain. Roasted pine is particularly prized for its increased sustain and resistance to humidity changes compared to alder.

Can this guitar handle high-gain styles?

While it is famous for clean and bluesy tones, the V-Mod II pickups are versatile enough for rock and fusion. For extremely high-gain metal, players like Jim Root often prefer humbucking pickups found on other Fender models.

Gear article

Fender American Professional II Stratocaster RW Roasted Pine

The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster RW Roasted Pine is a high-performance electric guitar that combines classic design with contemporary refinements. Featuring an uncommon roasted pine body and V-Mod II pickups, it is designed for professional musicians seeking the iconic Fender sound with enhanced playability.

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Overview and History

The Fender Stratocaster has been a staple of the music industry for decades, serving as a versatile tool across myriad genres. The American Professional II series represents an evolution of the brand's core American-made line, succeeding the original American Professional series. This specific model utilizes roasted pine for the body—a lightweight and resonant timber that provides a unique aesthetic and tonal character compared to traditional alder or ash. The goal of this iteration is to continue the Stratocaster legacy by offering a meticulous design that balances heritage with modern performance requirements.

Features and Design

The American Professional II Stratocaster is built with a focus on precision and ergonomics. It features the popular deep 'C' neck profile, which is slightly thicker than a standard modern C, providing a comfortable feel in the hand. The updated V-Mod II single-coil pickups are voiced specifically for their positions, ensuring a balanced output across all settings. Additional hardware improvements include a two-point synchronised tremolo bridge with a cold-rolled steel block, which enhances sustain and provides smooth pitch modulation.

Sound and Character

The use of roasted pine imparts a unique sonic profile; the roasting process removes moisture and impurities, resulting in a more stable and resonant wood that often mimics the characteristics of vintage, aged instruments. When combined with the V-Mod II pickups, the guitar produces the classic 'quack' and 'sparkle' associated with the Stratocaster, but with a refined clarity and touch sensitivity. It maintains the instantly recognisable Fender flair while allowing the player's individual persona to come through.

Target Audience and Comparison

This guitar is suited for professional players and enthusiasts who require a reliable, high-performance instrument for studio or stage use. It has been used by artists such as Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green. Compared to more affordable alternatives like the Squier Mini Stratocaster or mid-range options like the Stagg SES-30, the American Professional II offers superior hardware and craftsmanship. While vintage-style alternatives like the Fender Custom Shop '61 Telecaster focus on period-correct specifications, the American Pro II is geared toward modern functionality and playability.

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Frequently asked questions

What is unique about the roasted pine body?: Roasting the pine at high temperatures removes moisture and resin, making the wood lighter, more stable, and more resonant. This process gives the guitar a 'broken-in' vintage feel and a distinct aesthetic compared to alder or ash.
What is the 'Deep C' neck profile?: The Deep C profile is a Fender neck shape that is slim at the nut but gradually fills out as you move up the fretboard. It provides a more substantial feel than a standard Modern C, making it comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing.
What are V-Mod II pickups?: V-Mod II pickups are an evolution of Fender's single-coil design, featuring a proprietary blend of alnico magnet types. Each pickup is specifically voiced for its position to provide the classic Stratocaster chime with modern clarity.
What type of bridge does this model use?: It features a two-point synchronised tremolo bridge. This design offers better tuning stability and smoother action compared to the traditional six-screw vintage bridges.
Does this guitar come with a rosewood fingerboard?: Yes, the 'RW' in the product name stands for Rosewood, which provides a warm tonal response and a smooth feel under the fingers.
Who are some notable artists using this model?: Artists associated with this gear include Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green. Its versatile nature makes it a popular choice for many professional touring musicians.
How does this compare to a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90?: The Stratocaster uses single-coil pickups and a longer scale length, resulting in a brighter, snappier sound than the Les Paul. The Stratocaster also features a tremolo system, whereas the Les Paul typicaly has a fixed bridge.
Is the American Professional II suitable for beginners?: While its high price point of £1,849 is often aimed at professionals, its easy playability makes it excellent for any skill level. Beginners may, however, find more value in the Squier series for a first instrument.
What is the price of the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster?: This specific model typically retails for approximately £1,849 in the United Kingdom. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and specific wood options.
What does the 'II' in the name signify?: It indicates that this is the second generation of the American Professional series. It features several hardware and electronic upgrades over the original 2017 series.
How does pine compare to alder for guitar bodies?: Pine was used in early Fender prototypes and is known for being lightweight with a prominent grain. Roasted pine is particularly prized for its increased sustain and resistance to humidity changes compared to alder.
Can this guitar handle high-gain styles?: While it is famous for clean and bluesy tones, the V-Mod II pickups are versatile enough for rock and fusion. For extremely high-gain metal, players like Jim Root often prefer humbucking pickups found on other Fender models.