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Fender American Professional II Guitars, The Continuation of a Legacy

We first saw the American Professional line of instruments from Fender in 2016, replacing the American Standard Series. The first-generation American Professional guitars and basses were a major overhaul of the existing American Standard series. The American Professional line has become guitars that players have loved over the last 4 years. But as with most guitars, Fender saw some potential areas of improvement and opportunities to build on that success.

The American Professional II series offers classic Fender style, hand craftsmanship, premium hardware and electronics, and a stunning variety of classic, as well as new, colors. These guitars and basses are designed for discerning professional players, aspiring musicians, enthusiasts, and even beginners who desire a state-of-the-art Fender that plays like a dream and is packed with modern innovations.

FENDER AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL II ROOTS: THE AMERICAN STANDARD, 1986

After Fender was purchased from CBS in 1985, the first steps were to revitalize the US manufacturing facility, streamline the product selection and develop a flagship series of instruments. Fender head of marketing Dan Smith, an accomplished builder and player, focused on creating an instrument that not only retained the integrity of Fender‘s original electric guitar designs, but also accommodated new playing styles and could be produced using improved manufacturing techniques.

Dan’s 1986 creations were christened “American Standard” and the first two models to be made available were Stratocaster and Telecaster guitars. The series later expanded to include the Jazz Bass and Precision Bass models as well.

In 2016 – after more than three decades, the American Standard Series was retired and replaced with the American Professional series. Aligned with Leo Fender’s desire to constantly improve and advance his designs, the American Professional II series has been refined and updated for 2020.

AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL II: CRAFTED IN CORONA

The American Professional II series, like the 2016 American Professional and the American Standard series before it, has retained the same essential Fender principles; high-quality, handcrafted instruments designed and built in Corona, California.

Comprised of Stratocaster, Telecaster, Telecaster Deluxe, Jazzmaster, Precision Bass and Jazz Bass models, the American Professional II guitars and basses have detailed refinements that will inspire players the moment you put one in their hands.

Let’s get into the details!

WHATS NEW WITH THE FENDER AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL II?

V-MOD II PICKUPS - FENDER DESIGNED

The Fender pickup gurus invented the ingenious V-Mod pickups for the American Professional Strat, Tele, Jazzmaster, P Bass and Jazz Bass models in 2016. For 2020, the fender team of engineers made nuanced and focused improvements to each pickup design.

The V-Mod II pickups are designed specifically for the voice of each iconic Fender guitar and bass. Mixing alnico magnet values, using different types of coil wire, and employing experimental winding techniques has produced a new breed of powerful and versatile pickups while maintaining the original Fender sonic DNA. 

TREBLE-BLEED CIRCUIT

Historically implemented by players as an aftermarket modification, a treble-bleed circuit is standard on each American Professional II series electric guitar. The common side effect of rolling back the volume knob on a guitar is the loss of high end, creating a muddy, low-volume tone. The treble-bleed circuit on the volume pot allows high-end clarity, crispness, and definition at reduced volumes.

No special switches, the treble-bleed circuitry is built into the Volume control and automatically engages as the player rolls back the volume.

POPULAR DEEP "C" NECK WITH ROLLED FINGERBOARD EDGES

American Professional II guitars feature the popular “Deep C” neck profile shape. Somewhere between a “Modern C”- and “U”-shaped profile, the “Deep C” makes for increased mass and comfort under the fretting hand. A new Super-Natural satin finish on the back of the neck is smooth and fast.

The 9.5” (241mm) fingerboard radius is comfortable for chording or soloing and strikes a perfect balance between the rounder radii found on vintage instruments and the flatter radius of many modern guitars. In addition, the shaping on the rolled fingerboard edges has been given extra attention for an even more “played-in” feel.

Narrow-tall frets strike a best-of-both-worlds balance between narrow vintage-style frets and wide, medium jumbo frets. Players get a vintage feel coupled with the height of medium jumbo frets, enabling a lighter touch for faster soloing and perfectly intonated chords.

FENDER AMERICAN PRO II: NEW COLORS, SURE TO IMPRESS

With every series refresh, Fender changes the color mix. They always keep the tried and true Fender finishes that everyone knows and loves, but we experiment, too. For American Professional II, adds all-new Miami Blue, Dark Night, Mercury, and Mystic Surf Green finishes, as well as introducing a new natural finish, Roasted Pine.

ROASTED PINE BODIES

Roasted Pine is a premium body wood that until now, Fender has reserved for limited edition and Custom Shop instruments made in the Corona California factory. For the first time, Roasted Pine is now an option for an American-made series.

Roasting not only makes the wood lighter but it also imbues the guitar with increased stability and resonance. These eye-catching guitars offer uniquely live, crisp, and resonant tonal characteristics.

All Sienna Sunburst and Butterscotch Blonde finished models in the American Professional II family feature Roasted Pine bodies as well.

DELUXE MOLDED CASE

The included Deluxe Molded Hardshell case is the epitome of fully functional instrument storage; from the TSA-approved trigger latches for effortless travel, to an ergonomic handle for comfort on the go, to the luxurious silver plush interior that pairs Fender elegance with scratch-free storage, this case is road-ready.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The new American Professional II series of guitar and basses is bringing some very cool features to the table in the "Standard American" range of instruments. In addition to the features above, the guitars also feature a new neck heal carve for easier fretboard access, as well as each individual model (Strat, Tele, etc) has some specific feature changes that make each of these guitars a true