NGD: Fender American Professional II Strat - Anniversary 2-Color Sunburst

[AlbertA]

I got this from a local guitar shop, new for about $1.5K.

Great fretwork, no high spots anywhere (according to my stewmac rocker).
The neck relief was already set at a perfect 0.005".
It came with medium action - about 1.75mm on the bass side, 1.5mm on the high E.
I don't know if it was setup like that straight out of the box or by the local shop.

Only flaw I could see (looks like sharpie leftover?) - Otherwise, no complaints, fit, finish all great.

 

[norminal]

Congrats! She’s a beaut!

 

[la szum]

Sweet! Congrats!

Seeing a LOT of deals on Fender and FMIC gear at the moment. 20% Off!

 

[metropolis_4]

Congrats!

I’m a sucker for a 2-tone burst Strat with a maple board

 

[Eagle]

Best standard Strat ever.

 

[hemmelight]

Congrats! Happy NGD. I love a two-colour burst strat.

 

[EOengineer]

Best standard Strat ever.

Are you talking American Pro II generally or did OP really manage to land the best standard Stratocaster ever built?

I do really like the American Pro series and felt it’s a step up from the previous standards, but I’m not an expert.

 

[AlbertA]

I do wish it came with locking tuners standard. I just ordered some from Fender.

Are you talking American Pro II generally or did OP really manage to land the best standard Stratocaster ever built?

I think he means the line - not my specific one :)

 

[Eagle]

Are you talking American Pro II generally or did OP really manage to land the best standard Stratocaster ever built?

I do really like the American Pro series and felt it’s a step up from the previous standards, but I’m not an expert.

I mean of all the standard USA ( not deluxe or custom ultra elite bollocks) Strat incarnations including professional this is the best. An excellent workhorse.

 

[EOengineer]

I do wish it came with locking tuners standard. I just ordered some from Fender.


I think he means the line - not my specific one :)

Man one of these days I’ll learn that sarcasm doesn’t always land via text.

 

[AlbertA]

Man one of these days I’ll learn that sarcasm doesn’t always land via text.

 

[gearJunkie]

 

[AlbertA]

The tuning stability after using the tremolo wasn't great. After lubing the bone nut and the string tree and do plenty of string stretching - it was...ok'ish.

After installing the locking tuners though - all is good now.

 

[AlbertA]

Great fretwork, no high spots anywhere (according to my stewmac rocker).

Well I lied - Upon closer scrutiny, I actually did find some high spots at the 13th, 19th and 21st frets. In any case, I was able to set the action to 1.5mm for both (had to stick to 1.5mm on the high E to avoid fretting out on full bend).

I also had to loosen the bridge springs, as I prefer a slightly floating bridge for arm vibrato. I had to do the same to my Ibanez Andy Timmons.

 

[EOengineer]

Well I lied - Upon closer scrutiny, I actually did find some high spots at the 13th, 19th and 21st frets. In any case, I was able to set the action to 1.5mm for both (had to stick to 1.5mm on the high E to avoid fretting out on full bend).

I also had to loosen the bridge springs, as I prefer a slightly floating bridge for arm vibrato.

FWIW 2 of the 3 American Fenders I own needed a frets dress straight from the factory. Slightly different beast as they are American Vintage and not the Professional series, but you get the point.