In 2017, Fender retired its long-running “American Standard” line and introduced the first American Professional series—modernizing its flagship models: Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jaguar, Jazzmaster, Precision Bass, and Jazz Bass . In 2020, these were further refined as the American Professional II, enhancing playability and tone with updated pickups and electronics .
Core Upgrades: Pro vs. Pro II
- Neck profile: Both series use a comfortable “Deep C” neck, measuring ~0.850″ at the 1st fret and ~0.920″ at the 12th fret, with a 9.5″ fingerboard radius and rolled edges .
- Frets: Transition from old medium-jumbo (Standard) to narrow-tall for bend-friendly precision .
- Pickups:
- American Pro uses Tim Shaw’s V‑Mod single-coils—each pickup uniquely voiced.
- Pro II introduces V‑Mod II, featuring improved magnetic alignment pole-by-pole for more even tone and balance .
- Electronics: Includes a treble-bleed on volume pots—preserving high end when rolling volume down .
- Hardware upgrades:
- Strat bridge upgraded to cold-rolled steel in Pro II, mirroring popular aftermarket choices .
- Teles swapped to brass barrel saddles for richer resonance; Pro II adds clip-on bridge cover .
- Basses received better tuners and enhanced sustain from improved nut-to-post break angle .
Model-by-Model Breakdown
1. Stratocaster
- American Pro: Alder body; Deep C neck (rosewood or maple fretboard); V‑Mod pickups; narrow-tall frets; bone nut; hard case .
- American Pro II adds refined V‑Mod II, updated bridge, push-push tone pot for extra pickup combinations (e.g., neck‑middle blend) . Critics praise its smoother frets, sculpted heel, and asymmetrical neck edges for enhanced playability .
2. Telecaster
- American Pro: Features V‑Mod Tele pickups, Deep C neck, narrow-tall frets, brass barrel saddles, treble bleed, and new hard case .
- Pro II adds bridge cover, improved tuner setup, and VT‑Mod II pickup evolution like its Strat sibling .
3. Jaguar & Jazzmaster
- Pro: Both get V‑Mod pickups (Michael Frank designs on Jazzmaster), Deep C necks, narrow-tall frets, treble bleed, stud bridge adjustment, and Elite-style hard case .
- Pro II refines fretboard edge comfort and symmetrical fret ends, enhancing the already outstanding player feel .
4. Precision & Jazz Bass
- American Pro: V‑Mod pickups, improved tuners, narrow-tall frets; P‑Bass gets ’63 neck profile, Jazz Bass gets modern C neck .
- Pro II brings pickup voicing upgrades and tuners that boost sustain and tuning stability .
Which Should You Choose?
| Use Case | Consider Pro | Consider Pro II |
|---|---|---|
| Love classic feel with modern flair | ✅ | ✅ (best playability) |
| Want tight string response & balanced tone | ✅ | ✅ (V‑Mod II is more even) |
| Prefer top-tier hardware & finishing | ✅ | ✅ (brass saddles, case, refined build) |
| Seek extra tonal flexibility (e.g., coil taps etc.) | — | ✅ Strat Pro II extra push‑push pot |
Summary
Fender’s Professional lines blend classic Fender character with modern enhancements. The American Professional set the stage—Deep C necks, narrow‑tall frets, V‑Mod pickups, treble bleed circuits and hardware upgrades. The Professional II builds on that with refined frets and edges, improved pickups (V‑Mod II), better bridges, expanded tone options and elevated hardware across models. If you’re a gigging player or tone chaser, the Pro II offers the ultimate in comfort and sonic versatility—without straying far from what made Fender iconic.
Final Take
If you’re coming from an older American Standard or Squier, the American Professional II series instantly feels like a thoughtful evolution—more playable, more nuanced, and subtly richer in tone. Whether you’re drawn to Stratocasters, chunky Teles, relaxed Jazzmasters, or stage-ready basses, Fender’s Pro II delivers flagship feel without venturing into boutique pricing.
