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.
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