The Fender American Ultra II series has officially arrived! Promising to redefine the guitar landscape, Fender’s latest lineup is not just an upgrade – it’s a reimagining of what a modern Fender can be. These guitars and basses are crafted with premium materials, precision engineering, and innovative designs – ensuring they not only push the boundaries of modern performance but also maintain their timeless appeal.
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In this post, we’ll explore the new features of the American Ultra II series, delve into their standout models and highlight why these guitars are essential for the contemporary musician.
New Features of Fender’s American Ultra II Series
Since their inception in the 1950s, Fender has long been synonymous with quality and innovation in the music industry. With the launch of the American Ultra II, Fender has taken another bold step forward – blending classic design elements with cutting-edge technology. This series is designed for discerning players who seek both traditional Fender silhouettes and modern playability.
TLDR? Here are the new features of the American Ultra II series:
- Quartersawn Maple Necks
- Revamped Pickups – Ultra II Noiseless and Haymaker
- Ebony Fingerboards
- Select Alder Bodies
- Upgraded S1 Switching and Electronics
- Graph Tech® TUSQ® Nuts
- Luminlay Side Dots
- Striking New Modern Finishes
- Single-Ply Aluminium Pickguards
- New Ergonomics Contours (Telecaster)
- New American Ultra II Model (Meteora)
New Pickups
The most prominent aspect of the new American Ultra II comes in the form of their new pickups. Redesigned Ultra II Noiseless™ pickups are now available in both Hot and Vintage variations. The Ultra II Noiseless™ Vintage (SSS Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazz Bass, and Precision Bass) pickups embody the quintessential tones of Fender’s most beloved single-coil designs – delivering everything from the bright sparkle of a Strat to the classic thump of a Jazz Bass.
On the other hand, the Ultra II Noiseless™ Hot pickups (SSH Stratocaster) are made to walk the line between tradition and modernity. Equal parts responsive and expressive, the Ultra II Noiseless™ Hot pickups deliver Fender’s sweet midrange and top end, while retaining string-to-string note clarity under heavy distortion.
Humbucker fans will find delight in Fender’s Haymaker pickups (SSH, Meteora, and Meteora Bass). These freshly designed humbuckers deliver everything from pristine cleans to modern crunch – all without a hint of hum. The Haymakers are even splittable if you desire even more tonal variety.
New Electronics
Other than the new pickups, the Fender American Ultra II bass models now sport an updated 18V active preamp that features S-1™ switching for active/passive modes that can be changed on the fly. That’s not all! All the Ultra II Bass preamps are equipped with a precise and versatile 3-band active EQ with switchable midrange frequencies (325 Hz or 750 Hz) for the ultimate in tone sculpting capabilities. With treble and bass boost/cut controls alongside passive tone controls, these beastly instruments are Fender’s most versatile bass offerings yet!
New Materials & Hardware
Instead of rosewood, the American Ultra II now comes with ebony (while retaining maple) fretboards. Typically reserved for the Fender Custom Shop, ebony is one of the most premium woods available – having a brightness similar to maple but with a more subdued snap. Ebony offers a smoother feel, making it a midpoint between rosewood and maple for tactile responsiveness.
In the hardware department, the Fender American Ultra II sees the use of Quartersawn Maple necks, Luminlay® Side Dots, and Graph Tech® TUSQ® Nuts. Quartersawn maple neck offers several distinct advantages. These include increased stiffness and dimensional stability – all of which contribute to improved durability, sustain, and clarity of sound.
Luminlay® side dots are an addition that performing musicians will enjoy tremendously. Easily charged within seconds using an LED light source, these side dots provide enhanced fret position visibility in low-light conditions.
Graph Tech® TUSQ® nuts, on the other hand, feature self-lubricating properties that reduce friction between the strings and the nut. This leads to improved tuning stability and fewer string breakages. Made from a synthetic material with uniform density, TUSQ® nuts also ensure a higher degree of energy transfer – leading to richer harmonic content and a more vibrant sound compared to traditional materials.
Brand New Fender Models
The American Ultra II series includes several iconic models that Fender fans will be familiar with. Take a closer look at each model as we highlight their unique features and specifications.
Fender American Ultra II Telecaster
The Fender American Ultra II Telecaster® is designed for singlecut fans who demand the finest in performance and style. With its select alder body and sculpted contours, this guitar not only looks stunning but also feels incredible to play.
Key Features of the Fender American Ultra II Telecaster:
- Select Alder Body: Sculpted contours provide enhanced comfort for extended play.
- Quartersawn Maple Neck: Features a Modern D profile with a smooth Ultra Satin finish for effortless playability.
- Compound Radius Fingerboard: Available in ebony or quartersawn maple, with a 10”-14” radius for versatile playing styles.
- Ultra II Noiseless™ Vintage Tele® Pickups: Deliver a wide range of tones from crystalline cleans to snappy twang without any hum.
- S-1™ Switching System: Engages series wiring for expanded tonal options and versatility.
- 6-Saddle String-Through-Body Bridge: Chromed brass saddles ensure excellent intonation and sustain.
- Deluxe Locking Tuners: Provide incredible tuning stability for those signature Telecaster bends.
Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster
The Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster® is the ultimate guitar for players who demand the best in performance and versatility. With all-new electronics and revamped hardware, the American Ultra II Stratocaster is ready to unleash your creativity and elevate your sound to new heights!
The American Ultra II Stratocaster is available in SSS (Ultra II Noiseless™ Vintage Strat® Pickups) or SSH (Ultra II Noiseless™ Hot Strat® Pickups and Haymaker Humbucker) configurations. Additionally, a left-handed version is available in SSS configuration.
Key Features of the Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster:
- Select Alder Body: Sculpted contours for enhanced comfort and playability.
- Quartersawn Maple Neck: Modern D profile with a smooth Ultra Satin finish for effortless playing.
- Compound Radius Fingerboard: Available in ebony or quartersawn maple, featuring a 10”-14” radius for versatile playability.
- Ultra II Noiseless™ Strat® Pickups: Provide a wide range of tones from crystalline cleans to searing leads without hum.
- Haymaker™ Humbuckers (HSS): Fender’s newest humbucker has a versatile tonal palette that does clean and distorted tones with ease.
- S-1™ Switching System: Expands tonal possibilities by allowing additional pickup configurations.
- 2-Point American Ultra Tremolo: Features a pop-in arm and polished stainless steel block saddles for smooth performance.
- Luminlay® Side Dots: Enhance visibility and fretboard navigation in low-light situations.
- Graph Tech® TUSQ® Nut: Provides rich sound and improved sustain.
Fender American Ultra II Meteora
The newest model to get the “Ultra” treatment, the Fender American Ultra II Meteora® is the ultimate guitar for players who crave top-notch performance and style! With its sleek select alder body and sculpted contours, this beauty is as comfortable as it is eye-catching.
Key Features of the Fender American Ultra II Meteora:
- Select Alder Body: Designed with sculpted contours for maximum comfort.
- Quartersawn Maple Neck: Features a Modern D profile with an Ultra Satin finish for smooth and fast playability.
- Compound Radius Fingerboard: Available in ebony or quartersawn maple, with rolled edges for enhanced playability across the fretboard.
- Haymaker™ Humbuckers: Fender’s newest humbuckers provide a versatile sound spectrum from clean tones to powerful crunch without hum.
- S-1™ Switching System: Allows for coil-splitting to expand tonal options.
- Road-Ready Hardware: Includes a 6-saddle string-through-body hardtail bridge and locking tuners for rock-solid stability.
- Luminlay® Side Dots: Enhance visibility and fretboard navigation in low-light situations.
- Graph Tech® TUSQ® Nut: Provides rich sound and improved sustain.
Fender American Ultra II Meteora Bass
The Fender American Ultra II Meteora® didn’t just make it to the guitar lineup, it has gotten a bass as well. Engineered for players who want a bass that breaks the mould in sound and style, the Metoera Bass is a top-notch instrument for modern music!
Key Features of the American Ultra II Meteora Bass:
- Select Alder Body: Sculpted contours enhance comfort and playability.
- Graphite Reinforced Quartersawn Maple Neck: Modern “D” profile with Posiflex™ support rods for stability.
- 10″-14″ Compound Radius Fingerboard: Available in ebony or quartersawn maple with rolled edges and Luminlay side dots.
- Haymaker™ Bass Humbuckers: Deliver a massive tonal spectrum with deep lows and clear highs.
- Ultra II Active Bass Preamp: Features S-1™ switching for versatile tonal options.
- 4-Saddle Adjustable HiMass™ Bridge: Supports both string-through-body and top-load configurations.
- Deluxe Fluted-Shaft Tuners: Lightweight design tuners with improved tuning stability.
Fender American Ultra II Precision Bass
The American Ultra II Precision Bass is the one to get for players who want a classic Fender silhouette with modern performance. With brand-new pickups and electronics, this bass delivers a massive tonal range for a variety of genres – all without hum!
Key Features of the American Ultra II Precision Bass:
- Select Alder Body: Sculpted contours enhance comfort and playability.
- Graphite Reinforced Quartersawn Maple Neck: Modern “D” profile with Posiflex™ support rods for added stability.
- 10″-14″ Compound Radius Fingerboard: Available in ebony or quartersawn maple with rolled edges and Luminlay side dots.
- Ultra II Noiseless™ Vintage Precision Bass® Pickups: Provide a wide tonal spectrum without hum.
- Ultra II Active Bass Preamp: Features S-1™ switching for versatile tonal options.
- 4-Saddle Adjustable HiMass™ Bridge: Supports both string-through-body and top-load configurations.
- Deluxe Fluted-Shaft Tuners: Lightweight design and excellent tuning stability.
Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass
Renowned for its versatility, distinctive sound, and ergonomic design the Jazz Bass is a firm Fender favourite. In the American Ultra II lineup, the Jazz Bass generates the most desirable low-end tones no matter what the rig is – be it an old-school tube amp set-up or an ultra-convenient digital modeller
The American Ultra II Jazz Bass is available in 4-string and 5-string configurations.
Key Features of the American Ultra II Jazz Bass:
- Select Alder Body: Sculpted contours enhance comfort and playability.
- Graphite Reinforced Quartersawn Maple Neck: Modern “D” profile with Posiflex™ support rods for added stability.
- 10″-14″ Compound Radius Fingerboard: Available in ebony or quartersawn maple with rolled edges and Luminlay side dots.
- Ultra II Noiseless™ Vintage Jazz Bass® Pickups: Provide a wide tonal spectrum without hum.
- Ultra II Active Bass Preamp: Features S-1™ switching for versatile tonal options.
- 5-Saddle Adjustable HiMass™ Bridge: Supports both string-through-body and top-load configurations.
- Deluxe Fluted-Shaft Tuners: Lightweight design tuners that ensure excellent tuning stability.
The Fender American Ultra II series is a leap forward in electric guitar standards. With its blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, these instruments cater perfectly to today’s musicians who demand versatility, comfort, and exceptional sound quality.
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