Youll also find narrow tall frets on the Pro II and medium jumbo frets on the Ultra. The neck heel on the Pro II is still sculpted but just not as dramatically. The Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster is built with a 10 - 14 Compound radius. Hence, if you are using a lot of distortion then the Ultra will probably be more suitable. 17:53 How Does It Sound? Designed for modern musicians that seek ultimate performance, precision and tone; these contemporary models go above and beyond those in previous top-of-the-range Fender series' without straying too far from their original, iconic formulas. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a Fender Stratocaster headstock. This design also helps to prevent notes from fretting out when performing string bends, making it a very practical design. The radius of the fingerboard is a measure of how curved the neck of the guitar actually is when looking at it from bridge to nut. USA is certainly not twice as good as the others. Main Stratocaster Guitar Discussion Forum. Pattern Vintage Its probably my favorite neck on any of my guitars and I somehow had the profile wrong. However, although less product variation might seem like a downside for the streamlined American Ultra range it could be said that it forms a more robust lineup. Not concerned with tuners. In this extensive blog, weve broken down the key features of Fenders new American Professional II guitars. Deals. In these articles, I dive deep into how important are frets for a guitar. The shape of a guitars body has serious implications on its playability, but not so much on its tone. The frets on a guitar have a deep impact on its playability. The American brands trendsetting instruments have helped to shape contemporary music as we know it, with todays artists using theirguitarsand basses to pioneer the exciting sounds of tomorrow. Differences, PRS SE vs S2 vs CE vs Core lines [Main differences], Les Paul: Solid vs Chambered vs Weight Relieved, 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Cold-rolled Steel Block, 2-Point Fender Deluxe Synchronized Tremolo, Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat Single-coil (SSS) / Ultra Noiseless Hot Strat Single-coil (HSS), Fender V-Mod II Single-coil / Fender V-Mod II Double Tap Humbucker, Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat Single-coil / Ultra Double Tap Humbucker, Coil-tapping (HSS), Neck pickup blend (SSS), Noiseless, Coil-tapping (HSS), S-1 neck pickup blend, 1 x Master Volume, 2 x Tone, push/push add neck blend (SSS) / 1 x Master Volume, 2 x tone push/push coil-split (HSS), 1 x Master Volume (with S-1 switch), 2 x Tone. Guitar necks come in a variety of shapes, so its important to know what each of those shapes offers. Fender American Ultra Telecasters: In the following article, I dive deep into the most common questions players ask about tuners, and their functionality: Guitar pickups are one of the main components of any electric guitar. Both guitars have a 2-point tremolo bridge with a pop-in tremolo arm and also include extra switching. American Elite. So, it all comes down to feel and your own personal preferences. Strats, Teles, Jazzmasters, Precision Basses and Jazz Basses can be found, but there is less variation overall with only HSS Strats and 5-string Jazz Basses available outside of the standard models. But similarly to those models, Fenders American Ultra instruments have smooth satin-finished necks that allow for fast playability. However, theres no single answer to whether a lighter or heavier guitar will sound better than the other. Does fret number matter? JavaScript is disabled. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2d90c11c2fe174 It is a central part for the transmission of vibrations through the instrument, and also defines many important factors for playability such as string spacing and action. Deep is probably a misleading description, it really a slightly fuller C - and it is quite good! The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 9.5 radius. Or $300/month for 6 months. to switch position 1 which means that you can somewhat mimic a Telecasters pickup configuration. You are using an out of date browser. It is the traditional Bolt-on fitting with a scale length of 25.5 inches and has the usual Fender satin finish giving it a smooth feel. With balanced Alder bodies bolted to bright-sounding Maple necks, this classic construction design yields the snappy and articulate tones that Fender instruments are so renowned for. It helps define string spacing, action, and is the source of many of the tuning issues cheaper instruments suffer from. Here is a table outlining which models and pickup configurations are available in each series and whether they are available in left-handed or just right-handed versions. Fender American Ultra Strat Rosewood Fretboard Ultraburst - https://tinyurl.com/y2ow3bve The Jazz and Precision Bass models also keep their respective Slim C and 63 neck carves. The D-shape neck feels slightly thinner and flatter compared to the more rounded C-shape neck on the Pro II models. However, their quality will be a defining factor in your playing experience. The material of a guitars fingerboards is as important as the one of the rest of the neck. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 25.5 scale length. Sporting flexible electronics and forward-thinking hardware appointments, as well as a few ergonomic construction tweaks, these innovative instruments are aimed at the most of modern of musicians yearning for ultimate precision and uncompromising tone. MA. Fender American Ultra Series - Their Most Advanced Guitars Ever? I really like the Ultras compound radius, C to D neck carve and recessed heel I dislike the truss Rod dial on front and the pickups. And my plan is to drive to the nearest shop that carries them (2.5 hours away), test a couple out, then buy a used one online if I liked how it played. Modern guitar and bass players have never had more exciting creative tools at their disposal! That being said, I love mine. GearAficionado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Now, I just don't know. Good question, there are only a couple differences that I can see - the top-loader option for the bridge and the sculpted heel, and a roasted pine option that seems interesting. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. And Fenders new Panorama tremolo gives their American Professional II Jazzmasters a smoother vibrato arm action, of which can easily be popped in and out on-the-fly. And with Fenders new American Professional II series breaking cover, were sure that players from all over the world are intrigued to discover how the US guitar giant has refined its flagship instrument line. Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Left-Hand 61,200 68,000 Fender American Professional II Telecaster 61,200 - 64,800 Fender American Professional II Stratocaster HSS 63,000 - 66,600 Fender American Professional II Stratocaster 61,200 - 64,800 These 2 finishes are both types of varnish that can be used to protect and beautify a guitars wood. Fenders NEW & Improved American Professional II Series - What's The Difference? Fender American Ultra Strat Rosewood Fretboard Arctic Pearl - https://tinyurl.com/y57233cl The Ultra Tele has a slimmer modern D shape neck and flatter compound fretboard radius compared to the Pro II Tele which has a deep C neck and narrower fretboard radius. The American Ultra series encompasses Fender's most advanced, forward-thinking instruments to date. The only time I can suggest one would be if you value being made in USA. This activates a series mode to fatten up the tone. Ensuring sublime tuning stability in conjunction with their low-friction bone nuts, these ergonomic machine heads also allow for lightning-fast string changes. It can thus be said, again, that Fender heavily drew upon its American Ultra models when conceptualising the Pro II series. Fender American Ultra Strat HSS Maple Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y5ropcpv This is measured from the nut to the bridge, and for intonation purposes, the middle point is always the 12th fret. A guitar's lifespan is mostly related to how well it is maintained and treated. I started playing an electric guitar when I was given a Squier Strat for my birthday around 15 years ago. Main difference on the Ultra is the C to D neck carve and the noiseless pickups. Press J to jump to the feed. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Stratocaster models. No, not really. Yet, one of the most popular debates is about nitro vs poly. Check out my guide to the different Fender neck profiles to learn more. I have a 2014 fender american deluxe strat which I love and adore and it cost around $1200 used. Nitro wears off with time but has a more organic feel to the touch and is said to improve sustain and resonance. The whole instrument has been thought out and designed in painstaking detail, all the way down to the embossed Fender headstock logo and extra comfortable trem arm.. 12:30 Fender HSS Stratocaster Tones The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a 10 14 Compound radius. If you want to know how these specifics materials impact the tone of these guitars, you should take a look here: Guitarists are often curious about how guitar tops affect tone. But which is the best? I'd look for guitars in the range of $500 - $800. The American Professional II series includes all the same right-handed versions but also includes some left-handed versions and a humbucker Telecaster model. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a solid body. Pick one up, and youll notice! You must log in or register to reply here. It's a bit expensive, but it sounds, looks and feels incredible. You must log in or register to reply here. Anything from Fender will last you a lifetime so you don't have to worry about that. Fender American Professional II vs American Ultra Stratocaster The American Professional II Stratocaster has warmer sounding pickups with a higher output and more mid-range emphasis compared to the noiseless pickups on the Ultra Strat which sound brighter and cleaner. After a lot of back and forth, I moved from a Squire to an American Professional, skipping the Mexican Player models. This curvature is really a defining factor for how the instrument plays, and some players are very strict about it. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a maple neck. Fender American Ultra Strat Maple Fretboard Mocha Burst - https://tinyurl.com/y6xoozzr Here is a video comparing the tones of the American Professional II (Butterscotch Blonde) and American Ultra Telecaster (white). For more information on the other topics mentioned in this guide, check out our related articles: 2022 Andertons Music Company However, because they are hidden inside the cavities into its body, they are often forgotten. A fan of '90s rock, vintage Formula 1 and offensive comedy he often feels like he was born in the wrong decade. Privacy Policy. The American Professional II Stratocaster is loaded with a trio of V-Mod II single-coil pickups that pump out a vintage tone with modern refinements. As it turns out, these US-crafted models are fairly equal on paper. One feature all our reviewers were quick to note is the tapered low-profile neck heel, which gives you access to fret positions youd never dare into on your vintage Strat. Pattern Regular If you want to know the main things about this topic, I recommend you follow this link: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster weighs 7 8 lbs, and the Fender American Ultra Stratocaster weighs 8 lbs. It may not display this or other websites correctly. This solidbody electric guitars first major upgrade lies in the pickup selection. Overall, wed probably say that the American Professional II instruments are solid Fender thoroughbreds with a 21st Century twist, while the American Ultra models are designed primarily for players seeking top performance and versatility. Its clear that Fenders American Professional II and Ultra instruments are exceptional. The Ultra series only includes a right-handed SS Telecaster. $1,799.99. I play thumb over the top so I appreciate a soft edge but theyre not miles apart. Fenders American Ultra Noiseless pickups are split into two types. But Im unsure about several things, namely Fenders QC and the guitars lifespan. Brand new Push/Push electronics enable special pickup combinations on Fender American Professional II electric guitars. One is not better than the other. These also have a push-push pot for series-parallel switching. [Complete wood guide]. To know everything there is about this part of the guitar, please go here: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a bridge integrated tailpiece. Guitar weight is an important factor when it comes to finding the right guitar for you. There are 3 types of neck joints: bolt-on, set, and neck through. The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has Fender Standard Die-cast tuners, Fender V-Mod II Single-coil pickups, and Coil-tapping (HSS), Neck pickup blend (SSS) electronics. I held one at Guitar Center. In the following article, I share my thoughts on different fingerboard materials and their impact on the final sound of the instrument: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 9.5 radius. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. The American Professional II Jazzmaster has an alder body whereas the American Ultra Jazzmaster gives you the option of either an alder or ash body which also has a more dramatic sculpted neck heel and body contours. Click here to view all of our Labs articles! The action you just performed triggered the security solution. American Professional II guitars have thicker necks and higher output pickups giving them a more modern tone compared to the American Performer guitars. Fender has also introduced some tasteful new colour options that are exclusive to these guitars and basses. Does anybody know if the necks on the American Pro I are different than the necks on the Pro II? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Had I gone for a Mexican Player, I might have had a good guitar but would always have had a nagging thought in the back of my mind going "what if?". But the pickups are an easy fix and the S1 series / parallel switching is pretty cool, I think the ultra just has a D shape neck, the elites had a C to D. Id suggest going to your local shop and checking them out, lefty or otherwise youll still get to see and feel them. (3) Fender American Professional II Telecaster Deluxe - Dark Night with Rosewood Fingerboard. Some bridges also have extra functionalities. Here is a table showing the key differences between Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Stratocaster, Telecaster and Jazzmaster models. That being said, the Ultras are some of the most playable guitars I've ever played (although the Am Pro IIs play great as well). They are just different flavors of a Strat. Only some minor updates have been executed. The Ultra has a 21-fret, D-shape neck with compound-radius (10"-14") fingerboard. These new Strat (opens in new tab), Tele (opens in new tab), Jazzmaster (opens in new tab) electric guitars and Precision and Jazz Basses come with some notable new features, including brand new switching options.. The neck is really nice, but its a little different from other Fenders. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is made in USA has a solid alder body, a bolt-on Modern D maple neck, maple / rosewood fingerboard, and SSS / HSS pickups. Here is a brief description of these 2 guitars: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster is made in USA, has a solid alder body, a bolt-on Deep C maple neck, maple / rosewood fingerboard, and SSS / HSS pickups. The Ultra model has a 6-saddle bridge whereas the Pro II has a 3-saddle bridge design. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster has Fender Deluxe Die-cast Sealed Locking tuners, Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat Single-coil (SSS) / Ultra Noiseless Hot Strat Single-coil (HSS) pickups, and Noiseless, Coil-tapping (HSS), S-1 neck pickup blend electronics. I figure if I dont like it, I can return within the 30 or 45 day window. Buy a T Shirt: https://goo.gl/TrTe78 The light weight, punchy tonal qualities and stunning grain pattern of Roasted Pine makes it a more than worthy alternative though! Chapman Charvel Cort D'Angelico Dean Epiphone ESP E-II ESP ESP LTD EVH Fender Custom Fender Fender Squier Gibson Custom Gibson Gretsch Harley Benton Ibanez . 2023: The Year Epiphone Became Unaffordable, They Stole My Digital Recorder and SD cards. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 1:25 What's New? If you have any other questions feel free to let me know! Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. Fender American Pro II Telecaster in Mercury | https://tinyurl.com/yxz2e2gk The most important thing to note is that it is not just the type of pickup that determines a guitars sound, but also how and where you place the pickup on the guitar. The most noteworthy of these are Fender-designed Deluxe locking tuners fitted as standard on the electric guitar models. However, the Ultras have neck heels that are more dramatically-contoured and thus offer virtually zero upper-fret restriction! The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has Coil-tapping (HSS), Neck pickup blend (SSS) electronics, 1 x master volume, 2 x tone, push/push add neck blend (SSS) / 1 x master volume, 2 x tone push/push coil-split (HSS), and a 5-way blade switch. You can also hear an example of the Pro I as well (sunburst). 298. Its lightweight body is built from traditional Strat tonewoods (alder or ash, dependent on color) and outfitted with a flawless gloss poly finish and coordinating pickguard. I really like the Ultras compound radius, C to D neck carve and recessed heel I dislike the truss Rod dial on front and the pickups. With a new collection of colours, re-voiced pickups & upgraded features. Even better, the neck has rolled edges for premium playability and comfort. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with Noiseless, Coil-tapping (HSS), S-1 neck pickup blend electronics, 1 x master volume (with s-1 switch), 2 x tone controls, and a 5-way blade switch. The II plays smooth and feels great, I remember thinking the same about the original. The neck was super smooth. Ive tried the Pro II and really like the neck profile. What Telecaster necks feel most like a 2011 American Standard Stratocaster? The quality between USA, MIM, and Japan are all very similar. [Complete guide], Types of guitar pickups and their effect on tone [Guide], Do guitar electronics affect tone? But looking forward to playing a II. 7:28 How Does The Strat Sound? The Pro II Tele features two V-Mod II single-coil Tele pickups and a newly designed bridge that marries the classic brass saddle tone with modern comfort and individual string intonation. Able to deliver iconic Fender tone but with a wider frequency range and a slightly more modern character; V-Mods found favour with players for their versatility over traditional vintage-voiced pickups. Watch this video for Lee & Petes thoughts on the new Fender Ultra guitars, plus an actual tone shoot out between the old Elite models & the new Ultra versions! Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. PRS Neck Profiles Explained: Comparing Shapes and Sizes. The words Fender, Telecaster, Stratocaster and the associated headstock designs are registered trademarks of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. Andertons Shopping Website: https://goo.gl/TPsG2Q Hello there, my name is Ramiro and Ive been playing guitar for almost 20 years. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Jazzmaster models. From guitars, pedals, amps, and synths to studio gear and production tips, I hope you find what I post here useful, and Ill try my best to keep it entertaining also. A high end fender is totally worth the cost. [Playability, tone, and scale], Does guitar scale length affect tone? If you want to know the specifics of each of these joints, check out this article: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster fretboard is made of maple / rosewood. I think the Vintera line is the best value and then you got a steep point of diminishing returns. Buy A T-Shirt | https://tinyurl.com/vdq7rmg Read the full Fender American Professional II Stratocaster review (Image credit: Fender) 8. This functionality expands their tonal palettes, as it extends beyond the customary switching capabilities available on typical Strat, Tele and Jazzmaster models. I love the deep C neck carve and the pickups sound stellar. An additional plus-point, so to speak, of Fenders American Ultra guitars and basses are their 10 14 compound radius fingerboards. What is fretboard radius and why is it important? Is an American Ultra worth the extra money compared to the American Pro II? Additionally, the Ultra has locking tuners. The shape of a guitar neck has a significant impact on the tone and playability. Fender American Pro II Telecaster in Miami Blue | https://tinyurl.com/y5xcmm47 The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster has a 9.5 radius. Fender's QC at the US factory is excellent. I compared it and a Japanese made one that was 30% less and equally enjoyed the feel, only marginally preferred the sound of the Pro. If you have guitar related questions, use the "Search" field FIRST, Then ask the community. The function of this switching varies for the Strat, Tele and Jazzmaster so Ill discuss them later in the article when we look at each shape individually. Fender American Ultra Strat Maple Fretboard Texas Tea - https://tinyurl.com/y4al8ffc Interested in other Andertons YouTube channels? At no extra cost to you, any purchases you make through any of these links will earn me a commission. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. As a huge fan of the Fender Jazzmaster, Cooper needed to get his hands on all of these to do a proper comparison-- with upgrades from the predecessor American Professional line including a beveled heel carve, V-Mod II pickups, the return of the "rhythm circuit" controls, and new finishing options, these guitars are up to the excellent standard I think it will end up being the Professional II then. If you can go to a shop and play a few that would be a good idea, bc neck/fret preferences are pretty subjective. 16:28 Fender American Pro II Telecaster Further performance upgrades include a contoured heel joint, Super-Natural satin neck finish, and upgraded electronics. Shop all Fender American Pro II Jazzmasters | https://tinyurl.com/yxwtylto Here, I explore some of these considerations and what I think are the main points to take into account: The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster is a tool for the working musician that embodies the original Fender spirit with a slightly modern touch. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. This included Cobra Blue, Mocha Burst, Ultraburst, Plasma Red Burst and the stunning Texas Tea, all of which remain exclusive to Fenders American Ultra guitars and basses. I'm very happy with the guitar, love the neck profile and the playability of the guitar (you have to learn to set up any guitar by yourself to get the best results). The Ultra Strat has some notable upgrades such as the locking tuners, enhanced body contours and a more sculpted neck heel which are not seen on American Pro II Strat. It offers several upgrades over traditional designs, including Fenders latest Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat pickups, a 1014 compound radius fingerboard on an effortless Modern D neck, and S-1 switching to roll in fat neck tones on pickup positions 1 and 2. As you probably know, the body type of a guitar is a defining factor for its character and tone. Set necks attach to a pocket in the guitars body and stay put with glue. Id suggest going that route if you can find one. American Ultra guitars and basses are unique in the Fender catalogue for their non-typical Modern D-shaped necks. Your IP: Tailpieces are often forgotten when thinking about guitar parts, however, they have been there for centuries, and there are many different designs with alternate features. Andertons Synths, Keys & Tech YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/ns172M Comfortable for modern players and vintage aficionados alike, these acclaimed neck profiles have now been enhanced with a new Super Natural finish that provides a silky-smooth and friction-free feel. In this blog, we've pitted Fender's brand new American Professional II series guitars against their top-of-the-line counterparts from the American Ultra range! Ordered a used pro i online from guitar center. The Fender American Ultra series includes right-handed versions of the Stratocaster (SSS and HSS), Telecaster and Jazzmaster. Making them apt for use with overdrive and high-gain amp settings, these noise-free pickups eliminate a common issue that has afflicted old-school Fender single-coils for years. The radius of the fingerboard is a measure of how curved the neck of the guitar actually is when looking at it from bridge to nut. The American Pro II series includes left and right-handed versions of the SS model as well as a HH right-handed version. For those who want a deeper dive into all the specs that make these 2 guitars different, in this article I will put them side by side so you can see their main differences. Im obsessed with everything gear-related and I thought it might be worth sharing it. 11:00 Fender Pro II Stratocaster with Gain The Fender American Elite Strat has got more tonal possibilities, compared to the American Special and Pro. Different guitar body tonewoods and their effect on tone, Do guitar tops affect tone? Headrush vs Helix vs Kemper vs GT1000 vs AX8: Which is best? The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with 22 medium jumbo nickel silver frets. For the last 70 years, Fender has largely set the tone in the guitar industry. I have an American Pro I and had an Ultra. Introducing the Fender American Professional II Series, with new colours, refined hardware & re-voiced pickups, their iconic American Pro range just got a whole lot better! Also, the Ultra have an active/passive toggle switch for added tonal flexibility. Its fundamental that your instrument has good quality machine heads to keep it in tune. The (original) Professional series will be tough to improve on, in my book. The radius of the fingerboard is a measure of how curved the neck of the guitar actually is when looking at it from bridge to nut. In his spare time, Elliot browses eBay for second-hand Music Man guitars, Marshalls and merch from bands you've never heard of. Maintaining everything that made the original Fender American Pro Series great, the eye-catching guitars of the American Professional II range boast upgrades that bring them more up-to-scratch for contemporary musicians. I don't think so. If you manage to get an open box or display model for cheaper than a new guitar, you'll see barely any downside when you try to sell it. Based on classic designs and subtly-modernised with forward-thinking features, these contemporary guitars and basses can strike a chord with players of all disciplines and styles. Ive been doing a lot of research on strats in the $1000-1500 range, and the American Pro II seems like the best choice for me. This requires removing the bridge from the instrument but should allow the arm to pop in and out easily. Andertons Guitar & Bass YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/kRJCpb But is one of these flagship Fender series clearly better than the other? American Ultra guitars boast Fenders ingenious S-1 switching circuitry. TrevorG likes this. Having yet to play one the marketing reads like they are just doing even more rolling on the fingerboard edges - much like what they started doing on the American Ultras last year. Make sure you like them before doing this. . But do guitar pickups make a difference in sound? Fender Custom Shop SHOP BY MODEL Stratocaster Telecaster Jaguar Jazzmaster Lead Duo-Sonic Mustang Meteora Other Shop All Electric Guitars SHOP BY SERIES American Professional ll American Ultra American Ultra Luxe American Performer Player Plus Player JV Modified Vintera Noventa Made in Japan Limited Edition Artist Signature HIGHLIGHTS If you were to abuse or neglect a Pro II like most people treat cheap guitars (store it in a damp basement, throw it in a closet out of a case under a pile of dirty laundry) it probably wouldn't hold up well either. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is a modern take on the traditional strat with every luxury you could think of. The Hardware The original Jazzmaster experienced some problems with its bridge and the tremolo arm. Pretty neat! Welcome to r/guitar, a community devoted to the exchange of guitar related information. Have you played ss frets? Here is a table highlighting the differences between the Fender American Professional II and American Ultra Telecaster models. The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is built with a bridge integrated tailpiece. On the humbucker-equipped HSS Strat and Tele Deluxe models, this serves as a coil-split switch instead. Tonewoods have different densities, hardness, and acoustic qualities. The other big thing is resale value - American Fenders go for higher prices in the used market. Different scale lengths have varying influences over things such as string tension, and of course, fret gap size. Fender has decided to retain its popular Deep C neck shape for its American Professional II electric guitars. The color options are different in each series. The main differences between the Fender American Performer and American Professional guitars are the neck profile and pickups.