The Fender Ultra American Stratocaster is an upscale electric guitar introduced by Fender in the 2019 Ultra Series. It is designed as a premium instrument with advanced features and modern equipment, while retaining the classic Stratocaster feel and sound. Here is a review of the Fender Ultra American Stratocaster.
Build Quality and Design
The Ultra American Stratocaster has an elegant and ergonomic design with a double-cut alder body, which is a tinted wood known for its balanced and resonant properties:
- The body has the contours and relief of a forearm, making it comfortable for extended playing;
- The instrument has a glossy polyurethane finish that looks elegant and highlights the natural beauty of the wood.
Overall, the build quality is excellent, as you would expect from a high-end Fender instrument.
Neck and Fretboard
The Ultra American Stratocaster features a modern “D”-shaped maple fingerboard with a satin finish for smooth, comfortable playing: The fingerboard has composite radius frets (10″ to 14″), which make it easier to bend the strings on the bottom frets and play chords comfortably in the upper register. The fretwork is flawless, providing excellent intonation and ease of playing throughout the fingerboard.
Electronics and Sound
One of the distinguishing features of the Ultra American Stratocaster is its electronics. It is equipped with:
- Three Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat single coil pickups that deliver classic Stratocaster tones with reduced noise levels;
- An S-1 switch, located on the volume knob, provides additional pickup configurations, further expanding the tonal possibilities.
The pickups are versatile and can cover a wide range of musical styles, from sparkling clean sound to searing overdrive.
Hardware and Tremolo System
The guitar is equipped with high-quality fittings, including locking tuners, which provide tuning stability and quick string changes. The two-point synchronized tremolo system allows for a smooth and controlled vibrato effect without sacrificing tuning stability. The bridge design also allows for easy tuning and intonation adjustments.
The hardware and tremolo system on the Fender Ultra American Stratocaster are designed to provide excellent functionality and stability. Here’s more information about them:
- Bridge and tremolo system:The Ultra American Stratocaster features a two-point synchronized tremolo system, which is a modern variation of Fender’s classic tremolo design. This system allows for a smooth and controlled vibrato effect while providing better tuning stability than the vintage style tremolo;
- The tremolo bridge has a floating design, which means it is balanced and can be used to both raise and lower the pitch of the strings. This allows you to perform classic dive bombs and expressive pitch changes. The bridge plate is made of steel for durability and resonance transfer for increased sustain;
- Locking pegs:The guitar is equipped with locking pegs that provide increased tuning stability and quick string changes. These machines have a mechanism that locks the strings after they are tensioned, preventing them from slipping during heavy playing or aggressive use of the tremolo. This feature is especially useful for players who frequently use the tremolo system or play with strong string bending;
- Adjustability:The Fender Ultra American Stratocaster is designed to allow easy adjustment of action (string height) and intonation. The bridge saddles are individually adjustable, allowing you to set the optimum string height and intonation for each string. This allows you to fine tune your guitar according to your preferences and playing style;
- Fittings finish:Ultra American Stratocaster fittings are available in a variety of finishes, depending on the specific model and color. Common finishes include chrome, nickel-plated, or aged hardware options that contribute to the overall aesthetic of the guitar and can complement the color of its body.
The combination of a two-point synchronized tremolo system, locking pickguards, adjustable bridge saddles, and high-quality hardware finishes make the Fender Ultra American Stratocaster a reliable instrument with excellent tuning stability, easy playability, and the ability to handle a variety of playing styles and techniques.
Additional Features
The Ultra American Stratocaster boasts some additional features that enhance its playability and versatility:
- A contoured fingerboard heel, which provides easier access to the top frets;
- The fingerboard is equipped with a Micro-Tilt adjustment system that allows players to fine-tune the angle of the fingerboard.
The guitar also features a treble divert circuit that preserves high frequencies when the volume control is turned down, keeping the sound crisp and clear.
FAQ
Is the Fender Strat Ultra worth it?
Whether a Fender Ultra American Stratocaster is worth buying depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Here are some factors to consider when determining whether an investment is worthwhile:
Build quality and craftsmanship: the Ultra American Stratocaster is made from high-quality materials with meticulous attention to detail. It uses premium components and superior build quality. If you appreciate superior craftsmanship and want a top-of-the-line instrument, the Ultra American Stratocaster will provide that.
Who plays Fender Ultra?
The Fender Ultra series, which includes the Fender Ultra American Stratocaster, is a versatile line of guitars that can be seen in the hands of various musicians of different genres. Here are a few famous artists who have played Fender Ultra guitars:
John Mayer: John Mayer, known for his blues-soaked pop-rock style, has been seen on stage with a Fender Ultra Stratocaster guitar. His guitar is often equipped with HSS (humbucker/single coil/single coil) pickups for added versatility.
Jim Root: Jim Root, guitarist for the bands Slipknot and Stone Sour, played the Fender Jim Root Signature Ultra Telecaster guitar. This model is part of the Ultra Series and features a streamlined design with a single high-performance humbucker pickup.
Eric Johnson: Eric Johnson, known for his virtuoso guitar playing and smooth tones, has been associated with Fender guitars for years. Although he has his own signature models, he has also been seen playing a Fender Ultra Stratocaster, demonstrating his versatility in his complex playing style.
How much does an American Ultra Strat weigh?
The weight of an American Ultra Stratocaster can vary slightly depending on the specific model and instrument. However, on average, an American Ultra Stratocaster typically weighs between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds (3.4-3.9 kg).
Are American Fenders better than Mexican?
Ultimately, the choice between American and Mexican Fender guitars depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If your budget allows and you have a preference for top-notch craftsmanship, components, and strict quality control, an American Fender guitar may be your preferred option. However, if you have a more limited budget and are looking for a good quality instrument with solid performance, a Mexican Fender guitar might be a great choice.
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