What body wood is used for the American Ultra II Stratocaster?

The guitar features a select alder body. This wood is chosen for its balanced tone, resonance, and sculpted contours that enhance player comfort.

What is unique about the neck construction of this model?

The neck is made from quartersawn maple. Quartersawn wood is cut with the grain running vertically through the neck, providing significantly more stability and rigidity than standard maple necks.

What are Luminlay side dots?

Luminlay side dots are glow-in-the-dark markers located on the side of the neck. They are designed to help guitarists navigate the fingerboard accurately on dark stages or in low-light environments.

How does the compound radius fingerboard benefit the player?

The 10"-14" compound radius is rounder near the nut for comfortable chording and flattens out toward the higher frets. This allows for easier string bending and a lower action without notes 'choking out'.

What type of pickups are installed in the American Ultra II Stratocaster?

It is equipped with Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Strat pickups. These provide classic Fender single-coil tones but utilize stacked coils to eliminate background hum.

What does the S-1 switch do?

The S-1 switch is integrated into the volume knob and allows for expanded wiring options. When pressed, it changes the pickup combinations to offer sounds that are not possible with a standard 5-way selector.

What does the 'EB' in the model name stand for?

The 'EB' indicates that the guitar is fitted with an ebony fingerboard. Ebony is a dense, dark wood known for its smooth feel and bright, snappy tonal response.

Is this guitar suitable for recording?

Yes, it is highly suitable for recording due to its Noiseless pickups. These eliminate the electrical interference and buzz that often plague traditional single-coil guitars in studio settings.

How does this model compare to the American Professional II Stratocaster?

The Ultra II features more advanced modern appointments, such as the 10"-14" compound radius and noiseless pickups, whereas the American Professional II focuses on a more traditional 9.5" radius and standard V-Mod pickups.

What is the typical retail price for this guitar?

The Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster EB typically retails for approximately £1,999. This reflects its status as a flagship model in the American-made production line.

What finish is available on this specific model?

This specific model features the 'Ultraburst' finish. It is a modern take on the classic sunburst aesthetic, designed to complement the guitar's premium hardware.

What kind of hardware is featured on the American Ultra II?

The guitar includes premium hardware designed for performance stability. This includes advanced bridge components and tuning machines that support the instrument's professional-grade playability.

Gear article

Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster EB Ultraburst

The Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster EB is a high-specification electric guitar designed for professional performance and modern playability. It features an alder body with sculpted contours, a quartersawn maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard with a compound radius for enhanced technical comfort.

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Overview

The Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster EB represents the brand's most advanced series of production instruments. Designed to meet the requirements of contemporary musicians, this model integrates traditional Stratocaster design with modern ergonomic refinements and electronics. The 'EB' designation refers to its ebony fingerboard, while the 'Ultraburst' finish provides a sophisticated visual aesthetic. The instrument is priced at approximately £1,999, positioning it as a premium option within the standard American-made catalogue.

Construction and Ergonomics

The guitar is built around a select alder body featuring sculpted contours that improve player comfort against the body. A significant upgrade in this series is the use of quartersawn maple for the neck, which provides superior stability and resistance to warping compared to standard flatsawn cuts. The ebony fingerboard features a 10"-14" compound radius; this design allows for comfortable chordal work at the lower frets while facilitating lower action and easier string bending at the higher registers. For visibility during live performance, the neck includes Luminlay side dots that glow in the dark.

Electronics and Hardware

This model is equipped with Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Strat pickups. These are engineered to provide the characteristic chime and clarity of 1950s and 60s single-coils while eliminating the 60-cycle hum typically associated with the design. Versatility is further expanded via an S-1 switch integrated into the volume pot. When engaged, this switch enables additional pickup configurations not available on standard 5-way switching systems, allowing the player to access a broader palette of tonal textures.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the American Ultra II Stratocaster EB is defined by its balance of vintage character and modern precision. The Noiseless Vintage pickups deliver a transparent, articulate tone that responds well to dynamic playing. The combination of an alder body and ebony fingerboard typically yields a resonant, punchy sound with a fast transient response and clear high-end definition. Because the pickups are hum-cancelling, the guitar is particularly well-suited for high-gain environments or recording studios where electrical interference can be an issue.

Target Audience and Comparisons

This instrument is primarily aimed at professional guitarists and serious enthusiasts who require a reliable, high-performance tool. Compared to the Fender American Professional II series, which retains more traditional specifications, the Ultra II offers more advanced ergonomics and noise-free electronics. While the Fender Custom Shop '61 Telecaster or Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s appeal to purists seeking historical accuracy, the American Ultra II is built for players who prefer modern innovations such as the compound radius and specialized hardware. It serves as a more sophisticated alternative to entry-level or mid-tier models like the Squier Mini Stratocaster or Stagg SES-30.

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Frequently asked questions

What body wood is used for the American Ultra II Stratocaster?: The guitar features a select alder body. This wood is chosen for its balanced tone, resonance, and sculpted contours that enhance player comfort.
What is unique about the neck construction of this model?: The neck is made from quartersawn maple. Quartersawn wood is cut with the grain running vertically through the neck, providing significantly more stability and rigidity than standard maple necks.
What are Luminlay side dots?: Luminlay side dots are glow-in-the-dark markers located on the side of the neck. They are designed to help guitarists navigate the fingerboard accurately on dark stages or in low-light environments.
How does the compound radius fingerboard benefit the player?: The 10"-14" compound radius is rounder near the nut for comfortable chording and flattens out toward the higher frets. This allows for easier string bending and a lower action without notes 'choking out'.
What type of pickups are installed in the American Ultra II Stratocaster?: It is equipped with Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Strat pickups. These provide classic Fender single-coil tones but utilize stacked coils to eliminate background hum.
What does the S-1 switch do?: The S-1 switch is integrated into the volume knob and allows for expanded wiring options. When pressed, it changes the pickup combinations to offer sounds that are not possible with a standard 5-way selector.
What does the 'EB' in the model name stand for?: The 'EB' indicates that the guitar is fitted with an ebony fingerboard. Ebony is a dense, dark wood known for its smooth feel and bright, snappy tonal response.
Is this guitar suitable for recording?: Yes, it is highly suitable for recording due to its Noiseless pickups. These eliminate the electrical interference and buzz that often plague traditional single-coil guitars in studio settings.
How does this model compare to the American Professional II Stratocaster?: The Ultra II features more advanced modern appointments, such as the 10"-14" compound radius and noiseless pickups, whereas the American Professional II focuses on a more traditional 9.5" radius and standard V-Mod pickups.
What is the typical retail price for this guitar?: The Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster EB typically retails for approximately £1,999. This reflects its status as a flagship model in the American-made production line.
What finish is available on this specific model?: This specific model features the 'Ultraburst' finish. It is a modern take on the classic sunburst aesthetic, designed to complement the guitar's premium hardware.
What kind of hardware is featured on the American Ultra II?: The guitar includes premium hardware designed for performance stability. This includes advanced bridge components and tuning machines that support the instrument's professional-grade playability.