Fender will launch its new American Professional Series of electric guitars and basses at this year’s NAMM.
The firm claims its American Professional is one of its “broadest” range of electrics to date. ”We are committed to evolving with artists as their musical expression diversifies,” said Justin Norvell, vice president, Electric Guitars and Basses. “It’s our goal to give artists the tools they need to push the boundaries of their artistry in ways they never thought were possible. The American Professional series stays true to the integrity, quality and craftsmanship of legendary Fender designs, while incorporating more modern, player-centric features.”
The range introduces new Stratocaster, Telecaster, Precision Bass and Jazz Bass guitars while adding new platforms—the Tele Deluxe, Jaguar and Jazzmaster with the later featuring a rich voice, flexible electronics and Fender’s new V-Mod Jazzmaster pickups – the introduction of Jazzmaster and Jaguar platforms is a testament to the resurgence of offset guitars. Featuring new pickups designed by pickup guru Tim Shaw, the line also incorporates a brand-new “Deep C” shaped neck profile, new electronics, a new case, bone nut, and narrow-tall frets for easier string bending.
In total, the launch boasts 16 models and 92 SKUs available in 11 colours, including three new colourways: Sonic Gray, Antique Olive and Mystic Seafoam.
US prices ranges from $1,399.99 – $1,599.99.
Models include the new American Professional Stratocaster and the American Professional Stratocaster Left-Hand. Developed by pickup engineer Tim Shaw, the new V-Mod single-coil pickups are voiced specifically for each position, mixing alnico magnet types to produce powerful, nuanced tones. Other key features include: a treble-bleed circuit that is tailored specifically for the guitar’s voice and a new modern “Deep C” shaped neck profile with narrow-tall frets that make it easy for players to bend strings. The American Professional Stratocaster right-hand model is offered in 3-Colour Sunburst, Black, Sienna Sunburst, Sonic Gray, Antique Olive and Olympic White. The Left-Hand model is offered in 3-Colour Sunburst, Olympic White and Black.
The American Professional Stratocaster HH ShawBucker is the authentic original model, evolved for today’s players. The pair of warm, rich-sounding ShawBucker humbucking pickups are voiced specifically for each position, producing powerful, nuanced tones. Other key features include: a treble-bleed circuit, that is tailored specifically for the guitar’s voice and the new modern “Deep C”-shaped neck profile with narrow-tall frets. It comes in 3-Colour Sunburst, Olympic White, Black, Sonic Gray and Antique Olive with an RRP of $1,399.99.
The Stratocaster HSS ShawBucker has a ShawBucker humbucking bridge pickup coupled with Tim Shaw’s latest vintage-informed design—the V-Mod single-coil pickups. Other new features include: a treble-bleed circuit, “Deep C” shaped neck profile with narrow-tall frets. Colours available are 3-Colour Sunburst, Black, Sienna Sunburst, Sonic Gray, Antique Olive and Olympic White. Pricing for the new American Professional Stratocaster HSS ShawBucker $1,399.99-$1,499.99.
The Telecaster model (also available as a left-hand version) features Tim Shaw’s V-Mod single-coil pickups, a redesigned Telecaster bridge that sports three compensated brass barrel saddles, a treble-bleed circuit; “Deep C” neck profile and colours options that include 3-Colour Sunburst, Olympic White, Natural, Crimson Red Transparent, Sonic Gray, 2-Colour Sunburst, Butterscotch Blonde and Mystic Seafoam. The Left-Hand model is offered in 3-Colour Sunburst, Black and Butterscotch Blonde. Pricing is $1,399.99-$1,499.99.
The Telecaster Deluxe ShawBucker has ShawBucker humbucking pickups; “Deep C” neck, a treble-bleed circuit and comes in 3-Colour Sunburst, Sonic Gray, Black and Natural. Pricing is $1,399.99-$1,499.99.
The Jaguar model’s brand-new V-Mod Jaguar pickups are couple with an improved tremolo and bridge incorporating a screw-in arm and brass Mustang saddles that stabilize the strings.. Other new features include the Deep C” neck profile, and a treble-bleed circuit. Colours include 3-Colour Sunburst, Olympic White, Sonic Gray and Antique Olive. Pricing is $1,499.99.
The Jazzmaster has V-Mod Jazzmaster pickups, improved tremolo and bridge with a screw-in arm and brass Mustang saddles that stabilise the strings, plus the treble-bleed circuit, “Deep C”shaped neck profile and narrow-tall frets and 3-Colour Sunburst, Olympic White, Sonic Gray and Mystic Seafoam options. Pricing is $1,499.99.
In the bass range the Jazz Bass and Jazz Bass Left-Hand feature V-Mod single-coil Jazz Bass pickups developed by pickup expert Michael Bump, using a blend of alnico magnet types. Redesigned tuning machines use a fluted shaft, creating optimum break angle over the nut, while keeping the string windings tight for increased sustain and enhanced tuning stability. Other new features include: a slim “C” shaped neck profile, narrow-tall frets, and Posiflex graphite support rods that run the length of the neck. It is offered in 3-Colour Sunburst, Olympic White, Sonic Gray and Black. The Left-Hand model is offered in 3-Colour Sunburst, Sonic Gray and Black. Pricing is $1,499.99. A fretless version is also available at the same price.
The American Professional Jazz Bass V has all the same features and is offered in 3-Colour Sunburst, Olympic White, Black and Sonic Gray for $1,599.99.
The American Professional Precision Bass has Michael Bump V-Mod split-coil Precision Bass pickups; “golden” ’63 P Bass neck profile, narrow-tall frets, Posiflex graphite support rods in the neck, and redesigned tuning machines that use a fluted shaft. Colours are 3-Colour Sunburst, Olympic White, Black and Antique Olive. The Precision Bass Left-Hand model is offered in 3-Colour Sunburst, Olympic White and Black. Pricing is $1,449.99.
Lastly, American Professional Precision Bass V has Michael Bump-designed V-Mod split-coil Precision Bass pickups; “golden” ’63 P Bass neck profile, Posiflex graphite support rods and redesigned tuning machines with a fluted shaft. Colours are 3-Colour Sunburst, Olympic White, Black and Antique Olive. Pricing is $1,549.99.
