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

This model utilizes a select alder body, which is a classic tonewood choice known for its balanced, resonant response across the frequency spectrum.

What makes a quartersawn maple neck better?

Quartersawn maple is cut with the grain oriented vertically, making the neck significantly stiffer and more stable than traditional necks. This reduces the likelihood of bowing or twisting over time as the instrument ages.

What is the benefit of a compound radius fingerboard?

The 10"-14" compound radius is curved at the nut for easy chord fingering and gradually flattens out toward the higher frets. This allows for lower string action and prevents notes from fretting out during large bends.

What are Luminlay side dots?

Luminlay dots are glow-in-the-dark position markers located on the side of the neck. They absorb light and provide high visibility for the player when performing on dark stages.

What is the pickup configuration of this model?

This is an HSS model, featuring a Haymaker humbucker in the bridge position and two Ultra II Noiseless Hot Strat single-coil-style pickups in the middle and neck positions.

Are the pickups truly noiseless?

Yes, the Ultra II Noiseless Hot Strat pickups use a stacked-coil design to cancel 60-cycle hum while retaining the characteristic tonal snap and clarity of a traditional Stratocaster pickup.

What does 'Ultra rolled edges' mean?

This refers to the process of rounding off the sharp edges of the fretboard where it meets the neck. It provides a smoother, more comfortable grip that feels immediately familiar to the player.

What type of finish is on the neck?

The neck features a satin finish, which provides a non-stick, smooth surface for the hand, allowing for faster movement compared to high-gloss lacquered necks.

How does the Haymaker humbucker sound?

The Haymaker is a powerful humbucker designed for a wide dynamic range. It provides enough output for heavy rock and metal while maintaining clarity for cleaner, high-fidelity tones.

Does this guitar feature any body contouring?

Yes, the American Ultra II features sculpted rear body contours. These are designed to allow the instrument to sit closer to the player's body and provide easier access to the highest frets.

Is a case included with this model?

Fender typically includes a premium moulded hardshell case with American Ultra II series instruments to protect the guitar during transport and storage.

How does this compare to a Squier Mini Stratocaster?

The American Ultra II is a full-scale, professional-grade instrument built in the USA with premium components. The Squier Mini Stratocaster is a 3/4 size budget model designed for beginners and children.

Gear article

Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster HSS MN Solar Flare

The Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster HSS MN is a premium electric guitar designed for high-performance professional applications. Featuring a Solar Flare finish and a versatile HSS pickup configuration, it represents a contemporary evolution of the Stratocaster design through advanced ergonomics and noise-reduction technology.

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Background and Design

The American Ultra II series represents the peak of Fender's standard production line, succeeding the original Ultra series with refined specifications. This specific model features a select alder body with sculpted rear contours designed to improve player comfort and access to the upper registers. The 'Solar Flare' finish provides a distinct aesthetic for the modern stage.

A significant upgrade in this iteration is the use of quartersawn maple for the neck. This construction method involves cutting the wood so the grain runs perpendicular to the face of the board, offering superior structural stability and resistance to warping compared to standard flatsawn necks.

Neck and Playability

The guitar is built for technical precision. It features a maple fingerboard with a 10"-14" compound radius, meaning the board is rounder near the nut for comfortable chording and flattens out towards the body to facilitate low-action lead work and wide string bends without 'choking out'.

Key ergonomic features include: * Ultra Rolled Edges: Hand-finished edges for a 'broken-in' feel. * Satin Finish: A smooth neck back that prevents sticking during fast movement. * Luminlay Side Dots: Fluorescent markers that glow in the dark, aiding visibility on dimly lit stages.

Electronics and Sound Character

The HSS configuration offers a broad tonal palette suitable for diverse genres. The bridge position is occupied by the Haymaker humbucker, designed to deliver high-output leads and thick rhythm tones without the hum associated with single coils.

The neck and middle positions feature Ultra II Noiseless Hot Strat pickups. These are engineered to provide the classic Stratocaster 'quack' and sparkle while utilising stacked-coil technology to eliminate 60-cycle hum, making the instrument ideal for recording environments and high-gain signal chains.

Target Audience and Comparisons

This instrument is aimed at professional musicians and enthusiasts who require modern reliability and versatile tones. While the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster offers a more traditional experience with V-Mod II pickups, the Ultra II is geared towards players who prefer a modern neck profile and noise-free operation.

Compared to artist models like the Eric Clapton Stratocaster or the high-output Jim Root Telecaster, the Ultra II HSS serves as a middle ground, offering the high-gain potential of a humbucker alongside the refined, high-tech features of the Ultra series.

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Frequently asked questions

What body material is used for the American Ultra II Stratocaster?: This model utilizes a select alder body, which is a classic tonewood choice known for its balanced, resonant response across the frequency spectrum.
What makes a quartersawn maple neck better?: Quartersawn maple is cut with the grain oriented vertically, making the neck significantly stiffer and more stable than traditional necks. This reduces the likelihood of bowing or twisting over time as the instrument ages.
What is the benefit of a compound radius fingerboard?: The 10"-14" compound radius is curved at the nut for easy chord fingering and gradually flattens out toward the higher frets. This allows for lower string action and prevents notes from fretting out during large bends.
What are Luminlay side dots?: Luminlay dots are glow-in-the-dark position markers located on the side of the neck. They absorb light and provide high visibility for the player when performing on dark stages.
What is the pickup configuration of this model?: This is an HSS model, featuring a Haymaker humbucker in the bridge position and two Ultra II Noiseless Hot Strat single-coil-style pickups in the middle and neck positions.
Are the pickups truly noiseless?: Yes, the Ultra II Noiseless Hot Strat pickups use a stacked-coil design to cancel 60-cycle hum while retaining the characteristic tonal snap and clarity of a traditional Stratocaster pickup.
What does 'Ultra rolled edges' mean?: This refers to the process of rounding off the sharp edges of the fretboard where it meets the neck. It provides a smoother, more comfortable grip that feels immediately familiar to the player.
What type of finish is on the neck?: The neck features a satin finish, which provides a non-stick, smooth surface for the hand, allowing for faster movement compared to high-gloss lacquered necks.
How does the Haymaker humbucker sound?: The Haymaker is a powerful humbucker designed for a wide dynamic range. It provides enough output for heavy rock and metal while maintaining clarity for cleaner, high-fidelity tones.
Does this guitar feature any body contouring?: Yes, the American Ultra II features sculpted rear body contours. These are designed to allow the instrument to sit closer to the player's body and provide easier access to the highest frets.
Is a case included with this model?: Fender typically includes a premium moulded hardshell case with American Ultra II series instruments to protect the guitar during transport and storage.
How does this compare to a Squier Mini Stratocaster?: The American Ultra II is a full-scale, professional-grade instrument built in the USA with premium components. The Squier Mini Stratocaster is a 3/4 size budget model designed for beginners and children.