The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster HSS merges the iconic design of the Stratocaster with a commanding HSS pickup configuration, providing an extraordinary spectrum of tonal options. Crafted for musicians who desire timeless Stratocaster tones along with the enhanced versatility of a humbucker, the American Professional II Stratocaster HSS guarantees a vibrant and immersive playing encounter. Within this evaluation, we will delve into the instrument’s characteristics, sound quality, and performance to illuminate its exceptional attributes.
Design and Build Quality
The American Professional II Stratocaster HSS maintains the iconic double-cutaway Stratocaster body shape, known for its ergonomic comfort and easy access to the upper frets. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, this guitar exhibits impeccable build quality, ensuring a reliable and durable instrument. With its glossy finish options, including classic colors like Sunburst and Olympic White, the American Professional II Stratocaster HSS exudes timeless elegance.
Pickups and Electronics
The standout feature of the American Professional II Stratocaster HSS is its pickup configuration. In the bridge position, it features a humbucker pickup, while the middle and neck positions are equipped with single-coil pickups. This combination provides players with a versatile range of tones, from the classic, glassy Stratocaster sounds to beefier, high-gain tones. The five-way pickup selector switch enables seamless switching between pickup configurations, allowing for seamless transitions between genres and playing styles.
Neck and Fingerboard
Similar to other models in the American Professional II series, the Stratocaster HSS variant boasts a comfortable “Deep C” profile maple neck, offering a smooth and effortless playing experience. The fingerboard options include maple or rosewood, each with rolled edges for added comfort and playability. With its modern 9.5″ radius and 22 narrow-tall frets, this guitar facilitates fluid string bending, chord voicing, and accurate intonation across the entire fretboard.
Hardware and Tremolo System
The American Professional II Stratocaster HSS is equipped with high-quality hardware components that enhance both performance and tuning stability. The two-point synchronized tremolo system allows for expressive pitch manipulation while maintaining excellent tuning integrity. The pop-in tremolo arm design ensures easy attachment and adjustment, giving players the freedom to add subtle or dramatic tremolo effects to their playing.
Sound Quality and Versatility
The American Professional II Stratocaster’s HSS pickup configuration is renowned for its unmatched tonal versatility, offering a wide sonic spectrum to explore. The bridge humbucker produces robust and punchy tones, ideal for rock, blues, and high-gain genres, delivering a commanding presence and raw energy. Meanwhile, the single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions retain the timeless Stratocaster essence, imparting the iconic sparkle, clarity, and bell-like tones that have defined the instrument for decades. Whether you’re strumming clean chords, dialing in crunchy rhythm parts, or soaring through expressive leads, this guitar excels in delivering a dynamic range of tones, making it suitable for an extensive array of musical genres and playing styles. From blues to rock, pop to jazz, the American Professional II Stratocaster is a versatile companion that allows you to explore and express your musical vision with ease and distinction.
Exploring the Popularity of The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster HSS
The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster HSS has gained widespread popularity among guitarists worldwide. This article delves into the reasons behind the instrument’s immense appeal and explores the features that have contributed to its popularity.
Versatile Tonal Options
One of the primary reasons for the American Professional II Stratocaster HSS’s popularity is its versatility. The HSS pickup configuration offers a wider range of tonal possibilities compared to traditional Stratocasters. The addition of a humbucking pickup in the bridge position provides players with rich, high-gain tones, while the single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions retain the iconic Stratocaster clarity and sparkle. This versatility appeals to guitarists across genres, from rock and blues to jazz and beyond.
Classic Stratocaster Design
The American Professional II Stratocaster HSS retains the timeless design elements that have made the Stratocaster a beloved instrument for decades. Its double-cutaway body, sleek contours, and comfortable playability remain true to the original design. The familiar feel and iconic aesthetics attract both seasoned players and newcomers, contributing to the guitar’s enduring popularity.
Exceptional Craftsmanship
Fender’s commitment to quality craftsmanship is evident in the American Professional II Stratocaster HSS. Each instrument is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, resulting in a guitar that not only sounds great but also feels solid and reliable. The high-quality materials, impeccable fit and finish, and superior playability contribute to the instrument’s popularity among discerning guitarists.
Enhanced Playability
The American Professional II Stratocaster HSS features design improvements that enhance its playability. The “Deep C” profile maple neck provides a comfortable grip and facilitates effortless movement across the fretboard. The rolled fingerboard edges add to the overall playing comfort, allowing guitarists to play for extended periods without fatigue. These ergonomic enhancements make the instrument appealing to players of all skill levels.
Musical Versatility
The versatility of the American Professional II Stratocaster HSS makes it a go-to instrument for musicians seeking a single guitar capable of handling various musical styles. Its ability to transition seamlessly from clean, jangly tones to blistering leads and heavy, distorted riffs makes it an ideal choice for gigging musicians, studio players, and performers who require a versatile instrument for different musical contexts.
Legacy and Prestige
As part of the Fender American Professional II series, the Stratocaster HSS carries the legacy and prestige of the renowned Fender brand. Fender’s reputation for producing high-quality instruments with a rich history adds to the appeal and desirability of the American Professional II Stratocaster HSS. Owning this instrument is not just about its excellent performance but also about being a part of the iconic Fender legacy.
Conclusion
The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster HSS combines the timeless elegance of the Stratocaster design with the added power and versatility of a humbucker pickup. With its impeccable build quality, comfortable playability, and a wide range of tonal options, this guitar is a powerhouse for musicians who demand flexibility in their playing. Whether you’re a professional guitarist, a studio musician, or an enthusiast seeking a high-performance instrument, the American Professional II Stratocaster HSS delivers exceptional sound and empowers you to explore new sonic territories.
FAQ
Is the American Pro II Strat worth it?
Absolutely! The American Pro II Strat is well worth the investment for guitarists seeking a high-quality instrument with exceptional craftsmanship and versatile tonal capabilities. It combines the timeless design of the Stratocaster with modern enhancements, offering players an instrument that excels in both sound and playability. Whether you’re a professional musician or an avid enthusiast, the American Pro II Strat provides a reliable and inspiring playing experience that is definitely worth it.
What is an HSS Strat good for?
An HSS (humbucker-single coil-single coil) Stratocaster configuration offers a wide range of tonal options and versatility. The humbucker in the bridge position provides a more powerful and aggressive tone, suitable for genres such as rock, blues, and metal, where greater sustain and high-gain tones are desired. The single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions retain the classic Stratocaster chime and clarity, making them ideal for cleaner and more dynamic tones, such as country, funk, or jazz. The HSS Strat is a go-to choice for players who desire a versatile instrument capable of covering a broad spectrum of musical styles.
Are HSS pickups good?
Absolutely! HSS pickups are highly regarded for their versatility and sonic capabilities. The humbucker in the bridge position offers a thicker, hotter, and more aggressive tone, making it suitable for genres that require higher gain or a heavier sound. The single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions retain the signature Stratocaster tones, providing clarity, articulation, and a sparkling character. The combination of humbucker and single-coil pickups in an HSS configuration gives guitarists the ability to explore a wide range of tonal options, making HSS pickups a popular choice among musicians across different genres and playing styles.
Where are Fender American Professional II guitars made?
Fender American Professional II guitars are proudly made in the United States. They are crafted at Fender’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in Corona, California. Fender’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship is exemplified in the American Professional II series, where skilled luthiers meticulously build and assemble each guitar to ensure the highest standards of excellence. Rest assured, when you purchase a Fender American Professional II guitar, you are getting an instrument that has been made with precision and passion by a dedicated team of craftsmen in the USA.
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