GEAR REVIEW
70TH ANNIVERSARY AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL II FENDER STRATOCASTER | Eric Dahl
If you have been in pursuit of the ultimate Fender Stratocaster embracing the original path of the first 1954 release and adding the modern features that todays ’ players require , the new 70 th Anniversary American Professional II Stratocaster may end your search .
Like many of you I have owned my fair share of import Fenders from a variety of countries and some of the Japanese Strats I wish I still owned . But there is just something about an American crafted Stratocaster that screams quality and workmanship . While unboxing it at the Worship Musician offices I was captivated by the Fender Deluxe Inca Silver TSA approved case before I even opened it up . The crushed blue interior reminds me of a speak easy chair from the 1930 ’ s that you never want to leave .
Cosmetically the flame maple top on the alder body has an almost 3-D look as you move it in the light . The tortoise shell pickguard is timeless and the aged white plastic knobs and switch tip give the perception of an older instrument . Fender put a lot of work into the 70 th Anniversary American Professional II Stratocaster with attention to the details . I would compare it to driving what looks like a standard car , but it has a 350 big block under the hood with a Hearst shifter .
The V-Mod II Single Coil pickups deliver the Stratocaster bite that you want but they are also tamable . Playing it through a clean and dirty amplifier the guitar delivered a full range of Strat tones with lots of sustain thanks to the Alder body and Cold-Rolled Steel Block under the tremolo . The push-push tone knob for the bridge pickup is the first time I have been totally pleased with the bridge pickup sound . Having the capability to roll back some of the treble on that pickup is an incredible gift .
Other updates on this Stratocaster include the 2-point synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles that stays in tune so much better than the vintage six screws into the body model . I was pleased to see that this instrument is equipped with Fender ’ s Deluxe sealed locking tuners with all short posts . Making restringing and tuning enjoyable .
The contoured back neck heal features the 70 th Anniversary commemorative neck plate and the micro-tilt adjustment to dial in the neck at the angle you prefer it . The Comet Burst finish accentuates the flamed maple top of the Stratocaster making it look as classy as it is .
Compared to the 70 th Anniversary Player
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