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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
With its duo of Haymaker humbucking bass pickups the Fender Ultra II Meteora Bass is the ultimate modern bass guitar!
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.
The Fender Ultra Luxe Vintage Series perfectly fuses Fender’s contemporary innovations with their historic foundations to create a series of modern performance-focused instruments beautifully inspired by vintage tones and aesthetics. Built for players who require a premium workhorse electric guitar that can comfortably meet the demands of the high-speed, technique-driven music of today, but also desire the sweet, articulate, dynamic single-coil Fender sounds found on true vintage instruments.
The Ultra Luxe Vintage range takes place at the top of Fender’s American ranks, comfortably filling the gap between the American Vintage II and Ultra II ranges and the esteemed Fender Custom Shop. Featuring classic wood combinations and era-accurate, Fender Pure Vintage pickups in combination with precision modern hardware and locking tuners, as well as a Graph Tech TUSQ self-lubricating nut, these guitars are built to perform! The whole range stands out thanks to their eye-catching Nitrocellulose Heirloom relic’d lacquer finish. Elegantly aged to demonstrate the natural patina found on vintage examples, the Heirloom finish offers classic mojo as well as the increased resonance found on instruments finished in Nitro. Playing them feels effortless thanks to their ergonomic ‘Ultra’ sculpted body contours and Modern D neck profile with compound 10”-14” fingerboard featuring ‘Ultra’ rolled edges, stainless steel Medium Jumbo frets, glow-in-the-dark Luminlay side dots and tapered neck heel.
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'; }); });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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