Fender American Ultra II – What’s Changed?

Fender’s top-tier line-up of electric guitars and basses has been reimagined for 2024 but what’s different?

Dennis Ralph

Dennis Ralph

With a company that’s so entangled with its rich heritage, classic models and legendary history it’s easy to forget the true essence of Fender is innovation. Without getting into a lengthy debate on who invented the first solid-body electric guitar, there is no escaping the fact that Leo Fender’s innovation and forward thinking put solid-body electric guitars on the map. Throughout Fender’s ‘Golden Era’ it was again innovation which kept Fender moving forward. From Strats into Teles and then into Offsets and equally with Precisions into Jazz Basses and of course not forgetting about the development of Fenders pickups through this critical 10–15-year period. Now in 2024, Fender again pushes innovation even further forward with the introduction of Fender American Ultra II.

Fender Ultra VS. Ultra II – What’s Changed?

  • Quartersawn Maple Necks
  • Ultra II Noiseless Pickups and Haymaker Humbucker
  • Ebony or Maple Fingerboards
  • Select Alder Bodies
  • Upgraded Contours (Telecaster)
  • Revised S1 Switching and Electronics
  • Graph Tech TUSQ Nuts
  • Luminlay Side Dots
  • 4 New Car-Inspired Finishes
  • Introduction of the Ultra II Meteora
  • Single-Ply Aluminium Pickguards
  • Cold Rolled Steel Tremolo System Block (Stratocasters)

The American Ultra II range of electric guitars and basses push Fender’s most versatile performance-focused line-up even further. With redesigned Noiseless Ultra II pickups offered in both Hot and Vintage variations as well as the introduction of the Haymaker humbucker it has never been easier to find your perfect Fender voice!

The Ultra II Noiseless Vintage pickups capture the true essence of Fender’s most loved single-coil tones. From glassy Strat sparkle to authentic Tele-twang! The Haymaker humbuckers cover everything from vintage-inspired rock ‘n’ roll growl, all the way to modern articulate metal sounds!

The basses now feature a revised active preamp with a mid-boost control and a 2-way mid-frequency selector (325 Hz or 750Hz). The S1 switch lets you effortlessly switch between active and passive modes while the pan control allows you to blend in the perfect bass pickup combination. With controls for treble and bass boost and cut in addition to a passive tone control, the Ultra II Basses are Fender’s most adaptable basses yet!

In addition, the Quartersawn Maple necks and Graph Tech TUSQ nuts provide unrivalled stability and tone enhancement and the reimagined sculpted body contours offer even greater levels of comfort, ergonomics and limitless expression. Offered in a selection of 2 of the favourite colours from the original Ultra line-up as well as 4 new car-inspired colours together with the reintroduction of Ebony fingerboards and Luminlay side dots the revised Ultra series keeps on pushing Fender’s ideology of innovation and progression.

Fender Ultra VS. Ultra II – What’s The Same?

  • Modern D Neck Profile with Satin Finish
  • 10”-14” Compound Fingerboard Radius
  • Rolled Fingerboard Edges
  • 22 Medium Jumbo Frets (Guitars), 21 Medium Jumbo Frets (Basses)
  • Locking Tuners (Guitars)
  • Fender HiMass Bridge (Basses)

The Fender Modern D neck profile found on the original line-up of Ultra Guitars and Basses has become a firm favourite among Fender fans. Not too dissimilar to Fenders Modern C profile, the Modern D has wider shoulders resulting in a thin, ergonomic neck that just feels right. The compound radius has also been a popular feature on Fender’s top-tier range starting way back to the American Deluxe models. Effortlessly transition between big chords towards the nut to rapid lead lines past the 12th fret. Its rolled fingerboard provides excellent comfort and the locking tuners ensure maximum string stability as well as rapid string changes.

Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster Guitars

The Fender American Ultra II Stratocasters are offered in two variations. One being the classic SSS format with Ultra II Noiseless Vintage pickups and the other a HSS version equipped with a Haymaker humbucker in the bridge and two Noiseless Hot pickups.

Fender American Ultra II Meteora Guitars

Introducing the Fender American Ultra II Meteora electric guitar. With its duo of Fender Haymaker humbucking pickups this unique modern offset electric guitar strikes the perfect balance between modern and retro.

Fender American Ultra II Precision Basses

The Ultra II Precision Bass takes Fenders original bass guitar design and revamps it for the modern player. Its ensemble of Ultra II Noiseless PJ pickups, and revised controls selectable mid-frequency control makes this the most versatile and trouble-free P Bass to date.

Fender American Ultra II Telecaster Guitars

The Fender American Ultra II Telecaster comes equipped with a pair of Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Telecaster pickups for authentic Tele-twang and articulation. The Tele also features a comfortable forearm contour for a whole new level of comfort!

Fender American Ultra II Meteora Basses

With its duo of Haymaker humbucking bass pickups the Fender Ultra II Meteora Bass is the ultimate modern bass guitar!

Fender American Ultra II Jazz Basses

Available in both 4 and 5-string variants the Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass features the revised mid-frequency control and S1 switch in combination with the Ultra II Noiseless Jazz Bass pickups for genuine J-Bass tones and versatility.

Conclusion

The Fender American Ultra II takes Fender even further beyond! They offer the next generation of instruments built to inspire future players and elevate genres to new limits. The Quartersawn Maple necks are a very welcome addition to the line and the revised Noiseless pickups are truly a step above all previous incarnations.

It feels that the Meteora has found its natural home within the range. Its inspiring modern offset design looks right with the Ultra II feature set and throughout the line-up, the new colours look fresh, especially with their anodized aluminium pickguards.

Most importantly, these electric guitars and basses sound and feel amazing… They rightfully sit at the top of the Fender USA pyramid with a playability like no other. Playing feels unrestricted and inspiring as you glide up and down the neck effortlessly. They genuinely make you feel faster, more ergonomic and more technical.

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Dennis Ralph
Dennis Ralph

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