Fender American Professional Stratocaster II

Описание: 00:00 - Introduction
00:19 - History
00:59 - Am Pro II Features
03:57 - Observations
08:44 - Sound Samples
Fender American Pro 2 Stratocaster
On the bench today is the Fender American Professional 2 Stratocaster in SSS configuration.
The Fender American Pro 2 Stratocaster carries forward a long legacy in being the flag ship Stratocaster in the Fender lineup of Stratocaster guitar models.
A little history…
The Fender American Standard line of Stratocasters was in production from 1986 to 2016. Thirty years as being the bearer of the moniker Flagship guitar for Fender is an amazing feat.
The American Professional series (often referred to as "Am Pro I") was officially introduced in late 2016, effectively replacing the long-running American Standard series for the 2017 model year.
The American Professional II series ("Am Pro II") was unveiled on October 13, 2020, as the next iteration of Fender's flagship American-made line.
Here are some of the guitar’s features:
The American Professional series as its predecessors did, aim to provide a US made, professional-grade instrument with modern playability and tones.
Let’s start with the neck where there is a lot to talk about.
The Am Pro 2 has a "Deep C" Neck Profile: Designed to be slightly fuller than the modern "C" shape, offering a comfortable feel that is somewhere between a modern "C" and a "U" profile.
Narrow-Tall Frets: These frets are taller and narrower than the medium-jumbo frets commonly found on previous American Standards. This fret wire is often preferred for easier string bending and improved intonation.
Bone Nut: An upgrade from the synthetic bone nut on some previous models, contributing to better resonance and sustain.
Sculpted Neck Heel: One of the most significant ergonomic upgrades, the Am Pro II features a contoured neck heel for improved access to the upper frets, making high-register playing more comfortable.
"Super-Natural" Satin Neck Finish: The guitar has rolled fingerboard edges for a more broken-in feel and what Fender refers to as a "Super-Natural" satin finish on the entire back of the neck for enhanced comfort and speed.
Next up is the guitar’s electronics.
Treble Bleed Circuit: This circuit attached to the back of the volume pot, helps retain high-end frequencies when rolling back the guitar's volume control, preventing the tone from becoming muddy at lower volumes.
V-Mod II Pickups: These are an updated version of the V-Mod pickups found in the Am Pro I. Fender touts them as being more articulate, while retaining bell-like chime and warmth.
Push-Push Tone Control: The second tone control also functions as a push-push switch. This activates the neck pickup in positions 1 and 2 of the 5-way switch, allowing for the combination’s neck/bridge pickups or all three pickups simultaneously.
The body is made of Alder with a Poly finish.
The suggested retail on the Am Pro 2 Stratocaster is $1749. Fender and retailers will discount from $1459 to $1569. Reverb shows that used the guitar will sell for $836 - $1,206 depending upon condition.
It is notable to show that Reverb’s ranking of Best Sellers in Electric Guitars - Solid Body, ranks the Am Pro 2 as the #2 guitar sold in this category.
Observations:
When I was much younger, I picked up a Tri-burst American Standard Stratocaster in a trade from a friend. It was the first time I had ever owned a US made Fender.
I was so proud of that guitar. I am embarrassed to admit this but I actually at nighttime would take the guitar and lean it against the wall in my bedroom near my side of the bed so I could see it. When I would get home from work the highlight of my day was opening the case and playing that guitar. It was like the guitar was some sort of appendage to me.
This Am Pro 2 reminds me of that guitar. Same beautiful tri-burst finish. Same smell when you open the case.
Playability of Neck
The edges of the frets are smooth. The rolled edges also are very smooth. I found no raised frets that would cause fret rocking anywhere on the fretboard.
The attention and improvements Fender has made on the neck for this model of Stratocaster make for a more playable guitar. It is the total package including the shape of the neck, the natural finish on the back of the neck, rolled fretboard edges, and even the frets and that includes the narrow-tall frets and the obvious care and work on the frets - just make for a better playing experience.
This is not the experience you get on the Squier necks. The MIM Player II is starting to get close in quality but there is a noticeable difference between the Player II and Am Pro II guitars, in the out of the box experience.
The balance and weight is great. The guitar weighs in at a very manageable 7 lbs and 13 ounces or 3.565 kilos.