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Average Price: $1,132

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The American Professional Stratocaster is where tradition meets innovation, offering a meticulously crafted instrument for the discerning guitarist. Handmade in Fender's renowned Corona factory, this model elevates the legendary Stratocaster with a blend of classic tone and contemporary features. V-Mod single-coil pickups, designed by Tim Shaw, provide a diverse tonal palette, ensuring your sound remains crisp and distinct at any volume. The Deep "C" neck profile is engineered for comfort and speed, making it ideal for both intricate solos and sustained chords.

A two-point synchronized tremolo bridge enhances your performance with smooth and stable pitch modulation. The inclusion of a treble bleed circuit ensures that your highs stay vibrant, whether you're playing at whispering lows or roaring highs. This Stratocaster's versatility makes it suitable for any genre, from blues to rock to jazz.

The American Professional Stratocaster is not just a guitar; it's a statement piece, embodying the spirit of innovation while paying homage to its rich heritage. Its seamless blend of past and present makes it a must-have for any guitarist aiming to push the boundaries of their craft.

Key Features:

  • V-Mod single-coil pickups
  • Deep "C" neck profile
  • Two-point synchronized tremolo bridge
  • Treble bleed circuit for high-frequency retention
  • Made in Fender's Corona, CA factory

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Professional Stratocaster
Finish 2-Color Sunburst, 3-Color Sunburst, 50s Burst, Antique Olive, Black, Butterscotch Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Lake Placid Blue, Natural, Olympic White, Sienna Sunburst, Sonic Grey, Vintage White
Year 2017 - 2020
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Grey, Natural, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Ebony, Maple, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 9.5"
Frets Narrow Tall
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.685", 1.6875"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender American Professional, Fender FSR Limited Edition
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender American Professional Stratocaster?

The Fender American Professional Stratocaster features a "Deep C" neck profile, which provides a comfortable grip, making it suitable for both chord playing and solos.

What kind of pickups does the American Professional Stratocaster have?

This Stratocaster is equipped with V-Mod single-coil pickups, designed by Tim Shaw, offering a balanced and versatile tone suitable for a wide range of musical genres.

Is the American Professional Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While the American Professional Stratocaster is a high-quality instrument favored by professionals, its playability and versatile tone also make it a great choice for dedicated beginners.

What are the finish options available for the American Professional Stratocaster?

The American Professional Stratocaster is available in several finishes, including 2-Color Sunburst, 3-Color Sunburst, Antique Olive, Black, Candy Apple Red, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, and more.

Does the American Professional Stratocaster come with a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the American Professional Stratocaster features a tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects.

How many frets does the American Professional Stratocaster have?

The American Professional Stratocaster is equipped with 22 narrow tall frets, providing a smooth playing experience across the fretboard.

Fender

Fender

Mac Demarco & The American Professional Stratocaster | Fender

Video thumbnail for Mac Demarco & The American Professional Stratocaster | Fender by Fender

Mac Demarco & The American Professional Stratocaster | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster demo by Guitar

Fender American Professional Stratocaster demo

Guitar

Guitar

Video thumbnail for Review Demo - Fender American Professional Stratocaster by Premier Guitar

Review Demo - Fender American Professional Stratocaster

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Fender American Pro Stratocaster Demo by Guitarist

Fender American Pro Stratocaster Demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Fender American Pro Stratocaster Review - The New Standard! by PMTVUK

Fender American Pro Stratocaster Review - The New Standard!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster Demo by Guitar World

Fender American Professional Stratocaster Demo

Guitar World

Guitar World

Reviews

PROS

  • Neck shape is comfortable and substantial, enhancing playability

  • Narrow-tall frets are smooth and perfectly dressed

  • Rosewood fretboard adds a touch of elegance and comfort

  • V-Mod pickups deliver clear, powerful Strat tones

  • Treble bleed circuit maintains tone clarity at lower volumes

  • Pop-in tremolo prevents losing the spring

  • Resonant sound with low action setup for ease of play

  • High-quality construction compared to lower-end models

CONS

  • Not the classic Strat sound, might not suit purists

  • Lacks strap lock buttons

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about American Professional Stratocaster.

Build quality

  • Owners highlight the neck's smooth gloss finish on top and satin finish on the back, enhancing playability and comfort.

    Source
  • The American Professional II Stratocaster features a contoured neck joint and the S1 switch, offering a more comfortable high fret access and additional tonal options.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • V-Mod II pickups have been noted for their versatility, offering seven distinct tones, although some positions are reportedly noisy.

    Source
  • The tremolo system on the American Professional II Stratocaster is said to be significantly more reliable and expressive compared to Squier models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some owners report buying the American Professional II Stratocaster around €1650 during sales, indicating potential for lower prices in certain circumstances.

    Source
  • The American Professional I Stratocaster with a rosewood neck is considered a good deal at $1,000, with an expectation to spend an additional $200-$300 for a one-piece neck typically.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Ibanez AZ2204N is noted as being superior in build quality, yet the Fender Stratocaster is preferred for its iconic sound.

    Source
  • Fralin Blues Specials are noted for nailing the SRV tone but lack versatility compared to Fat 50s, which cover a broader range of styles.

    Source
  • The American Professional I Stratocaster's neck uses the original 4-bolt pattern, which some owners prefer for easier neck swapping compared to the contoured neck joint in the Pro II.

    Source

User experience

  • A user transitioning from PRS guitars after 25 years praises the American Professional II Strat for its playability and tone.

    Source
  • Transitioning from a Telecaster, some find the American Pro Strat pickups underwhelming until adjusted, suggesting a learning curve for optimal tone tuning.

    Source
  • An owner with a Rose Gold American Professional I Stratocaster dislikes the V-Mod pickups, mentioning they are not up to their standards despite not being picky.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Lowering the V-Mod pickups to nearly flush with the pickguard significantly improves sound, offering a classic Strat tone.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Fender Custom Shop Fat 50s pickups are favored for their versatility, excelling in jazz, funk, and blues without sounding overly vintage.

    Source
  • Owners are swapping in Fender 57/62 pickups for a truly vintage sound, praised for authenticity and ease of sourcing.

    Source
  • Owners suggest getting a preloaded pickguard with Fat 50s pickups for around $250 to upgrade the sound without extensive modifications.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Professional Stratocaster Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Fender American Professional Stratocaster strikes a harmonious balance between classic appeal and modern innovation. With expert craftsmanship, it delivers vintage-inspired tones and an exceptional build, featuring a sleek "deep C" neck and a chic "sonic gray" finish. The updated wiring system enhances tonal versatility, offering control over both middle and bridge pickups, while the inclusion of Tim Shaw-designed single-coils adds a touch of modern brightness without sacrificing traditional charm. However, purists may find its contemporary updates a departure from vintage authenticity. Overall, a solid choice for those embracing both the past and the present.

positive

Fender American Professional Stratocaster & Telecaster Review

guitar.com

The Fender American Professional Stratocaster strikes a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern innovation, highlighted by the brand's new V-Mod pickups. Tim Shaw's mixed magnet types deliver a versatile sonic palette, while the 'Modern Deep-C' neck profile ensures comfortable playability. Though minor alignment issues with the bridge saddles and pickup pole-pieces may concern meticulous players, the guitar's overall build quality and acoustic resonance are commendable. The Stratocaster offers dynamic expressiveness across all pickup positions, catering to a wide range of musical styles. Despite being a moderate update rather than a radical reinvention, the American Professional Stratocaster elevates the standard with its thoughtful enhancements, making it a reliable choice for both rhythm and lead applications.

positive

Fender American Professional Stratocaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

While not the most thrilling Strat, the American Professional Stratocaster excels in build quality and offers superb, polished tones. It’s designed for versatility, appealing to a wide range of players. The new single-coil pickups and tweaked control circuits are standout features, enhancing the guitar’s clarity and sustain. The slightly deeper neck shape and updated fretwire improve playability. However, its middle-of-the-road specifications might seem bland to some. Overall, it's a well-crafted, reliable instrument that serves as a great tool for musicians, though it may lack the unique character sought by vintage enthusiasts.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Melanie Faye uses American Professional Stratocaster

Melanie Faye

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via She Shreds Magazine

In the She Shreds Magazine article titled "Meet Melanie Faye: The Viral R&B Guitarist Turned Guitar Hero," Melanie Faye's use of the American Professional Stratocaster is mentioned towards the end of the piece.

See how Conor Mason§ uses American Professional Stratocaster

Conor Mason§

Singer, Guitarist

Nothing But Thieves

...
Verified via Instagram

"Thank you @fender @fendergbi #americanpro it's beautiful. So looking forward to using this at @glastofest"

See how Dhani Harrison uses American Professional Stratocaster

Dhani Harrison

Guitarist

George's Band

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout the entire video Dhani is seen using the guitar and talking about how much he enjoys playing the Fender stratocaster.

See how Mike Naran uses American Professional Stratocaster

Mike Naran

Guitarist

Panic! at the Disco

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, we can see Mike playing the guitar solo of Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen on the Fender American Professional Stratocaster.

See how Jose Rios uses American Professional Stratocaster

Jose Rios

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Free Nationals

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

Used on Free Nationals, as mentioned in this December 23, 2019 Guitar.com interview.

I wasn’t really thinking about making it sound a certain way. I used Fender American Pro series Tele that was gifted to me by Fender. I used a Vox amp on some of it, some of it I plugged directly in. I used an American Pro series Stratocaster and there was some acoustic guitar in one of the tracks, that acoustic guitar was a Martin guitar that our producer had. Really, it was just using the instruments I had around me.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use American Professional Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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