Fender American Ultra II Telecaster & Stratocaster HSS – A Guitarist 408 Review

BREAKING NEWS: fender Unleashes American Ultra II Series – A Modern Take on Classic Tone

ARCHYDE.COM Exclusive – Fender has officially launched its highly anticipated American Ultra II series of electric guitars, a collection designed to blend iconic Fender sound with cutting-edge features for today’s discerning musicians. Featuring meticulously crafted instruments, the Ultra II line promises unparalleled playability and sonic versatility, catering to both seasoned professionals and ambitious newcomers.

At the heart of this new series are the Fender American Ultra II Telecaster and the Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster HSS. both models, priced around €2649 and €2699 respectively, are proudly made in the USA, upholding Fender’s legacy of quality craftsmanship.

The American Ultra II Telecaster boasts a classic single-cutaway, solidbody design with an alder body and a quartersawn maple neck. Its 25.5-inch scale length, compound radius fingerboard (10-14 inches), and medium jumbo frets ensure effortless navigation across the fretboard. Electronically, it features Fender Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Tele bridge and neck pickups, coupled with a humbucker at the bridge for added power. A 3-way pickup selector, master volume with S-1 switch and treble bleed, and a no-load master tone control provide a wide spectrum of tonal possibilities. The hardware is equally impressive,with a Fender American Tele bridge featuring six chromed brass saddles and Fender Deluxe Locking tuners for superior tuning stability. Available finishes include Ultraburst, Sinister Red, Avalanche, Solar Flare, and Texas Tea, with options for maple or ebony fingerboards.

The American Ultra II Stratocaster HSS features fender’s legendary double-cutaway solidbody shape, also constructed from alder with a quartersawn maple neck. It shares the same scale length, compound radius fingerboard, and fret specifications as its Telecaster sibling. This HSS model is equipped with two fender Ultra II Noiseless Hot Vintage Strat pickups in the neck and middle positions, complemented by a powerful “Haymaker” humbucker at the bridge.The electronics setup includes a 5-position blade switch, master volume with S-1 switch and treble bleed, a tone control for the neck and middle pickups (with S-1 switching affecting the neck pickup), and a no-load tone control for the bridge pickup. The hardware suite features a 2-point Deluxe Vibrato with a pop-in arm and Fender Deluxe Locking tuners. The American Ultra II Stratocaster HSS is available in Ultraburst, Noble Blue, Texas Tea, Solar Flare, and Sinister Red finishes, again with choices between maple and ebony fingerboards. A meaningful option for Strat enthusiasts is the availability of an SSS (single-coil, single-coil, single-coil) pickup configuration for those who prefer the purest classic Strat sound.

evergreen Insights for Musicians:

The introduction of the American Ultra II series underscores Fender’s commitment to evolving its most iconic models while respecting their heritage. For guitarists, this means instruments that are not onyl aesthetically pleasing and sonically rich but also engineered for modern performance demands. The inclusion of features like compound radius fingerboards, noiseless pickups, and improved hardware translates directly into enhanced playability, reduced unwanted noise, and greater tuning reliability – all crucial elements for live performance and studio recording.

The S-1 switch, a recurring feature in both models, is a testament to Fender’s willingness to integrate innovative electronics that expand tonal palettes without detracting from familiarity. Understanding how these switches alter the pickup configurations can unlock a surprising range of sounds, from thicker humbucker-like tones in a Stratocaster to unique coil-splitting options.

Furthermore, the availability of both maple and ebony fingerboards on various finishes offers players a choice based on feel and tonal characteristics. Maple frequently enough contributes to a brighter, snappier tone, while ebony is known for its smooth feel and slightly warmer, more articulate response. Selecting the right fingerboard material,alongside pickup configurations and body woods,is fundamental to finding an instrument that truly resonates with a player’s individual style. The American Ultra II series provides these essential choices,encouraging musicians to find their perfect sonic partner.

How do teh Vintage Noiseless pickups in the American Ultra II HSS models compare to customary single-coil pickups?

American ultra II: Evolution, Not Revolution?

The Fender american Ultra II series has arrived, building upon the already popular foundation of the original American Ultra line. This review focuses on the Telecaster and Stratocaster HSS models, specifically as experienced and evaluated by Guitarist 408 – a respected voice in the guitar community. We’ll dive into the key improvements, playability, sound, and overall value proposition for guitarists seeking a modern, high-performance instrument. these guitars aim to bridge the gap between classic Fender tones and contemporary playing demands.

Key Updates & Enhancements in the American Ultra II

fender hasn’t drastically reinvented the wheel with the American Ultra II, but rather refined existing strengths. Here’s a breakdown of the significant changes:

Revised Body Contours: A more sculpted heel and refined forearm contour on the stratocaster HSS enhance comfort, particularly during extended playing sessions. The Telecaster also benefits from subtle body shaping.

Tapered neck Profile: The “Modern D” neck profile is now more consistently tapered, offering a smoother feel across the entire fretboard. This is a major improvement noted by many players, including Guitarist 408.

Vintage Noiseless™ Pickups (HSS Models): The HSS models now feature the latest generation of Fender’s Vintage Noiseless pickups. These aim to deliver classic single-coil tones without the hum.

Updated Electronics: A revised wiring scheme and improved potentiometers contribute to a more responsive and dynamic playing experience.

Enhanced Tremolo System (stratocaster HSS): The Stratocaster HSS boasts an upgraded two-point tremolo system for improved sustain and tuning stability.

Telecaster HSS: A Versatile Workhorse

The American Ultra II Telecaster HSS offers a compelling blend of traditional Tele twang and modern versatility.

Body Wood: Alder is the standard body wood,providing a balanced tonal foundation.

Neck Wood: Maple neck with a maple or rosewood fretboard (depending on finish).

pickups: Single-coil Telecaster neck pickup paired with a Vintage Noiseless humbucker in the bridge.

Sound Characteristics: The Telecaster HSS delivers the classic tele snap and bite in the neck position, while the bridge humbucker provides thicker, more powerful tones suitable for rock, blues, and even metal. Guitarist 408 highlighted the clarity and definition of the bridge pickup, even with high gain.

Playability: The refined body contours and tapered neck make this Telecaster exceptionally comfortable to play.

Stratocaster HSS: Modern Playability, Classic Voice

The American Ultra II Stratocaster HSS is a powerhouse of tonal options and modern features.

Body Wood: Alder is the standard body wood.

Neck Wood: Maple neck with a maple or rosewood fretboard.

Pickups: Two vintage Noiseless single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions, coupled with a Vintage Noiseless humbucker in the bridge.

Sound Characteristics: This Stratocaster offers a wide range of tones, from sparkling clean to searing overdrive. The HSS configuration provides the classic Strat quack, combined with the punch and sustain of a humbucker. Guitarist 408 specifically praised the Strat’s ability to seamlessly transition between genres.

Playability: The sculpted heel and refined forearm contour, combined with the tapered neck, make this Stratocaster incredibly comfortable and playable. The upgraded tremolo system adds to the overall playing experience.

Vintage Noiseless™ Pickups: Do They deliver?

A key talking point is the Vintage Noiseless pickups. Guitarist 408’s assessment is that Fender has considerably improved these pickups. They genuinely capture the essence of vintage single-coil tones without the unwanted 60-cycle hum. While not identical to traditional single-coils, they offer a compelling option for players who need a noise-free performance.The humbucker in the bridge position provides a significant boost in output and thickness, making it ideal for lead work and heavier styles.

Who Are These Guitars For?

the Fender American Ultra II Telecaster and stratocaster HSS are ideal for:

Gigging Musicians: The reliability, versatility, and comfortable playability make these guitars perfect for live performance.

Recording Artists: the noise-free pickups and wide tonal range are well-suited for studio recording.

Players Seeking Modern Comfort: The refined body contours and tapered neck provide a modern playing experience.

* Guitarists Who Want Versatility: The HSS configuration offers a broad palette of tones for various musical styles.