Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,000

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Dapper and bold – the Uptown Strat® commands attention when it enters a room. Static White lacquer highlights and accentuates the slab mahogany body, a bound and block inlaid rosewood fingerboard radiates class and a pair of chrome DoubleTap™ humbucking pickups draw the eye. Featuring a 24.75” mahogany neck with 22 medium-jumbo frets and a 9.5” radius, 2-point Synchronized Tremolo System, and individual volume and tone controls for each pickup, the Uptown Strat is as versatile as it is unique.

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Parallel Universe Volume II Uptown Stratocaster
Finish Static White
Year 2020 - 2021
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family White
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Fender Parallel Universe

FAQs

What is unique about the Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Uptown Stratocaster's design?

The Uptown Stratocaster features a unique combination of a mahogany body and a rosewood fretboard, offering a distinct tonal warmth and richness compared to traditional Stratocasters. Its HH pickup configuration provides versatile sound options, ideal for various music genres.

How does the Fender Uptown Stratocaster's pickup configuration affect its sound?

The HH pickup configuration delivers a thicker, fuller sound with more output compared to traditional single-coil pickups, making it suitable for rock and heavier music styles while still maintaining clarity for clean tones.

Is the Fender Uptown Stratocaster suitable for players with smaller hands?

Yes, the Uptown Stratocaster's 24.75" scale length offers a slightly shorter reach than standard Stratocasters, making it more comfortable for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a more compact playing experience.

What type of music is the Fender Uptown Stratocaster best suited for?

With its HH pickup configuration and mahogany body, the Uptown Stratocaster excels in rock, blues, and jazz genres, providing a warm, rich tone with plenty of sustain and versatility.

Does the Fender Uptown Stratocaster have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Uptown Stratocaster features a tremolo bridge, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and expressive playing techniques commonly used in rock and blues music.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Fender's UGLY New Guitar is AWESOME! | 2020 Fender Parallel Universe II Uptown Strat | Review + Demo

Video thumbnail for Fender's UGLY New Guitar is AWESOME! | 2020 Fender Parallel Universe II Uptown Strat | Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

Fender's UGLY New Guitar is AWESOME! | 2020 Fender Parallel Universe II Uptown Strat | Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Uptown Strat Gon' Give It To You! - NEW Fender Parallel Universe II Uptown Strat by Andertons Music Co

Uptown Strat Gon' Give It To You! - NEW Fender Parallel Universe II Uptown Strat

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Exploring the Parallel Universe Vol II Uptown Strat | Parallel Universe | Fender by Fender

Exploring the Parallel Universe Vol II Uptown Strat | Parallel Universe | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for 【SOLD】Parallel Universe Volume II Uptown Strat -Static White-【商品紹介@Guitar Planet】 by GUITAR PLANET CHANNEL

【SOLD】Parallel Universe Volume II Uptown Strat -Static White-【商品紹介@Guitar Planet】

GUITAR PLANET CHANNEL

GUITAR PLANET CHANNEL

Video thumbnail for TONE CHECK: Fender Parallel Universe II Uptown Strat | No Talking by Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: Fender Parallel Universe II Uptown Strat | No Talking

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Parallel Universe Uptown Stratocaster by MooreMusicGuitars

Fender Parallel Universe Uptown Stratocaster

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Parallel Universe II Uptown Strat Demo by C&M Music Center - Hattiesburg MS

Fender Parallel Universe II Uptown Strat Demo

C&M Music Center - Hattiesburg MS

C&M Music Center - Hattiesburg MS

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique blend of Stratocaster and Les Paul features

  • 24.75" scale length offers a comfortable playing experience

  • Two-point Fender tremolo for smooth performance

  • Versatile tone with coil-tap options for both pickups

  • Excellent craftsmanship with a solid mahogany body and neck

  • Elegant and modern aesthetic with a classic touch

  • Midrange punch and dynamic tones from hot bridge pickup

  • Comfortable neck profile, suitable for large hands

  • High-quality fretwork for smooth playability

  • Nitrocellulose finish enhances feel and future aging

CONS

  • Bridge could benefit from locking tuners for enhanced stability

  • Semi-gloss neck finish might not please satin finish fans

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Uptown Stratocaster.

User experience

  • Owners of the Uptown Strat from the Parallel Universe II Series note its unique Gibson scale provides a distinct playability that's highly praised, despite its lesser popularity.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Uptown Stratocasters can be found at bargain prices on the used market, offering a high-quality guitar at a reduced cost due to less demand.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Fender Japan Aerodyne Strats are described as lightweight, with basswood bodies and stylish design features like carved tops and cream binding, making them comfortable to play.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Fender Aerodyne Strat is noted for its comfort and ease of play, comparable to HSS models with its stylish aesthetics and lightweight build, using a 24.75" scale length.

    Source
  • The Fender Parallel Universe Uptown Stratocaster shares its 24.75" scale length with Les Pauls, contributing to a similar tonal quality.

    Source
  • It's noted for having a mahogany body, akin to Les Pauls, which affects its tonal depth and resonance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Uptown Strat is equipped with PAF-style humbuckers, enhancing its ability to replicate the Les Paul sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Uptown Strat's unique combination of Fender aesthetics and Gibson-like sound makes it suitable for players seeking Les Paul tones with a Strat look.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Parallel Universe II Uptown Strat: A more versatile Gibson Les Paul? - gearnews.com

gearnews.com

Fender's Parallel Universe II Uptown Stratocaster is a striking blend of Strat and Les Paul aesthetics, offering a versatility that stands out. Its mahogany build and PAF-style humbuckers deliver a gutsy tone, while the unique toggle switch adds functionality. The impressive Static White finish and playability are definite highlights. However, traditionalists may balk at the absence of comfort curves and the tremolo system, which diverges from classic Les Paul design. Despite these quirks, it caters to players seeking a powerful humbucker sound with enhanced upper fret access and maintenance ease. Ultimately, it’s a compelling option for those willing to explore a new sonic territory.

positive

Fender Extends Its Parallel Universe II Series With the LP-Inspired Uptown Strat | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

Fender's Uptown Stratocaster combines classic Strat features with Les Paul-inspired elements, boasting a stylish mahogany body and versatile DoubleTap pickups. While its unique design and tonal flexibility are commendable, some may find its high price tag of $1,999 a barrier. The blend of styles may not resonate with traditionalists, leading to mixed feelings about its identity as a true Strat. Overall, the Uptown Strat offers an intriguing option for adventurous players, but it may alienate purists looking for a more conventional experience.

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Artist usage

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See how Chris Tapp uses Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Uptown Stratocaster

Chris Tapp

Guitarist

The Cold Stares

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video from Fender, Chris Tapp demonstrates the Parallel Universe Uptown Strat.

Genre Usage

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