What is the body material of the American Ultra II Stratocaster?

The guitar features a body made from select alder, chosen for its balanced resonance and light weight.

What kind of pickups are installed in this model?

It is equipped with three Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Strat pickups, which provide classic single-coil tones without the hum.

What is unique about the neck construction?

The neck is made from quartersawn maple, which provides significantly better stability and structural integrity than standard maple necks.

What is the fingerboard radius?

It features a 10"-14" compound radius, which flattens out as you move up the neck to facilitate easier soloing and bending.

What does the S-1 switch do on this Stratocaster?

The S-1 switch, located on the volume pot, allows for extra pickup combinations, increasing the tonal versatility beyond the standard five positions.

Are there any features for playing on dark stages?

Yes, the guitar is fitted with Luminlay side dots that glow in the dark, ensuring the player can see the fret positions in low-light environments.

What is the fingerboard material on the EB model?

The 'EB' in the model name stands for Ebony, which provides a dark aesthetic and a smooth, fast playing surface.

How does the body shape differ from a standard Stratocaster?

The American Ultra II features sculpted rear contours and a tapered neck heel to improve player comfort and upper-fret access.

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

The typical price range for the Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster EB is approximately £2,199.

Is the neck finish designed for speed?

Yes, the neck features ultra-rolled fingerboard edges and a smooth finish to ensure a comfortable and fast playing experience.

How does this compare to the American Professional II series?

The Ultra II features higher-end specifications such as noiseless pickups, a compound radius fingerboard, and a quartersawn neck, whereas the Professional II uses V-Mod II pickups and a deep-C neck profile.

What is the 'Texas Tea' finish?

Texas Tea is a premium Fender finish that appears as a dark, metallic black or very dark brown with subtle gold or green flakes depending on the light.

Gear article

Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster EB Texas Tea

The Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster EB is a premium electric guitar designed for high-performance playability and modern tonal versatility. It features a select alder body, a quartersawn maple neck with an ebony fingerboard, and advanced Ultra II Noiseless Vintage pickups to provide classic Fender character without electronic hum.

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Overview and Construction

The American Ultra II Stratocaster represents the pinnacle of Fender’s production line, focusing on ergonomic refinements and modern hardware. The body is crafted from select alder, featuring sculpted rear contours that allow for easier access to the upper frets. The 'Texas Tea' finish provides a unique aesthetic that shifts in appearance depending on the lighting.

A significant upgrade in this series is the use of quartersawn maple for the neck, which offers superior stability and resistance to warping compared to standard flat-sawn necks. This is paired with an ebony fingerboard, a dense wood known for its smooth feel and bright tonal response.

Playability and Neck Profile

The guitar is engineered for technical proficiency, featuring a 10"-14" compound radius fingerboard. This design means the fretboard is rounder near the nut for comfortable chording and flattens out toward the upper registers to prevent notes from 'choking' during wide string bends.

Additional professional features include: * Luminlay Side Dots: Glow-in-the-dark markers that provide visibility on dimly lit stages. * Ultra Rolled Edges: The fingerboard edges are heavily rounded for a broken-in feel. * Tapered Neck Heel: Provides unobstructed access to the highest frets.

Electronics and Sound Character

The American Ultra II is equipped with Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Strat pickups. These are designed to replicate the sparkle and 'quack' of 1950s and 60s single-coils while eliminating the 60-cycle hum typically associated with vintage designs.

The instrument includes an S-1 switch integrated into the volume knob. When engaged, this switch allows for additional pickup configurations not found on a standard five-way selector, significantly expanding the guitar's tonal palette for studio and live applications.

Target Audience and Comparison

This model is aimed at professional musicians and enthusiasts who require a reliable, high-spec instrument that bridges the gap between traditional aesthetics and modern performance.

Compared to the American Professional II Stratocaster, the Ultra II offers more aggressive body sculpting and noiseless electronics. While the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster focuses on a specific artist's mid-boost circuit and soft-V neck, the Ultra II provides a more contemporary compound radius and quartersawn neck stability. It serves as a more versatile, modern alternative to vintage-spec instruments like the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s or Custom Shop Relic models.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body material of the American Ultra II Stratocaster?: The guitar features a body made from select alder, chosen for its balanced resonance and light weight.
What kind of pickups are installed in this model?: It is equipped with three Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Strat pickups, which provide classic single-coil tones without the hum.
What is unique about the neck construction?: The neck is made from quartersawn maple, which provides significantly better stability and structural integrity than standard maple necks.
What is the fingerboard radius?: It features a 10"-14" compound radius, which flattens out as you move up the neck to facilitate easier soloing and bending.
What does the S-1 switch do on this Stratocaster?: The S-1 switch, located on the volume pot, allows for extra pickup combinations, increasing the tonal versatility beyond the standard five positions.
Are there any features for playing on dark stages?: Yes, the guitar is fitted with Luminlay side dots that glow in the dark, ensuring the player can see the fret positions in low-light environments.
What is the fingerboard material on the EB model?: The 'EB' in the model name stands for Ebony, which provides a dark aesthetic and a smooth, fast playing surface.
How does the body shape differ from a standard Stratocaster?: The American Ultra II features sculpted rear contours and a tapered neck heel to improve player comfort and upper-fret access.
What is the typical price for this guitar in the UK?: The typical price range for the Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster EB is approximately £2,199.
Is the neck finish designed for speed?: Yes, the neck features ultra-rolled fingerboard edges and a smooth finish to ensure a comfortable and fast playing experience.
How does this compare to the American Professional II series?: The Ultra II features higher-end specifications such as noiseless pickups, a compound radius fingerboard, and a quartersawn neck, whereas the Professional II uses V-Mod II pickups and a deep-C neck profile.
What is the 'Texas Tea' finish?: Texas Tea is a premium Fender finish that appears as a dark, metallic black or very dark brown with subtle gold or green flakes depending on the light.