What does 'HSS' mean on this guitar?

HSS stands for Humbucker-Single-Single. This refers to the pickup configuration, featuring a humbucker in the bridge position and two single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions for maximum tonal versatility.

What is the benefit of a quartersawn maple neck?

Quartersawn maple is cut so that the grain runs vertically through the neck. This makes the wood significantly more stable and less prone to shifting, twisting, or warping due to changes in humidity and temperature.

How does the compound radius fingerboard help the player?

The 10"-14" compound radius is more curved near the nut for easier chord fingering and gradually flattens as you move up the neck. This allows for lower string action and prevents notes from cutting out during large string bends in the higher register.

What are Luminlay side dots?

Luminlay side dots are glow-in-the-dark fret markers located on the side of the neck. They absorb light and remain visible in low-light environments, helping players navigate the fretboard on dark stages.

Are the single-coil pickups truly quiet?

Yes, the Ultra II Noiseless Hot Strat pickups are designed to provide the characteristic tone of a single-coil pickup while cancelling the 60-cycle hum usually associated with them, making them suitable for recording and high-gain use.

What is the Haymaker humbucker designed for?

The Haymaker humbucker is a high-output bridge pickup designed to deliver a thick, powerful sound. It is particularly effective for rock, metal, and heavy blues tones where more gain and sustain are required.

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

The guitar uses a select alder body. Alder is a classic tonewood for Fender, known for providing a balanced and clear sound across the frequency spectrum.

What is the specific color of this model?

This specific model comes in 'Noble Blue,' a deep metallic finish that is part of the American Ultra II series aesthetic.

What are 'Ultra rolled edges'?

Rolled edges refer to a process where the sharp corners of the fingerboard are rounded off. This provides a 'broken-in' feel that is more comfortable for the player's hand during long sessions.

How does the Ultra II compare to the American Professional II?

The Ultra II features more advanced ergonomic contours, a compound radius fingerboard, and noiseless pickups, whereas the American Professional II generally features more traditional specifications and V-Mod pickups.

What fingerboard material does this specific model have?

This model features an ebony fingerboard. Ebony is prized for its dark aesthetic, smooth feel, and bright, snappy tonal response.

Is a case included with this guitar?

While specific retail bundles may vary, the American Ultra II series typically includes a premium moulded hardshell case as standard to protect the high-end instrument.

Gear article

Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster HSS EB Noble Blue

The Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster HSS EB is a high-performance electric guitar designed for professional musicians seeking modern playability and versatile tonal options. It features a quartersawn maple neck, an ebony fingerboard with a compound radius, and an HSS pickup configuration that combines noiseless single-coils with a high-output humbucker.

See live prices

Background and Design

The American Ultra II series represents the evolution of Fender's high-end production line, following the original American Ultra series. It is engineered for precision and speed, moving away from traditional vintage specifications in favour of contemporary ergonomic refinements. The Noble Blue finish is paired with a select alder body that features sculpted rear contours to provide easier access to the upper frets and increased comfort against the player's body.

Construction and Neck Profile

A defining feature of the Ultra II Stratocaster is the use of quartersawn maple for the neck, a method of cutting wood that provides significantly greater stability and resistance to warping over time compared to standard flat-sawn necks. The neck is finished in a smooth satin and features 'Ultra' rolled fingerboard edges. The ebony fingerboard employs a 10"-14" compound radius, which is rounder near the nut for comfortable chording and flattens out towards the higher frets to facilitate low-action soloing without 'choking out' during string bends.

Electronics and Hardware

The HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single) configuration provides a broad palette of sounds. The guitar is equipped with Ultra II Noiseless Hot Strat pickups in the neck and middle positions, designed to deliver classic Stratocaster chime without the 60-cycle hum inherent in traditional single-coils. The bridge position features a powerful Haymaker humbucker, intended for high-gain applications and lead work. For visibility on dark stages, the guitar includes Luminlay side dots, which glow in the dark to assist with fretboard navigation.

User Suitability and Market Positioning

This instrument is aimed at professional guitarists and serious enthusiasts who require a reliable, versatile tool for both studio and stage environments. While traditional models like the American Professional II or Custom Shop 61 Relics cater to vintage purists, the Ultra II is geared towards players who prioritise technical performance and modern reliability. With a typical price point around £2,199, it sits at the top of Fender’s standard American-made production line.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What does 'HSS' mean on this guitar?: HSS stands for Humbucker-Single-Single. This refers to the pickup configuration, featuring a humbucker in the bridge position and two single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions for maximum tonal versatility.
What is the benefit of a quartersawn maple neck?: Quartersawn maple is cut so that the grain runs vertically through the neck. This makes the wood significantly more stable and less prone to shifting, twisting, or warping due to changes in humidity and temperature.
How does the compound radius fingerboard help the player?: The 10"-14" compound radius is more curved near the nut for easier chord fingering and gradually flattens as you move up the neck. This allows for lower string action and prevents notes from cutting out during large string bends in the higher register.
What are Luminlay side dots?: Luminlay side dots are glow-in-the-dark fret markers located on the side of the neck. They absorb light and remain visible in low-light environments, helping players navigate the fretboard on dark stages.
Are the single-coil pickups truly quiet?: Yes, the Ultra II Noiseless Hot Strat pickups are designed to provide the characteristic tone of a single-coil pickup while cancelling the 60-cycle hum usually associated with them, making them suitable for recording and high-gain use.
What is the Haymaker humbucker designed for?: The Haymaker humbucker is a high-output bridge pickup designed to deliver a thick, powerful sound. It is particularly effective for rock, metal, and heavy blues tones where more gain and sustain are required.
What body material is used for the American Ultra II Stratocaster?: The guitar uses a select alder body. Alder is a classic tonewood for Fender, known for providing a balanced and clear sound across the frequency spectrum.
What is the specific color of this model?: This specific model comes in 'Noble Blue,' a deep metallic finish that is part of the American Ultra II series aesthetic.
What are 'Ultra rolled edges'?: Rolled edges refer to a process where the sharp corners of the fingerboard are rounded off. This provides a 'broken-in' feel that is more comfortable for the player's hand during long sessions.
How does the Ultra II compare to the American Professional II?: The Ultra II features more advanced ergonomic contours, a compound radius fingerboard, and noiseless pickups, whereas the American Professional II generally features more traditional specifications and V-Mod pickups.
What fingerboard material does this specific model have?: This model features an ebony fingerboard. Ebony is prized for its dark aesthetic, smooth feel, and bright, snappy tonal response.
Is a case included with this guitar?: While specific retail bundles may vary, the American Ultra II series typically includes a premium moulded hardshell case as standard to protect the high-end instrument.