Reviewing my Fender American Professional II Telecaster: A Guitarist's Dream
Hello everyone, welcome back to the blog! Today, I'm thrilled to delve into the heart and soul of a guitar that has become an integral part of my musical journey—the Fender American Professional II Telecaster. If you've been following my videos on Youtube or TikTok, especially the shorts, you've probably caught glimpses of this beauty. The response has been really positive with many of you reaching out to learn more. So, let's dive into an in-depth exploration of why this Telecaster has earned its place as one of the finest instruments in my collection.
The Origin: A Year with the Fender American Professional II Telecaster
I acquired this gem from the renowned Chicago Music Exchange just under a year ago. What sets mine apart is the exclusive shell pink color, a unique touch that adds a dash of personality to this already exceptional guitar. The 75th-anniversary insignia on the back of the neck is a subtle yet elegant nod to Fender's rich legacy that I’m happy to have been able to get on this guitar.
Craftsmanship and Feel: A Perfect Blend
Let's talk about the feel—the back of the neck features what Fender calls the "super satin" finish. It strikes the perfect balance between smoothness and grip. The fret edges are meticulously dressed, ensuring a playing experience that's nothing short of amazing.
Sonic Brilliance: V-Mod II Pickups
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter—the pickups. The Fender V-Mod II pickups installed in this Telecaster produce a sound that's quintessentially Telecaster. It's that unmistakable twang, the soul of a true Tele. I've played my fair share of Telecasters, and these pickups stand out as some of the best in capturing that signature Telecaster sound.
Versatility at Your Fingertips: Controls and Circuitry
The control setup is classic and functional. A standard three-way toggle switch navigates between the neck, both pickups, and the bridge. The volume knob is equipped with a treble bleed circuit, allowing for smooth volume adjustments without sacrificing clarity. It's a game-changer for those who, like me, love to ride the volume knob for expressive playing.
A thoughtful addition is the push-push functionality on the tone knob. Engaging it puts the two pickups in series, delivering a thicker, midrange-heavy Telecaster tone. It's a versatile feature that adds an extra layer to the sonic palette.
Ergonomic Excellence: Rounded Neck Back
A small but noteworthy feature is the rounded back of the neck. It enhances playability, allowing your hand to effortlessly slide and find its sweet spot. This subtle ergonomic touch makes navigating the higher frets a breeze—an element I've come to appreciate, especially during soloing or playing some high parts.
Final Thoughts: A True Modern Classic
In conclusion, the Fender American Professional II Telecaster has secured its place as my go-to instrument. Its warm neck pickup, diverse tonal options, and responsive controls make it a versatile workhorse. At a price point that strikes a perfect balance between quality and affordability, it's an instrument that stands out in Fender's extensive lineup.
If you're in the market for a Telecaster that delivers on tone, playability, and aesthetic appeal, the American Professional II should be on your radar. Feel free to drop any questions about this guitar or request reviews for other instruments in the comments.
Check out the guitar here (affiliate link)
If you’d like to hear this guitar in action, be sure to check out my review video on YouTube, also embedded below. Thank you for joining me on this musical journey, and until the next chord is struck, keep rocking! 🎸🤘
