Fender American Pro II Stratocaster - Electric Guitar - Roasted Pine
The ultimate icon, redefined to push the boundaries of your creativity.
The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster® builds on over sixty years of innovation to meet the needs of the most discerning guitarists. Its new "Deep C" neck profile with rounded fingerboard edges and sculpted heel offers revolutionary ergonomics. Equipped with crystal-clear V-Mod II pickups and a cold-rolled steel tremolo block, it delivers unprecedented sustain and musicality, available now at Garage à Musique.
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The Sound Authority: Why is the American Professional II Stratocaster indispensable?
The Stratocaster is the most copied guitar in the world, but the American Professional II remains the definitive version. It solves the real-world challenges faced by musicians: the new vibrato block significantly improves sustain, while the Treble Bleed circuit preserves note definition even at low volumes. Thanks to its intelligent electronics that allow the neck pickup to be permanently activated, it offers tonal combinations previously impossible on a standard model. It's the ultimate precision instrument for both studio and stage.
Full Technical Specifications
Body & Construction
| Characteristic | Details |
| Series | American Professional II |
| Body material | Alder or Roasted Pine depending on the finish |
| Body finish | Glossy polyurethane (Gloss Urethane) |
| Body shape | Stratocaster® |
| Configuration | SSS (Triple Single-Coil) |
Neck & Fingerboard
| Characteristic | Details |
| Handle material | Maple |
| Construction | 4 screws with sculpted heel (4-Bolt) |
| Handle finish | Satin "Super-Natural" (back), Glossy (head) |
| Handle profile | Deep "C" |
| Tuning fork | 25.5" (648 mm) |
| Touch | Maple or Rosewood |
| Touchdown radius | 9.5" (241 mm) |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Type of frets | Narrow Tall |
| Nut | Bone |
| Nut width | 1.685" (42.8 mm) |
| Inlays | Black or white spots |
| Adjustment rod | Standard |
Electronics & Marine Hardware
| Characteristic | Details |
| Bridge Microphone | V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat® |
| Micro Central | V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat® |
| Micro Neck | V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat® |
| Controls | Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck/Center), Tone 2 (Bridge) |
| Selector | 5 positions (Blade) |
| Special Electronics | Push-Push on Tone 2 (Adds the neck pickup to positions 1 and 2) |
| Easel | Synchronized 2-point vibrato with steel saddles and cold-rolled steel block |
| Mechanics | Fender® Standard Cast/Sealed Staggered |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply (Mint Green, Black or Tortoiseshell depending on the model) |
| Buttons | "Aged White" Plastic |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome |
Dimensions & Accessories
| Characteristic | Details |
| Ropes | Fender® USA 250L NPS (.009-.042 Gauges) |
| Case included | Deluxe Molded Hard Case |
| Origin | USA (Corona, California) |
Comparative Analysis
Based on consensus from Sound on Sound, MusicRadar and Gearspace.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Available at Garage à Musique |
| Fender American Ultra Strat | Modern High Performance | "D" shaped neck profile and Noiseless pickups, but less vintage character. | Available here |
| Suhr Classic S | Boutique / S-Style | Passive SSCII noise-canceling system, but significantly more expensive than Fender. | Product not listed |
| Silver Sky (PRS) | Classic Hybrid | Rounder touch radius (7.25"), modern approach but different aesthetic. | Available here |
| Fender Player II Strat | Mid-range | Very effective for the price, but does not have the steel block or the rigid case. | Available here |
| Ibanez AZ2204 (Prestige) | Studio Super-Strat | Extremely versatile (10 sounds), but doesn't have the pure "quack" of a US Strat. | Available here |
| Yamaha Pacifica 611 | Value for money | Seymour Duncan pickups, but a different P90/Humbucker configuration. | Available here |
| Fender American Vintage II '61 | Historical Reissue | Authentic 1961, but less comfortable to play (radius 7.25"). | Available here |
| G&L Legacy (USA) | Leo Fender's Evolution | PTB (Dual Tone) system, but less stable resale value than Fender. | Product not listed |
| Music Man Cutlass RS | Modern Ergonomic | Oiled roasted maple neck, but a more neutral sound character. | Available here |
| Fender American Performer | Entry-level USA | Greasebucket tone circuit, but simple vintage vibrato saddles. | Available here |
History & Evolution
Introduced in 1954, the Stratocaster revolutionized music with its ergonomic "Contour Body" and three pickups. The American Professional II is the direct descendant of the American Standard and the original Professional series. It introduces major improvements requested by users: a cold-rolled steel vibrato block that increases frequency response and "Push-Push" electronics that allow you to get the sound of all three pickups together or the neck and bridge pickups combined (Telecaster-style), making this iteration the most versatile in history.
Cultural References & Artists
Jimi Hendrix - Woodstock (1969) : L'utilisation révolutionnaire du vibrato sur Strat.
Eric Clapton - Slowhand (1977) : Le son "Brownie" et "Blackie" qui a défini le blues-rock.
David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) - The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) : Des solos éthérés et texturés.
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Texas Flood (1983) : Le renouveau du Texas Blues avec une Strat.
John Mayer - Where the Light Is (2008) : Maître moderne du son clair Stratocaster.
Nile Rodgers (Chic) - "Le Freak" (1978) : "The Hitmaker", la Strat au cœur du disco/funk.
Jeff Beck - Wired (1976) : Utilisation virtuose et expressive du vibrato.
Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple) - "Smoke on the Water" (1972) : Le riff le plus célèbre de l'histoire.
Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) - "Sultans of Swing" (1978) : La clarté du jeu aux doigts.
Buddy Holly - Pionnier de la Stratocaster dans le rock 'n' roll des années 50.
The Edge (U2) - The Joshua Tree (1987) : Utilisation iconique du delay sur Strat.
Yngwie Malmsteen - Rising Force (1984) : Le néoclassique sur touche scallopée.
Cory Wong (Vulfpeck) - Le nouveau standard du funk rythmique moderne.
Bonnie Raitt - Nick of Time (1989) : Maîtresse du slide sur Stratocaster.
Hank Marvin (The Shadows) - "Apache" (1960) : Le son pur de la Strat avec écho.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the purpose of the "Push-Push" button on the second tone potentiometer?
This button adds the neck pickup to positions 1 and 2 of the selector switch. This allows you to get the combined "Bridge + Neck" sound (similar to a Telecaster) or to activate all three pickups simultaneously for a unique, thick sound without a ground loop .
What does the cold-rolled steel vibrato block bring to the table?
Unlike cheap alloy blocks, cold-rolled steel increases density and mass, directly improving sustain and note clarity. It's a professional upgrade we highly recommend at Garage à Musique.
Is the handle thicker than on older models?
The "Deep C" profile is slightly thicker at the base of the neck while remaining thin near the nut. Combined with the rounded fingerboard edges, it offers a natural feel that reduces fatigue, a major advantage for long studio sessions.
Do V-Mod II microphones eliminate background noise?
These are traditional single-coil pickups, so they retain their authentic tone. While not noiseless, the high-quality shielding reduces RF interference. In positions 2 and 4, the pickups are out of phase to cancel out noise.
What is the "Treble Bleed" circuit?
This circuit maintains the high frequencies when you lower the guitar's volume. This prevents the sound from becoming muffled.
Why are the frets "Narrow Tall"?
These frets are higher and narrower than "Medium Jumbo" frets. They allow for more precise intonation and greatly facilitate bends and vibratos with the left hand, offering surgical control over each note.
Is the 2-point vibrato stable for tuning?
Yes, it offers less friction than the vintage 6-screw system. Combined with the staggered tuners, it ensures a return to perfect tuning even after intensive use of the lever.
Is the guitar easy to play in the higher registers?
Thanks to the sculpted neck heel and asymmetrical neck plate, access to frets 20 through 22 is completely unobstructed. There's no longer a square block obstructing the palm of the hand, thus eliminating any technical limitations.
What is the advantage of a bone nut?
Bone is the ideal organic material for optimal vibration transfer. It offers better resonance and prevents the strings from "sticking," thus stabilizing the tuning when using vibrato.
Is this a good choice for a first professional instrument?
Absolutely. Its reliability, versatility, and lack of latency make the American Professional II the safest investment for a serious musician desiring the authority of Garage à Musique in their arsenal.
The Sound Authority: Why is the American Professional II Stratocaster indispensable?
The Stratocaster is the most copied guitar in the world, but the American Professional II remains the definitive version. It solves the real-world challenges faced by musicians: the new vibrato block significantly improves sustain, while the Treble Bleed circuit preserves note definition even at low volumes. Thanks to its intelligent electronics that allow the neck pickup to be permanently activated, it offers tonal combinations previously impossible on a standard model. It's the ultimate precision instrument for both studio and stage.
Full Technical Specifications
Body & Construction
| Characteristic | Details |
| Series | American Professional II |
| Body material | Alder or Roasted Pine depending on the finish |
| Body finish | Glossy polyurethane (Gloss Urethane) |
| Body shape | Stratocaster® |
| Configuration | SSS (Triple Single-Coil) |
Neck & Fingerboard
| Characteristic | Details |
| Handle material | Maple |
| Construction | 4 screws with sculpted heel (4-Bolt) |
| Handle finish | Satin "Super-Natural" (back), Glossy (head) |
| Handle profile | Deep "C" |
| Tuning fork | 25.5" (648 mm) |
| Touch | Maple or Rosewood |
| Touchdown radius | 9.5" (241 mm) |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Type of frets | Narrow Tall |
| Nut | Bone |
| Nut width | 1.685" (42.8 mm) |
| Inlays | Black or white spots |
| Adjustment rod | Standard |
Electronics & Marine Hardware
| Characteristic | Details |
| Bridge Microphone | V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat® |
| Micro Central | V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat® |
| Micro Neck | V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat® |
| Controls | Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck/Center), Tone 2 (Bridge) |
| Selector | 5 positions (Blade) |
| Special Electronics | Push-Push on Tone 2 (Adds the neck pickup to positions 1 and 2) |
| Easel | Synchronized 2-point vibrato with steel saddles and cold-rolled steel block |
| Mechanics | Fender® Standard Cast/Sealed Staggered |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply (Mint Green, Black or Tortoiseshell depending on the model) |
| Buttons | "Aged White" Plastic |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome |
Dimensions & Accessories
| Characteristic | Details |
| Ropes | Fender® USA 250L NPS (.009-.042 Gauges) |
| Case included | Deluxe Molded Hard Case |
| Origin | USA (Corona, California) |
Comparative Analysis
Based on consensus from Sound on Sound, MusicRadar and Gearspace.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Available at Garage à Musique |
| Fender American Ultra Strat | Modern High Performance | "D" shaped neck profile and Noiseless pickups, but less vintage character. | Available here |
| Suhr Classic S | Boutique / S-Style | Passive SSCII noise-canceling system, but significantly more expensive than Fender. | Product not listed |
| Silver Sky (PRS) | Classic Hybrid | Rounder touch radius (7.25"), modern approach but different aesthetic. | Available here |
| Fender Player II Strat | Mid-range | Very effective for the price, but does not have the steel block or the rigid case. | Available here |
| Ibanez AZ2204 (Prestige) | Studio Super-Strat | Extremely versatile (10 sounds), but doesn't have the pure "quack" of a US Strat. | Available here |
| Yamaha Pacifica 611 | Value for money | Seymour Duncan pickups, but a different P90/Humbucker configuration. | Available here |
| Fender American Vintage II '61 | Historical Reissue | Authentic 1961, but less comfortable to play (radius 7.25"). | Available here |
| G&L Legacy (USA) | Leo Fender's Evolution | PTB (Dual Tone) system, but less stable resale value than Fender. | Product not listed |
| Music Man Cutlass RS | Modern Ergonomic | Oiled roasted maple neck, but a more neutral sound character. | Available here |
| Fender American Performer | Entry-level USA | Greasebucket tone circuit, but simple vintage vibrato saddles. | Available here |
History & Evolution
Introduced in 1954, the Stratocaster revolutionized music with its ergonomic "Contour Body" and three pickups. The American Professional II is the direct descendant of the American Standard and the original Professional series. It introduces major improvements requested by users: a cold-rolled steel vibrato block that increases frequency response and "Push-Push" electronics that allow you to get the sound of all three pickups together or the neck and bridge pickups combined (Telecaster-style), making this iteration the most versatile in history.
Cultural References & Artists
Jimi Hendrix - Woodstock (1969) : L'utilisation révolutionnaire du vibrato sur Strat.
Eric Clapton - Slowhand (1977) : Le son "Brownie" et "Blackie" qui a défini le blues-rock.
David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) - The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) : Des solos éthérés et texturés.
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Texas Flood (1983) : Le renouveau du Texas Blues avec une Strat.
John Mayer - Where the Light Is (2008) : Maître moderne du son clair Stratocaster.
Nile Rodgers (Chic) - "Le Freak" (1978) : "The Hitmaker", la Strat au cœur du disco/funk.
Jeff Beck - Wired (1976) : Utilisation virtuose et expressive du vibrato.
Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple) - "Smoke on the Water" (1972) : Le riff le plus célèbre de l'histoire.
Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) - "Sultans of Swing" (1978) : La clarté du jeu aux doigts.
Buddy Holly - Pionnier de la Stratocaster dans le rock 'n' roll des années 50.
The Edge (U2) - The Joshua Tree (1987) : Utilisation iconique du delay sur Strat.
Yngwie Malmsteen - Rising Force (1984) : Le néoclassique sur touche scallopée.
Cory Wong (Vulfpeck) - Le nouveau standard du funk rythmique moderne.
Bonnie Raitt - Nick of Time (1989) : Maîtresse du slide sur Stratocaster.
Hank Marvin (The Shadows) - "Apache" (1960) : Le son pur de la Strat avec écho.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the purpose of the "Push-Push" button on the second tone potentiometer?
This button adds the neck pickup to positions 1 and 2 of the selector switch. This allows you to get the combined "Bridge + Neck" sound (similar to a Telecaster) or to activate all three pickups simultaneously for a unique, thick sound without a ground loop .
What does the cold-rolled steel vibrato block bring to the table?
Unlike cheap alloy blocks, cold-rolled steel increases density and mass, directly improving sustain and note clarity. It's a professional upgrade we highly recommend at Garage à Musique.
Is the handle thicker than on older models?
The "Deep C" profile is slightly thicker at the base of the neck while remaining thin near the nut. Combined with the rounded fingerboard edges, it offers a natural feel that reduces fatigue, a major advantage for long studio sessions.
Do V-Mod II microphones eliminate background noise?
These are traditional single-coil pickups, so they retain their authentic tone. While not noiseless, the high-quality shielding reduces RF interference. In positions 2 and 4, the pickups are out of phase to cancel out noise.
What is the "Treble Bleed" circuit?
This circuit maintains the high frequencies when you lower the guitar's volume. This prevents the sound from becoming muffled.
Why are the frets "Narrow Tall"?
These frets are higher and narrower than "Medium Jumbo" frets. They allow for more precise intonation and greatly facilitate bends and vibratos with the left hand, offering surgical control over each note.
Is the 2-point vibrato stable for tuning?
Yes, it offers less friction than the vintage 6-screw system. Combined with the staggered tuners, it ensures a return to perfect tuning even after intensive use of the lever.
Is the guitar easy to play in the higher registers?
Thanks to the sculpted neck heel and asymmetrical neck plate, access to frets 20 through 22 is completely unobstructed. There's no longer a square block obstructing the palm of the hand, thus eliminating any technical limitations.
What is the advantage of a bone nut?
Bone is the ideal organic material for optimal vibration transfer. It offers better resonance and prevents the strings from "sticking," thus stabilizing the tuning when using vibrato.
Is this a good choice for a first professional instrument?
Absolutely. Its reliability, versatility, and lack of latency make the American Professional II the safest investment for a serious musician desiring the authority of Garage à Musique in their arsenal.