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Average Price: $1,178

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Fender American Professional Stratocaster seamlessly melds timeless style with contemporary performance, making it a standout choice for musicians of all levels. Crafted in Fender's Corona factory, this guitar is a testament to American craftsmanship, boasting a "Deep C" neck profile that offers a comfortable grip for both intricate solos and powerful chords. The inclusion of Tim Shaw-designed V-Mod single coil pickups ensures a versatile tonal range, from sparkling highs to rich, full-bodied lows.

What sets this Stratocaster apart is its innovative electronics, featuring a treble bleed circuit that maintains clarity and brightness across all volume levels. Whether you're shredding at high gain or playing clean, your tone remains vibrant and true. The two-point synchronized tremolo bridge provides smooth pitch modulation and reliable tuning stability, inviting expressive play without compromise.

With its blend of vintage aesthetics and modern enhancements, the American Professional Stratocaster is more than just an instrument—it's an experience, inviting creativity and delivering the signature sound that has defined rock and roll for decades.

Key Features:

  • Tim Shaw-designed V-Mod single coil pickups
  • Treble bleed circuit for consistent high-end clarity
  • "Deep C" neck profile for enhanced playability
  • Two-point synchronized tremolo bridge for smooth pitch modulation
  • Crafted in Fender's Corona, California 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 like on the Fender American Professional Stratocaster?

The Fender American Professional Stratocaster features a "Deep C" neck profile, which provides a comfortable grip for most players, combining elements of a modern C shape with a slightly thicker feel for enhanced playability and support.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender American Professional Stratocaster?

This guitar is equipped with V-Mod single-coil pickups, designed to deliver a balanced tone with a mix of warmth and clarity, making it versatile for genres like rock, blues, and pop.

Is the Fender American Professional Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While the Fender American Professional Stratocaster offers high-quality features ideal for experienced players, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners looking to invest in a long-term instrument.

Does the Fender American Professional Stratocaster have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Fender American Professional Stratocaster comes with a 2-point synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and expressive playing techniques.

What materials are used for the body of the Fender American Professional Stratocaster?

The body of the Fender American Professional Stratocaster is made from alder or ash, known for their balanced tonal properties and lightweight feel, contributing to the guitar's overall resonance and sustain.

How many frets does the Fender American Professional Stratocaster have?

The Fender American Professional Stratocaster features 22 narrow tall frets, which provide easier bending and better intonation 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 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Introduces the Fender American Professional Stratocaster | Fender by Fender

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Introduces the Fender 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 First Look - The 2017 Fender American Professional Stratocaster by Bailey Brothers

First Look - The 2017 Fender American Professional Stratocaster

Bailey Brothers

Bailey Brothers

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 2017 Fender American Professional - First Look by Andertons Music Co

2017 Fender American Professional - First Look

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster by N Stuff Music

Fender American Professional Stratocaster

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

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 Strat Demo/Review || The American Standard Series Replacement!! by Agufish

Fender American Professional Strat Demo/Review || The American Standard Series Replacement!!

Agufish

Agufish

Video thumbnail for Fender 2017 American Professional Stratocaster Review & Demo by PMTVUK

Fender 2017 American Professional Stratocaster Review & Demo

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster MN, Olympic White | Demonstration by Gear4music Guitars

Fender American Professional Stratocaster MN, Olympic White | Demonstration

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Pro Stratocaster Demo by Gear4music Guitars

Fender American Pro Stratocaster Demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster Demo | Big Music Shop by Big Music Australia

Fender American Professional Stratocaster Demo | Big Music Shop

Big Music Australia

Big Music Australia

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster - Unboxing Video by The Blues Shed

Fender American Professional Stratocaster - Unboxing Video

The Blues Shed

The Blues Shed

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster and Telecaster by Guitar World

Fender American Professional Stratocaster and Telecaster

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Fender American Pro Series Stratocaster (Black) with a Maple Neck by Rimmers Music

Fender American Pro Series Stratocaster (Black) with a Maple Neck

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster Demo by Guitar World

Fender American Professional Stratocaster Demo

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for FENDER AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL STRATOCASTER NATURAL | Unboxing by SIGIT S.P

FENDER AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL STRATOCASTER NATURAL | Unboxing

SIGIT S.P

SIGIT S.P

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster Sienna Sunburst RW - Review by Bax Music UK

Fender American Professional Stratocaster Sienna Sunburst RW - Review

Bax Music UK

Bax Music UK

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster Ash Demo by thejay (Big Battle Bear)

Fender American Professional Stratocaster Ash Demo

thejay (Big Battle Bear)

thejay (Big Battle Bear)

Video thumbnail for Fender American Pro Stratocaster | 60 sec clean | 60 sec mean | 60 sec review by MooreMusicGuitars

Fender American Pro Stratocaster | 60 sec clean | 60 sec mean | 60 sec review

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster VS Fender Standard Stratocaster by Landon Bailey

Fender American Professional Stratocaster VS Fender Standard Stratocaster

Landon Bailey

Landon Bailey

Video thumbnail for Fender American professional stratocaster demo and review by Jim Dewd Guitars

Fender American professional stratocaster demo and review

Jim Dewd Guitars

Jim Dewd Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster 2017 Antique Olive, Demo and review by djcrimmy

Fender American Professional Stratocaster 2017 Antique Olive, Demo and review

djcrimmy

djcrimmy

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster Black @ Belfield Music w/ Daniel by BelfieldMusicShop

Fender American Professional Stratocaster Black @ Belfield Music w/ Daniel

BelfieldMusicShop

BelfieldMusicShop

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster (Antique Olive) DEMO by lordofthenorth_ph

Fender American Professional Stratocaster (Antique Olive) DEMO

lordofthenorth_ph

lordofthenorth_ph

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster Maple Fingerboard - Antique Olive Green S-S-S by ZTPA Rokhum

Fender American Professional Stratocaster Maple Fingerboard - Antique Olive Green S-S-S

ZTPA Rokhum

ZTPA Rokhum

Video thumbnail for Fender American Professional Stratocaster Sonic Gray 2016 USA by Loud Lemon Demo

Fender American Professional Stratocaster Sonic Gray 2016 USA

Loud Lemon Demo

Loud Lemon Demo

Reviews

PROS

  • Resonant feel with smooth, tall frets for comfortable playability

  • V-Mod pickups and treble bleed circuit for clear, powerful tones

  • Satin finish and modern C neck shape enhance speed and playability

  • Pop-in tremolo system prevents losing the spring

  • High-quality build offers significant difference from entry-level models

  • Versatile for studio sessions with clean, sharp sound

  • Rosewood fingerboard adds a sleek, premium touch

  • Neck has substantial feel, likened to a "baseball bat," appealing to fans of larger necks

CONS

  • Control layout might not be intuitive for all users

  • Lacks strap lock buttons as standard equipment

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The American Professional II Stratocaster includes a contoured neck joint and an S1 switch, offering additional pickup configurations like neck+bridge or all three pickups on.

    Source
  • The American Professional II Stratocaster's narrow tall frets with rolled edges are favored for their smoother playability, often compared to those on Fender's Custom Shop models.

    Source
  • The American Ultra's noiseless pickups are praised for retaining a "straty" sound, even when using fuzz or overdrive, making them suitable for jam band styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The American Professional I uses a standard 4-bolt neck pattern, unlike the II's sculpted heel, which may affect neck swapping with other Stratocaster models.

    Source
  • The Pro II is favored over the Ultra for its deep C neck, which many find more comfortable despite the Ultra's faster neck.

    Source
  • The Pro II's Mystic Green and Dark Knight finishes are likened to high-end car paint due to their sparkle and shine in different lighting conditions.

    Source
  • The American Ultra's slim modern D-shaped neck is favored by players used to slimmer necks, like those on a Squier, for its comfortable playability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners commonly dislike the V-Mod 1 pickups in the American Professional I and suggest replacing them with Custom Shop Fat 50s for improved tone.

    Source

Build quality

  • The champagne finish on the American Professional I is reported to appear darker in person, differing from promotional images.

    Source
  • The rosewood neck on some models exhibits a unique two-tone grain, which can be surprising at first but is often embraced by owners.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players report the American Professional II neck as too skinny compared to vintage-style necks like those on the AO 60s, influencing playability preferences.

    Source
  • Owners with smaller hands often find the Ultra’s neck more suitable, while others appreciate the Pro II's deep C neck for its classic Strat feeling.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Pro II's V-Mod 2 pickups are praised for their modern "stratty" tone, suitable for jazz, modern covers, and even John Mayer-style music.

    Source
  • The Pro II’s V-Mod pickups are noted for their excellent performance without fuzz noise issues, except in environments with LED light interference.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners report significant setup issues from the factory, including neck tilt and uneven frets, necessitating adjustments for optimal performance.

    Source

Other

  • The JV Modified 60s Strat’s soft-V neck is recommended for players with smaller hands, as an alternative to vintage Strat necks.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Professional Stratocaster Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Fender American Professional Stratocaster is a well-crafted instrument that blends vintage charm with modern enhancements. It boasts excellent build quality, smooth playability, and a bright, airy tone with notable sustain. The updated wiring offers more control over tones, allowing for versatile sound shaping. However, die-hard vintage purists might find these modern updates a bit too much. Overall, it's a stellar choice for players seeking a classic Strat feel with some contemporary tweaks.

positive

Fender American Professional Stratocaster & Telecaster Review

guitar.com

The Fender American Professional Stratocaster impresses with its refined upgrades, including Tim Shaw’s innovative V-Mod pickups and a modern neck profile. These features enhance its expressive tonal range, making it a versatile workhorse for both lead and rhythm play. While the construction is generally high-quality, the setup may require adjustments, such as aligning bridge saddles for optimal string positioning. Despite minor setup quirks, the guitar’s dynamic response and sophisticated sound make it a worthy evolution of the classic Strat, elevating it beyond a standard model.

positive

Fender American Professional Stratocaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender American Professional Stratocaster lives up to its name with top-notch build quality and superb, 'produced' Strat tones. While its middle-of-the-road spec might seem bland to some, the guitar is a fit-for-purpose tool with a modern, clean voice that appeals to a wide range of players. The new single-coil pickups and slightly tweaked control circuit offer hum-cancelling and high-end retention as volume decreases. The new neck shape and taller fretwire enhance playability, making bends and pull-offs a breeze. Despite lacking some vintage character, the American Pro series offers subtle improvements over the Standard range, making it a worthy upgrade for the everyman player.

positive
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 42 Ratings

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jorgealb91

Better than i thought it would be

Couldn't be more happy with my purchase, I love lofi sounds achieved with vibrato and delay and this guitar does it perfectly, also i think those tall frets are a stupid thing to do, but actually it allows you to push harder and detune the string a little to achieve even more tonal properties in lofi tones. Maybe someone could have the same opinion or are achieving more cool stuff with the new changes to the strat line.

stevo_guitaro

Well made guitar

A very well made guitar that sounds awesome. The neck is perfect but the control layout just doesn't work for me! Can't knock the guitar but just not best suited to me.

Edit; After spending some more time with the strat due to not wanting to give up on 'that' sound, I've adapted to the layout. It'll still never be as natural to me as a tele but I'm managing better now.

pkennethk

how is the control layout on this guitar different than any other Stratocaster?

stevo_guitaro

Hi. It's not different to any other Stratocaster. My opinion is the same for all Strats. I'm not hating on Strats. Far from it. I'm desperate for them to work for me but just feel awkward for me personally. Regards,

racingstripes

Simply a Great Guitar

What else can I add? The Stratocaster is a classic for countless reasons. Brilliant tones, perfectly shaped body, great neck and it just looks awesome. The Stratocaster is THE electric guitar.

Roles:
Genres:
grishamtj

Classic As Classic Gets

While I'm not the biggest stratocaster fan, this guitar covers all the bases that I would need! This is a big utility guitar for me. When a studio session needs a a clean, sharp sound, this is my go-to. I'm a big fan of large necks, and this guitar has a baseball bat for a neck. It's very clean and lets me dig into it without ruining the tone.

henrico_gouvea

Perfect.

That’s a superb guitar. Typical Strato flexibility and tones. The satin finish on the neck and the modern c neck shape are awesome and really improved my speed. The frets are taller than usual, and I felt it extremely comfortable. I couldn’t have a better guitar.

J

Great Sounding Guitar

This was my first >student level guitar. It is a well build guitar that I find to be comfortable, efficient, and fun to play with. The feel of the guitar is almost unbeatable, the versatility and sound is the traditional, outstanding, and easy to grasp stratocaster feel. Great guitar.

skylinerr

Nice

stickered up white strat trem claw screwed right in angled x2n in brdige gaffer tape over then neck and middle pup holes.

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jimmy Page uses Fender American Professional Stratocaster

Jimmy Page

Guitarist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Photo

This White Fender Stratocaster was used by Jimmy Page to record rhythm tracks on Thank You June 1969 at Morgan Studios, in Willesden, North London, England.

Jimmy Page said in his photographic autobiography Jimmy Page by Jimmy Page that this guitar was also used on Ten Years Gone in Jan.-Feb. 1974 at Headley Grange, Hampshire.

At some point, Page loaned the White Fender Stratocaster to John Paul Jones. Jones returned the Strat back to Page around Sept-Oct. 2007.

http://www.led-zeppelin.org/studio-and-live-gear/1979 Guitar description

See how Mac DeMarco uses Fender American Professional Stratocaster

Mac DeMarco

Singer, Guitarist

Mac DeMarco

...
Verified via YouTube

Mac throughout this video is using a Fender American Professional Stratocaster in Natural Finish.

See how Sam Fender uses Fender American Professional Stratocaster

Sam Fender

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

One can see Sam Fender play this guitar multiple times throughout his gig supporting Liam Gallagher at the Manchester Ritz. The guitar was also mentioned in the 2021 Premier Guitar interview, though it is unclear whether the "Fender Stratocaster" denotes the American Professional.

See how John Dyer Baizley uses Fender American Professional Stratocaster

John Dyer Baizley

Singer, Guitarist

Baroness

...
Verified via Premierguitar

John uses a bunch of fender guitars live and in studio. One guitar he uses live is his fender american pro strat

See how Dustin Payseur uses Fender American Professional Stratocaster

Dustin Payseur

Guitarist, Bassist

Beach Fossils

...
Verified via Photo

his main guitar is a fender American professional Stratocaster in olympic white with rosewood fingerboard you can tell by the string tree and the back plate which has a fender corner California on it

See how Soccer Mommy uses Fender American Professional Stratocaster

Soccer Mommy

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

"thank u @fender for sending me this new beauty so excited to add it to my fender collection"

See how Jack Tatum uses Fender American Professional Stratocaster

Jack Tatum

Singer, Guitarist

Wild Nothing

...
Verified via Photo

During the "Out in the Way" tour, Jack Tatum used a Fender American Professional Stratocaster with a Maple Fingerboard in Antique Olive, alongside a Telecaster. This is noted in a reflective Instagram post by his account, wildnothing.

See how Trey Spruance uses Fender American Professional Stratocaster

Trey Spruance

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Faith No More

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, Trey is playing this guitar live

See how Marc Ford uses Fender American Professional Stratocaster

Marc Ford

Guitarist, Composer

The Black Crowes

...
Verified via YouTube

Using it in Remedy video and few concerts

See how Michael Kiwanuka uses Fender American Professional Stratocaster

Michael Kiwanuka

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Fender

According to an article on the official Fender website titled "Fender Feedback: Michael Kiwanuka on the 'Emotional' Stratocaster," Michael Kiwanuka uses a Fender American Professional Stratocaster.

See how Jeff Wootton uses Fender American Professional Stratocaster

Jeff Wootton

Guitarist, Bassist

Gorillaz

...
Verified via Twitter

In a Twitter post dated March 1, 2017, Jeff Wootton showcases his Fender American Professional Stratocaster, tagging @fendergbi and using the hashtag #AmericanPro.

See how Jan Borysewicz uses Fender American Professional Stratocaster

Jan Borysewicz

Guitarist, Bassist

Lady Pank

...
Verified via Photo

Używana czasami podczas koncertów latach 2017-2020.

Album Usage

The Fender American Professional Stratocaster has been featured on the following albums:

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 Fender American Professional Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
bubbajones

bubbajones

Gear IQ 1312

hunterkeegan

hunterkeegan

Gear IQ 173

N

nberg

Gear IQ 113

arthur_dutson

arthur_dutson

Gear IQ 201

alexjb

alexjb

Gear IQ 352

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