Back in August, we wrote about the rumors circulating that Fender might be overhauling its American Professional Series. Well, now that speculation has proven to be true. Allow us to introduce you to the American Professional II Series.
An evolution of the previous series, features on the new models were designed with input from Fender's artist roster.
Perhaps the most noteworthy spec changes of all are the additions of push-push tone knobs, which allow players to switch in an extra voice in each model.
For example, the function on the Strat model adds the neck pickup to any position – as it does in the American Performer Series – while the same switch on the Tele runs its pickups in series. These models in particular boast all-new V-Mod II single coils, which promise to be "sonically pleasing across all music genres".
The line's humbucker-equipped models utilize Fender's smart Double Tap format – which helps them retain volume when coil-splitting via their push-push tone knobs – but updated to V-Mod II specs.
Tweaks on account of playability include deep C neck profiles with 'Super-Natural' satin finishes and rolled-edge fingerboards, sculpted neck heels and staggered tuners.
On several models in the line-up, ash is replaced by roasted pine as the body wood of choice. However, every model is available with an alder body, if desired.
Models included in the line-up are the Stratocaster, Stratocaster HSS, Telecaster, Telecaster Deluxe, Jazzmaster, Precision Bass, Precision Bass V, Jazz Bass, Jazz Bass V and Jazz Bass Fretless, and each one includes a deluxe molded-style case.
For the lefties out there, left-handed versions of the Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, Precision Bass and Jazz Bass models are set to launch in early 2021. Keep an eye out around this time for the introduction of the series' five-string and fretless basses, too.
For a more in-depth look at the spec sets of all the models in the range, see below. For even more information, head to Fender.
Fender American Professional II Stratocaster – $1,499.99 - $1,599.99
- Deep “C” maple neck
- 22 narrow tall frets
- V-Mod II Stratocaster® single-coil pickups
- Push-push tone control adds neck pickup
- 2-Point synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles, pop-in tremolo arm and cold-rolled steel block
- Alder or roasted pine body
- 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Mystic Surf Green, Miami Blue, Dark Night, Sienna Sunburst or Roasted Pine finishes
Fender American Professional II Stratocaster HSS – $1,549.99 - $1,649.99
- Deep “C” maple neck
- 22 narrow tall frets
- 2-Point synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles, pop-in tremolo arm and cold-rolled steel block
- V-Mod II Stratocaster single-coil pickups
- Double Tap bridge pickup
- Alder or roasted pine body
- 3-Color Sunburst, Mercury, Olympic White, Mystic Surf Green, Miami Blue, Dark Night, Sienna Sunburst or Roasted Pine finishes
Fender American Professional II Telecaster – $1,499.99 - $1,599.99
- Deep “C” maple neck
- “Super-Natural” satin finish
- V-Mod II Telecaster single-coil pickups
- Push-push tone control activates series mode
- Top-load/string-through bridge with “bullet” saddles
- Alder or roasted pine body
- 3-Color Sunburst, Mercury, Olympic White, Mystic Surf Green, Miami Blue, Dark Night, Sienna Sunburst or Roasted Pine finishes
Fender American Professional II Telecaster Deluxe – $1,549.99
- Deep “C” maple neck
- “Super-Natural” satin finish
- V-Mod II Double Tap pickups
- Push-push tone control activates Double Tap function
- “Cut” 3-saddle top-load/string-through Tele bridge
- Alder body
- 3-Color Sunburst, Mercury, Olympic White, Mystic Surf Green, Miami Blue and Dark Night finishes
Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster – $1,599.99
- Deep “C” maple neck
- “Super-Natural” satin finish
- Panorama tremolo system
- Brass Mustang bridge saddles
- V-Mod II Jazzmaster single-coil pickups
- Bridge pickup features tap function for higher or lower-output voices
- Rhythm circuit runs both pickups in series for increased output
- Alder body
- 3-Color Sunburst, Mercury, Mystic Surf Green, Miami Blue and Dark Night finishes
Fender American Professional II Precision Bass – $1,549.99
- ’63 Precision Bass profile neck
- “Super-Natural” satin finish
- V-Mod II Precision Bass split-coil pickup
- Alder body
- 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Black, Mercury, Mystic Surf Green, Miami Blue and Dark Night finishes
Fender American Professional II Precision Bass V – $1,649.99
- ’63 P Bass profile neck
- “Super-Natural” satin finish
- V-Mod II Precision Bass V split-coil pickup
- Alder body
- 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Miami Blue and Dark Night finishes
Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass – $1,599.99 - $1,699.99
- Slim “C” neck
- “Super-Natural” satin finish
- V-Mod II Jazz Bass single-coil pickups
- Alder or roasted pine body
- 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Black, Miami Blue, Mystic Surf Green, Mercury, Roasted Pine and Dark Night finishes
Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass V – $1,699.99 - $1,799.99
- Slim “C” neck
- “Super-Natural” satin finish
- V-Mod II Jazz Bass V single-coil pickups
- Alder or roasted pine body
- 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Mystic Surf Green and Roasted Pine finishes
Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass Fretless – $1,599.99
- Slim “C” neck
- “Super-Natural” satin finish
- V-Mod II Jazz Bass single-coil pickups
- Alder body
- 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White and Dark Night finishes
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