What is the fingerboard material on this specific model?

This model features a Rosewood (RW) fingerboard, denoted by the 'RW' in its name. Rosewood typically offers a slightly warmer tonal response compared to maple boards.

What kind of neck profile does the American Professional II Telecaster have?

It features the 'Deep C' neck profile. This shape is slightly thicker than a modern C but thinner than a U-shape, designed to feel comfortable for a wide variety of playing styles.

How do V-Mod II pickups differ from the original V-Mod pickups?

The V-Mod II pickups are voiced specifically for each position, utilizing different alnico magnet types to balance the output. They are designed to offer better clarity and articulation than the first generation.

What are the benefits of the sculpted neck heel?

The sculpted neck heel reduces the bulk of the joint where the neck meets the body. This provides the player with more comfortable access to the highest frets on the fingerboard.

Does this guitar use a top-load or string-through bridge?

It uses a hybrid bridge that allows for both top-loading and string-through-body configurations. This gives players the choice between a stiffer feel with more sustain or a softer feel with easier string bending.

What type of saddles are used on the bridge?

The bridge features compensated brass 'bullet' saddles. These provide the classic brass-saddle tone while improving the intonation accuracy for each pair of strings.

What finish is applied to the back of the neck?

The neck is finished with Fender's 'Super-Natural' satin finish. This is designed to feel smooth and fast, preventing the sticky sensation often found with high-gloss finishes.

Is this guitar suitable for high-gain music?

While it is a single-coil guitar, the V-Mod II pickups are designed to be 'snarly' and articulated. It can handle overdrive well, though for extreme metal, players might look to the Jim Root Telecaster which features humbuckers.

What is the typical price for this model in the UK?

The typical price for this instrument is approximately GBP 1,699. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current promotions.

How does this model compare to a Squier Mini Stratocaster?

The American Professional II is a full-scale, professional-grade instrument made in the USA. The Squier Mini Stratocaster is a reduced-scale, entry-level guitar designed for beginners and younger players.

What does '3-Tone Sunburst' refer to?

It refers to the classic Fender finish consisting of three colours: a dark outer edge, a red middle transition, and a yellow/amber centre. It is one of the most iconic finishes in guitar history.

Are the fingerboard edges treated in any special way?

Yes, the fingerboard edges are 'rolled.' This means they are rounded off during manufacturing to provide a broken-in, comfortable feel that mimics a vintage instrument.

Gear article

Fender American Professional II Telecaster RW 3-Tone Sunburst

The Fender American Professional II Telecaster is a premium solid-body electric guitar designed for the modern working musician, featuring a Rosewood (RW) fingerboard and a classic 3-Tone Sunburst finish. It represents the evolution of the original solid-body electric guitar, blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary hardware improvements such as V-Mod II pickups and a sculpted neck heel.

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Background and Development

The American Professional II series is the successor to the original American Professional line, representing over seventy years of innovation in Fender's manufacturing history. This specific model serves as a middle-ground flagship in the Fender catalogue, sitting between the vintage-accurate American Vintage II series and the ultra-modern American Ultra range. It is built in the United States and is intended to be a reliable, high-performance instrument for professionals.

Technical Features and Playability

The instrument features several ergonomic upgrades intended to improve long-term playability. The 'Deep C' neck profile has been refined with rolled fingerboard edges and a 'Super-Natural' satin finish, which reduces friction during position shifts. A significant structural change is the newly sculpted neck heel, which allows for easier access to the upper register of the fingerboard. The bridge is a versatile top-load/string-through design featuring compensated brass 'bullet' saddles, providing both traditional Telecaster snap and modern intonation accuracy.

Electronics and Sound

The core of the guitar's sound comes from the V-Mod II Telecaster single-coil pickups. These are voiced specifically for their position, aiming to retain the classic 'snarl' and 'twang' associated with the model since the 1950s, while offering improved note articulation. The circuit is designed to be versatile enough to handle high-gain settings without losing the clarity required for clean country or jazz passages.

Artist Usage and Market Position

The American Professional II Telecaster is utilised by various contemporary musicians, including Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green. Within the broader market, it competes with other professional-grade instruments such as the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s and Fender's own artist-specific models like the Jim Root or Eric Clapton signature guitars. While it lacks the relic detailing of Custom Shop instruments, it is designed to provide professional performance at a standard production price point.

Artists who play it

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Frequently asked questions

What is the fingerboard material on this specific model?: This model features a Rosewood (RW) fingerboard, denoted by the 'RW' in its name. Rosewood typically offers a slightly warmer tonal response compared to maple boards.
What kind of neck profile does the American Professional II Telecaster have?: It features the 'Deep C' neck profile. This shape is slightly thicker than a modern C but thinner than a U-shape, designed to feel comfortable for a wide variety of playing styles.
How do V-Mod II pickups differ from the original V-Mod pickups?: The V-Mod II pickups are voiced specifically for each position, utilizing different alnico magnet types to balance the output. They are designed to offer better clarity and articulation than the first generation.
What are the benefits of the sculpted neck heel?: The sculpted neck heel reduces the bulk of the joint where the neck meets the body. This provides the player with more comfortable access to the highest frets on the fingerboard.
Does this guitar use a top-load or string-through bridge?: It uses a hybrid bridge that allows for both top-loading and string-through-body configurations. This gives players the choice between a stiffer feel with more sustain or a softer feel with easier string bending.
What type of saddles are used on the bridge?: The bridge features compensated brass 'bullet' saddles. These provide the classic brass-saddle tone while improving the intonation accuracy for each pair of strings.
What finish is applied to the back of the neck?: The neck is finished with Fender's 'Super-Natural' satin finish. This is designed to feel smooth and fast, preventing the sticky sensation often found with high-gloss finishes.
Is this guitar suitable for high-gain music?: While it is a single-coil guitar, the V-Mod II pickups are designed to be 'snarly' and articulated. It can handle overdrive well, though for extreme metal, players might look to the Jim Root Telecaster which features humbuckers.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The typical price for this instrument is approximately GBP 1,699. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current promotions.
How does this model compare to a Squier Mini Stratocaster?: The American Professional II is a full-scale, professional-grade instrument made in the USA. The Squier Mini Stratocaster is a reduced-scale, entry-level guitar designed for beginners and younger players.
What does '3-Tone Sunburst' refer to?: It refers to the classic Fender finish consisting of three colours: a dark outer edge, a red middle transition, and a yellow/amber centre. It is one of the most iconic finishes in guitar history.
Are the fingerboard edges treated in any special way?: Yes, the fingerboard edges are 'rolled.' This means they are rounded off during manufacturing to provide a broken-in, comfortable feel that mimics a vintage instrument.